Welcome to our website about early 19th century United States history. Our group began with an
effort by many to save an old house, once owned by Israel and Avis Blodgett. As early pioneers
and settlers in DuPage County, the Blodgetts were friends with the Potawatomi and Ottawa
Indians, and active on the Underground Railroad for decades. Given the Blodgetts commitment
to the humanity and dignity of all people, they were ahead of their times. Their pioneer spirit was
not only geographical, but also humanitarian.
Blodgett Legacy Partnership, Inc.
As our group researched and learned about the Blodgett family, a fascination developed for the
history of the era and its complexity. We began to see how the values and ethics, including a
respect for diversity by Israel and Avis Blodgett and others, had relevance for today. Our mission
developed into continued research and a desire to share this history through education. With
such activities as re-enactments, storytelling, presentations, and creative writing we promote the
arts and community through an appreciation of history.
History is interconnected, like a fabric woven into a complex tapestry. Therefore a study of the
Blodgett family includes the different factors that make up the history of their times. This includes
understanding the Underground Railroad, the Potawatomi history, and the challenges faced by
Pioneers and Settlers, along with the changing role of men, women, and children within their
environment and society.
Join us as we weave a new tapestry. Journey with us as we put more of the pieces of the puzzle
together in our enthusiastic exploration of American history.
effort by many to save an old house, once owned by Israel and Avis Blodgett. As early pioneers
and settlers in DuPage County, the Blodgetts were friends with the Potawatomi and Ottawa
Indians, and active on the Underground Railroad for decades. Given the Blodgetts commitment
to the humanity and dignity of all people, they were ahead of their times. Their pioneer spirit was
not only geographical, but also humanitarian.
Blodgett Legacy Partnership, Inc.
As our group researched and learned about the Blodgett family, a fascination developed for the
history of the era and its complexity. We began to see how the values and ethics, including a
respect for diversity by Israel and Avis Blodgett and others, had relevance for today. Our mission
developed into continued research and a desire to share this history through education. With
such activities as re-enactments, storytelling, presentations, and creative writing we promote the
arts and community through an appreciation of history.
History is interconnected, like a fabric woven into a complex tapestry. Therefore a study of the
Blodgett family includes the different factors that make up the history of their times. This includes
understanding the Underground Railroad, the Potawatomi history, and the challenges faced by
Pioneers and Settlers, along with the changing role of men, women, and children within their
environment and society.
Join us as we weave a new tapestry. Journey with us as we put more of the pieces of the puzzle
together in our enthusiastic exploration of American history.
The Potawatomi
Downers Grove was founded
in 1832, but who lived here
before the pioneers arrived?
This was Potawatomi land.
The Underground Railroad
Many people escaping slavery
did it by their own courage and
risk and without the help of
abolitionists. Still the
Underground Railroad was
a broad based movement
with people of different races
working together.
Pioneers & Settlers
Pioneers and settlers
faced many challenges,
setbacks, and missed
opportunities while also
making advances and
being a part of important developments
as they moved ”West”, to what is today
called the Midwest.
Borrow a Basket of Books
Become aCollege Intern
Intern Information
Downers Grove was founded
in 1832, but who lived here
before the pioneers arrived?
This was Potawatomi land.
The Underground Railroad
Many people escaping slavery
did it by their own courage and
risk and without the help of
abolitionists. Still the
Underground Railroad was
a broad based movement
with people of different races
working together.
Pioneers & Settlers
Pioneers and settlers
faced many challenges,
setbacks, and missed
opportunities while also
making advances and
being a part of important developments
as they moved ”West”, to what is today
called the Midwest.
Borrow a Basket of Books
Become aCollege Intern
Intern Information
Avis Blodgett was a woman ahead of her
times. She faced many hardships, yet did it
courageously. She had the passion of her
convictions, being strongly opposed to
slavery. She even had the moxie to stand up
to someone who had captured two men
running from slavery. She was respected by
the Indians, whom she and Israel Blodgett
knew well. She taught her children to read
and write, and her daughter became one of
the first teachers of settler children, while
her sons became some of the first lawyers
who were also involved in state legislatures.
times. She faced many hardships, yet did it
courageously. She had the passion of her
convictions, being strongly opposed to
slavery. She even had the moxie to stand up
to someone who had captured two men
running from slavery. She was respected by
the Indians, whom she and Israel Blodgett
knew well. She taught her children to read
and write, and her daughter became one of
the first teachers of settler children, while
her sons became some of the first lawyers
who were also involved in state legislatures.
| Israel Blodgett |
| Avis Blodgett |
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Israel Blodgett was willing to travel all
night, with people who were escaping
slavery hidden in the bottom of the wagon
he drove. He was also known to have
“smoked the pipe of peace” many times
with Potawatomi Indians and was a friend
to the Indian leaders he met. He was not
a formally educated man and yet was said
to be well read. He was skilled as a black-
smith and farmer and demonstrates the
best of the entrepreneurial spirit. He
shared, with his wife and partner, the
courage of his convictions.
night, with people who were escaping
slavery hidden in the bottom of the wagon
he drove. He was also known to have
“smoked the pipe of peace” many times
with Potawatomi Indians and was a friend
to the Indian leaders he met. He was not
a formally educated man and yet was said
to be well read. He was skilled as a black-
smith and farmer and demonstrates the
best of the entrepreneurial spirit. He
shared, with his wife and partner, the
courage of his convictions.
| P.O. Box 964, Downers Grove, IL 60515-0964 info@blodgettlegacy.org ©Copyright 2008 |
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