Oswego, Il: Our History with Ron Westphal Chevy
Our Roots in Oswego: From Cornfields to Community
Ron Westphal Chevrolet has been a part of the Oswego community for over 45 years. We actually started out in Yorkville, Illinois, but we quickly outgrew that smaller dealership. So, in the mid-1980s, we made the move to Oswego. Initially, when this location was first built, it was surrounded by nothing but cornfields, and Ogden Avenue in Oswego was just a two-lane road.
Oswego's Growth, Our Growth
Fast forward to today, and wow, has Oswego grown! Now, we've got a Sam's Club on one corner, an ice cream shop and a vet clinic right across the street, and even a Shell gas station kitty-corner to us. Oswego has really boomed, and honestly, so has Ron Westphal Chevrolet.
It's somewhat amusing that our official mailing address is Aurora, Illinois. Still, we're actually situated right on the corner where Aurora, Oswego, and Montgomery all intersect. Part of our dealership is located in Oswego, and the other part is in Aurora. We've even got more property behind us, just waiting for our next expansion. We owe a great deal to our incredibly loyal Oswego customers; they're the reason we've been so successful here, and we're genuinely looking forward to serving them for many more years to come.
A Little Bit of Oswego History
Speaking of Oswego, it's got a pretty fascinating history. The town was established in 1833, thanks to a natural shallow spot in the Fox River that made crossing it extremely easy. Its location at that river crossing made it a key stop for stagecoach travel, and later, for railroads. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was a significant contributor to the town's economy, particularly in facilitating the transportation of agricultural goods.
As the area developed, it was officially designated as a village in 1852. Oswego was even the county seat until 1864, when it moved to Yorkville.
The Name "Oswego" and Its Rich Heritage
The land we now call Oswego was originally home to the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa tribes. In fact, our name, "Oswego," comes from an Iroquois word meaning "mouth of the stream" or, more broadly, "a pouring out place." It's a name rooted in the proud and legendary Native American civilization that once thrived in this region. While European history in the area began in October 1615 with the arrival of Samuel de Champlain, it's essential to remember the communities that were present long before. Sadly, in 1836, the U.S. government forced the removal of these Native American populations and began surveying the land along the Fox River, which was then sold to settlers for $1.25 an acre in 1842.
Ron Westphal Chevy: Oswego Today and Beyond
Today, Oswego is a lovely suburb of Chicago, renowned for its distinctive blend of historic architecture and modern ammenities. When Ron Westphal Chevy moved here in the mid-80s, we transformed from a small, one-car showroom into the large, modern facility you see now.
We've consistently updated our dealership over the years, ensuring that we always have the latest technology to repair vehicles quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can rest assured that we employ certified GM Technicians to work on your car. And because we believe in making things as easy as possible for you, we even offer local pickup and delivery for our service, parts, and sales customers.
We're genuinely proud to have grown up alongside Oswego and the surrounding area, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.