Named for the "Blue Goose" brand of the American Fruit Growers Association, the Blue Goose Supermarket was the oldest grocery store in St. Charles until it closed in March 2022. It was also one of the last of the original 18 grocery stores in the downtown St. Charles area. Built in 1928 by Nancy Lencioni, its first location was at 205 W. Main, where it stayed for several years. The Goose sold fruits, vegetables, and other items in the early years.
There were many fine dining establishments in town during the 1920s and 1930s. Among the favorite spots were the Red Parrot Tea Room above the Arcada, the Hotel Baker Restaurant, the Wild Rose Inn, the Log Cabin Restaurant-affectionately named "Tin Willie" because of its tin roof, the Sweet Spot, and Port of Entry along the Fox River. Allegedly, Al Capone frequented a speakeasy long route 25 north of town and held bootleg parties. Today, the restaurant, aptly named "Al Capone’s Hideaway Lounge," brims with paraphernalia for the roaring twenties.
Many people owned or rented summer cabins along the Fox River north of the Park. Yearly trips were made to the scenic Fox River area to enjoy the outdoors. Resorts such as Pinelands, Oak Ridge, and the Wing camp had packed houses every summer.
Colonel Baker owned eight horse farms in the greater St. Charles area. The height of his equestrian career was the success of his prize trotter, Greyhound. Greyhound beat the world record for fastest mile in 1938 and kept the record for 31 years. Ultimately, the horse broke 17 world records. Greyhound outlived his owner by six years and is buried on Red Gate Farm where a plaque commemorates his achievements.
There were several other horse farms owned by E. J. Baker which produced some of the finest racing trotters during this time. Greyhound was the finest horse produced out of this era. It held the record for the fastest quarter mile for over 30 years. In addition, it won numerous awards and races and was named trotter of the century in the 1970s.
