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. Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895. The Jan. 2, 1896 edition contained the following news about a meeting of the school board:
“Last Friday, our school board had a special meeting in order to come to a decision about offering art instruction at our schools. Based on a recommendation of the respective committee, the school board decided to adopt Prang’s system, and to start art instruction in both schools in the fourth grade. Materials necessary for the art instruction, which will be supplied by the Prang Educational Company, will amount to approximately $12.10 per classroom.
“The school board also decided that classes will begin on Monday, Jan. 6.”
Translated by Uli Leib