Historical society puts Kenilworth’s tiny business district in the spotlight

Jeremy Murray, rear, and Kyle Mathers, respectively the Kenilworth Historical Society’s collections manager and curator, sit at the Blann Pharmacy soda fountain mockup central to “How Can I Help You: Business and Commerce in Kenilworth.” The mockup allows visitors to hear an oral history of the pharmacy, from Robert Stensby, its last owner. The exhibition runs through October.(Kathy Routliffe/Pioneer Press)

When Joseph Sears founded Kenilworth in 1896, historians say, his vision was strictly residential. But no community develops without its business component, and Kenilworth was no exception, according to Kenilworth Historical Society curator Kyle Mathers.

That economic reality underpins “How Can I Help You; Business and Commerce in Kenilworth,” an exhibit the spotlights the village’s tiny business district.