1926 – 2026

Historical Timeline

May 1, 1926	Building dedicated as a gift to the community from Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Baker as a “living memorial” to their son, Henry Rockwell Baker, and to veterans of World War I.
	A bronze plate bearing the names of 367 veterans is located on the exterior wall adjacent to the main entrance.
	The entire memorial when turned over to the people represented a cost of about $200,000.
	Designed by Wolf, Sexton, Harper & Trueax Inc. Engineers & Architects. The building approx. 112 ft long north-south axis and 94 ft wide east to west. The style is English Medieval/Tudor, with walls of rock face ashlar stone surrounded buff stucco and half timbered walls, leaded glass windows and a slate roof.
	The building was planned to be a central meeting place, a site for civic festivals and municipal inaugurations & receptions, and a facility for educational, artistic and recreational programs for the entire community.
	The site was once the home of Civil War veteran Maj. J. S. Van Patten.
	The celebration began with vocals sung by George G. Smith, a piano recital by Mary Caldwell Thompson, a reading by G.R. Thompson and opening remarks by Mayor Henry Roehlk. Additional remarks from Women’s Club Elise Thomson; Business & Professional Women’s Club Lina S. Paschal; and The Garden Club’s Dorothea A. Gray. This was followed by violin music by Kenneth G. Fiske and vocal singing by Mr. Smith. Remarks of appreciation included St. Charles Commercial Club President Clare L. Kingsbury; St. Charles American Legion Commander R.F. Munn; St. Charles Township Supervisor John A. Blomquist; St. Charles Kiwanis Club Vice President Dr. F.G. Miller; St. Charles Protestant Ministerial Association’s President Dr. Alexander Mc Ferran; and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Rev. Fr. Robert J. Carse. A second violin musical piece was presented by Edwin Fiske, accompanied by Edwin Brun. At 8pm, there was a reception and music by Vocal Margaret Cade, Violin Vincent Gullotta and Orchestra Gullotta.
July 1, 1926	First floor contains a full length portrait of Henry Rockwell Baker painted by well known artist Paul Trebilcock of River Forest, Illinois. He is portrayed as a young man in football togs a fitting gesture since Henry Rockwell Baker was a good football player with the local west Aurora schools. This photo is currently on display in the Peterson Lounge.
1939	The building was incorporated as a non-profit entity which allowed the largest number of people to continue to use the facility at the lowest possible cost.
	Prior to this Mr. and Mrs. Baker underwrote the deficit incurred each year (1925-1940) for operations.
1940	Mrs. Baker’s Funeral was held in the Baker Community Center.
1957	Col. Baker establishes a charitable foundation to support the maintenance of operation of the Baker Community Center.
January 21, 1959	Edward John Baker died at 11:30am Saturday in his apartment in Hotel Baker, at the age of 90.
1966	The Baker Board Trustees and the St. Charles Park District entered into an agreement to provide office and recreation program space in exchange for management services, with each organization retaining its own separate identity and financial structure.
1968	Remodeled the lower level into a youth center.
	The Powder Keg was named after a high school group, while the Roundabout was named after a junior high club.
1970	A new hot water boiler was installed, replacing the original coal-fired unit.
1986	The auditorium was named after James H. Collins for his contributions to the Edward J. Baker Foundation and Baker Community Center.
1990s	Fireplaces were converted to gas log systems.
1992	Ramp was installed on lower level on east side of building, and restrooms were renovated to comply with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
1995	The 3rd floor Women’s Club Room was renamed the Ziegler Room in honor of Richard “Bud” Ziegler and his 50 years of service on the Baker Board including more than 25 years as president. He was elected to the board in May of 1945.
September 12, 1996	“Residents revive the Baker Center Good Ole Days” Community celebrates historical building on its 70th anniversary. Joe K. Anderson discussing how he went swimming, bowling, attended boy scouts at the Community Center. How the bowling pins were set by hand. Fred Norris, St. Charles Mayor recalled every nook and cranny of the place, riding his tricycle, climbing in the dumb waiter up and down. Fred lived about 1 block away.
January 1, 2001	STC Underground Teen Center for middle school and high school students in School District 303 opened in the lower level of Baker Community Center.
2015	Lounge was named after Melvin Peterson to honor his decades of service to the Baker Board.
2017	St. Charles Park District and the Baker Community Center Board renovated the facility with an estimated 1 million dollars to improve accessibility and enhance amenities providing high-quality services to all guests: – Installed an elevator making all building levels accessible – Developed a pergola awning over the east ramp entrance – Restrooms conveniently located on the 1st three floors – Upgraded air conditioning system to include 1st & 2nd floors – Replaced flooring for smoother surfaces – Reconstructed entry access to outdoor terrace – Renovated kitchen with new appliances, cabinets & counter tops
2022	The garden on the east side of the building was formally named and dedicated to Carol Swanson Glemza who served on the Baker Board for 30+ years and worked at the Park District from 1942 to 2011, 69 years!
2024	STC Underground Teen Center was renovated with the addition of LED lighting, painting, new computers and a gaming system, new pool table and new furniture.

1926 – 2026

Historical Timeline

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