Fire
The fire that took place on July 25, 1918 is just another example, in a long list, of the park's unfortunate luck. The heated swimming pool's boiler room, shown on the left, was the source of the fire. The fire then quickly spread to the power and lighting station. This left the firefighters not only without the nearest source of water, but also without power. Several hours later, with 1/5th of the park destroyed and the fire not yet extinguished, the Forest Park Amusement Park made an announcement...It would be reopening that very same day in just half a dozen hours. Below you can see the local paper's front page article on the fire. In the following years there were additional fires, that while not damaging, left park officials suspicious of the origin of the 1918 fire. (41)
41. Gale, "The History of the Forest Park Amusement Park," 29 -31
41. Gale, "The History of the Forest Park Amusement Park," 29 -31
Remaining Years
Forest Park Amusement Park Casino
Forest Park Review June 4, 1921
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While keeping an amusement park prosperous was a constant struggle, the Forest Park Amusement Park, for many years, was successful. This is due in part to the general "local" atmosphere of the park, which hosted activities that helped the community and celebrated the town's successes. (42) This kept the locals returning time and time again, but what kept the rest of the Chicago-land area interested? Largely, the lax liquor laws in Forest Park, compared to Chicago and adjoining towns. (43) They even hosted rallies against the prohibition. (44) But, as the years went on, the 18th Amendment took effect. Then Forest Park started cracking down on gambling, which can be seen on the left with Forest Park Review's article on a raid done at the park. In a further article by the Forest Park Review, there was a reference to the park's later demise when its lost appeal due to a “diet” consisting mainly of “lemonade.” (45) Then in 1922 the ill-fated, short-lived, but memorable Forest Park Amusement Park closed. (46) 42. Gale, "The History of the Forest Park Amusement Park," 31-32. 43. Gale, "The History of the Forest Park Amusement Park," 26. 44. Gale, "The History of the Forest Park Amusement Park," 24. 45 & 46. Gale, "The History of the Forest Park Amusement Park," 36. |
Forest Park Amusement Park Bar
Forest Park Review April 21, 1923
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The End.
Inside the Photobooth...
On opening day of the Forest Park Amusement Park Exhibit, April 10, 2017, the Grant White and Field-Stevenson Schools 4th and 5th grade class will showcase their project. This includes a handmade photoboth set. Visit their website to learn more about their project. The photographs in this slide currently include those made in the early 1900's, and will soon include those made on the day of the exhibit. Enjoy!
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