Glen Ellyn Historian Awarded DuPage County Historical Society Recognition in November

Glen Ellyn Historian Awarded DuPage County Historical Society Recognition in November

Bob Chamber’s 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 completed his education between Ben Franklin School and graduation from Glenbard High School in 1943. After serving in the Army Air Corp during World War II, Bob became a union electrician and with his bride, Dee and their two children, made their home on Elm Street, three doors west of today’s GEHS History Center.

With that close location and his love for Glen Ellyn history, he had easy access for beginning volunteer work with GEHS in the early 1980’s, at that time, solely located at Stacy’s Tavern Museum. Early in his volunteering, he 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 that 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, this program has a waiting list of patrons eager for the completion of their homes’ history.

Chambers began to ( and continues to do so today) photograph properties in Glen Ellyn that are designated “tear downs.”Because of his photographs the Village and the GEHS has a record of these homes. Chambers co-authored with Helen Ward (and a committee of six members) the book, Glen Ellyn: A Village Remembered, which was published in 1999. The book briskly sold most of the first printing and remains a popular seller county wide.

Chambers is the current GEHS Historian. Active members of the Society know that he is their “go to” source when they need help with some point of Glen Ellyn History. Chambers is currently the oldest and one of the longest-serving GEHS members, still active in the Society. 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 Society. The GEHS could not operate as efficiently as it does as a society nor could the large cadre of loyal volunteers be as organized as they are without having Bob as their example.