Village of Bartlett Museums

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Village of Bartlett Museums

Welcome to the Village of Bartlett Museums; the Bartlett History Museum and the Bartlett Depot Museum Bartlett History Museum
228 S.

Main Street, location in Bartlett Village Hall
Bartlett, IL 60103

Bartlett Depot Museum
100 W. Railroad Avenue
Bartlett, IL 60103
(Mailing address- 228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL 60103)

Due to COVID-19, both museums are temporarily closed.

09/22/2026

It’s Fall Y'all!

Summer is officially over, time for c***r, pumpkins, hardy mums and apple picking.

Sixty-three years ago in September 1963, Bartlett School's year started with 423 students. A decline of 14 from the previous year. The P.T.A. held its first meeting on September 25 under its new president Katherine Kelly. All parents were encouraged to attend, especially the kindergarten moms and dads.

The P.T.A. presented a fall fundraiser that year which included these talented moms, left to right, Marie Wulff, Naomi White, Charly Tiknis, Marilyn Umbach and Fern Van Alstine. Love their costumes!

1963 image, gift of Clay Tiknis

09/21/2026

Celebrating 135 Years!

Yesterday, September 20, Immanuel United Church of Christ celebrated its 135 years of worship in Bartlett. Immanuel is the village’s oldest continuing congregation and is located at the southwest corner of Western and North Avenues. Known for its welcoming red front doors, the congregation still holds services in its original building, which through time has undergone changes and updates but still retains its 1891 charm and history. Here is a very brief history of the congregation.

The church was incorporated on September 21, 1891, under the leadership of its first minister the Rev. Gustav Hagemann. Early member family names included Krumfuss, Garrelts, Schick, Charles Schultz, Jahn, Meyer, Schwake, Piegorsch, Schult, Rade, Stumpf, Pollworth, Henry Schultz, Hoffmann, Hagel and Staib.

A parochial school opened in 1892 to the north of the church. When it closed the structure was moved and turned into a private residence, which still exists today. In 1899 the first parsonage was dedicated and was adjacent to the north side of the church. An educational building and new parsonage were constructed to the west along North Avenue between 1964-1965. Through the years the church has married couples, baptized babies, confirmed young adults and buried many souls. Its record books contain all the names and dates.

The church’s steeple bell, purchased with money raised by its Frauen Verin (Ladies Guild) still rings daily as it has for more than a century. Its toll resounds through the heart of old Bartlett. Did you know the village’s last remaining carriage steps are on the north side of church. They were used by parishioners to exit their horse drawn carriages safely.

After the service, which included historical content, hymns and more a luncheon was held in the educational center where artifacts and images were displayed on all four walls.

Click on the images to learn more. Share your memories.

Images taken by museum

09/18/2026

Break Time!

Workers at the Huntly Dairy take a break and pose for a picture outside the plant. Their uniform of the era for most appears to be overalls topped with a cap/hat of their choice.

The dairy was once located at the northern end of Town Center and opened in 1907. A rail siding was added alongside the plant so the processed milk could be loaded and shipped to Chicago with ease. At the height of the dairy’s operations, 60 to 80 farmers a day would line up their wagons as far back as Lake Street, waiting to deliver thousands of pounds of milk daily for pasteurization. Note the building’s air conditioning- open windows!

After the dairy ceased operations, the building itself was eventually expanded and used by other manufacturing businesses such as Burger’s woodworking factory and Set Screw & Manufacturing Co. The building was razed in 2001 to make room for the downtown redevelopment.

Found in collection, date and workers names unknown

09/17/2026

68 Years Ago Today, Click!

On September 17, 1958, Photographer Luther Joseph’s assignment was to take pictures of buildings in Bartlett. We know for sure he chose the then village hall. It was a rainy day, as evident by the wet pavement. Just like today in fact. The old water tower, Bartlett’s first, was once located behind the hall.

Construction on the hall began in 1894 with the second story being added later. The Police Department and two jail cells were located on the first floor. The council chamber was on the second. This original hall was located on Main Street where the current village hall stands today. Share your memories!

Museum acquisition

09/16/2026

A Century Ago Today, Sept 16, 1926

On September 16, 1926, the Bartlett Hills Country Club was incorporated. This was the club’s third and final name and still is used today. At that time, it was a private club for members only. According to the papers filed, “The object for which it is formed is to promote the social welfare of its members and is not organized for profit.”

Three directors were chosen to control and manage the corporation for its first year. They were Charles G. Seidel, Frank Sherword and Frank B. Sherwood. All were from Elgin.

See this original document and others, images and objects on exhibit telling the rich history of the club at the Bartlett History Museum’s new exhibit, “Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets, A Century on Par.” The museum is located in Bartlett Village Hall, 228 S. Main St and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the club’s 100th birthday on Wednesday, September 23, at village hall, when the museum and Bartlett Hills hosts “The History of Golf in Chicagoland.”

The Chicago area has a long and proud golf history beginning in 1892 with America’s first 18-hole course-the Chicago Golf Club; the first nationally televised golf tournament at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in 1953; and the Western Golf Association. You are invited to join presenter Barbara Barrett, and explore the personalities, female and male players, organizations, courses, and events that have impacted golf in the Midwest during the past 130 years.

If you wish to come early, doors open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments by Bartlett Hills and a 6:40 p.m. Bartlett Hills trivia presentation by the Bartlett History Museum. Registration is required for this free program. Email Pam at [email protected] with your name, phone number and number of seats.

