Members of the Park Forest Historical Society Hall of Fame
For biographical sketches, click on members' names.
* Oral History Transcripts are available.
1989 Inductee
PHILIP M. KLUTZNICK (First member)
Philip Klutznick, internationally recognized for his economic, humanitarian and civic contributions, was the guiding force behind the creation of the nation's first planned suburban community. He served in the administrations of seven American presidents and was a long-time leader in the Jewish community. An expert in public housing endeavors, he also held the rank of Ambassador to the UN Economic and Social Council. As a real estate developer in the Chicago area, Mr. Klutznick spearheaded the development of the Old Orchard, Oak Brook and River Oaks shopping centers and Water Tower Place in addition to Park Forest.
At his induction ceremony in July 1989, Mr. Klutznick reminisced that his family was among the first settlers in Park Forest and they stayed for six years as the town was being built. He said of the village he helped create, "I've always felt Park Forest to be one of my children--it always will be. I got more pleasure out of being here than any place I've lived." (Mr. Klutznick died August 14, 1999, in Chicago.)
1994 Inductees
Lois Coxworth, R.N., M.S., a lifelong resident of the south suburbs, was employed by the village of Park Forest for nearly 15 years. As Director of the Park Forest Health Department, she enlarged health services to the region. Lois supervised and encouraged the significant growth of the delivery of home health care as well as preventive care to area residents.
Lois helped found the Suburban Primary Health Care Council, a not-for-profit corporation, whose Access to Care program created a partnership between public and private organizations to help the working poor in suburban Cook County. Access to Care allows its members to see local participating physicians in private offices and provides laboratory, radiology and pharmacy services for reduced fees.
Following her retirement from the village, Lois was appointed chairman of the Health Care Council. She is justifiably proud that the Access to Care program has served more than 14,000 adults and children since 1988, and over 2,200 south suburban residents are expected to participate in the next year.
Barney Cunningham, a retired widower who moved to Park Forest in 1951, has been involved in the life of the village for forty years. From his appointment to the Recreation Board in 1954 through his 16 years on the village board from 1955 - 1971 (the last 10 as village president) to his reelection as library trustee in 1993, Barney has shown his commitment to his community and the surrounding area. He is especially proud of the "Green Belt" plan and the subsequent purchase of public property, including the Park Forest golf course, and the public works improvements, which were completed during his tenure on the village board.
Barney has been President of the Illinois Municipal League. He organized the Chicago South Suburban Mass Transit District in order to purchase 130 Highliner rail cars (now leased to Metra) and 55 transit buses with federal grant funds. In 1971, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation under Governor Richard Ogilvie. Barney continues to serve as Park Forest's representative to the Transit District. (Barney died on 3-22-96)
Judge Dietch was elected village trustee on the incorporation in 1949 of Park Forest as a municipality and then elected its first full-term village president. This first board established a non-partisan council manager form of government. It passed the basic ordinances for merit selection of police, fire and other personnel, and completed infrastructure planning, zoning and building codes.
Under Henry's leadership, this board saw the need for coordination of village, school and other units of government, and it set the stage for the Park Forest to win two All-America municipal awards. Seeing the need for a high degree of cooperation and liaison with regional governments, Henry was founder and first president of the Regional Association of Cook County.
He also served as village attorney for 20 years before his tenure as Cook County Court Associate Judge, the post from which he retired in 1984. Henry and his wife Shirley still live in the village, and his column "Judiciously Speaking" appears in the Star Publications. He also helped organize the Park Forest Historical Society and was its first president.
Bob and Mary Dinerstein arrived in Park Forest in 1949, and became immediately involved in the community. He served as chairman of the committee on school organization, which eventually created Rich Township High School #227 and set early boundaries for Elementary District #163. He was also president of the Park Forest Community Council before being elected to the board of trustees in 1951. This early board participated in almost every phase of infrastructure and utility planning for the village. Elected village president in 1955, Bob oversaw completion of Park Forest's residential development and the resolution of outstanding issues involving American Community Builders.
Bob worked with the Commission on Human Relations in developing and implementing the policy on racial integration when the first black family moved into Park Forest in December 1959, and after his tenure as village president, served as Human Relations Commission chair for many years. The Dinersteins still reside in Park Forest for part of the year.
Dr. Gerson Engelmann was the first minister of Faith United Protestant Church and served from 1951 to January 1976, when he retired at age 70. He helped develop one of the first interdenominational lay-led churches in the United States and was a leader in interfaith cooperation, mixing the best from several mainline Protestant denominations. Gerson held degrees in ministry, sociology and psychology; he was noted for his work in counseling, using poetry as part of his sermons and for drawing leaders from the lay group to work in keeping the church related to all denominations.
Gerson was aided greatly by his wife, Polly, who handled many of the personal and organizational details of their ministry. From the first church service held in the Holiday Theatre until his last sermon preached from the sanctuary built in 1957, 11,000 people joined Faith Church. He is fond of recalling that he baptized 29 infants during one Sunday service at the Holiday Theatre and that the first event held in the church's Christian Education building was the bar mitzvah of one of Philip Klutznick's sons. Gerson is currently living in a retirement community in Dayton, Ohio.
Dewey and his wife Jeanne have lived in the village since July 1959. To him, Park Forest is a town where "you can get involved and participate." His love of biking led to his service on the Traffic Safety Commission, and from there he served a five-year term as village trustee, during which Freedom Hall was built. Dewey recently retired from two long-held positions: copy editor for the Chicago Sun-Times and Supervisor of Rich Township. During his twelve-year tenure as Rich Township Supervisor, the Food Pantry and Workfare for welfare recipients were established, the town hall and Community Center were purchased, and the road district garage was built.
However, Dewey may be better known around town as Funnybone the Clown, master juggler, and as the founder and driving force behind Faith Theater's nineteen successful seasons in Park Forest. Beginning with its production of Godspell in 1976, this church-based operation is dedicated to "bringing to the community outstanding dramatic, musical and cinematic presentations that are good for the soul."
Through his international fame and as a legend in the jazz world, Art Hodes brought notice to Park Forest. He once said, "I never had a community life until I got here," and he shared his immense gifts with his community. He wrote a column for the old Park Forest Reporter called "Jazz Junction" and taught at the Park Forest Conservatory. Art brought great jazz artists such as Bud Freeman, Red Saunders, Big Bill Broonsy and many others to the village, which enlarged its cultural and musical world.
