Bartlett, Illinois: Bartlett History Museum

Picture of the Week
Mary Wendler Niewisch Kramer and first husband Herman Niewisch William Jervey (1924-1984) was a longtime Bartlett resident and Boy Scout leader. He moved to the Village in 1935 with his family. Bill attended Bartlett School and the 2-year Bartlett High School. He served in the military in World War II along with his brothers, Jim and John.

In this image from May 1961, Bill, kneeling, was talking to his Troop 23 scouts. The troop was participating in the Camporee that was being held at Camp Big Timber in Elgin. The scouts practiced their camping and cooking skills at the weekend event. Under Bill’s leadership, the troop also did activities, such as a canoe trip, held a pancake breakfast for their dads in Bartlett Park, participated in the Bartlett Memorial Day walk and more.

In 1963, Bill stepped down from his scoutmaster position when he moved to Joliet. A goodbye party was given to him by the troop. He received gifts of a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) tie bar, knife, key holder and wallet. Jervey Lane was named in honor of his dedication to the BSA in Bartlett.

Artifact of the Month - January

February 8, 2010 is the 100th anniversary of incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America. The organization was based upon the scouting movement that was begun in England in 1907 by British General Robert Baden-Powell.

Bartlett’s first troop was formed in 1931, when the P.T.A. of Bartlett School voted on March 12th to sponsor the organization. Later that May, the P.T.A. approved a purchase of a flag for the troop’s use. Longtime resident, the late Harvey Brandt was one of Troop 23’s leaders in the late 1930s, until the troop temporally disbanded during the World War II years. The troop was later formed again.

The Bartlett History Museum has many scouting items that belonged to Harvey, such as “Scouting” magazines, booklets, tie slides, patches and more. The museum also has his scout shirt, hat (pictured here), sash with merit badges and rank advancement cards. Adult leaders could earn merit badges until the practice was discontinued years ago.

Note the shirt is green, not the khaki color of today. Also, on the left sleeve, the patch reads “Bartlett,” not the council patch that is worn currently. The BSA patch was also worn on the sleeve, which is not the case today. The shirt still has some of the original BSA buttons, while others have been replaced. Troop 23, Bartlett’s first troop, no longer exists in Bartlett.

Museum Donations

Prize ribbon from a potato sack race held during a Bartlett Festival in 1914

Potato Race ribbon from 1914 Bartlett Festival

Ever wonder how the Bartlett History Museum acquires all of the artifacts, images, textiles and more for its collection? These items come from past and present residents, family descendants, and generous individuals who donate them. The Museum is always seeking objects and photos that capture a moment in Bartlett’s rich past. The archives contains hundreds of items, ranging in size from a button off the first Bartlett Girl Scout uniform to a six-foot nail bin from the old Schultz Hardware. Do you have Bartlett items you would like to donate to the Museum’s archives? Please contact Pam Rohleder, curator, at 837-0800.