Featuring a broad range of green thumbs, the fifth annual Garden Walk bloomed with hundreds in attendance in a day with perfect weather.  

Rose and John on Ferdinand showcased their cottage garden with native plants found from the front through the back attracting native hummingbirds, goldfinches and monarchs.   Their warmhearted patio built by hand endures guests with  a genuine feeling of comfort.  Further to the north Rick and John invited guests to explore their sanctuary which features a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes and textures of coleus geranium and impatiens.  The impressive Coleus canvas throughout is a magical experience.

Circle Ave featured two different approaches to landscaping on either side of the Ike.  Lauren and Brad, who's dogwood, sedum, lavender and dahlias were being watched by a family of young birds who had nested in the hanging ferns on the porch.  Baza and Vito, the french bulldogs have plenty of room to roam in the thick green grass that is well maintained.  While Megan's perennial style fits in with hydrangeas, peonies and vegetables.  With a crushed gravel base for her patio, Megan also had chickens which provide much delight to the family which appreciates being connected to earth.
Positioned corner to corner on Lathrop were two homes recently purchased with homeowners who love gardening and developing their stride.    Casey and Nick have used containers and ground to create depth and dimension in their yard and embrace the white duch micro clover that is creeping it's way across the backyard.  Adriane, blends natural and wild in her new yard and is getting familiar with the plants in the yard that are here.

Michelle, who's home on Dunlop was recognized as Best in Show, has a yard filled with character, pockets of intrigue and is an experience to be a part of.  During the tour there were several sightings of hummingbirds in honeysuckle that day.  Pollinator paradise and memory garden in honor of Mark, several sculptures and elements were tucked around and within the garden and guests became lost in a peaceful utopia. 

​Forest Home Cemetery's monument to the labor movement, was a buzz on the chilly May Day.  Haymarket Martyrs Monument, sculpted by Albert Weinert and paid for by the Pioneer Aid and Support Association nearly 130 years ago, is still the centerpiece of international labor history, 

The Historical Society of Forest Park honored the graves of the men and women associated with labor history including  Albert Parsons, Lucy Parsons, Emma Goldman, Ben Reitman, and residents of Radical Row with information about their lives and contributions.  

The Mark Rogovin Working Class Heroes award was given to Carol Gulyas, who lead the effort in creating highway markers on 290 and on the streets of Forest Park to guide visitors to come to the U.S. National Park Service Historic Landmark.  With gratitude, she recognized the Illinois State employees who helped make the signage possible.

With over 200 total visitors throughout the day, including a crowd of 'Wobblies," from the Industrial Workers of the World, who were roused by Rich Leib's speech and chant, "Leave the work at work!" 

After the crowd took to trivia and a refreshing atmosphere at McGaffer's Saloon.  Several people took advantage of the virtual tour of the monument available on our website. Join us on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00 am for our in-person tour or watch the virtual tour any time on our website. 

The Historical Society of Forest Park would like to express our deep gratitude to all who contributed to creating a successful Speakeasy event last Friday night at O'Sullivans.  The event commemorated the passing the Volstead Act in 1920 which ushered in Prohibition.  With local elegant ladies in 20's fashion and dapper gentlemen in bow ties, the live ragtime music by the Ragtime Roustabouts made for a swinging good time.  A trip back into Forest Park's Prohibition days was presented by Jill Wagner to a rowdy crowd of delightful learners.

Thank you to the Gillian Baker Team, the vintage décor on loan from neighboring Studio 8, and two outstanding ice sculptures from Nadeau's Ice Sculptures.   Many thanks to O'Sullivan's Public House and manager, Anthony Crawford who bartended and provided creative cocktails specifically designed for the event.  Several raffle winners went home with prizes.  
We are grateful to all our friends and neighbors who support the Forest Park Historical Society, and apologize for any inconveniences or disturbances created by the live music, which came to an abrupt end as guided by a visit from Forest Park's finest just at the close of the "When the Saints go Marching In." ​

Hung along the fences at the Park District of Forest Park these seven banners tell just a small piece of the story of Black History in Forest Park. Click on the banner to enlarge. 

