Rockdale was hoppin'.  (Ironically, in 1903, one year before Rockdale's first tavern opened, drinking was prohibited and there were only soft drink saloons!)
In 1965, Rockdale began to shed its "rough & rowdy bad-boy image," when Mayor John Darguzis imposed strict curfews and would not issue any new liquor licenses, in an effort to do just that.
Yes, it has been a long and colorful journey, with many bumps and bruises along the way, but Rockdale has survived its growing pains and matured into a 100-year old community of family, friends, progress and prosperity, which now boasts over 150 businesses and industries.
Additionally, there's the highly regarded Rockdale Grade School that started out in 1890 as a one-room building on Mound Road with one teacher, 22 students, and a writing slate. The grade school has been at its present location since 1910. 

Rockdale also holds dear the spiritual leadership of St. Joseph Catholic Church, whose cornerstone was laid in 1914.  The first Mass was celebrated Christmas Day, 1915.  Its parochial school, run by Dominican nuns, was opened in 1949, but sadly had to close its doors in 1970. 
The village also has its own police and fire departments.  James Connors was the first Chief of Police and his salary…a whopping $15.00/month!  Rockdale's first fire department was started in 1903, and consisted of fire chief James Proute and 12 to 14 year-old boys equipped with 12 fire buckets and 2 extension ladders!
We've come a long way, indeed, and now, in the year 2002, with a current population of 1888, let's come together as a community to celebrate our village's 100-year Anniversary at the Rockdale Centennial Celebration, August 1^st through the 4^th.  See ya there, neighbors!

Rockdale has had a long, colorful journey, since the days of the Pottawattamies, Louis Joliet, and open country showcasing the exquisite Joliet Mound (first shown on a 1674 map, it was destroyed by industrial "progress" by the late 1800's.)  Legend has it, that Indian chief, Pontiac, was assassinated on top of the Mound, which brought about the almost complete elimination of the Illinois Indians at Starved Rock by his avengers!
In the 1880's, hard times shattered dreams, when the Enterprise Co. (formerly the Fish Mill) went bankrupt, leaving the town nearly deserted, with a mere population of 25.  But then, in 1897, hope was restored and the town flourished, when the American Steel & Wire Co. moved in from Lockport and rescued it. 
On December 6, 1902, an election was held to decide

whether or not to incorporate Rockdale as a village.  Dec. 9th the vote was canvassed; results…37 Aye, 35 Nay.  The Village of Rockdale's incorporation certificate was filed December 9, 1902.
By the early 1900's, Rockdale had a general store, drug store, furniture mart, movie house, skating rink, ice cream parlor, rooming house, markets, dance halls, restaurants, barber shops, department stores, 2 bowling alleys, 2 bakeries, 3 grocery stores, and taverns.
Enter the Great Depression in the 1930's, when once again, jobs were scarce and hope even scarcer. 
WWII, in the 1940's, brought the Navy Yards, hence a time when Rockdale never closed.  Military personnel worked around the clock and taverns followed suit.  At one count there were some 40 taverns in this small town and

Reminiscent of Homecomings past, the Rockdale Fire Protection District will be hosting a Waterball Competition on Saturday, August 3rd  from 10am to 2pm.  The event will be held on Moen Avenue (in front of the Dale AC.)

Support your local Parish...
St. Joe's will be holding a 50/50 raffle at the festival. 50% of proceeds will go to the winner.

This year we will host our 3rd annual Rockdale Car Show and it should be bigger than ever.  Come see the show (3pm - 8pm, Saturday, Aug 3rd) on Otis Ave in front of the Village Hall.