Jo Fredell Higgins Searching For Legendary Locals in Aurora

Local author Jo Fredell Higgins first discovered the joy of putting pen to paper several decades ago.

“I was about 8-years-old when I started writing poems,” the Aurora resident said. “And at the same time I had a little Brownie box camera and I took photos of different things in the neighborhoods.”

Though she studied elementary education, and made a career out of teaching, Higgins has never stopped writing.

She often dedicates her nights and weekends to her passion. Today she is the author of several books depicting photographs and timelines of village histories, including volumes about Montgomery, Naperville, Geneva, DeKalb and Aurora.

She is now under contract with Arcadia Publishing for her sixth book, which will focus on the people, past and present, who have made Aurora a place to live, work, and raise their families. Called Legendary Locals, the book will celebrate Aurora's 175th anniversary year in 2012 and will be released in 2013.

Each book generally takes Higgins a year to complete.

What does she enjoy about her craft?

“Everything,” Higgins said. “I love the research and meeting new people and looking at their old photographs and taking new photographs.”

She is currently on the lookout for people whose life in Aurora has been meritorious to include in her book, and is seeking the community’s help.

“I’m looking for leaders in every field or endeavor, but I also want to balance (the book) with the regular Joe and Jane who’ve been in Aurora all their lives and their parents are from here,” she said.

Those who would like to pass on some information are encouraged to contact Higgins at poetrylady45@yahoo.com or (630) 851-4401.