A Great Day for German Fest and Forest Park History

We had an amazing time at this year’s German Fest, blessed with perfect weather and a fantastic crowd. One of the highlights for us at the Historical Society of Forest Park was sharing a recent and very special acquisition: a 16mm film of vignettes from the Altenheim, dating back to the 1930s.

It was incredible to watch nearly 100-year-old footage taken right on the very grounds where German Fest was happening. Seeing familiar buildings and scenes come to life on film offered a powerful reminder of Forest Park’s deep roots and enduring stories.

We were thrilled to meet so many friendly faces, longtime residents, new neighbors, and visitors curious about our town’s history. Conversations covered everything from the early days of the Altenheim to local landmarks, favorite Forest Park memories, and upcoming events.

There’s nothing quite like bringing our history out into the community. We’re so grateful for the chance to connect with people in person and share the stories that make Forest Park such a special place.