Calvin Durand Sr.
Calvin Durand, born in Clintonville, New York, began his early education at Keysville Academy before moving to Chicago in 1860. He joined his brothers at Durand Brothers, a wholesale grocery business, and later served as treasurer of the firm in 1895.
In 1862, at the age of 22, Durand enlisted in the Chicago Board of Trade Battery during the Civil War, where he fought in several major battles with the Army of the Cumberland. Captured near Atlanta in 1864, he endured brutal conditions as a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Charleston, Florence, and Libby Prisons. Despite the harsh treatment, Durand recalled the compassion of the Sisters of Charity, who brought medicine and comfort to prisoners in Charleston. He was exchanged after 13 months of captivity and was discharged from service in Chicago at the war's end.
After the war, Durand became a partner in the family business, Durand Brothers & Powers, and relocated to Lake Forest, Illinois, in 1875. He married Sarah Gould Downs in 1867, and together they raised six children. As a prominent local figure, Durand was elected Mayor of Lake Forest from 1891 to 1895. His tenure was marked by significant public improvements, including the laying of the city’s first cedar block road and the appointment of its first police officer, James Gordon.
During his time in office, Durand passed several notable ordinances, such as prohibiting public bathing in Lake Michigan in the nude during daylight hours and establishing the rights to maintain a telephone system. His dedication to the community extended beyond his mayoral role, as he later donated the Calvin Durand Commons to Lake Forest University.
Durand passed away on October 31, 1911, at his home, "Merrie Meade," in Lake Forest, leaving behind a legacy of civic leadership and philanthropy.
In 1862, at the age of 22, Durand enlisted in the Chicago Board of Trade Battery during the Civil War, where he fought in several major battles with the Army of the Cumberland. Captured near Atlanta in 1864, he endured brutal conditions as a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Charleston, Florence, and Libby Prisons. Despite the harsh treatment, Durand recalled the compassion of the Sisters of Charity, who brought medicine and comfort to prisoners in Charleston. He was exchanged after 13 months of captivity and was discharged from service in Chicago at the war's end.
After the war, Durand became a partner in the family business, Durand Brothers & Powers, and relocated to Lake Forest, Illinois, in 1875. He married Sarah Gould Downs in 1867, and together they raised six children. As a prominent local figure, Durand was elected Mayor of Lake Forest from 1891 to 1895. His tenure was marked by significant public improvements, including the laying of the city’s first cedar block road and the appointment of its first police officer, James Gordon.
During his time in office, Durand passed several notable ordinances, such as prohibiting public bathing in Lake Michigan in the nude during daylight hours and establishing the rights to maintain a telephone system. His dedication to the community extended beyond his mayoral role, as he later donated the Calvin Durand Commons to Lake Forest University.
Durand passed away on October 31, 1911, at his home, "Merrie Meade," in Lake Forest, leaving behind a legacy of civic leadership and philanthropy.