Look for new recognition for old Bartlett

Blue signs around the railroad tracks proclaim the area "Historic Downtown Bartlett." But few know what actually makes it historic.

The Bartlett Historical Society aims to change that.

The group has reestablished its tradition of honoring historic structures with handmade plaques displaying when they were built.

The society has selected six buildings -- Bartlett Tavern and Grill, Immanuel United Church of Christ, the Banbury Fair and three private residences -- to honor this year.

Plaque placement ended years ago as the society went dormant with a dwindling membership. The group was strong in the 1970s during the country's bicentennial celebration, and again for the village's centennial in 1991.

A core group of people wanted to get active again and take up the cause of preserving and honoring Old Bartlett.

"A lot of us are Baby Boomers," said society member, Carol Ann Kunkel. "We love history and our community and want to showcase all the wonderful history. We want to get people, especially kids, to understand there's so much more behind the scenes."

Everyone knows, Kunkel added, where the Jewel is at Bartlett and Stearns roads. But few know that's the spot where Luther Bartlett, for whom the village was named, donated property to help build the first school.

The plaques were the society's first big project, and it's been in the works for about a year. The group hopes to make it an annual event.

The plaques are honorary only and don't prohibit owners from making any structural alterations.

The society limited its consideration to buildings that are older than 50 years, have significant architectural value or are associated with a historically prominent person or event. Buildings that have had renovations must be sympathetic to its original structure.