In order to raise money to furnish Freedom Hall, he gave several concerts around town with no remuneration to himself. Through a self-help group, Art helped hundreds of people stop a destructive lifestyle and find a better way of living. "Park Forest is people," he said, and he gave to his community willingly and eagerly.
Art's book, Hot Man--the Life of Art Hodes, was published shortly before his death on March 4, 1993. His wife Jan still lives in the village.
Nathan Manilow loved challenges and building a new town after World War II was one of his boldest projects. After acquiring about 3,000 acres of golf course, nursery and farm land to the west of Schubert's Woods and Sauk Lake Forest Preserves between Chicago Heights and Richton Park, he and Philip Klutznick became partners in American Community Builders. Manilow provided the financing and arranged for the architects to design 3,000 apartment units to spearhead development of the community. In addition, American Community Builders built and sold 5,000 single-family brick ranch homes in less than eight years.
Without his faith to invest his financial reserves in a vision and his ability to launch that vision into reality, Park Forest would never have been born. Its success brought Nathan Manilow great joy and satisfaction. He died in October 1971.
The woman who helped organize the village's first voluntary library came to be our town's first librarian. She was also Park Forest's first head librarian, a position she held from 1955 through 1976. During that time, she oversaw construction of the three phases of the present library building. Miss Ringering was instrumental in developing the Suburban Library System in 1967 and having Park Forest named as a co-headquarters for the system's information service.
Leona served on the board of the Park Forest Symphony and its successor, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also committed her time and talents to the boards of the Family Service Organization, United Way, and the Park Forest Association of Churches and Synagogues. Leona is still active in the village; she lectures frequently on her wide range of interests from travel to the arts, often appearing in the aptly named community room of the Park Forest Public Library--the Ringering Room.
Carroll F. Sweet, Jr., son of the man who had the original idea to create a "GI town" and who brought Nathan Manilow and Philip Klutznick together, joined Manilow's staff in 1946. He is the sole survivor of the site selection group that viewed the property that would become Park Forest in March of that year.
Mr. Sweet was the first person to suggest calling our village "Park Forest" and he named many of its streets: the early rentals, the first part of the "Homes for Sale" area, the Congressional Medal of Honor winners, the Westwood subdivision and Lincolnwood. As director of planning and utilities for American Community Builders, he was responsible for most of the subdivision plats and utility installations. Early village residents may remember him delivering the mail and water bottles in his "Black Mariah," a 1940 Buick convertible.
He was one of the organizers and charter president of the Park Forest Rotary Club. Carroll and his wife LaNe now reside in La Jolla, GA. (Carroll died on 3-25-96)
Earl and Evelyn Wade have lived in Park Forest since 1950 and have participated in the dreams, hopes and realities that make the village a wonderful place to live. A United Airlines pilot for 30 years, Earl was a charter member of the Faith United Protestant Church's unique religious experience for thousands of people in the greater Park Forest area from the early days of the village. He has served many years in leadership roles in the church and still leads gardening crews in the beautiful landscaping of the facility each year.
Earl is proud of his 40-year association with Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Club of Park Forest, for which he served as distinguished president. During this time, Kiwanis Pancake Day has become an annual event with tremendous support from the people of Park Forest. Earl was co-designer of the "Pankatron," the unique griddle/conveyor belt machine which makes and cooks 366 pancakes at one time. Extending Kiwanis service to the youth of our excellent schools and contributing to community beautification has been particularly gratifying to Earl. (Earl died on 6-11-97)
1995 Inductees
Elaine and her husband Jim came to Park Forest in November 1949 and almost immediately she began creating a fine arts community in the village. She was one of the founders of the Park Forest Playhouse in 1950; by the end of her career, she had acted in or directed over 35 plays for the Playhouse, Community Children's Theatre and Chicago Heights Drama Group.
Once a concert pianist, Elaine taught piano in her home for 40 years. She helped organize the Park Forest Conservatory of Music and Dance, initiated "Picture Lady" art appreciation and music enrichment programs in the schools, and spearheaded the Beaux Arts Ball annual events. (Elaine's tribute to Art Hodes demonstrates her poetic gifts as well.)
In the early years of the village, Jim and Elaine were instrumental in founding the Unitarian Church and later they began the Monthly Meeting of the Thorn Creek Religious Society of Friends. Elaine died in January 1991, shortly after the Garretsons had moved to Texas.
Jim and Elaine chose an American Community Builders' townhouse in ACB's downtown office, moved into it, raised four daughters and one son, and stayed there until they retired to Texas in 1990. An attorney, Jim served Park Forest in many capacities over thirty years: member of the Community Council, village clerk, village police magistrate (before whom all criminal cases were heard in the early days) for six years, two-term village trustee, and 20-year library board member.
Jim was president of the Unitarian Church twice, each time during a difficult period in the church's history. One of Jim's fondest memories of his Park Forest days is the dinner he organized in honor of the 159th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The renowned pastor of the People's Church in Chicago, Dr. Preston Bradley, was the speaker, David Nelson read Emerson's poetry, and Art Hodes played piano. (Mr. Garretson died on August 5, 1999, in Annapolis, Maryland.)
(James Garretson, left, with Magne Olson, right.)
When one thinks of preserving the beauty of our lands and resources, one immediately thinks of the contributions of Gertrude Gold. An early Park Forest settler, Gertrude became involved in many facets of village life, but none so important to her as her 30-year service on the Environment Conservation Commission. From Traffic Safety to the formation and continuation of the Beautification Awards for noteworthy, well-tended village homes, Gertrude has tirelessly worked to educate the public to cultivate and retain nature's gifts. Recycling, a solid waste plan, yard waste alternatives, and Earth Day clean-ups were all ECC and Gold programs.
A long-time League of Women Voters member, Gertrude has worked on many study groups, including the update of the parks and recreation plan and the one of which she is most proud--the early comprehensive study of the Park Forest Schools. A widow with three grown children, Gertrude continues to be active also in Temple Both Sholom (which she helped found) and Friends of the Thorn Creek Woods. Warm weather finds her swimming at the Aqua Center and tending her beautiful English-style flower garden.
In his memoirs entitled Angles of Vision, Philip Klutznick wrote, "I was fortunate to secure the services of Tom McDade, who became my assistant-in-chief and jack-of-all executive skills". Among Tom's many hats during the development of Park Forest, he was in charge of all the rental units-, trying to keep tenants happy was not an easy task. He increased housing construction from 10 units a week to 10 units a day and also managed the water utility.
