Local History Blog
This is the last week of school for these students in 1913. We thank the Castle Family for sharing this photo with us. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
Winter in Barrington. Falling snow made things interesting for Bob. W. at Flint Creek Savanna, February 19, 2000. This photo is courtesy of the Citizens for Conservation. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
Winter in Barrington. This is Bob the Dog and Dorothy enjoying the snow This photo is courtesy of Tim Dunn. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
This Barrington family spans three generations: Mother, Jennie (known as "Toodles") and Grandma in the Fall of 1924. This photo is courtesy of Art Rice. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
Harold Lipofsky was a Barrington icon, being a village trustee, president of the Chamber, Commander of the VFW, active in scouting, helping to organize the auxiliary fire department, leading the fight against polio through the March of Dimes and helping to organize a chapter of the Rotary here in Barrington. Best known for his family's store, Harold contributed greatly to this community and will never be forgotten as Barrington's ambassador. This photo is courtesy of Barbara Lipofsky March. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
The Rieke Family is one of the founding families in Barrington and have been here for many generations. This photo is courtesy of the Rieke Family. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
Ward Flock played on the baseball team for the University of Illinois, graduating in 1917. This photo is courtesy of the Kemper Family. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
Anna "Jim" Lines on the beach. This photo is from the Arnett C. Lines Collection. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
A Statement from the Barrington Area Library: On Building An Engaged and Inclusive Community.
The recent killing of George Floyd, among other killings and systemic injustices experienced by black Americans and people of color, has horrified and disturbed communities across our country – including our own. In the wake of this tragedy, people across the country and in our community are speaking out, assembling, and sending the message that racism and hate are unacceptable in our institutions and communities.
As a First Amendment institution, the Barrington Area Library stands with those who choose to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed right to free speech. Freedom of speech includes the right to read, view, listen to, create, and access information free from censorship and this right underpins our work as library professionals. The First Amendment also guarantees the right to assemble peaceably and petition the government for a redress of grievances. It is a necessary civic duty to exercise these rights and the Barrington Area Library is here to support all residents in that endeavor.
As an institution dedicated to serving all members of our community, the Barrington Area Library also stands with those working to end systemic racism, inequality, and other barriers that limit opportunity and potential within our community.
As part of our mission to preserve the history of the Barrington area, the Library is collecting your photos and stories about life during these challenging times. If you’d like to share your photos and experiences, we’re sure future generations would like to know that Barrington stood united.
Stories and photos can be emailed to Adult Services Librarian Kate Mills, kmills@balibrary.org, for inclusion on our local history web pages.
As part of our mission to preserve the history of the Barrington area, the Library is collecting your photos and stories about life during these unprecedented and challenging times. If you’d like to share what life has been like while sheltering in place, working or e-learning from home, or being on the front lines in health care or essential services, we’re sure future generations would like to know how we got through it all.
Stories and photos can be emailed to Adult Services Librarian Kate Mills, kmills@balibrary.org, for inclusion on our local history web pages. Contact Kate if you have any questions about this project, or Barrington area local history in general!
She liked to climb the apple tree, 1925. This photo is from the Art Rice Collection. If you have photos to share, please email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.
Downtown Barrington Business District. On the right, McLeister's Soda Shop and next to it the Ben Franklin Store, May, 1966. If you have photos to share, email Kate at kmills@balibrary.org.