On Sunday, April 26, 2015, the garden area on the east side of the Library was officially dedicated as the new Ruth and Robert Work Memorial Garden, by members of The Garden Club of Barrington.
Visitors who enjoy this beautiful garden space may wish to know more about The Garden Club of Barrington, this memorial garden, and the lives of the people who inspired this dedication.
In 1976, The Garden Club of Barrington planted the Library's west gardens, seen through the windows of the large meeting room. Since then GCB members have maintained these gardens. In 2014, the Library's Board of Trustees approved the installation of a plaque at the garden naming it for Ruth and Robert Work. New signage for the "Ruth and Robert Work Memorial Garden" is located outside in the garden and The Garden Club of Barrington will continue to care for the garden.
"We hope that the Barrington Area Library will agree with relocating the garden to the Library. Because of Ruth Work's contribution to the Barrington Area Library, we thought this a fitting plan for the relocation of the memorial plaque. The Work family feels this would be appropriate and with your approval, we will have the plaque made and installed."
Peg Olsen and Sue McGrath
Members of The Garden Club of Barrington May 8, 2014
History
In 1958, The Garden Club of Illinois officially took on the job of landscaping the Illinois tollways. The Illinois State Tollway Commission provided the landscape plan by Wallace Atkinson. The 7 Barrington garden clubs elected to develop and plant the 33 acres located at the Northwest Tollway and the Barrington Road exit. The Council of Barrington Garden Clubs was formed to serve as the governing body to coordinate the major project and deal with the commission.
In February of 1962 the Tollway Commission accepted the Council's request to name the park as a memorial to one of Barrington's power couples to recognize them for their work in conservation matters. In June the area was designated as the "Ruth and Robert Work Park". Robert Work, a nationally recognized architect, had died in 1960, but his then 84-year-old wife, Ruth accepted the honor before passing in 1966.
By 1973, the garden clubs had spent approximately $7,000 on signage, plantings and maintenance of the park in cooperation with the Illinois State Toll Commission that also provided assistance. Eventually, the park became: too costly for the garden clubs to maintain; home to a radio tower for tollway communications; and a one of a kind Illinois roadside memorial that is no longer allowed by tollway officals.
Recently the Illinois State Tollway Authority has unveiled a program to build a full interchange at 1-90 and Barrington Road. As part of the project, they are requesting the removal/relocation of the Ruth and Robert Work Park which is currently located at the northbound exit at 1-90 and Barrington Road. The Barrington Council of Garden Clubs asked The Garden Club of Barrington to take leadership of the project.
RUTH AND ROBERT WORK (Career Highlights 1907-1966)
ROBERT WORK - Architect of National Note
Member of the American Institute of Architects in Chicago, the Chicago Art Institute, the Chicago Natural History Museum, Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Chicago Tavern Club, Barrington Hills Country Club, the Barrington Hills Countryside Association, the original Barrington Methodist Church.
Designed the Barrington Methodist Church, Barrington Hills Country Club and many private homes in the Barrington area.
RUTH WORK - Crusader for Conservation
Founder and honorary member of the Barrington Woman's Club and The Garden Club of Barrington (four years president), an honorary member of the Countryside Garden Class, a charter member of the Little Garden Club, an organizer of the Barrington Area Library, recording secretary for the Chicago Chapter of the Illinois Conservation Council, an honorary president of the Chicago chapter of the Wild Flower Preservation Society, a life member of the Chicago Historical Society, a member of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, a member of the Illinois Audubon Society and the Barrington Methodist Church.
Ruth Work received a medal from the Garden Club of America for her outstanding work in conservation and conservation education. She was also honored with life memberships for her many years of service by the Barrington Natural History Society as well as the Barrington Women's Club (1955).
Ruth and Robert Work were saluted by their friends: "Few families have contributed so generously of their talents, experiences and energies toward every worthwhile project that has embraced the Barrington community."