By Brian Marchetti
Villager Contributor
On Sept. 11, 1976, Mike and Debbie Barnum purchased a home at 98th and Hamilton in the Beverly neighborhood. They thought the brick bungalow might serve as a temporary residence until their next move, but 50 years later, their love for the house and the neighborhood gave them more than enough reason to stay.
The Barnums were introduced to each other at a wedding through a mutual acquaintance. They spent the first year of their marriage living in Harvey. Several long-time friends of the couple moved to Beverly/Morgan Park. The brick bungalow they purchased brought them closer to their friends and served as a more suitable home.
“We just loved the house,” Mike Barnum said. “It was just the two of us when we first moved in and it checked every box that we had.”
The Barnums raised three children at their 98th and Hamilton residence: Patrick, Breanne and Mollie. The growing family needed more space, so they remodeled the house.
“We made the kitchen bigger,” Debbie said. “We had the kids knock the walls down. They had a lot of fun with that.”
Their adult children live nearby. Patrick also resides in the neighborhood, Breanne lives in Palos Heights and Mollie calls Hoffman Estates home.
Debbie and Mike dedicated their lives to teaching. Debbie served as a special education assistant at Sutherland Elementary School. Mike taught religion at St. Laurence High School for 35 years. The location of their home allowed Debbie to work for Chicago Public Schools while the Barnums enjoyed the small town feel that Beverly/Morgan Park has to offer.
In their free time, the Barnums enjoy traveling, hanging out on their deck and exploring the nearby parks. Debbie participates in a reading club that tackles everything from mysteries, historical fiction and novels. When asked if they ever considered leaving Beverly/Morgan Park, they both answered with an emphatic ‘no.’
“Everything we need is right here,” Mike said. “This is a great neighborhood with great schools and the people are fabulous. It’s safe, quiet and walkable.”
Congratulations to Mike and Debbie for celebrating 50 years in Beverly/Morgan Park. Strong families, like the Barnums, are the backbone of this community. Here’s to hoping for another 50.