After completing his work in Park Forest, Tom moved away. Upon his retirement, he returned in 1985 and renewed his interests in all phases of the village -- from the Historical Society to the library and more -- until his death in 1992. "You could take the man out of Park Forest, but not Park Forest out of the man", said his widow Mignon, who still lives in the village.
The recent death of Les Vande Berg left Park Forest bare of one of its most devoted and involved villagers. Chairman of the Rich High School Citizens Committee, Les accepted the first Park Forest All-America City award in 1953 on behalf of this committee's contribution to the community. A longtime member and officer of the Park Forest Lions Club, Les spearheaded the club's founding and sponsorship of Park Forest baseball. The Lions leveled, sodded and watered a baseball field and worked tirelessly to find coaches and umpires for this extremely successful endeavor.
Although not a professional musician, Les was a violin major in college. His life-long love of music included teacher in the public schools and conducting church and high school choirs. For several years, Les worked with the Park Forest Orchestra, which grew professionally to become the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. He served as board president, during which time the orchestra increased to 75 members. The IPO's chamber concert series began at Freedom Hall, and as it grew, Les formed an orchestra support group, which is now known as Friends of the IPO. His wife of 52 years, Mary Louise, still lives in Park Forest. (Les died on 11-30-94)
Some Hall of Fame Members from a photograph taken on March 17, 1996
Front Row: Alice Racher, Lois Coxworth,
Marge Friedman, Barney Cunningham, Henry Dietch, Dr. Thomas Waldman
(Son of Charles Waldman)
Back Row: Ron McLeod, James Marzuki, Emanuel Racher, Dewey Helmick, Earl Wade.
1996 Inductees
Jim Marzuki has been called a modern-day Renaissance Man whose range of interests, skills and activism is wide and far-reaching. His 24-year career in the arts as teacher and division chair at Rich East as well as his being a lifelong practicing artist are almost dwarfed by his leadership roles with the 40-year old Park Forest Art Fair. Along with his late wife Mary Lou, Jim was an early and active volunteer at the Art Center. He was the prime mover in the development of the Art Fair as a juried event, its reputation as one of the most prestigious, quality fairs in the Midwest continues to draw artists from across the Midwest and attendees from throughout the metropolitan area.
His government service included 10 years as member or Chair of the Park Forest Plan Commission, six years as village trustee, and one term as 80th District state representative, where he championed many issues he has devoted his life to supporting. Jim's leadership in the environmental area has spanned decades, and he is very proud of his partnership with Mary Lou in founding the Thorn Creek Preservation Association. He served as President of Friends of Thorn Creek and was a member of the Thorn Creek Management Commission. Jim died in August, 2000.
The single most influential person in the 20-year community effort to acquire the 900-acre Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in 1981 was Mary Lou Marzuki. Her superb organizational and relationship-building skills and her tireless, behind-the-scenes efforts to implement cooperative strategies led not only to its success, but also to her appointment by Gov. James Thompson to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, where she served as chair.
A true conservation activist, Mary Lou was assistant director of the Open Lands Project, and advocated for the Friends of the Chicago River to promote a cleaner riverfront, the Lockport Prairie, and the Illinois & Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor, so designated by Congress.
The Marzukis came to Park Forest in 1956, and raised daughter Marcy here. Mary Lou died in 1984. The Mary Lou Marzuki Natural Areas fund was created in 1988 to continue her legacy of working to preserve and enhance open space for public enjoyment.
Ron McLeod's life-long vocation as a fundraiser and his community service since 1950 have enabled Park Foresters to enjoy both the tangible and intangible benefits of his dedication. Ron was the co-organizer and first director of the Park Forest Community Chest and is still active with its successor United Way, which has raised more than two million dollars for local services over the past 42 years.
Appointed Chair of the Park Forest Bicentennial Commission in 1975, Ron and 100 active members raised over $150,000 in two years to furnish Freedom Hall, including Manilow Theatre. President of the Park Forest Lions Club and its district governor, Ron helped organize Park Forest Baseball and worked to build Lions Field. (He remembers when current Amoco Chairman Larry Fuller was a star player in Park Forest.) Ron served three terms as village trustee, chaired the Home Rule referendum and 911 emergency response committees, and he is active at his church.
A widower with two adult daughters, Ron's family grew when he married Joanne in 1983; his recent retirement allows more time for their seven grandchildren.
A physician for more than 30 years, president of PTA's at every level, board member of the Art Center, Congregation Beth Sholom, the Non-partisan Committee, and GSU's TALE (The Adult Learning Experience,) Alice is probably most well known now for her 21 years of service as president, vice-president, and member of the library board. She helped found the Friends of the Park Forest Public Library, a strong and supportive ally of the library, and co-chaired (with Ron McLeod) the Gateway to Information project, which raised funds to provide the CDROM Local Area Network now available to patrons.
Alice's life-long involvement in racial integration and human relations issues, combined with her 25-year service to the Cook County Public Health Department, led her to spearhead a successful drive for a community center in what was then East Chicago Heights where medical clinics as well as neighborhood gatherings could be housed. She also helped establish the Dr. Charles E. Gavin Foundation and its Gavin Women's Auxiliary in 1971, and still continues to be involved in their philanthropies.
The Doctors Racher met in graduate school at the University of Chicago, married, and attended different medical schools together--Manny at Creighton and Alice at the University of Nebraska. They came to Park Forest in 1954, and immediately began making contributions to the quality of life in the village while raising their three children. Manny's nearly 30-year local medical practice, where he was known as a "concerned, caring physician with a hands-on approach to patients and their families," was juxtaposed with his 23-year membership and chairmanship of the Park Forest Health Council.
Always concerned about affordable health care, Manny used his considerable talent and charm to ensure that no one was ever turned away from medical service because of lack of insurance or inability to pay. The Rachers have been described as "givers" in a world of "takers"--their often anonymous gifts of time, talent, and monetary help to friends, neighbors and strangers have endeared them to everyone who has known them during the last 40 years.
An exhaustive list of civic, governmental, educational, social, political, religious, artistic and altruistic endeavors that Marge's lifetime of involvement in the village and south suburban area has compiled does little justice to the personal warmth and compassion lying behind her beliefs and commitments. Living proof of the time-worn adage that "the best things come in little packages," this GOOD EGG award winner has been elected villa-e clerk and trustee, as well as serving as president, chair, advisor, board member, commissioner, or just plain volunteer in every segment of our community life.
