Forty Years Ago
Must’ve been a whole lot of good things going on around town, yet nothing noteworthy or newsworthy. Maybe we should redefine “news” then and now. Something not normal or expected; an anomaly maybe; anything unusual; plain old bad human behavior? Take away all of the above and you’ve got a dull week and a thin newspaper.
Maybe not.
Case in point: Margaret Schilling was honored for doing what she pretty much did every day for the past six years. She was saluted for “Outstanding Leadership Service” by the Illinois Association for the Mentally Retarded when she stepped down as vice president. What this woman did for over 1,500 days must have been laudable, certainly worthwhile, maybe even lasting. She was one of many who helped those who needed help-every day. Next time anybody asks “What’s new?” ask them what’s really news.
A bold and daring armed robbery in which $500 was stolen took place at Golden Drugs, Harlem and Madison. A lone robber, about 60, entered the store at 8 p.m., displayed a revolver to counterperson Sue Finnegan and demanded you-know-what. She froze, and in that moment he scooped up cash and checks from the register, then quickly walked out. Nellie Abrath, another counterperson, saw everything but the gun and thought something was not right. By the time she reached the phone in the back, the robber was gone.
From the Aug. 14, 1967, Forest Park Review
Thirty Years Ago
Going to the well once too often. A 24-year-old Cicero man, emboldened by a successful heist at Noma Worldwide Industries on Industrial Drive, was arrested during a follow-up visit to a warehouse for more loot. It was easy pickings for the village’s finest–Michael Thompson, Jeff Oswalt, Joe Brynes, Joe Madden, Richard Brhel, Sgt. Gary Doss, Investigator Henry Betz and Lt. Robert Conklin. (Who was protecting the station?)
From the July 13, 1977, Forest Park Review
Twenty Years Ago
Don and Gloria Young. Antique dealers and auctioneers. The Barn Door. Remember? Their two-story place was located at 7349 Madison St. They were a sociable and genuinely friendly couple whose wares ranged from brass bedsteads, fine furniture and other estate holdings to pool tables and picture postcards. It was always fun to go in, poke around, banter with the owners, then move on to other Saturday morning calls. And their auctions were lively, well-attended-and anything but silent.
After 10 years, the Barn Door Emporium was closing and the amiable couple was heading back to Massachusetts. They planned to settle in a cottage at Morris Pond, near Warwick. Their immediate goal was a home and barn which, when in operation, would serve as-guess what-another antique road show.
From the May 27, 1987, Forest Park Review
Ten Years Ago
Here we go again, third straight week of a piecemeal reprint from Doug Deuchler’s Rapid-Fire, Sure-to-Disappoint, Forest Park Quiz. Final Installment: (answers below)
Q. The movie, “Harry and Tonto” was about an old man, a cat and a cross-country trip. Several scenes were shot at the Altenheim. What actor in the film took home an Oscar that year? (1974)
A.
Q. Where could you go on Madison St. to satisfy your musical taste for live blues, reggae or zydeco?
A.
Q. The village council meets at 7 p.m. two days each month. Which two?
A.
Q. While campaigning for president in 1992 Bill Clinton stopped in this donut shop.
A.
Q. This street between Lathrop and Beloit takes the first name of a very early German immigrant.
A.
Q. This anarchist, a champion of left-wing causes and women’s rights, was nick-named “Red Emma” and is buried in Forest Home Cemetery.
A.
Q. A major league baseball player and a radio evangelist are buried in the same grave at this cemetery. Who died, and what’s the story?
A.
From the July 9, 1997, Forest Park Review
Answers
Art Carney.
The Playhouse.
The second and fourth Tuesday.
Dunkin Donuts, Circle and Harlem.
Ferdinand (Haase).
Emma Goldman.
Billy Sunday, one of the few people to ever be a major league player and an evangelist.
