Historical Society of Forest Park
Historical Society of Forest Park
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    • ​Pioneers of the 20th Century
    • Our Neighbors, Our Heroes >
      • Clifford Leber
      • Debra Funderwhite
      • Don Lines
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      • Paul Roach
      • Mike Close
      • Mike Mohr
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      • A Landlord's Guide to Researching Property History
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  • Get Involved
    • Facebook Group
    • Volunteer
    • Give us feedback
  • Membership
  • Donate
  • Calendar
  • Virtual Tours and Talks
  • News
  • Board of Directors
  • Look Back Blog
  • Our Neighbors, Oral Histories
    • ​Pioneers of the 20th Century
    • Our Neighbors, Our Heroes >
      • Clifford Leber
      • Debra Funderwhite
      • Don Lines
      • Joseph Byrnes
      • Paul Roach
      • Mike Close
      • Mike Mohr
  • Online Exhibits
    • Altenheim
    • Ameritorp
    • Black History
    • Bloomer Girls
    • Cemeteries
    • Cemetery Symbolism
    • Dr. Joseph Carter Corbin
    • Forest Park Amusement Park
    • Haase Family
    • Haymarket
    • Timeline
    • Wall of Renown
    • Women Who Impacted Forest Park
  • Additional Resources
    • Housing Research >
      • A Landlord's Guide to Researching Property History
      • Chicago House Research Guide
      • House Advisor
    • 16" Softball Hall of Fame
    • Bataan Project
    • Forest Home Cemetery
  • Land Acknowledgment
  • Contact
  • Store
  • Board Member Application

Pioneers of the 20th Century​

Interviews were recorded in 1977 with ​Steve Cushing

The project involves seven oral history recordings titled "Pioneers of the 20th Century," commissioned by the Historical Society of Forest Park and conducted by Steve Cushing, a local deejay. These recordings, lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour, capture the memories of long-time Forest Park residents, including former mayor Lorraine Popelka, librarian Cora Sallee, and other notable figures. The interviews cover various topics, from village history to personal anecdotes.

The interviews feature engaging stories, such as Cushing's recollections with Popelka and insights into early funeral practices by Sallee. Other interviewees include "Miss Irma" Pigorsz, Dr. Frank Orland, Dr. Phyllis Orland, Andrew Erhardt, and Ed Rogers, each providing unique perspectives on Forest Park's history.



Lorraine Popelka 
Former Mayor
​

Picture

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

lorraine_popelka_transcript.pdf
File Size: 160 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Andrew Erhardt
​

Picture

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

andrew_erhardt_transcript.pdf
File Size: 123 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Cora Sallee 
Librarian
Historical Society Vice President

Picture

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

cora_sallee_full_transcript.pdf
File Size: 165 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Dr. Frank Orland 
Historical Society Founder

Picture

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

frank_orland_transcript.pdf
File Size: 115 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​Dr Phyllis Orland 
Pediatrician
​

Picture

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

dr_phyllis_orland_transcript.pdf
File Size: 132 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Irma Pigorsz 
Teacher

Picture

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

irma_pigorsz_transcript.pdf
File Size: 138 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Ed Rogers
Local Railroad Enthusiast 

Interview Audio

Interview Transcript

ed_rogers_full_transcript.pdf
File Size: 103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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