Darien Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Gala

DARIEN, IL — Darien is marking a half century — a milestone that local officials plan to celebrate in style with the 50th Birthday Gala Dinner at Carriage Greens Country Club Friday, Dec. 13. A short program on Darien's history will follow dinner. The cost will be $40 per person.

The open bar starts at 6:30 p.m., with dinner following at 7:30 p.m. It will be a meal of roast beef, chicken breast, pasta, salad, vegetables and dessert. The country club is at 8700 Carriage Green Drive in Darien.

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Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Dec. 4. Cash or checks should be made payable to "City of Darien" in person or mailed to 1702 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL 60561 or online at www.darienchamber.com. A $3 fee applies.

There will be no refunds after Dec. 4. Reserved seating is not available (first come, first serve). For more information, call Diane at 630-353-8102.

In the late 1960s, residents of four subdivisions — Marion Hills, Hinsbrook, Brookhaven and Clarefield — formed a combined association to found a new municipality, according to the city of Darien's website. A member of the group, having recently visited Darien, Connecticut, suggested Darien as the name. A vote on Darien's incorporation was held in December 1969 and passed by less than 50 votes, the website says.