40 years ago

Claude A. Walker. The name summons what he was for over 40 years, editor and publisher of the Forest Park Review. Mr. Walker passed away quietly at Oak Park Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Chicago in 1905, he received his early education in the public school systems of Roy, New Mexico; Fraser, Colorado; and nearby Lemont. He earned an A.B. degree from Lewis Institute and an L.L.B. degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

Before and during his involvement with this newspaper, he kept close watch on the local, township, Cook County and regional political doings of Illinois politics. It wasn’t long before he found himself in appointive or elective positions in these arenas, while still putting out the Review. He was a four-time chairman of the Cook County Service Commission and was elected to the State Senate for two terms.

Claude Walker was a “bear” for organizational work giving time and attention to the causes of the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Press Association (35 years as secretary). He also distinguished himself as a lobbyist and a legislator. Walker left his wife, Lillian, and two sons, Richard and Michael. Another son, Claude Jr., pre-deceased him in 1968.

From the April 1, 1970 Forest Park Review

30 years ago

Ever wonder what happens to unused political contributions? Not sure about Washington D.C. or Springfield, but Sam Gillian, campaign treasurer of Bob Haeger’s failed mayoral run, had an idea that appealed to the losing candidate. He knew Father Fearon of St. Bernardine needed to repair the old church organ. Within a week, the two “went to church” and presented the good father with a check for $77.86 – loser’s leftovers.

For those who may not know, Bob succeeded Claude Walker (and a few others) as editor and publisher of the Review. For those who may have forgotten, his fetching and unconventional campaign slogan was “Vote for Haeger. It’s almost as good as being mayor yourself!”

From the April 2, 1980 Forest Park Review

20 years ago

ALS is the withering disease that not only took the life of resident Glen Schnurstein, but almost drained the lifeblood from his family and caretakers. What follows is a heartfelt note from Glen’s wife, Nancy, to this newspaper:

To the Forest Park Trauma Unit and our many friends in town: Thank you for all your help during the past seven years Glen battled ALS. Whenever we called, the unit responded and handled Glen with kindness and care. And thank you to all the caring people who never turned us down when we needed help, and to the many who asked about him. You carried us through. Glen loved Forest Park, and the girls and I feel the same.

-Nancy Schnurstein, Linda, Karin, Becky

The Schnursteins were a star-crossed family. An uncle, Fire Captain Frank Schnurstein, had been killed in the line of duty in 1969. He fell to his death from a ladder after saving several people in an apartment blaze on Madison Street.

From the March 14, 1990 Forest Park Review

10 years ago

Someone recently said the only family that’s not dysfunctional is a family of one. Feature writer Chris Broquet talked about a variant of this – her family of four. A chancy mix of two morning people and two who start functioning later in the day. (She and her daughter were late starters, leaving husband and son as jump-starters.) “They,” she wrote of the abnormal pair, “can converse, exchange pleasantries and discuss their day’s agenda with little or no hostility.” She and daughter find this pretty annoying. (Her name for her late-rising slug-a-bed was Merrie Sunshine.)

Upon stumbling into the kitchen in search of a cereal box, the female contingent is appalled that husband and son have not only left, but left the light on. Cringing from the glare and failing to wipe the sleep from their eyes, they grope their way to the dismal start of Another Wonderful Day. One could go on, and Chris Broquet did. But not for much longer.

From the Feb. 23, 2000 Forest Park Review