Aurora was a popular destination for settlers from the eastern United States due to its proximity to Chicago yet scenic atmosphere.

Expecting a rise in population due to the railroad's employment opportunities, Aurora platted a new residential section of land west of the Fox River.

Local pharmacist David Hurd owned a Second Empire home, constructed in 1856 and now recognized as an Aurora Landmark.

William Jobbins was the president of Alba Manufacturing Co. and lived in a 1909 Colonial Revival residence.

[1] Media related to West Side Historic District (Aurora, Illinois) at Wikimedia Commons