Bartlett Depot Celebrate's 140th Birthday

All Aboard for the Bartlett Depot's 140th Birthday Bash! In 1873, Luther and Sophia Bartlett donated a portion of their land to the Chicago & Pacific Railroad who was building a new rail line from Chicago to Elgin. In June of 1873, the depot was constructed and the Village of Bartlett was established. To celebrate this landmark occasion, a birthday party will be held on Thursday, June 27.

Today this structure, located at 100 W. Railroad Avenue, is home to the Bartlett Depot Museum. The museum will be open this day from 10 am to 6 pm with free activities for all ages. No registration is required but supplies/giveaways are limited. Museum admission is always free with free parking across the street in the municipal lot located at Railroad and Oak Avenues.

Enjoy lunch or dinner at 2Toots Train Whistle Grill, 203 S. Main Street, Bartlett, in the Town Center. The first 100 patrons on June 27 will receive a coupon redeemable at the Depot Museum for a free railroad trinket. While at 2Toots, meet representatives from Operation Lifesaver and the Illinois Railway Museum.

10:30am, Littlest Engineers (at museum), FREE

Toddlers and their families are invited to a train themed story and song time.

1:00pm “Passport to Folktales around the World” (at museum, rain location-Bartlett Village Hall, 228 South Main Street), FREE

Children and their families, bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets and “meet” our depot agent, portrayed by Terry Lynch, and journey though the world's different cultures. Birthday cake will be served!

6:30pm All Aboard America Concert (Town Center, 203 S. Main Street, next to 2 Toots Grill, rain location-Bartlett Village Hall, 228 S. Main Street), FREE

Everyone is invited bring lawn chairs and blankets and “ride” the rails with Patti Ecker and L.J. Slavin as they sing and play railroad favorites on the guitar, mandolin, harmonica, fiddle, banjo and the musical saw. Parking at Village Hall, 228 S. Main, across the street from the Town Center.