The highlight of my summer was the Historical Society of Forest Park’s Historic Bike Tour August 12. I attended both morning and afternoon tours. I was the sheep dog at the end helping stragglers and there were a few. But, they seemed to appreciate the care. We had a beautiful day, with the wind of our “graceful” movement on our bikes keeping us cool and refreshed. There were 14 paying attendees. John Rice, our guide, did a great job. Tours were informative, enjoyable, even entertaining. The guests had nothing but positive statements and helpful information from Elizabeth Carpenter about St Bernadine’s Parish, and Tom Pacyga was helpful with many locations, especially, the Altenheim and the Haymarket Martyrs monument. Sue Carpenter won the trivia question: “How many lives were lost in the Sinking of the Eastland?” The prize was a $25 Gift Certificate from Jimmy’s Restaurant. Diane Hansen Grah, the Historical Society of Forest Park’s Executive Director, planned and coordinated the tour with John Rice’s research and narrative. Also, Michael Thompson, Ken Knack and Andrew Cooper were there to help facilitate the attendees.
Augie Aleksy,
President, Historical Society of Forest Park
Owner, Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore
