In 1908 Robertson and Young Realtors advertised the first subdivided plots of land for residential building in their newest development, the Wolf Road Highlands.
This early Berkeley settlement mostly consisted of farms and small homes.
The Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad was an important factor in the further development of the community.
Students attended one-room Sunnyside School, and the school was also used as a church.
In 1924, a debate was raised regarding incorporating into a Village, but finally, on May 20 it was decided. Emil A. Schneider was the first President of Berkeley.
That same year, the Village acquired its first fire truck - a converted 1920 Reo touring car. The major problem of the day, however, was the lack of available water, which was solved when the Village purchased property and drilled a new well at a cost of $6,000. Other improvements continued including paving of main streets, water mains and fire hydrants.
In 1938, the Village Hall was enlarged and formally dedicated on May 20,1939, the fifteenth anniversary of the Village. The new building had a one stall fire station, the Police Department with cells in the basement, a small office and a large meeting hall upstairs. That same year, the Fire Department was able to buy a new pumper that delivered 750 gallons per minute.
Late in 1941, Berkeley boys were called to war. Those who never returned were honored by naming Berkeley streets after them. They include Harry Jerele, Norman Spencer, George Morris, Howard Rohde, Charles Speechiey and James Lee.
When the war ended in 1945, Berkeley grew quickly along with the rest of the area.
The Library was formally opened in 1946 and in the early 1950s, another school - Eugene Field on St. Charles Road - was built.
In 1956, rumors were turning to reality that a major toll road would be built on the western edge of the Village. Property was confiscated by the Tollway and in 1958 construction was completed. While a sizeable portion of the Village was removed, it did make Berkeley a convenient place to live due to easy access to the highway system. Businesses agreed, and the Industrial Park north of St. Charles Road was developed and expanded in the 1960s.
The rest of the Village was expanding as well. A new fire station was built adjoining the Village Hall and shopping centers were built on St. Charles Road.
Since the 1970s, the Village has continued to be a wonderful place to live and shop. The Village is fully served by Metra train and Pace bus, while providing easy access off the tollways for trucks heading toward the bustling Industrial Area. The Union Pacific railroad has grown to be one of the largest transportation hubs in the United States.
The Illinois Prairie Path, once a railroad itself, is now a recreational path for biking, jogging, or walking and the Berkeley Park District continues its tradition of providing beautiful places for residents to play sports or just relax.
The small-town community feeling provided by the Village is possibly best stated by Rosemarie Johnson, Berkeley resident,