There is a song that we sing in our church called “Praise and Thanksgiving.” This song to me represents the character and strength of the spirit that portrays the residents of the village of Romeoville.
Friends ask me why I focus and advocate the “true grit” and integrity of our “forerunners,” our pioneers. These loyal and strong frontier residents paved the way for me, and all past and current residents.
When my husband, myself and children moved to Romeoville, we had no library, recreation center, bowling alley and recreational facilities. The only grocery store had just opened. Weber Road was a dirt road. My children, and others, played in the back of my home that was once our church yard.
As a long-time member of our Romeoville Area Historical Society, I am privileged to have some knowledge of our history. We have had 19 solid and caring mayors, along with their dedicated trustees. These former mayors opened a “pathway” for our current officials. They have ALL embraced our values and passion to make things better for ALL residents. They also have been the strength of our past history.
Our growth is amazing; as are our schools, police and fire departments, managers of our monies, managers of the selection of properties to build etc, and much more. We have many clothing and discount stores, etc. Many, much needed jobs have been created with our growth.
Our east side, the Uptown, downtown area corridor is now expanding. There is so much more we have today that we did not have 53 years ago – how proud our pioneers , as I am, would be.
We are now “footprints” in Illinois because of resident teamwork, leaders with genuine wisdom and genuine caring. We were incorporated Jan. 21, 1895. Our legacy is outstanding.
As in our former President JFK inaugural quote, never to be forgotten, “Ask not what your country can do for you,” instead ask what you can do for the great village of Romeoville.
Shirlee J. Pergler
Romeoville