Evelyn Rackmyer has a deep appreciation for history, Aurora’s in particular. It could be said she made history earlier this month when she turned 104, and was the guest of honor at a celebration at Jennings Terrace, where her contribution to this city’s story was acknowledged by Aurora Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros. For many years Rackmyer was an integral part of the Aurora Historical Society, serving on the board from 1984-89 and volunteering long hours, working on committees and as a Tanner House docent, and giving her time at other events. In the 2000s, said Jaros, she was a clerk in the Museum Store in the David L. Pierce Art and History Center in downtown Aurora, and when funding was cut back around 2009, continued as a volunteer until her “retirement” in 2013 at the age of 92. No surprise that Evelyn Rackmyer was named AHS Volunteer of the Year in 2012, said Jaros, who described her as “a great lady, full of energy and life,” and who always referred to him and others as “Kiddo.” At age 104, she certainly has plenty of her own history to share. The youngest of six, Evelyn Even was born in Richmond, Illinois, on Jan. 1, 1921, but moved to Aurora with her mother and siblings after her father’s death when she was only 4. Soon after graduating from East Aurora High School in 1938, she began working for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, where she met husband Eldon, a conductor whose father and grandfather both served as aldermen for the city of Aurora. She continued a long career as a clerk/stenographer with this rail company that was chartered in Aurora by an act of the Illinois General Assembly in 1849. And when the old Roundhouse was converted into its present-day restaurant and brewery, she purchased display bricks commemorating not only her and Eldon’s careers but her two brothers, Bill and Joe Even, who also worked at the landmark Roundhouse on Broadway. Evelyn’s love of learning is evident in her passion for reading as well as the Eldon and Evelyn Rackmyer Parochial Schools Endowment Fund she started in 2007 to benefit students at St. Rita of Cascia School. Evelyn, who served on the Aurora Public Art Commission and volunteered at Provena Mercy Medical Center, also loved to travel, which she did often, especially after her husband’s death in 1991, said her niece, Yvonne Williams. Evelyn Rackmyer, who turned 104 on Jan. 1, volunteered for many years with the Aurora Historical Society, including in the museum shop of the Tanner House, where she was featured in this 1987 photo. (Aurora Historical Society) Among her aunt’s belongings tucked away in storage are many travel itineraries to Europe, including a visit to the Vatican, where she was able to meet the Pope, a “highlight,” said Williams, for this devout Catholic and active member of St. Rita’s Church. Williams has fond memories of her stylish “Aunt Evie,” who liked to “spoil her nieces and nephews,” loved cooking for the family and entertaining at the couple’s log-cabin-like home on North Lake Street, where she lived for more than 65 years. But when it was time to go into an assisted living facility, “she knew exactly where she wanted to go,” said Williams, of her aunt’s decision to move to Jennings Terrace. There, she quickly become a favorite, not only because of her outgoing personality but because she’s such a treasure trove of memories that link a community together. Evelyn Rackmyer, second from left, poses with other women who in the 1950s worked in the Aurora office of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. (Aurora Historical Society) “Aurora is rich with history, and she made sure people knew it.” noted Jennings Terrace Administrator JoMarie Silver. As her aunt’s legal guardian, Williams travels from her home in central California to Aurora several times a year, and insists Evelyn’s mind is as sharp as ever, although poor hearing makes it harder to communicate. Still, that didn’t stop the birthday girl from enjoying the Jan. 3 party, which was attended via Zoom by family across the country. And when presented with a 2025 Aurora Historical Society calendar, Williams couldn’t help but notice how attentive her aunt became as Jaros patiently took her through each month’s historical photos. The celebration, added Silver, was a “wonderful opportunity” to highlight “the valuable contributions of our senior citizens.” Positive stories like Evelyn Rackmyer’s, she continued, “are a reminder of the rich tapestry of lives within our community.” [email protected]