Forty Years Ago

The recent elections here versus the local elections back in 1966. The upcoming campaign of Nov. ’66 seemed like a Republican reversal, with GOP fence-mending. “Democrats,” wrote Editor Walker, “appear somewhat demoralized, while creating a succession of boo-boos. Underlying issues not aiding the Dems were inflation, civil rights, Vietnam, tight money, delinquency and breakdown of attitude toward law and order.” He added: “Folks are so disgusted with the administration all over the state that you hear people say, ‘We want a change.'” Shades of ’66.

Dear Sally: “My wife and I attend basketball games regularly with several other couples, and it is the custom for us all to meet at a cocktail lounge about an hour before game time. Each fellow must, of course, buy a round of drinks and since this costs about $10 we feel this is an unnecessary expenditure we could put to some other use. Any way to avoid this without appearing stingy or cheap?-Want Out.”

Dear Want Out: “How about arranging things so you and your wife arrive a few minutes before game time, yet just late enough to miss the cocktails?”

From the Nov. 1966 issues of the Forest Park Review

Thirty Years Ago

The Review endorsed four candidates in the November ’77 mid-term elections, though it had not been the paper’s policy to do so. Editor Walker felt this quartet deserved the special attention of local readers: Congressman Henry J. Hyde, Richard Walsh, William Harris and States Attorney Bernard Carey. Of the four, Hyde got the most ink:

“It is difficult to imagine how the 6th District could come up with a more effective spokesman in the battle of fiscal responsibility and the continuing spread of government influence into everything we do. Thanks to his willingness to work hard and understand the system, his presence in Washington has been felt to a degree expected only of those with much more seniority. He cares for the folks here at home.”

Come January, the congressman will close out his long, meritorious career. Those around long enough may find it fitting to place Hyde’s record on a level with that of Paul Simon, Charles Percy and Everett Dirksen-all great sons of Illinois.

From the Nov. 16, 1976, Forest Park Review

Twenty Years Ago

It’s not momentous news, but is more than noteworthy. The Nov. 5, 1986 Forest Park Review gave a new birth to itself. Publisher-Editor Bob Haeger announced the changes on page 1 by pointing out the revamping of the newspaper. Most obvious was a three and one half-inch cut of page length. There were all new graphics, a more readable type font, a bolder masthead and wider paragraphs. More photos and art work, too.

What caused the reincarnation? The Review had just been purchased bv Oak Park’s Wednesday Journal, and Haeger was eager to assure readers that the Review was still a Forest Park newspaper written for Forest Park readers. The popular Haeger retained his impish humor in his column of the same issue:

“Then there’s those stupid yellow signs in the rear windows of cars. There was one in a Rolls Royce that read, ‘Spoiled Rotten Rich Kid On Board.'”

From the Nov. 5, 1986, Forest Park Review

Ten Years Ago

Last-as well as least? in the world of local show biz mishaps: A favorite peeve of actors is the member of the audience who brings along a hacking cough. Barbara Eulenberg took advantage of a short blackout to hop off the stage and drop a few unwrapped cough drops into the lap of a lady (the offender). When the lights came up the lady look surprised. Barbara said she never coughed during the second half of the show.

File under, “Warning! Show Biz may be hazardous to your health.” During a production of “Funny Girl,” Nancy Greco jumped off a cart she was riding to lighten the load. She gracefully pirouetted and rammed into a piece of scenery literally knocking herself out. “A moment later,” she said, “the curtain-weighted down by chains-came right down on me.” In show biz, ya gotta have heart! (Or health insurance.)

From the Oct. 16, 1996, Forest Park Review