Marge and her late husband Arnold Friedman's three children were the catalyst for her volunteer work in education, which ran the gamut from Head Start programs, Camp Fire Girls, Prairie State and Governors State. Her continuing interest in the arts led to her longtime association with the Park Forest Art Center and its many projects; she has entertained such literary figures as Isaac Singer, Gwendolyn Brooks and Studs Terkel, among others, in her home. Marge married George Scherr, fellow scientist and long-time friend of Arnold Friedman, in 1990. They continue to open their lovely home for various community functions.
When Charles Waldmann left the National Housing Agency to join ACB's team in 1946, Philip Klutznik obtained the services of a civil, electrical and mechanical engineer from the Royal Academy in Budapest who had overseen the construction of war industry projects and the Greenbelt towns outside Washington, D.C., a skilled negotiator, and a warm, energetic man with a marvelous sense of humor.
As primary engineer of the basic services to be provided to the new community--water, sewage disposal, electricity and fuel--Charlie needed all of these skills. To pursue the vision of a clean community,he single-handedly negotiated with the top public service specialists (often all at once) to obtain natural gas and insisted on underground power lines in the multi-family area and across streets in the single-family areas.
Charlie Waldmann oversaw the construction of the state-approved sewer treatment plant and the water treatment and softening plant, and he established the Park Forest Water Company. While son Thomas left to pursue a medical degree, his wife Elizabeth founded a nursery school here. Charlie died in 1951, but we honor his legacy every time we drink our excellent village water.
1997 Inductees
Rhoda Adler's dedication to her work in blood banking for the past 17 years has made an immense impact on the entire community and has earned her countless local and national awards. She coordinates approximately 50 blood drives per year with United Blood Services -- arranging locations, encouraging community groups as sponsors, enlisting senior citizens to make reminder phone calls, publicizing in magazines and in local newspapers and on cable television, and keeping the public up-to-date on special interest stories and severe blood shortages.
Ten years ago, Rhoda merged the Park Forest and Richton Park Blood programs, added new sites and increased the number of drives in order to give people an opportunity to donate more often. She keeps meticulous records on donors; she is currently working with children and young teenagers to bring in new donors while earning their "I Make the Difference" United Blood Services badge.
Rhoda and Herb Adler have lived in the same house in Park Forest since 1965, where they raised three children.
Ron moved to Park Forest in 1969 because he knew it was a community where all races could work together in harmony. A village trustee from 1974-1981, he was elected the first African-American village president. During his 1981-1986 presidency, Norwood and Blackhawk Centers were redeveloped and a Tax Increment Financing plan initiated Cordish and Embry's Centre redevelopment attempts. He has held positions on the boards of the Bank of Matteson, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Goodman Theatre, and the PACE Advisory Board, and as secretary of the GSLI Foundation, among others.
Ron is especially proud of several initiatives supported by his leadership as village president: the professional Park Forest Symphony with an initial budget of $20,000 was born and grew into 1996's Orchestra of Illinois award winning IPO; the successful venture of Garden House, a new type of senior housing; and the village festival called PIZZAZZ, which celebrated the variety and goodness that is Park Forest. The Beans and their five children moved to Olympia Fields in 1986; Ron remains active in regional planning.
Harold and Rose Carol Brown moved to Park Forest in 1955, raised five children, and found time to be active in almost every phase of community volunteerism. When Westwood School was built across the street from their home in 1956, Harold joined the many parents who helped supply basic necessities (e.g. coat hooks) and the elbow grease to install them. He says he was "hooked" then and hasn't let go since! He became chief fundraiser and later PFA president and then served as a member and president of the school board for both Districts 163 and 227 for a total of 14 years.The Browns have sponsored annual Non-Partisan Committee coffee forums in their home for 41 years. Harold also has served as committee president. But their recent involvement with the village's Mediation Task Force has kept them as busy as ever. Originally trained by the Justice Department, the Task Force has since written its own manual to train replacement members and the Justice Department has referred three other communities to Park Forest for their training. Harold and Rose Carol are also Hearing Officers for the village's Administrative Adjudication program.
Rose Carol and Harold Brown
In addition to serving with Harold in many of the above mentioned community activities, Rose Carol has volunteered at the Well Child Clinic for the past 20 years. She still participates in two health clinics per month. A lifetime involvement with children began with her own as a PTA officer, Cub Scout den mother, 4-H leader and American Fields Service board member who hosted a student from Paraguay (still considered part of the family) for a year. Rose Carol's stint on the Human Relations Commission set the stage for the Browns' foray into mediation, she is presently on the board of Aunt Martha's and delivers books to shut-ins for the Park Forest Public Library.
It came as no surprise to Park Foresters that Harold and Rose Carol Brown received Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan's "Senior Medal of Honor Award" in 1996. This award is given once a year to those senior citizens from Cook County who best represent the spirit of' volunteerism. The Browns continue to exemplify the finest in community service.
Ross and Leona De Lue and their four-year old daughter moved to Park Forest in August, 1948. Not only did they make a life-long commitment to this new village, they worked hard to create the sense of community that we yet enjoy today. Ross was a member of the original committee that formed the village government. He also was on the organizing body to establish both a grade school and a high school district--which ultimately became the envy of the entire south suburban area -- in a community that lacked both building and staff. Ross was a member of the school board that was responsible for the construction of Dogwood School, and served on the bylaws committee for the newly opened Westwood Elementary and Junior High School.
As chairman of the Park Forest 20th Anniversary celebration, he coordinated the many activities involved. Over the years, he was active in a number of committees that helped shape the village government and was instrumental in establishing the committee for Non-Partisan Elections, serving as chairman for several years.
Leona and Ross De Lue are often cited as the first residents of Park Forest; they certainly are the couple who has lived in the village the longest! Leona was a charter member and first administrative vice-president of the National Council of Jewish Women, Park Forest section, when it was formed in May 1949. As president from 1959 to 1962, and National Board member from 1967 to 1969, she was a part of the founding of the Golden Age club, Handy Camp Association for handicapped children, Manteno Mental Hospital visitation, Women in Community Service (WICS), Teen Employment Agency, Safety Town, and Aunt Martha's.
A member of the Bicentennial Commission during 1974-1976 which solicited funds and built Freedom Hall, she served on the Freedom Hall Commission and as its chairman from 1978 to 1985. She has been a volunteer for Ludeman Center, and has served as an election judge for over 40 years.
