Forty Years Ago

Twenty-eight irate property owners“count ’em, 28″from the 400 blocks of Harlem and Elgin Avenues, showed up at the regular village council meeting to protest what they described as an abominable situation with a group of people living in the 400 block of Harlem. Frank Piotter of the complaining group told the council that the property was a junk yard and fender repair shop that the tenants used for an outdoor toilet and washroom.

Another neighborhood complainant, Roger Shuman, confirmed Piotter’s comments, adding that there was a congestion of cars in front of his home, and that there appeared to be so many occupants in the offending building that, “They must take turns lying down to go to sleep.” The Board responded: “Now that the complaints have been brought to its attention, prompt, corrective action would follow.”

This small space cannot contain the respect so many Forest Parkers had for Mathilda Petersohn. Mothers Day of May, 1966 and a tribute to her in Editor Walker’s column, prompted her memory. She was truly a mother figure and a citizen who served and participated in her community for nearly 70 years. It was fitting that she was installed in the Forest Park Hall of Fame. Those who knew Tilly were better for having known her. Those who didn’t should know her many contributions to the village. The lady was a class act.

From the Apr./May 1966 issues of the Forest Park Review.

Thirty Years Ago

Picture yourself seated at one of Mainstreet’s watering holes and a house passes by … then another. You might claim you were over-served during the “moving” experience. But this was the plan of action when homes at 414 and 418 Circle were being trundled to their new location on the 7700 block of Monroe, where the new foundations were ready and waiting.

The homes were purchased from the village by Thomas Misiano and moved to make way for a parking lot at the Circle Ave. site. The trip took only a half hour, and spectators generally agreed it was a pretty slick operation.

From the Mar./Apr.1976 issues of the Forest Park Review.

Twenty Years Ago

A few issues back we featured the Fearless Forecasts of Heartless Harry Moore, a freelance writer with an economics bent. Here’s a couple “moore” from Moore and the 1980s:

 Our trade imbalance will level with the growth of a new industry”the organized export of defense secrets and weaponry to wanting Middle East countries.

 Six thousand or so small farmers (those under 5’2″?) will suffer tragic foreclosures in 1986. Many other smaller interest stories will take place nationwide with no coverage”none!

 And Farm Ade will be the preferred liquid enjoyment.

From the Mar./Apr. 1986 issues of the Forest Park Review.

Ten Years Ago

The 18 year-old driver was pulled over on Desplaines between Jackson and Madison. After exiting his car for questioning, he suddenly bolted, fell, righted himself and ran north toward Madison with the arresting officer behind in a foot chase. Outside of McDonald’s, he apparently panicked, vaulted a trash bin and clambered onto the roof. It took about a half dozen police and firemen and 15 minutes of persuasive talk before the young man yielded to the inevitable.

It came very close to happening here ten years ago. An 8 year-old boy was nearly abducted from church after Mass at St. Bernardine Church. A 43 year-old woman, supposedly his great aunt, aided by his adult cousin grabbed the child’s arm in an attempt to pull him outside. St. Bernadine Principal Elinore Kraft pulled him back, and another teacher lay atop the boy to prevent the abduction. Fortunately, all turned out well for the victim. Still, it needn’t be all that dramatic to pull off such an attempt. Simple carelessness on the part of a parent could result in great harm to a child”perhaps your own.

From the Mar./Apr. 1996 issues of the Forest Park Review.