New book tells, shows Barrington’s history

Monday will see the release of the latest book in Arcadia Publishing’s Postcard History Series — this one on Barrington.

The 128-page book by local historian Ken Munson boasts more than 200 vintage photographs and postcards that help tell the story of Barrington’s past.

The softcover book, simply titled “Barrington,” sells for $21.99 and can be found at area bookstores, independent shops, online retailers or through Arcadia Publishing at (888) 313-2665, or arcadiapublishing.com.

Munson began his work as a historic preservationist through his service on Barrington’s Centennial Committee in 1963. Since then, he has served as a board member and one-time president of the Barrington Area Historical Society as well as curator of collections for the Lake County Museum in Wauconda.

The book is dedicated to the memory of Munson’s parents, Alfred and Ruth, who also spent much time working for the Barrington Area Historical Society.

Munson was named the first director of the Henry Ford Estate and taught in the Graduate Historic Preservation Planning Program at Eastern Michigan University. He continues to serve as a consultant to local historical agencies and museums.

His photographic book chronicles the gradual evolution of the Barrington area from its early farm fields to the familiar architecture of the village’s downtown today.

Young students posing for a class photo outside Hough Street School in 1905 look amazingly like their present-day counterparts despite their suit jackets, ties, dresses and ribbons.

And despite the presence of steam locomotives in photos of Barrington’s train station in 1906, 1913 and 1926, the scene of passengers waiting for the journey into Chicago is much as it is in 2011.

While the book’s chapters focus on different aspects of the growing village, it opens with a two-page introduction encapsulating the area’s history and the pivotal role the arrival of the railroad played.