Eddie and Margaret Edwards came to Park Forest in 1962, and operated as a team in all their endeavors -- as owners of Oppenheimer Electric Contracting Company, as founders of the Park Forest Chamber of Commerce, and as the driving force behind the Park Forest Economic Development Corporation. When Eddie's poor health frequently sidelined his unique leadership and organizational skills, Margaret stepped in to help implement the plans.
Eddie's vision of an active awareness of the importance of all Park Forest's enterprises to the economic health of the village during the troublesome years of a slowly dying central plaza often went unnoticed by the general populous. The actions of the Chamber of Commerce and EDC were valiant attempts to stem the tide of failure and were ultimately too little too late, and eventually proved futile. Eddie died in 1990 but not before he brought University Park and Richton Park into the Chamber of Commerce of the Parks -- eventually adding Matteson and Olympia Fields to become the active local area Chamber.
In their service club work, Margaret (Altrusa) and Eddie (long time member and president of Rotary) both demonstrated idealism, moral vision, and courageous leadership as they nurtured the spirit of Park Forest.
1998 Inductees
Together and separately, the Goodriches have been actively involved in the life of the village -- church, government, schools and community -- since they arrived here 43 years ago. John has served on three different village commissions, six years with the Board of Education of District #163, and he was twice elected as village trustee. Retired from both the Illinois Central Railroad and an agency of the State of Illinois, he now works part-time for the village in the Economic Development Department He is treasurer of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra board and very active at St. Irenaeus church as well as the Knights of Columbus.John and Therese both agree that their greatest accomplishment has been raising nine children in Park Forest. He states: "I believe that the size of our community, its diversity in racial culture and background, and the educational level of our populace helped our children to understand what freedom and equality meant." John is a strong believer in volunteerism; he feels that when you serve, especially on a school board, "you have the opportunity to meet and know many truly dedicated people... it is grass roots self-government, about as close to the people as you can get."
John and Therese Goodrich
Chair of Park Forest's 50th Anniversary celebration is the latest in a long series of volunteer efforts for this energetic, dedicated woman. "Since the cultural life of our village has always been important to me," Therese was one of the founders of the original Arts Council, edited an arts newsletter, raised funds for Freedom Hall and chaired its first Commission, and is current president of the Art Center. She worked long and hard on the smooth transition for the integration of the schools in Park Forest, was a village trustee (until 1998, she and John were the only husband-wife team to serve as trustees), and has been active in the League of Women Voters as well as her church for many, many years.
The support the Goodriches received when their daughter Paula died enabled them to "go on and help other parents whose children had died." Therese served as national director of Compassionate Friends for many years. Now retired from this position, she and John created a non-profit organization which they run from their home -- The Bereaved Parents of the USA -- which has 30 chapters around the country. "I believe that we should give back to the community when we receive so much," she says!
Beverly Myrow began her service to Park Forest as many women did in the 1950s: through the public schools, Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls. She chaired an innovative program at Mohawk School that brought a variety of cultural experiences to enrich the curriculum.
As a professional harpist, Beverly's performances and those of her students became a familiar part of the cultural scene in Park Forest and the surrounding area. Her Harp Angels, ensembles of three to 15 students, performed, mostly pro-bono, in a variety of venues including the library, churches, public schools, civic organizations and for the Park Forest Scenic 10 race. Beverly's own performances have spanned her years in Park Forest with a variety of musical organizations and as a soloist.
Always a champion of non-partisan politics in the village, Beverly is a League of Women Voters member and officer. She served in many capacities with the Park Forest Arts Council (president), Park Forest Symphony/Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra board (fund-raiser) and the Friends of the Library.
Deemed Park Forest's composer-in-residence, Jerry's tenure began with his 1954 score for "Analysis In Wonderland," a landmark musical that was a light-hearted look at life in the newborn community. His later compositions for band and chorus were often premiered by musical organizations at Rich East and other local schools; he wrote the Homewood Flossmoor school songs. A member of the Park Forest Symphony, his Jerry Myrow Big Band delighted audiences at the Park Forest Plaza with their summer concerts combining standards and his recent creations and arrangements.
Jerry was also a mentor to numerous young musicians as a private instructor at the Park Forest Conservatory. He participated in the early negotiations for the creation of Freedom Hall, served on the Arts Council, and worked to continue nonpartisan school board elections. The creation of Governors State University enabled him to nurture the burgeoning Music Department as well as realize the dream of finishing his undergraduate studies and writing his Master's thesis. Jerry died in August 1977.
Leo became involved in village activities right from the time he moved his family to Park Forest in 1951 and continued unabated for 17 years until he was transferred to Texas. Director of engineering services for Armour & Company, he had both the expertise and negotiating ability to act as liaison between new homeowners and the developers. He was a founding member of The Homesteaders and served as member and chair of the Park Forest Plan Commission, which, at that time, was the principal contact between the village and American Community Builders. Leo led the drive to win adequate land for schools and recreation, sidewalks and adequate minimum lot sizes.
Leo's work on the Plan Commission led to his three-year service on the village Board of Trustees, during which time the extension of Orchard Drive to link up with the Lincolnwood section (including the railroad underpass) and the village purchase of the water works was made. He was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, chair of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners and the Personnel Board, and a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee.
To describe the life -- character and career -- of this now retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice, is to present an ideal of what it means to be a public servant. A law school graduate, army officer, U.S. Assistant District Attorney, representative in the Illinois House for 16 years (awarded Best Legislator by the IVI for six of his eight terms), and Racing Commissioner of Illinois (unpaid) before becoming a jurist, Tony has been bestowed with honors from countless organizations for his courage, fair mindedness, honesty, integrity and concern for the "little guy." A story and joke-teller, his warm personally and sense of humor are legendary.
Tony and Leah moved to Park Forest in 1948
(the 35th family to do so), and he was a member of the CMI, which
handled Park Forest's incorporation as a village. A Community Council
member, he headed a committee to meet with each fully-occupied
townhouse court to "initiate" residents into village life. Tony
represented the first African-American family in their 1959 move to a
single-family home in Park Forest and guided School District #163
through the voluntary school desegregation program. Both "firsts" were
accomplished smoothly with public input, support of the local governing
bodies and clergy, and Tony's wise counsel.
