The Elmhurst History Museum and Elmhurst Heritage Foundation honor Nancy Wilson’s 42 years of service and dedication

image001-2-e1715541022667

The Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the fundraising arm for the museum, recently honored long-time volunteer and former staff member Nancy Wilson with the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award.

Established in 2007, the award is given to individuals or businesses which have made a significant and lasting contribution to the Elmhurst History Museum or Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

Wilson joined the staff at the Elmhurst History Museum in 1973 supporting the museum’s educational initiatives and went on to become the museum’s full-time Curator of Collections until her retirement in June of 2017. Over her 42-year career at the Elmhurst History Museum, Wilson played a vital role in professionalizing, organizing, and growing the museum’s collection of artifacts and archives.

Since retiring, Wilson has continued her work with the museum as a valued volunteer, assisting with research projects, collections care and records, and special curatorial projects to this day. Wilson was presented with the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award at an Elmhurst Heritage Foundation reception celebrating the opening of the Elmhurst History Museum’s latest exhibit, “Victory at Home: 1941-1945” on February 29, 2024.

“Nancy Wilson couldn’t be more deserving of the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award. The institutional knowledge she has of our organization is priceless, and her vast command of Elmhurst history is unsurpassed. We are so grateful for Nancy’s commitment and her steadfast support of our heritage,” said Dave Oberg, Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director.

The Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award was named in honor of beloved Elmhurst resident Alben F. “Pete” Bates, a long-time supporter of the good works of the Elmhurst History Museum and Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, as well as numerous charitable causes in the community and beyond.

Wilson joins a distinguished group of recipients, including Feze Roofing, former Elmhurst Mayor Tom Marcucci, Pints Elmhurst, Pete Cruger, Tony Gambino, Mae Pearson, Ted Kross and Frank Catalano, Jr.

For additional information on the Elmhurst History Museum, please visit elmhursthistory.org. ■

Author

Executive Chef Stephen Langlois

Feeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

Celebrating A Century of Open Road: Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens
Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

ATJMAH_CM_2223

Striking the Right Note: The Chicago Youth Orchestra shapes the lives of aspiring young musicians

The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates

Always Boosting: Hinsdale Central’s Booster Club helps fill gaps in student activity and athletic budgets

Anne Schultz, MD, FACP Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP

Authentic Internal Medicine: Building relationships with patients and the community

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

An open book: Clarendon Hills four-year-old earns library recognition

Charlie Tomfohrde and his array of house plants for sale at the Hinsdale Farmers Market

A Budding Entrepreneur: Charlie Tomfohrde’s plant business continues to grow

Terri Doney (left) and co-founder Barb Thayer are “sisters” in the group, My Breast Cancer Sisters

Breast Cancer survivors: Hinsdale area group looking for others to help

Maxx Klein and Jack Klein

Airoom’s New Design Space Maxx and Jack Klein take the helm of their family’s business

IMG_4543

Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club A Tennis Player’s Dream