The town of Harlem, which was incorporated in 1884, included today’s Forest Park and areas of River Forest. The Harlem Post was a local German weekly newspaper for Harlem’s German population. According to the publisher, a German weekly was necessary because Harlem, based on its population at the time, “is considered one of the most German settlements in Illinois, because the large German papers do not reach this area, and because most residents are not able to understand the English weekly papers.” Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895.
The July 9, 1896 edition included the following local news:
- The Harlem Volunteer Fire Department is planning a lively pick nick for Sunday, August 9th at Gaden’s Grove.
- Ferdinand Knipping, a brother of Chas. Knipping on Ferdinand Avenue, arrived in Harlem from Germany the week before last.
- Theodor Geife will be taking over Henry Thiele’s butcher shop on Madison Street.
- The construction of a drainage channel on W. 76th Place between Des Plaines Avenue and 12th Street began on Monday. Contractor Maynard from Maywood is in charge of the work.
Translated by Uli Leib