Hey Elmhurst friend!
Can you believe we’re in the last few hours of 2025?!
I spent the holidays bouncing between family gatherings and ate way too much food (no regrets). Now, I’m in that weird liminal space between Christmas and New Year’s where I’m not entirely sure what day it is, but I know the gym is about to get crowded.
How are you holding up? Ready to jump back into routine or still riding the holiday wave?
Either way, Elmhurst’s got plenty happening this week to ease you back in (or help you celebrate one last time before reality hits). Let’s dive in!
The Ghost School of Marjorie Davis Park
The other day, I was driving through a part of town I don’t usually visit. It was Marjorie Davis Park.
Something weird caught my eye, so I pulled over.
There, standing perfectly preserved, is a sign for the Theodore Roosevelt School.
Here’s the thing, though: that school doesn’t exist.
No building. No foundation. No playground equipment or any other trace that a school was ever there. Just the sign, standing alone in the park like a historical marker for something that vanished.
I’ve searched online and come up mostly empty.
What happened to Theodore Roosevelt School? When did it close? Why is the sign still there? Was it torn down to create the park?
If you know the story (or even remember this school), I need to hear from you! Hit reply and fill me in because this mystery is going to haunt me until someone solves it.
Do you know what happened to Theodore Roosevelt School? Reply and tell me everything.
Private Golf Club in Town
Did you know we have a private (meaning members-ONLY) indoor golf club hidden in town?!
Tucked behind Panera and CVS at 112 W. North Ave. is Signature Golf Society. And it honestly feels like stepping into a 1920s lounge, but with state-of-the-art golf simulators.
No lines. No crowds. No cold weather.
Just 2,000+ courses (including one that’s literally Elmhurst!) and swing analysis software that actually helps you improve.
Signature created their own custom app, so when you’re a member you can book your bay right from your phone.
The 24/7 access means you can golf at 2 AM if that’s your thing. With only 110 memberships available, this exclusive setup won’t last long!
Around Town
New Year’s at Noon Want New Year’s magic without exhausted kids melting down past bedtime? The Elmhurst Fire Department’s Noon Year’s Eve Bash on December 31st (10:30 AM-12:30 PM) solves that problem perfectly. They’re dropping a ball from the ladder tower at noon so kids get the full countdown experience during daylight hours. Add in music, dancing, games and hot chocolate, and you’ve got a celebration that works for everyone’s energy levels.
📍 Fire Station 2, 605 S York St | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Holiday Cleanup Made Easy Staring at your dried-out Christmas tree wondering how to get rid of it? The City makes it ridiculously easy. Just drag it to the curb on your regular garbage day during the first two weeks of January. Strip off the decorations, tinsel and lights (no plastic bags either), and they’ll handle the rest. Boxes under 3×3 feet get recycled, too!
📍 The first 2 weeks of January
Light Recycling Got that box of tangled, half-working holiday lights you’ve been avoiding? The City and Park District will take them off your hands through January 9th (even the broken ones). Drop them at City Hall, Courts Plus, the Park District Administrative Office or Kies Recreation Center. They’ll recycle everything properly instead of it ending up in a landfill.
📍 City Hall, Courts Plus, the Park District Office, or Kies Rec Center, through January 9th
Support Hey Elmhurst!
Hey Elmhurst! is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, it’s just me and my boyfriend/videographer/photographer Jeff!). Your contributions go toward keeping us going so we can have more fun and build more community.
We appreciate any and all support, my friends!
Events this Week
Wednesday, December 31st
- Noon Year’s Eve at Fire Station 2 – Perfect for families with little ones. Ball drop from the ladder tower at noon, plus music, dancing, games and hot chocolate. Learn more here. 10:30 AM-12:30 PM | 605 S York St | Free
- Sky Zone Balloon Drop – The 3rd annual Balloon Drop at Noon! Jump into the New Year with the kids during daylight hours. Noon | Check their website for details
- Phase 3 Brewing Company Early Countdown – Kid-approved celebration from 4-6 PM with balloon drop at “midnight,” sparkling cider toast and kid-friendly buffet. The whole family can celebrate without the late bedtime. Tickets available on their website for both locations
- Tannins Wine Bar & Kitchen – Irish New Year’s Eve – Celebrate with an Irish twist from 5-8 PM. Ring in the New Year the cozy way! Learn more here.
- 93 Octane New Year’s Eve Celebration – All-you-can-drink draft beer special starts the night, then they close to the public at 9 PM for the real party. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight plus late-night. Fry Bar from 11:30 PM-12:30 AM. Tickets $26 for first 50 guests, then $35, $50 day-of. Learn more here.
- Fitz’s Pub New Year’s Bash – BBQ ribs or pot roast dinners ($18-25), DJ from 9 PM-2 AM, champagne toast and party favors. Come hungry, leave happy.
Thursday, January 1st
- Tannins Wine Bar & Kitchen Pajama Party – Recovery mode activated. Bloody Mary bar and comfort vibes from 11 AM-5 PM. Show up in your PJs (they won’t judge)! Learn more here.
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That’s all for now!
🖤 Amara
