Skip to content

 

 

John L. & Alice M. Holden Education Endowment Fund

Established 1997

Alice M. Holden<br>(center of middle row)
Alice M. Holden (center of middle row)

John Holden (1854-1945) and Alice Holden (1863-1942) were brother and sister who resided on Fifth Street in Aurora.

John Holden was born in Blackburn, England.  He immigrated to Aurora with his parents when he was two years old.

Mr. Holden was a baggage carrier with the CB&Q Railroad from 1886 until 1890.  He then became a conductor for the railroad and continued in that position until his retirement in the early 1930s.

For many years, he was in charge of suburban trains between Aurora and Chicago, and became well-known to hundreds of area commuters.

Alice Holden lived her entire life in Aurora.  She began her teaching career in 1882.

In 1909, she was appointed principal of Young School which was located on Fifth Street in Aurora.  She served in that capacity until her retirement in 1932.

Miss Holden also was a highly respected government weather observer, an unlikely avocation for a woman at that time.

She kept daily reports and sent them to the state and federal weather bureaus and to the local press.

Weather forecasters in Chicago and other cities looked upon her reports as models as they reflected accuracy and conscientiousness.

The Holden Endowment Fund was established in 1997 upon the transfer of three trusts administered by Merchants National Bank of Aurora in the name of the couple.

The resulting fund provides income for the educational needs of Aurora students.

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar