May Day 2025 marked our eighth year participating at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in Forest Home Cemetery. Each year, we are honored to be present, sharing stories, listening, and engaging with those who gather to recognize this historic day. The monument continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for members of the IWW, labor unions, international visitors, teachers with students, and parents introducing their children to the importance of labor history.
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Our outdoor exhibit along Radical Row offered stories of those buried nearby, including both well-known figures and individuals whose contributions are often overlooked. We often say, “We are here because people are here,” and that spirit was very much alive again this year. A special addition in 2025 was the participation of Grace from Forest Home Cemetery, who brought original artifacts and documents related to the burials at Radical Row, giving visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with the historical record.
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This May Day was especially meaningful as we released two new books. The Day Will Come, now in its third edition, continues to honor the legacy of Haymarket. More Dead Than Alive: Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors introduces a new collection of biographies that bring to life the stories of those resting in Forest Home Cemetery. Sharing these publications helped deepen the experience for visitors and added new voices to the ongoing conversation.
If you missed May Day, we invite you to join us for a guided tour on the first Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m. to explore the history of the Haymarket Martyrs and Radical Row.

This year, Bleue Benton was honored with the Mark Rogovin: Working Class Heroes Award for her outstanding contributions to labor history research. Bleue’s journey began when Mark Rogovin approached her to help investigate graves near the Haymarket Martyrs' Monument that didn’t have an obvious connection to the labor movement. Her librarian skills proved invaluable as she uncovered hidden links, sparking her passion for the subject and setting her on a path of continued research.


Bleue's involvement grew as she contributed to the second edition of The Day Will Come, assisting with research and later helping Mark with the time capsule research. Her dedication didn’t stop there. She played a pivotal role in expanding the third edition of The Day Will Come, helping to uncover new connections to Radical Row and broadening the overall scope of the booklet’s information.
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Her enthusiasm for labor history and her tireless efforts have left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations will have access to a more comprehensive and connected history of those who fought for workers’ rights.

Historian and author Ann Durkin Keating came to the Forest Park library in what was a masterclass in Chicago and Forest Park history. I was lucky enough to moderate the April 11 conversation.
Known for her co-editorship of The Encyclopedia of Chicago and her deep dives into the city’s urban development, Keating brought a rich, nuanced perspective to the stories that have shaped the region. 

She explained the layered relationships between people who lived here long ago and the geography of the area.  She highlighted our area’s portage between the Great Lakes and the Des Plaines River which later connects to the Mississippi River and the ecological transition zone between the Eastern Woodlands and Prairie in our region.  These and additional regional natural landscapes influenced the events that unfolded in the18th century and the founding of Chicago and the early days of Harlem, now Forest Park.  
 Illinois was recognized as a state in 1818, and the relationship of the people to the land shifted to one of real estate and property ownership.  Leon Bourassa purchased the property we now know of as Forest Park, becoming the first landowner here.  He was a man who was known as Metis, being both of French and Native American decent, like many other fur traders of the time including Archange Ouilmette (Wilmette name sake), Jean-Baptist Beaubien (Chicago), Jean Baptiste Point DuSable (Chicago) and Alexander Robinson (Naperville).  He and his wife, Mnitoqua would have had many relationships for trade.   Underscoring the importance of the land as real estate in the “new American West.” 



Durkin Keating invited the audience to see Chicago — and its surrounding communities like Forest Park — as living, evolving entities. She traced the city’s transformation from early settlements to its emergence as a major metropolis, highlighting the interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces. 
She focused on the often-overlooked narratives that contribute to the city’s complex tapestry. She shed light on the experiences of various communities, the impact of industrialization, and the significance of local landmarks. This inclusive approach resonated with attendees, many of whom saw their own histories reflected in her stories including a descendant of Mnitoqua and Leon Bourassa who was in attendance.
The event underscored the importance of public libraries as centers for lifelong learning and community engagement. By bringing in speakers like Durkin Keating, the Forest Park Public Library fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and encourages ongoing dialogue about our collective future. 
In a time when historical narratives are often contested or oversimplified, Durkin Keating’s talk served as a reminder of the value of thorough, empathetic scholarship. Her insights not only enriched our understanding of Chicago’s past but also highlighted the importance of and power of local history.  

2024 was the 4th year for the Invasion of the Scarecrows fundraiser for the Arts Alliance of Forest Park and the Historical Society of Forest Park, and once again the event was a smashing success. Forest Park residents who were part of the “Invasion” displayed scarecrows in front of their homes or businesses and showed off their creativity, talents and pride in Forest Park. Some scarecrows were funny, some were scary, some were very clever, and all were very unique. Chappell Roan and Beetlejuice were very popular this year, with three different scarecrows depicting each. A property tax bill was the scariest, something every home owner can relate to. There was an astronaut stuck in space, there were super heroes, and there were -- of course – cicadas. And there was so much more!! The scarecrow committee feels that everyone who participated is a winner. 

Prizes for the top vote getters in each category were awarded as follows:
Most Artistic:       First Prize: Harry Potter – 825 Beloit – Gabrielle Groener
                                Runner-up: Little Shop of Horrors - 7612 Harrison - Heather Gould
 
Most Historic:       First Prize: Belle Gunness – 531 Circle – Jessica Voogd
                                Runner-up: The Ghost of Alice Paul - 7651 Adams - Betsy Homan
 
People’s Choice: First Prize: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce - 7706 Monroe – Megan Roach
                                Runner-up: The Ghost of Skipped Leg Day – 7511 Madison – John Hayley
 
Forest Park Pride: First Prize: Silvia, Ferrara's Friendliest Face – 905 Circle – Kimberly Adami-Hasegawa
                                  Runner-up: The Ghost of Skipped Leg Day – 7511 Madison – John Hayley
 
All four first prize winners received gift bags with merchandise and/or gift certificates from local businesses. Each runner-up received a bottle of prosecco to help them celebrate their success. And all four participants from the 900 block of Circle received prizes for being the most involved block.

The Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance are grateful for merchandise, services and gift card donations by the following local businesses and individuals, and would like to say THANK YOU to:

Lin Beribak, Loyola Center for Fitness, Mark Boroughf, Brown Cow, Circle Lanes, Elements Massage, Famous Liquors, Fat Duck, Jimmy’s Place, Kribi Coffee, Maison de Bonbon, Scratch Public House, Starship Subs, Twisted Cookie and Rick Wagner. The Arts Alliance of Forest Park and the Historical Society of Forest Park also donated prizes.
100 new scarecrow kits will be available for purchase again next year. The Arts Alliance of Forest Park and the Historical Society of Forest Park hope that this year’s “invaders” will want to be involved again in 2025, along with many new participants.

Photo of Megan Roach with her creations Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce who won first prize in the People’s Choice category is not included, because Taylor is currently on tour, performing at Fiber Flash on Constitution Court. However, photos of Taylor, Travis, and all other 2024 scarecrows can be found at http://www.forestparkhistory.org.
A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who participated this year and supported our two organizations!
Uli Leib
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On behalf of the 2024 Scarecrow Committee of the HSFP and the AAFP

At this year’s annual meeting, the Historical Society of Forest Park honored Michelle Melin Rogovin with the Dr. Frank Orland Award. Michelle has been a champion and leader, generously supporting the Historical Society of Forest Park. Over two decades ago, her husband, Mark, served on our Board, and she has been a steadfast supporter of our local historical society before, during, and since his tenure. Her time, talent, and contributions have supported our efforts.
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Michelle has been a generous supporter of our local historical society for decades. She attends almost every event—you will see her at May Day, Trivia Night, and before a bike tour. She goes beyond mere attendance; she has shared her gorgeous garden during our annual Garden Walk and even opened her home and garden for the pre-party for the volunteers of the Garden Walk.


She has generously offered her talents and has worked on procuring grants for our society. Michelle is a positive and grounding force, helping us frame our goals and objectives. She is currently assisting in revising the book The Day Will Come, which highlights the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument and the graves and ashes that rest alongside and near the monument.


Additionally, Michelle has stepped in generously as a benefactor for multiple years, giving us the ability to create content and build our connection to the community. Her support, along with that of other donors and supporters, helps us achieve our mission. We work to build our resources and make them accessible to the community, while also raising awareness of our collective cultural heritage to foster pride in our community.

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