Program host Tim Neubert, a self-described history buff, introduces a 2011 documentary film about the City of Sycamore. The film shares personal reflections from long-time residents covering such topics as genealogy, local impact from national and world events, the local economy, and growing up in small town mid-America.
One of those interviewedwas Rotarian Bob Wildenradt. Wildenradt grew up in Sycamore, graduated from Sycamore High School, served in the U.S. Air Force, and then earned an engineering degree from the University of Illinois. He later returned to Sycamore and his family’s construction business plus he owned his own real estate company.
Bob Wildenradt is still putting “Service Above Self” as a member of Sycamore Rotary. Wildenradt has a long history of community involvement including supporting Kishwaukee College, NIU, the Farm Bureau, Kishwaukee Hospital, and the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.
Part one of a 2011 film documentary about the history of Sycamore as recalled from interviews with long-time residents was played by host Rotarian Tim Neubert at this week’s meeting (part two will be played next week). Here are some notable takeaways coming from the film.
There are multi-generational families impacting the City of Sycamore:
The Dayton farm on the east side of town dates back to the same family ownership since 1846.
Industrial companies like Ideal Industries and Turner Brass Works and the former National Bank and Trust Company have all had extended periods of direct family involvement.
National and international events made their mark locally:
Sycamore is recognized as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War era.
The famous Soldiers and Sailors Memorial was erected in front of the Courthouse to honor the thousands who fought in the Civil War.
Women’s suffrage did not take a back seat in Sycamore with Dr. Letitia Westgate setting up her practice at the turn of the 20th Century including building the city’s first hospital and Helena Dolder succeeding her husband as County Sheriff in 1928 after he unexpectedly died.
Vivid memories remain of youth boarding local trains to go off to fight World War II.
Special childhood memories remain:
Summer jobs frequently had an agricultural link such as painting barns, picking tomatoes and asparagus, detasseling, and sheering sheep along with the farm smells that went along with these tasks.
Local sports teams created bonds that extended into adulthood.
There was skinny-dipping in the Kishwaukee River and bike riding out of town into endless fields of corn and soybeans.
Tim is sure you won’t want to miss next meeting’s finale!
January 11, 1755 – Alexander Hamilton is born in the British West Indies. He was chosen by George Washington to be the first Secretary of the Treasury. He died from a gunshot wound in a duel with Aaron Burr.
January 12, 1737 – American statesman, patriot, and first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock, is born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
January 14, 1875 – Philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer is born in Upper Alsace, Germany. He served as a medical missionary in Africa and received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on behalf of the brotherhood of all nations.
January 15, 1929 – African American civil rights leader Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior is born in Atlanta, Georgia. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The third Monday in January is designated a legal holiday to celebrate his birth.
January 11, 1964 – The U. S. Surgeon General declared cigarettes may be hazardous to one’s health, the first such official government report.
January 12, 1932 – Hattie Caraway from Arkansas was appointed to the U. S. Senate to fill the unexpired term of her deceased husband and later that year is officially elected to the seat becoming the first woman elected to the Senate. She serves through 1944.
January 15, 1559 – Elizabeth Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, is crowned Queen of England.
January 16, 1919 – The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution authorizing the prohibition of alcohol is ratified by a majority of states. It was later repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933, becoming the only constitutional amendment ever to be repealed.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2025-2026
President – Jonelle Bailey
President Elect – Becky Springer
Director (President Nominee) – Matt Nelson
Director (President Designee) -
Past President – Brandon Diviak
Treasurer – Dr. Michele Jurkovic
Secretary – Pat Shafer
Sergeant at Arms – Paulette Renault
Monthly Committees
July: Board of Directors
August: Brandon Diviak, Jeff Keicher, Pat Shafer
September: Dave Hamilton, Jeff Jacobson, Jim Stoddard
October: Paul Callighan, Matt Nelson, Paul Stromborg
November: Sue Emberson, Jeff Frank, Phil Meyer
December: Larry Berke, Ray Dembinski, Riley Oncken
Fellowship: Paulette Renault, Larry Berke, Sue Emberson, Dave Hamilton, Pat Shafer
Foundations:Paul Stromborg, Jim Buck, Sue Emberson, Matt Nelson, Jim Stoddard
Membership: Jonelle Bailey, Ray Dembinski, Brandon Diviak, Bob Hammon, Jeff Jacobson, Steve Kuhn, Phil Meyer, Matt Nelson, Riley Oncken, Jeff Petersen, Bob Wildendradt
New Generations: Chip Houdek, Julie Sgarlata, Becky Springer
Public Image: Bob Brown, Paul Callighan, Jeff Keicher, Joyce Klein, Tasha Sims
Scholarships:Tim Neubert, Don Clayberg, Ray Dembinski, Michele Jurkovic, Steve Kuhn, Julie Sgarlata
Service: Brandon Diviak, Alicia Cosky, Jeff Frank, Michele Jurkovic, Rob Mondi, Tim Neubert, Brendan Wilson
