Library History |
The Bertolet Memorial Library has two histories to its existance, first the name Bertolet and then the Library named after the generous man whos name is very familar to everyone in the Leaf River area even today, that of Charles D. Bertolet. He was the son of Joel and Matilda (Reber) Bertolet, Mr. Bertolet's came from Berks County, PA. in 1859 to Ogle County, IL., where he married Matilda Reber May 16, 1861, they settled in a little village called Lightsville that was also developed by another PA. gentleman John Light. Joel Bertolet moved from Lightsville according to a letter from the desk of Charles D. Bertolet in 1954 around the year 1878, he built a general store there, the first building to exist in the young railroad town. By 1881 Leaf River was in full swing. Charles D. Bertolet was born to Joel and Matilda Bertolet in Leaf River in 1871. He grew up in the area then went to college at Northwestern University in Evanston where he graduated, then after graduation he became employed by a firm in Chicago called "Lord and Thomas" who were involved in the early stages of advertising. His position there was to contract advertisers and soliciting new accounts. After this he became involved in his own firm, at one time he represented E.R. Scripps chain of daily newspapers, and later the Cloverleaf Newspapers owned by L. Ausbaugh, The St. Paul Daily News, the Minneapolis Daily News, and the Omaha Daily News, he bought stock in the papers and at time of liquidation was half owner of the St. Paul Daily News. As he got older he spent more time in Leaf River in which was so dear to him. Mr. Bertolet felt that the people of Leaf River should have a place to gather and hold community events, and decided to do something about it. Charles D. Bertolet passed away July 18, 1956, in the terms of his will the Bertolet Memorial Foundation was established, primarily to construct and perpetuate a community chapel and recreational center. Lots were purchased on West Second St. for this purpose, Contracts were let on June 27, 1960 and a week later ground was broken, the building was constructed and completed in May 1961, the attached heated Swimming Pool was opened in 1962. Mr. Bertolet also left monies for other area organizations. Charles D. Bertolet did indeed leave a very valuable gift to the community of Leaf River, for this he will always be remembered... |
The Bertolet Memorial Library was opened on April 12, 1981 with an open house. The library was made possible by the bequest of Charles D. Bertolet. The bequest included his former house and proceeds from the sale of farm land. The Library is presently (1981) in three rooms of the home and the upper level is occupied by Robert Schick family who are custodians and ground keepers. Mrs. Barbara Schick became the first Librarian, the substitute librarian is Cheryl (Fry) Campbell. The first board members were: President -Joanne Tarbox; Vice President- Robert Tillou; Secretary-Treas.- Betty Satterfield; Alice Cross, and Gus Schnulle. Alice Cross has been replaced by Nola Lomax and Ralph Schelling has replaced Gus Schnulle as board members. Suzanne Wickam and Roger Bruss are new members. |
Drawing by: Hascey Tarbox |
