Wheaton History Center hosts fundraiser

Officials at the Wheaton Center for History admit they relied far too much on money from the city to pay for their day-to-day operations.

When that well dried up in 2009, a victim of the city's financial situation, they decided they had to increase their fundraising efforts.

“We just counted too much on having the city provide some funds,” board member Gloria Leetz said. “When that dropped off, we got into trouble.”

A product of those efforts comes Friday night when the center presents “My Kind of Town,” a cabaret event dubbed a “clever way to support the center.” The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for History on the second floor of 315 W. Front St.

Leetz said the event should help generate interest in the center by showcasing the city's history.

“Just the fact that this is about this wonderful town we live in, we thought it would incur some interest,” she said.

The event will feature area businesses and performers, as well as a presentation on the city's architecture by Marcia Martin. Martin is the widow of former Wheaton Mayor Robert J. Martin, who died while in office in 1990 and whose name is on the plaza on the southwest corner of Front and Main streets.

The event also will include a cabaret-style atmosphere with butlers serving local cuisine.

Officials increased their fundraising after a contract between the city and history center was allowed to expire in 2009 after 18 years.

“They hired us to preserve the history of the city,” Director Alberta Adamson said. “You don't preserve for a year and a month. It's a lifetime commitment.”

She said Friday's event will help continue that commitment.

“It's going to be a fun event,” she said. “This is a unique event for Wheaton. It's going to have the nice ambience with fun, music and entertainment. It's all about Wheaton.”

One person who does not have to be sold on the city's history is Bill Boylan. The amateur pianist has lived in Wheaton 33 years. He will play piano alongside singer Vicki Austin and drummer David Watschke during the event.

Boylan has played piano since he was a boy performing Irish songs at family functions. As he prepares to perform because, he said, he “naturally gravitates” toward events that might help the center out, Boylan said music has become a hobby he enjoys.

“I have an ear for it,” he said. “Besides, when you play for 60 years, you are bound to do something right.”