On Oct. 1, 1947, one of the two newspapers in Berwyn, the Beacon — which was later merged into the Life — published an official city directory and WWII service record. It was a unique publication that resembled a combination of a telephone book, history text and time capsule.

Chuck Hybl remembers a Berwyn where the winters were colder and snowier, where there were countless “prairies” for kids to play, and when he should have taken the now-proven-to-be-profitable bet that his marriage to the love of his life wouldn’t last.

The city of Berwyn encourages all former and current residents and other community members to participate in the events it has planned in honor of the 100th anniversary of its incorporation as a city.

Seven months have passed since Mayor Michael O’Connor and the Berwyn City Council approved my appointment as chairman of the Berwyn Centennial Committee. Since then, I have observed a tremendous sense of urgency in many Berwynites, who all have a strong desire to create a beautiful birthday party for Berwyn.

This history of Berwyn's early days, from the purchase of the land past the date of the city's incorporation, was written by Berwyn Historical Society President Lori Thielen.

Berwyn streets were not always called the names by which they are now known. While some street names remained the same, others have changed through the years.

Warren Ritzma said he’s lived in his Berwyn home for more than nine decades, since the day he was brought into this world in 1917 by Dr. Arthur MacNeal. Yes, that Dr. MacNeal.

We’re calling on current and former Berwyn residents to share with us their stories, memories and photos of the city’s past 100 years.