Anthony Crawford, the general manager of O’Sullivan’s Public House in Forest Park, has been named this year’s recipient of the Dr. Frank Orland Award, as presented by the Historical Society of Forest Park.
A pillar of Forest Park, Dr. Frank Orland, founder and first president of the historical society had a mission of sharing the history of his town. He collected stories, treasures and moments, and researched with a passion and eccentricity that was beloved.
Every year, the HSFP honors an individual or group who has shown the same devotion, unique energy and talent.

Crawford has devoted his bartending skills and curious nature to build an annual prohibition fundraiser to mark the Volstead Act period. Crawford not only has added his own charm and creativity in crafting the drinks, he has also partnered with several local businesses to build the event.
Using ice from Nadeau’s, furniture from Studio 8, glassware and record player from the Forest Park Emporium, he created an experience even when the world turned virtual. He even created mixology videos with special historical notes with every signature drink.
Crawford grew up in Forest Park.

Forest Park Review
November 22, 2021

2021 was the first year for the Invasion of the Scarecrows fundraiser for the Forest Park Arts Alliance and the Historical Society of Forest Park. The 100 scarecrow kits the two local organizations created sold out quickly, and Forest Park residents who decided to become part of the “Invasion” and display scarecrows in front of their homes showed off their creativity, talents, and pride in Forest Park. Some of their creations were funny, some were scary, some were very clever, and all were very unique. 

Forest Park residents and non-residents alike were able to find the scarecrow locations on an online interactive map on the historical society’s website, and they were also able to vote for their favorites in four different categories online

All four winners received merchandise and/or gift certificates from local businesses. The Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance are grateful for merchandise donations from the following local businesses and organizations: Brown Cow, Exit Strategy, Kribi Coffee, Jimmy’s, Maison de Bonbon, McAdam Landscaping, O’Sullivan’s Public House, Starship Subs, as well as several anonymous individuals. The Forest Park Art’s Alliance and the Historical Society of Forest Park also donated prizes. A special Thank You goes to the sponsors Ed’s Way and Jimmy’s for their extremely generous donations.

100 more scarecrow kits will be available for purchase starting next July. The Arts Alliance of Forest Park and the Forest Park Historical Society hope that this year’s “invaders” will want to be involved again in 2022 again as well, and that 200 new scarecrows will be invading Forest Park next fall.

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Congratulations to our Best in Show winners Donna Kruse and her granddaughter Hailey Rodden. Donna was on a Forest Park garden walk back in the 1990s, we were so happy to have her on our 2021 walk with the help of her granddaughter. 

The Fourth Annual Historical Society of Forest Park Garden Walk on Saturday July 17th had perfect weather and was attended by over 300 people. Eight homes on the north and south side of Forest Park were showcased and included both small and large garden spaces. Besides the outdoor garden space, the history of the homes and the families that lived there was also presented to participants in the program book. From 10:00 am until 4:00 pm visitors strolled through the gardens, were able to ask the homeowners questions and were greeted by volunteers at the front of each home. The visitors to the garden walk were given flower stems at one home, compliments of the Forest Park Eagles Club, refreshments at another home and a virtual “garden experience” through one garden. Besides the gardens, the Historical Society provide each ticket holder one free raffle chance at winning a $500 Southwest gift card and other prizes.
Following the event, on Monday July 19th, volunteers and garden walk participants attended an “after party” at McGaffer’s outdoor patio and announced the “Best in Show” winning home. Even though all the homes were winners, the home that received the most votes was Donna Kruse and her granddaughter Hailey. Working together on the corner lot garden, Donna and Hailey’s garden was a mixture of natives, annuals, perennials, and vegetables that received the most votes for favorite garden.
The Garden Walk, which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Historical Society of Forest Park, raised over $6,500 and plans are already starting for the 2022 walk. If you would be interested in participating in the July 2022 walk, please email us at hsfphousegarden@gmail.com
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