Bob Chambers recognized for his efforts to preserve Glen Ellyn history

Bob Chambers of Glen Ellyn received one of DuPage County Historical Society’s 14 Recognition Awards earlier this month with good reason. Chambers’ history is Glen Ellyn’s history — at least it has been for the past 88 years.

Born in Oak Park Hospital in 1924, he would come home to Glen Ellyn where he attended Ben Franklin School and graduation from Glenbard High School in 1943. After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Chambers became a union electrician and with his bride, Dee, and their two children, made their home on Elm Street, three doors west of what is now the Glen Ellyn Historical Society’s History Center.

With that close location and his love for Glen Ellyn history, Chambers had easy access for beginning volunteer work with the Glen Ellyn Historical Society in the early 1980s. At that time, the society was solely located at Stacy’s Tavern Museum.

Early in his volunteering, Chambers developed an interest in reviving the house plaque program, which had been dormant for a number of years due to lack of volunteer interest and know-how. From the start, he realized he needed to become better acquainted with two sources: Ann Pritchard, who kept Milton Township’s records, and the descendants of pioneer families in the area.

About the same time, he also discovered the Chicago Title and Trust Company Historical Record Library in Wheaton to be a great source of information. During his repeat visits to the library, the head librarian noted Chambers’ care for the materials and every detail. Both qualities prompted the librarian to give Chambers unlimited access to the company records.

The resulting Plaque Program Home Histories became coveted jewels for many homeowners during the passing years. Today, the program has a waiting list of patrons eager for the completion of their homes’ history.

Chambers began to photograph properties in Glen Ellyn that are designated “teardowns” and continues to do so today. Because of his photographs, the village and the historical society have a record of these homes.

Chambers also co-authored — with Helen Ward and a committee of six members — the book “Glen Ellyn: A Village Remembered,” published in 1999. The book briskly sold most of the first printing and remains a popular seller countywide.

Chambers serves as the Glen Ellyn Historical Society historian. Active members of the society know he is their go-to source when they need help with some point of Glen Ellyn history. He is the oldest and one of the longest-serving members; still active, he can be found at the history center every Wednesday afternoon pouring over and cataloging material.

Chambers stands out as one of the best examples of the heart and soul of the historical society. The Glen Ellyn Historical Society could not operate as efficiently as it does nor could the large cadre of loyal volunteers be as organized as they are without having Chambers as their example.