Bedroom Closet

In our closet we have several styles of clothing. Men's rayon Hawaiian print shirts were very popular.
Our "organization men" had to dress in dark suits all day. They preferred loose
casual clothing for leisure. Dinner out was still very formal.
Men often owned tuxedos for formal evening dinners, women wore long or elegant short dresses.

The two brightly colored costumes were "scandal suits." A one-piece culotte dress with an overskirt.
We have one circle skirt. Felt poodle skirts worn for "1950s" days are the most common ones seen of this
type today, but circle skirts in wild floral or geometric prints were very popular.

Park Forest women set the standard for clothing stock at the suburban Field's store according to Connor B. Shaw.
He had a hard time convincing the buyers that his Park Forest female customers wanted pea coats and peddle
pushers and Keds and penny loafers to keep up with their casual daytime needs.

The red suitcase of FRP (Fiberglass reinforced plastic) had a real impact on luggage construction.
Fathers in early Park Forest were often gone during the week on business trips-the true "Organization Man"
as portrayed in William H. Whyte's book researched here in 1953. This bonded the women whom relied
on each other for support and companionship.
                                                                                                                   -- Jane Nicoll