Lester and Ruth Skaggs moved to Park Forest in 1949 and raised their three children here. He was a professor at the University of Chicago, where he taught, worked at the Argonne Cancer Research Hospital and established a Ph.D. program at the U of C in medical physics--the diagnostic applications of radiation to cancer therapy. This, of course, was after he earned his Ph.D. in physics at the U of C, developed radio circuitry for anti-aircraft guns for Navy surface vessels during the war, and worked with Robert Oppenheimer as the head of a group which put radar systems on atomic bombs in Los Alamos. Lester's talents in many fields became known world-wide when he and Ruth spent five years in Saudi Arabia, where he served at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital doing research in neutron radiation therapy with cyclotrons.
A charter member of Faith Church, Lester's expertise developed the illumination of a screen in the form of a cross to identify the building as a Christian church from the outside and he designed, fabricated and helped to install and maintain its first sound system. An active member, he served on many of its Boards and Committees. He has been a Kiwanis Club member for almost forty years and helped improve the operation of the "Pankatron," Park Forest's unique pancake delivery system.
Ruth and Lester Skaggs still live in the house into which they moved in 1949, although they spend their winters in Arizona. And Ruth is also a member of the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area, some 50 years after she was one of its organizers and first president. She was the first woman to be a member of the Park Forest Board of Trustees and was re-elected twice. Ruth was a long-term member of the Human Relations Commission and is very proud of her work in the organization of the early recreational facilities as chair and member of the Park Forest Recreation Commission.
"Skaggs' Rag" was a school newspaper she founded while teaching junior high social studies at Westwood Junior High School; she encouraged her students' community interest by staging mock board elections and publishing their commentary in the paper. Ruth's expertise in weaving has been well-publicized. The Skaggs' stay in Saudi Arabia gave her a new venue of creativity; she is now a talented creator of exquisite Bedouin jewelry. Ruth has also been quite active in her church.
Ed Waterman believes that his years in Park Forest demonstrated that "no other contemporary community of comparable size has been blessed with as large a number of talented, dedicated and devoted leaders." He was one of them. Rose and Ed signed the first lease for a rental unit in February 1948 and moved into Court E-8 that October. He was elected to the first School District #1 63 board; thereafter, as an executive with American Community Builders, he represented the company as it worked with the board to plan loans and financial distributions to help create its dynamic school system. Ed was similarly involved with Will County District #201-U.
With the exception of Philip Klutznick, Ed
was with ACB longer than any other executive; he served as assistant
comptroller, managing director of rental properties, corporate
treasurer of ACB and president of its successor corporation, Park
Forest Homes, Inc. Until the Watermans left the village in 1960, he had
planned the completion of 3,010 rental units, developed a program for
re-rental of vacancies, organized maintenance and service functions,
and then coordinated the build-out of the undeveloped subdivisions of
the village.
First Row: Wilma Brenne, Raymond Janota, Sam Walker
Back Row: Leonard Robinson, George Maeyama, John North
Original Park Forest pioneers, Lynn and Wilma Brenne raised six children while contributing time and energies to the development of the village's heart and structure. His children thought that all fathers spent every weekday night at village hall and weekends talking with other residents about donations for an Aqua Center or surveying intersections for traffic controls! In addition to working as an executive of United Airlines, Lynn dedicated himself to the community, Rich Township, and Cook and Will Counties; his influence was also felt in the state of Illinois.
Lynn was a five-term village trustee, chairman of the Plan Commission, director of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Regional Association of South Cook-Will County Municipalities, regional affairs officer for the Transportation Authority, and president of the Area Agency on Aging. He organized the first village Community Chest and Library District, initiated Rich Township Senior Wheels while serving in the assessor' s office, served on the planning board for the community college (now Prairie State), and was elected state representative to the 77th General Assembly. He died in 1993.
Wilma's contributions to the community she has loved for 50 years were made "in the trenches." In spite of all home and family obligations, which she loved, there was always time for volunteer work over the years: Grand Prairie Services' and Elegant Elephant's thrift shops, the Art Center, Women's Club, League of Women Voters, Rich Township Pantry and its Nutrition Center, Thorn Creek Nature Center, and as an election judge since 1970.
Founding members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wilma and Lynn helped sponsor a Boy Scout troop there; she continues as a member of two Circle groups. She taught pre-schoolers for seven years at the Pied Piper Nursery School and was a mental health technician at Elisabeth Ludeman Center for 17 years. Working individually with its residents and often as the only employee on holidays, Wilma brought humanity and community to this facility. It is obvious to see why her smiling "yes" when asked to serve, upbeat attitude in the face of health problems, and readiness with a quick joke for all she meets continue to add to the Brenne legacy of caring.
The first teacher hired for brand new Rich Township High School in April 1952, Ray Janota spent 36 years "being there" for students in and out of the classroom. He and Deloris moved to Park Forest in September of that year and raised their three children here. Ray's gentle, interested, non-judgmental demeanor lent itself to mentoring as well as making science come alive for thousands of young people. He helped select the school colors of green and gold, the school logo, and the athletic team name: Rockets. Ray also developed one of the first advanced biology courses in the state.
A science consultant to teachers in surrounding grade school districts, he taught nature studies for many summers in local forest preserves. Ray organized the Key Club at the high school, he also created and supervised the first drug rehabilitation program for the school and village. As a scientist concerned with ecology, he was chairman of the Environmental Commission for years. Upon retirement, Ray was an adjunct professor at both Governors State and Moraine Valley.
The heart of Park Forest's shopping center for many years was a bookstore named Maeyamas -- a personal, friendly, "station for information" about what was happening in the village. George and Jo moved to Park Forest in 1949 (one of the few communities to rent to Asian-Americans at that time) and relocated the family jewelry business to the plaza in 1955. Finally the store evolved into what George described as "a personal triumph of a reader...owning a book store!" He brought authors like Mike Royko, Studs Terkel and others to Park Forest for book signing events.
Raising two children, working in the book store, and joining George in tutoring students in Park Forest and Dixmoor did not stop Jo from her other interests: playing the recorder with many groups at local events, becoming an ESL Literacy volunteer, working as a Braille transcriber with Lighthouse for the Blind, and supporting the Unitarian Church. When they retired, both George and Jo became involved with the Friends of the Park Forest Library; she was a past president of the group. The Maeyamas moved to Tucson, AZ, in 1994, where Jo died in 1997.
John and Dorothy North and their two children moved to Park Forest in 1951 and he immediately became involved in church and community life. Director of' the Combined Appeal, active in the Metropolitan Crusade of Mercy and the United Settlement Appeal, John was the first of 48 Park Foresters to be named "Distinguishcd Citizen of the Month." As personnel trainer for Swift & Company, his skills earned him a commendation from the governor of Hawaii and a "John North Day" in Honolulu.
