Bartlett, Illinois: Bartlett History Museum News & Programs

Whatever Happened to Tuna Noodle Casserole?
“A Bounty of Books, Turning the Pages of Bartlett History,” is a current exhibit displaying the diversity of books in the collection of the Bartlett History Museum. One case features local cookbooks produced and compiled by Bartlett religious and civic organizations, such as the 1940 Bartlett Woman’s Club cook book. A featured recipe in this cook book is Tuna Luncheon Dish, a casserole by Mrs. Arthur Taylor.
Penelope Bingham, cookbook collector and presenter of Tuna Noodle casserole program
The mere mention of "tuna noodle casserole" — the one made with canned tuna, packaged noodles, and canned soup — to an American of a certain age can call up powerful memories. Love it or hate it, tuna noodle casserole has been a staple of American home cooking since the 1950s.

On Wednesday, March 3, the museum will present, “What Ever Happened to Tuna Noodle Casserole,” a program by Penelope Bingham, an avid collector and appraiser of cookbooks. This event, which begins at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 228 S. Main Street, invites the audience to think about the ways in which the family dinner table and American culture have changed since the days of “Leave it to Beaver” and to consider the role of the food industry in American food culture.

In addition, the museum will host an apron beauty pageant that evening. The audience is invited to wear an apron of their choice. Prizes will be awarded!

Reservations are required for this free program; please call 630-837-0800 to reserve your seat. Refreshments will be served.

All Aboard: Operation Station Restoration

multiple beams run through the old train depot

beam runs through interior of old train depot

January 12 , 2010 - In order to properly secure and prepare the depot for its temporary move approximately 100 feet to the west, steel beams were pierced through the structure. The beams provided the support and means for the depot to be pulled from its footings. The depot was slowly rolled along the perpendicular guide beams with the aid of a bobcat and chain.

Restoration work is underway on Bartlett’s original train depot, constructed in 1873. Located in the heart of downtown, the structure is Bartlett’s oldest building and was the catalyst for the establishment of the Village that same year.

Throughout its 137-year history, the depot had been updated with electricity and indoor plumbing. Original interior surfaces had been removed and replaced, and aluminum siding was added to the exterior in 1973. The current project will restore the 1873 exterior to the depot and provide the same attention to original details for the interior.

Restoration began in December 2009. Removal of non-original interior surfaces revealed an original wall in the baggage room and the location of the first ticket window.

When the depot was constructed, timbers were laid directly on the ground, with no foundation. So on January 12, workers temporarily relocated the building so a new foundation could be added. The depot was lifted by hydraulic jacks and rolled 100 feet to the west. Although the process was slow and precise, the move was successful and foundation work has begun.

Photos of the restoration process will be posted continually on the Bartlett History Museum’s website. Progress can also be followed on Twitter. Go to www.twitter.com, set up a free account and begin following BartlettHistory.

Bartlett History Museum scout patch

Group Visits/Tours
The Bartlett History Museum welcomes school, scout and other groups by appointment. Admission is FREE. Please call Curator Pam Rohleder, 630-837-0800 to schedule a visit.