Bess Eichelberger Memorabilia Donated to Namesake School

A box containing Elizabeth "Bess" Eichelberger's most treasured awards, photos of her life serving Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, and knick-knacks explaining who she was, is now available for teachers to check out at her namesake school.

Eichelberger's long time friend and caretaker, Kathy Kazmar, presented the box of memorabilia and items to Elizabeth Eichelberger Elementary School on Sept. 16.

Kazmar read Eichelberger's favorite book, "Make Way for Ducklings" and explained some of the items in the box at an assembly for Eichelberger first graders.

Eichelberger passed away in February 2009, so the box and presentation afforded the first-grade students insight into the life of an important community figure, who most never met.

Kazmar showed the students Eichelberger's senior picture from 1944. She told them about her life growing up in Wilmington and attending a one-room schoolhouse. Most importantly she explained Eichelberger's legacy in District 202 as a 26-year member of the school board and as its first female president.

Included in the box are several Illinois State Seals Eichelberger received for her work in the community as well as awards she won for her unselfish volunteerism through organizations that were dear to her heart including United Way, the YMCA and the Rotary Club.

Kazmar donated the box to the school's media center in honor of Eichelberger's advocacy for education and for teachers to use to tell students about who Mrs. Eichelberger is, Kazmar said.

"Bess had a good time and a good life, and I am blessed to have had her in my life for 38 years," Kazmar said.