As we wrap up our year-long celebration of our 185th Anniversary, we wanted to highlight a significant event in our history that most St. Charles residents still talk about to this day… 

50 years ago, the City of St. Charles officially became known as The Pride of the Fox! 

In early 1969, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce sponsored a contest to select a slogan for the town. Long-time St. Charles resident William R. Ross, who was 69 years old at the time, submitted the winning entry: “The Pride of the Fox.” He was awarded a contest certificate, $25 savings bond, and a photo in the newspaper. The City also held a ceremony awarding the top contestants at the Rainbow room of the Hotel Baker.

Ross passed away in 1975 at the age of 75. He is remembered as a friendly, well-read, entrepreneurial and creative person. His love for his community lives on through his award-winning slogan that St. Charles still proudly uses today. We are grateful to William R. Ross for using creative talents to better his community. And thank you to his grandson, Tom Buchwald for sharing his story with us.