Picturing the Past ... with the St. Charles History Museum

The most special story at the heart of St. Charles is that of Col. Edward J. Baker and how he remade the town with the vast wealth of his brother-in-law, John W. Gates. Baker’s niece, Dellora Norris, and her family carried on that legacy, but at the heart of the story is Col. Baker, who gave generously to make St. Charles the “Beauty Spot” of the Fox River Valley.

St. Charles was known across the world for Col. Baker’s racehorse Greyhound, the world’s greatest horse who set and broke many records. Col. Baker named his race team Hotel Baker Stables, and the hotel was famous as the race headquarters for Col. Baker’s champion trotters. After competing, Greyhound retired in 1940 and gave exhibitions around the country.