Bartlett history society hopes for renewal

The Bartlett Historical Society hopes that honoring old buildings will help it re-emerge as something new.

The group's heyday was in the 1970s when the nation was celebrating its bicentennial and there was plenty of interest in the past, said society member Joan Plice.

Up through the village's 100th birthday in 1991, the society kept busy holding events and educating residents. But just as other groups like Lions Clubs and veterans organizations have struggled to attract younger members, interest in the society waned, and it went largely dormant about 10 years ago.

"As years passed, the older members passed away, and younger members like us at the time started having families. We were too busy to continue," Plice said.

She and others hope the plaques they're handing out this spring to recognize local buildings of historical significance, as well as other planned events, can help sustain a revived society, which has about 20 members active since last year. They hope to restart the plaque ceremonies every year, adding six buildings annually.

"A lot of people didn't even know it was dormant," society member Carol Ann Kunkel said.

Plice said the society -- whose members' ages range from 26 to 60 -- wants to hold events including a walking tour of Bartlett and a cemetery walk.

"We're just trying to showcase why Bartlett is different from many of the surrounding suburbs," she said.

The Bartlett Tavern and Grill, long famous for its Friday fish fries, is one of the buildings that will receive a plaque. Owner John Dwyer backs the society's return and is honored to be part of its revival.

"I think, personally, you can't give a new building character," he said.