Tavern Days recall Glen Ellyn history

Melissa and Sarah Budisch of Wheaton did not have school on Sunday, but the 11-year-old identical twins still managed to get into trouble.

The Budisch sisters had to stand with their noses to a chalkboard for about five minutes after their "teacher," Mrs. Brooks, saw them speaking out of turn.

The scene played out during a re-enactment of an 1840s school room at Glen Ellyn's Tavern Day on Sunday afternoon at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society.

Actress Meredith Salamunovich, who portrayed the teacher, said the willingness of the kids to play along makes the performance that much more fun.

"It's interesting for me that for as many times as I have done it, children act out as in a regular classroom," she said. "They kind of go with it."

Tavern Day celebrates the village's history, with several pioneer-type activities. While a barn dance was being held in the historical society building, children and adults learned how to make rope, how to saw wood and play 1800s-style games like Hoop and Stick.

The classroom was a new addition this year.

"I just think it's funny," said Lisa Demos of her daughter's friends' punishment. "They don't get disciplined like that today. It's interesting to see what it was like back in the day."

Demos was there with her 11-year-old daughter, Ann, and her 9-year-old son Zack. The Glen Ellyn resident said it was their second Tavern Day.

"It was pretty fun," Ann said. "She made it such a realistic character."

Ann said she had to laugh when her friends were called out for their disobedience. As attendees played along and also learned a few things, historical society spokeswoman Jean Jeske said she was thrilled.

The historical society had been planning its main event of the year for about seven months.

"I had no expectation of the event," Jeske said. "But it's just beautiful."

Salamunovich said the Tavern Day helps keep people aware of where the community comes from.

"We're very proud of our community and want people to never forget how it was and the people responsible for it," she said.