Kiwanis member with the longest service, John has been president, chairman of several of the club's committees and Pancake Day chairman several times. He earned the highest honor Kiwanis bestows: the George F. Hixson Award for his dedication to making the world and his community a better place for all. John played an important role in the establishment and religious life of the four United Protestant churches. He suggested the name "Faith" for the first of these interdenominational churches and served in leadership capacities for over 40 years there. He received Faith's Lifetime Achievement Award.
A staunch advocate of successful integration, Len felt that the best way to achieve this goal when he and Yvonne moved their family to Park Forest in 1963 was to become involved in organizations and community groups. As one of the original coaches of Quad City Flag Football, Len was instrumental in assuring that all boys, on all teams, were able to play regardless of skill or size. His reward was parental thanks for their sons' experiences. Father of five boys (two of whom died in tragic accidents), he also was a Cub Scout leader, and coached PF baseball and GSU-YMCA basketball teams.
Len became the first African American elected to the School District #227 Board of Education, served for 10 years as chair or co-chair of the Gavin Foundation's Golf Event, was executive board president of New Faith Baptist Church, was elected Rich Township Highway Commissioner and served on the Park Forest Plan Commission, where he says he received deep insight into the inner workings of a successful community. Len hasn't stopped contributing: he currently serves on the Community Development Corporation and the area United Way board.
A pioneer home owner in the village, Sam helped form the Park Forest Homesteader's Association to create a unified voice in dealing with American Community Builders. He negotiated with ACB for larger capacity storm drains and educated homeowners on tax consequences of various proposals. Parents of three daughters, Sam and Rita encouraged the introduction of structured youth activities for young men and women in Park Forest -- specifically Girl and Boy Scout programs. He founded troops, became an Explorer Post advisor, and held area and regional Scouting administrative leadership roles.
An early member of the Park Forest Chamber of Commerce, Health Council and Health Commission, Sam has been president of Rotary Club, secretary of the school board in District #163, commander of PF's Naval Reserve Company, and has garnered many community service awards in several different areas. Active in his church also, Sam continues to serve the village on the 50th anniversary committee, #163 advisory council to the superintendent, and advisor to the Health Department.
Front row: Harriet Marcus Gross, Etel Billig, Sandy Schechter, (Irwin's Daughter),
Back row: Robert Smart, Stan Moore, Jan Moore, Warren Utes, Jerry Knight
Etel Billig, along with her late husband Steve, founded the Illinois Theatre Center, brought professional theater to the south suburbs, and in turn, gave Park Forest a distinguished regional cultural reputation. This season the ITC is in its first year in its new facility in Downtown Park Forest and continues to offer the best of theater to everyone. She helps stage special performances for worthy causes, brings theater to the classroom and makes the stage a classroom for aspiring actors. Her exuberant personality is reflected by the actor's creed: "the show must go on!"
Harriet Marcus Gross, for 17 years, was a distinguished participant in community activities. She chaired the Park Forest Commission of Human Relations, helped create the Far South Suburban Housing Service, helped suggest the building of Freedom Hall (a project which helped the Village win its second All-America city award) and was involved in numerous social, civic and educational groups. She did all this while also being a full-time reporter and columnist for the Park Forest Star.
Jerry Knight's love affair with Park Forest began in 1949 when he studied the new community as a University of Chicago student and was a long and devoted supporter of schools in the Village. He helped draft state legislation to help change the way public schools are funded through tax rates. He was actively involved in helping establish Governors State University. He is a nationally known authority on environmental issues, helped found the Cook County Office of Economic Development and is today active in promoting public concerns about public health and veterans' issues.
Stan and Jan Moore - Two teachers to students around the world. Dr. Stanley Moore taught Western Civilization, English, Humanities and Russian at Rich East High School from 1957 to 1984 while his wife Jan taught math at both Rich East and Rich South for 17 years. But their work has also carried them to the four comers of the world, spreading Park Forest's story into far countries. Stan still teaches courses at Prairie State College and Governors State University and they both are active in activities of Grace Protestant United Church in Park Forest.
Irwin "Pappy" Schechter arrived in Park Forest in 1949 and took a $4,000 pay cut when he changed jobs to become the general manager of the Park Forest Reporter. In 1953 he became the paper's editor and publisher and under his management the Reporter won numerous awards and citations. He was a member of the first District 163 School Board; a charter member of the Park Forest Lions Club and Congregation Beth Sholom; the first commissioner of Park Forest Boys' Baseball and president of the Park Forest Merchants Association.
Robert Smart is a long-time village
resident with an impeccable record of service. He was a Kiwanis Club
President, a member of the Park Forest Recreation Board, chairman of
the Non-Partisan Committee, a member and president of School District
163 Board of Education, president of the Art Center, a Human Relations
mediator, a member of the 50th Anniversary Committee, and has been
active in raising funds for causes from the Community Chest, the
Freedom Hall and the Park Forest Public Library's "Gateway to
Information" program.
Warren Utes, at the age of 79, is considered the greatest senior runner of all time. For the last 13 years he has devoted his time and energy to elevating the Park Forest Scenic 10 into a nationally known event. In addition to being its course director, he holds more than 20 national age group records for seniors and more than 10 world records. Last September he was named to the initial class of the Park Forest Scenic 10 Hall of Fame.
FRONT ROW: Beverly Myrow, Ron McLeod,
Henry X. Dietch, Rita and Sam Walker, Rhoda Adler, Wilma Brenne, and
Anthony Scariano.
BACK ROW: John and Therese Goodrich, Dewey Helmick, Robert Smart, Steve Singerman, Jerry Knight,
Tom Teshima, Pat Kelly, Pat Morrissey, Stan and Jan Moore, and Harriet Marcus Gross
The 2001 inductess are: F. Patrick Kelly, Hugo Leinberger, John "Jack" Morrissey,
Mayer and Peggy Singerman, Harry Teshima, and Rita Walker.
When Pat Kelly is asked of what he is most proud in his 32 years of service to Park Forest, he is quick to say that he was educated in diversity, humanity and reality by the wonderful students of Rich East High School, where he taught art and English. But his l0-year tenure as board member and president of "one of the premiere libraries in the Midwest" and his 18 years as member and president of the village board rank close to the top. As Village President from 1991 to 1999, Pat's leadership was instrumental in sowing the seeds of progress that began the restoration of an obsolete shopping mall into a viable downtown. His kind, generous, thoughtful leadership through adverse times is well known.