Incorporation papers gift of James Salisbury
Ca. 1929 image of barn club house gift of Ruth Harmening Giles

09/14/2026

Celebrating Bartlett Hills' 100th and the History of Golf in Chicagoland
September 23, 7:00 pm

In September 1926, Bartlett Hills Golf Club took its place among the history of golf clubs in Chicagoland. The Bartlett History Museum and Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets are celebrating both on Wednesday, September 23 at Bartlett Village Hall, 228 S. Main Street.

Chicagoland golf has a long and proud history beginning in 1892 with America’s first 18-hole course-the Chicago Golf Club; the first nationally televised golf tournament at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in 1953; and the Western Golf Association. You are invited to join presenter Barbara Barrett, and explore the personalities, female and male players, organizations, courses, and events that have impacted golf in the Midwest during the past 130 years.

If you wish to come early, doors open at 6:30 PM for refreshments by Bartlett Hills Golf Club and a 6:40 PM Bartlett Hills trivia presentation by the Bartlett History Museum. Also check out the museum’s new exhibit, “Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets, A Century on Par.”

Registration is required for this free program. Email Pam at [email protected] with your name, phone number and number of seats.

09/11/2026

September 11, A Day of Remembrance

This morning the Bartlett Fire Protection District held their annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony with Bartlett’s Professional Firefighters and Bartlett Police Honor Guard participating. The public is always invited to attend. The colors were posted, remarks were made and the Bell Ceremony was performed in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, we continue to remember and honor those nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives on that day and those in the years to follow due to related illnesses, the bravery of first responders, service members and the everyday heroes.

Images taken by museum

09/09/2026

Wrap It Up!

Today it could be a Super Target or Walmart Supercenter but back in the day it was the general store. Bartlett has had several throughout its history. August C. Schick was operating his general store by 1900.

In 1907, Schick sold his entire stock to Louis Stumpf and wished him "success in his undertaking." Stumpf added a line of hardware to his offerings which included dry goods, groceries and more. The store was once located at 121 W. Railroad Avenue.

The building was home to most notably The Eck, a tavern and restaurant and later Lucky Jacks. The building was razed in 2018.

The store was also the one-time site of Bartlett's post office with Schick and Stumpf being appointed postmasters during their ownerships. Note the phone numbers in the upper left .

1912 receipt gift of Bonnie Haseman

09/07/2026

Taking a Break from Their Labors

Happy Labor Day! Did you know this has been one of the longest summers? Why? This year Memorial Day occurred at the earliest it could and Labor Day at the latest it can. Hope you enjoyed the extra days.

In the early 1950s, 117 W. Railroad Avenue, was home to the Bartlett Grill, operated by Grace Krumfuss Porter Deverell, left, and Liz Humbracht, right. The establishment was housed in a little building tucked between the Bartlett Tavern (113 W. Railroad Ave.) and attached to the east side of The Eck, later Lucky Jack's, a tavern and restaurant (121 W. Railroad Ave.).

The Bartlett Grill served Maude Rieckhoff's homemade tasty pies for an after meal treat! The ladies, pictured here on the steps of 121 W. are dressed to keep cool in their cotton dresses and aprons to keep them clean. The 117 W. and 121 W. buildings were razed in 2018.

Gift of Kathy Porter

09/06/2026

Happy 100th, Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets!
Celebrate with the museum on September 23, 2026, details below.

A century ago on September 6, 1926, then Labor Day, Bartlett Hills opened as a private club located at the western end of Oneida Avenue. The course was first named the Chicago Golf, Saddle and Gun Club with amenities that were to include a golf course, a stable for member’s horses and shooting facilities.

In 1925, the year prior, the golf course design and construction were awarded to Charles Maddox whose unique greens included the shapes of a club, heart, spade, diamond and star. Maddox’s men used mules and horses to move the earth and seeded the course by hand.

Just prior to the Labor Day 1926 opening, the club changed its name to Braid Hills. The Elgin Daily Courier News of August 20, 1926, reported, “When the course is completed it should offer a thrill to the most expert follower of the royal and ancient pastime.”

The Chicago Tribune reported the September 6 opening day activities included driving and pitching contests, trap shooting tournament, a flag raising ceremony with the club’s first of nine of 18 holes completed and ready for play. The Tribune article shown here.

The following month, October 1926, another new name was given to the club, Bartlett Hills, the name that continues today. In 1978, residents approved the purchase of the club which today is owned and operated by the Village of Bartlett.

This is a very brief overview of the club’s fascinating 100-year history. Want to learn more? Join the Bartlett History Museum on Wednesday, September 23, at 6:30 PM to view the new exhibit, “Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets, A Century on Par.” Refreshments will be provided by Bartlett Hills. At 6:40 the museum will be having a trivia presentation about the club. Test your knowledge. iI’s all in fun!

At 7:00 PM, “The History of Golf in Chicagoland,” will be presented by Barbara Barrett.

The exhibit is, and event will be at Bartlett Village Hall, 228 S. Main Street. Registration is required for this free program. Email Pam at [email protected] with your name, phone number and number of seats.

Share your Bartlett Hills memories!

Some of the 1929 – early 1930s images from the album of Mathilda Harmening Alsworth, who was the club’s kitchen manager at the time, are featured here. These are the earliest images of Bartlett Hills in the museum’s collection and include club staff, the grounds and the original barn clubhouse. Gift of Ruth Harmening Giles

Address

Bartlett, IL
60103

Telephone

+16308370800

Website

https://www.bartlettil.gov/about-bartlett/village-of-bartlett-museums

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