40 years ago
Last week, reports of police not issuing parking tickets unless a pay raise was given; this week, a letter appreciating our men and women in blue who every day face potential danger, even death, just doing their jobs.
An unnamed letter writer described walking south on Harlem Avenue after leaving a CTA train at about 10 p.m. He heard the screech of tires and an auto backfiring. It soon became clear that the backfiring was gunshots. He then saw a car “dancing sideways, hitting a pole and coming to a stop.” Its occupants ran from the vehicle, followed by Forest Park policemen who appeared to be oblivious of their own safety, according to the writer.
“Being somewhat of a coward myself,” the writer went on, “I took cover behind a concrete wall and had time to ponder what a dangerous job the police can have – on any day.”
The remainder of the letter criticized the village for not sufficiently rewarding these public workers with a decent, livable wage.
From the May 14, 1969, Forest Park Review
30 years ago
At 2:30 on a sunny afternoon, a couple of teenage boys were seen running from the burning chapel in Forest Home Cemetery. When firemen arrived, the building was belching smoke. Once a showplace, it had long been a target of repeated acts of vandalism, particularly for its carved oak woodwork and leaded stained glass. The structure also served as a crematorium, but repeated acts of destruction – plus this fire – may have reduced the chapel to a total loss. The cemetery and its insurers were to determine its fate.
The site lies close to the famed Haymarket Monument and only a nine iron pitch across a narrow roadway from the upright slab dedicated to labor socialist and anarchist Emma Goldman. The entire plot is now a designated national landmark.
From the April 25, 1979, Forest Park Review
20 years ago
Kristine Maxa wrote a worthy article in the April 22, 1989, issue of the Review. The subject was, “Being a Responsible Parent.” The core lessons had everything to do with teaching children to have lasting self-esteem and instilling ongoing, self-confidence. Both were seen as foundations for happiness and success as one matures – and goes on maturing. It featured a 27-step “Memo from your child,” greatly shortened here.
Don’t spoil me. I know quite well I can’t have everything. I’m only testing you.
Be firm with me. It helps me know where I stand.
Don’t use force; lead me. Force teaches me that power is all that counts.
Be consistent. It only confuses me otherwise.
Don’t do things for me that I can do myself. I may learn to keep you in my service.
Don’t make me feel smaller than I am. I’ll start acting like a big shot.
Don’t correct me in front of people. I listen better if we talk in private.
From the April 26, 1989, Forest Park Review
10 years ago
True Crimes and Cruel Intentions were two Lake Theater movies mentioned here last week. The four described below make the argument that movies made 10 years ago were as good, or better, than those made today. They’re all “getable” at any video store as DVDs – or free at the Forest Park Public Library (366-7171.)
Shakespeare in Love – Romantic comedy, set in 1593 London, about a young woman who disguises herself as a man who pursues a career as an actor.
Life is Beautiful -Italian comedy-drama set in WWII Tuscany. A Jewish man who uses humor to distract his family from horrors perpetrated by the Nazis.
October Sky – True story of a West Virginia youth destined to follow his father into a coal minor’s life. NASA interrupts.
Deep End of the Ocean – A woman’s 7-year-old son is kidnapped. She learns seven years later that he’s been living down the block.
From the March 24, 1999, Forest Park Review
