Ron Westphal Chevy: A Local Landmark | A History of Aurora, IL
Our Aurora Spot on the Map
Ron Westphal Chevy has a unique location. We're right where the towns of Montgomery, Aurora, and Oswego converge. Our address is technically in Aurora, but if you look across the street, the Sam's Club is in Montgomery. The Shell gas-station is kitty corner from us, and the veterinary clinic is across the street. They have addresses in Oswego. Our postal address is Aurora, but part of our dealership extends into Oswego. We love our location, but it does confuse Google Maps sometimes, so if you ever need directions, just give us a call at 630-898-9630!
To understand the real story behind Ron Westphal Chevrolet, currently located in Aurora, IL, you need to go back to Yorkville, Illinois. That's where his first Chevrolet dealership started. Ron ran a successful Chevrolet dealership for several years. Eventually, the business outgrew its 1-car showroom in Yorkville. At that time, Ron Westphal chose to relocate to Aurora, opting for a location that would remain accessible to his existing clientele in Yorkville, Oswego, and Plano, despite having the option to move to a more distant Naperville. The new location at the corner of Routes 30 and 34 was a bold choice. In 1986, the landscape was dramatically different. The dealership was surrounded by nothing but cornfields, a testament to the rural character of the area. This was a time when the commute from downtown Oswego to the dealership was simple, with only two traffic lights on a quiet, two-lane road.
Over the next few decades, the area transformed, and the dealership became a landmark at the heart of that change. What was once a two-lane country road is now a bustling four-lane thoroughfare with dedicated turn lanes. The two original traffic lights have multiplied, reflecting the explosion of development in the region.
The cornfields that once defined the landscape are now a vibrant hub of commerce. The once-empty adjacent corners are now home to a variety of businesses. The Montgomery corner features a Sam's Club and multiple restaurants and businesses, while the Oswego corners host a Shell gas station, an ice cream shop, and a large veterinary clinic.
Through all this growth, Ron Westphal Chevrolet has remained a constant, witnessing firsthand the transformation of its surroundings while continuing to serve the community that Ron Westphal was determined to stay connected to.
urora, Illinois is a city with a rich history and unique characteristics. Originally founded in 1834 by brothers Joseph and Samuel McCarty as McCarty's Mills, the city rapidly grew and became an important industrial and cultural hub. It's often called the "City of Lights" for a very specific reason, but its history goes much deeper.
Here are some "Did You Know?" facts about Aurora:
Pioneers of "The City of Lights": In 1881, Aurora became the first city in the United States to implement an all-electric street lighting system, earning it the nickname "The City of Lights."
Home of the Roman Goddess: The city's name, Aurora, was chosen in 1837 and is derived from the Roman goddess of the dawn.
An Industrial Powerhouse: The city's growth was fueled by its industrialization, becoming a major center in the Fox Valley region.
Abolitionist Haven: Aurora played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, serving as a center for those working to end slavery in the United States.
The Land of Sears Homes: Aurora has one of the largest collections of authenticated Sears homes in the country, showcasing a unique aspect of American architectural history.
A Stop on the Lincoln Highway: In 1923, the Aurora Auto Club established a shelter in Phillips Park to serve travelers on the historic Lincoln Highway, one of the first transcontinental roads for automobiles in the U.S.
Supporting Veterans: The city has a strong history of supporting veterans, as evidenced by the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, which collects and preserves the history of the Civil War and other conflicts.