Families of town founders honored Sunday at Wheaton choir concert

There were family names like Lambert and Rathje, Gary and Knippen, institutions that built up Wheaton into what it is today.

On Sunday, dozens of descendants of some of Wheaton's founding families were honored during an hourlong choir concert at Edman Chapel on the campus of Wheaton College. Organizers presold about 300 tickets, as well as hundreds more at the door.

"Each of these families has a story, and it's so interesting how proud they are about setting down their roots here," said Alberta Adamson, president of the Center for History. "All of this growth happened because of people."

About 300 members of several area churches, two of the college's choral groups, as well as students from Wheaton Academy, St. Francis, Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South high schools spent the afternoon performing. The concert was one of several events planned as part of the city's 150th anniversary celebration.

Adamson spent part of the afternoon highlighting some of the city's history as the audience was shown a slide show. The center also displayed several photos in the chapel's lobby.

"There was never a time when Wheaton didn't know Wheaton College, and never a time when Wheaton College never knew Wheaton," school President Duane Litfin said. "You make Wheaton a wonderful place for these students. We are blessed to be here together and celebrating this milestone."

Proceeds from Sunday's concert will be used to pay for renovation efforts at Martin Memorial Plaza at Front and Main streets in the city's downtown area.