A graduate of Notre Dame and IIT and a civil war buff, Pat now teaches art and history at Moraine Valley Jr. College. He and Nancy raised three children; they are grandparents of five, including current Rich East student Katie. Pat is also a professional artist and current president of the Tall Grass Art Association. He was just elected to the Olympia Fields Library Board, bringing him back full circle in service.
American Community Builders needed to know what the religious needs of the fledgling new community of Park Forest might be so that land could be set aside for churches. A Protestant minister was hired as chaplain to interview new residents--Hugo Leinberger, a World War II Navy chaplain. Beginning in October 1948, Rev. Leinberger visited village newcomers; by 1956, he had made over 10,000 calls. He discovered that those newcomers did not want denominational affiliations per se; they wanted solid religious instruction for their children and a good pastor.
Hugo did more than make calls; he made a deep and lasting impression by his constant presence and vigilance over long years of activity. His energy and genuine interest in listening to religious concerns and his complete dedication to the United Protestant church movement shone. His involvement laid the groundwork for the formation of all four United Protestant churches in Park Forest. He preached many sermons, helped select church sites, pushed for lay leadership, was active in community affairs and handled relationship problems. He counseled people, made hospital and home visits, and his moral leadership paved the way for our unique, enduring UP churches. He died in Park Forest in 1971, leaving his wife Ruth, son Paul (well known to the Park Forest Historical Society) and three daughters.
When Jack Morrissey began his career as a member of the volunteer fire department as a way of becoming part of his new community in 192, he never envisioned that he would retire 40 years later as the beloved Chief of one of the most respected Fire Departments in the area. In his early years as a firefighter and Lieutenant, Jack's interest in public safety issues was paramount. He formed a model fire prevention bureau in 1965, which was nationally recognized for its initiatives aimed at increasing fire safety awareness: the South Suburban Fire Prevention Association, "Operation Red," and the EDITH fire escape plan, among others.
Jack's promotion to Chief in 1978 intensified his efforts to protect the lives of villagers. He helped create one of the first comprehensive smoke detector ordinances in the area and introduced fire safety education into the schools. Our fine paramedic program and the tradition of the memorial "lights only" parade for fallen firefighters and fire victims were Morrisey ideas. When he died in December 2000, Jack's unwavering commitment to the department and village were acknowledged by this nomination.
Early settlers in Park Forest, Mayer and Peggie Singerman were consummate volunteers. Their children can't recall a weekend Mayer wasn't involved in some activity or a night he wasn't reading or studying village materials; there wasn't a time that Peggie didn't focus on the development of the Art Center or work on the Art Fair. The sight of "starving artists" sleeping on the living room floor was frequent in the Singerman household. Enthusiastic supporters of all the performing arts and community activities in the village, they took great pains to insure that Park Forest become an open, friendly place where people cared about each other without regard to race, religion or personal beliefs.
Mayer was a strong advocate of Park Forest's non-partisan political system as a trustee and Village President during the 60's and 70's, his focus was on anti-discrimination. A
proud political liberal, he spoke out passionately for the harmonious racial integration and maintenance policies of the village that became a model of success for many other communities. His intellect and good sense of humor helped him remain friends with all, even those who disagreed with him. They moved to Chicago after their retirement. Peggie died in late summer 1998 and our own "Mayor" Mayer, the erroneous appellation he loved, died one year later.
"A white hot flame, burning away at injustice" was how Harry Teshima was described at his funeral in 1974. Having known prejudice in World War II, Harry was determined to erase it in the native land he loved. When he came to Park Forest in 1955 he worked, mostly behind the scenes, to make his new village a place where the American dream could become real. His major interests while living here were in the fields of human and civil rights and integration. After overcoming obstacles of his own in purchasing a home for himself, Kay and their four children, he vowed to help others facing similar roadblocks.
From 1955 to 1958, Harry worked tirelessly with the American Friends Service Committee, the National Council of Christians and Jews and the South Suburban Unitarian Universalist Church's Social Action Committee, laying the groundwork that attracted the fast African American families as residents of his town. Harry and those he enlisted for his cause not only challenged racially restricted real estate covenants at the time, they stemmed panic listings by convincing real estate brokers to show homes on newly integrated blocks to everyone. When he died riding his beloved motorcycle, it was said that Harry's spirit lived on in all he did so the rest of us could continue his message.
As wife and partner of Hall of Fame inductee Sam, Rita added her voice to those of the pioneer homeowners who spoke up for their rights as a founding member of the Homesteaders Association when the Walkers moved to the village in 1952. An early teacher in District #163, Rita introduced new ideas to a new school system; she still contributes by tutoring homebound students and serving as Phi Delta Kappa foundation chairman and on the board of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. As mother of three girls, Rita helped found Girl Scout units as well as organize girls' softball teams in Park Forest. She helped Sam in similar pursuits with the original Boy Scout troups.
A member of the 50th Anniversary committee and Tall Grass Arts .Association Board of Directors, Rita has served as president of the Rotary Club and has hosted and counseled numerous Rotary Scholars from all over the world. Active in her church, Rita organized the women's groups and the couples' club; she received the Community Service Award for her activities from the Knights of Columbus.
Dorothy was a widow with seven children, the youngest of whom was ten, when she joined the South Suburban Food Co-op as a volunteer one month after it was formed in a laundromat in 1974. Hired as ''part-time" manager in 1975, she began, spending 70 to 80 hours, each week overseeing volunteers, stocking shelves, tracking items by memory; and nurturing this fledgling 30-family organization into a "country store" serving more than 300 families. Then, as now, Dorothy's fundamental purpose was to provide the highest quality food available at affordable prices, meeting special dietary needs and providing healthy food choices for all.
She is very proud of being a member of the Panel of American Women, one of forty groups formed nationwide in the I960s promoting interfaith and interracial understanding. Dorothy's early work with the PF Association of Churches and Synagogues provided her with another venue for community projects. A quote about Dorothy explains it all: "Her good-natured. optimistic, unflappable persistence is characteristic of what is best about Park Forest."
The Hill family of four (son Steve
and-daughter Carol) came to Park Forest in 1951; John and Doris each
had a profound effect on the- lives of countless people in this
Community from the outset. John helped establish the
Calumet Council Boy Scouts of America. He was
awarded scouting's highest honor, the Silver Beaver, in recognition of
his 25 year contribution. John was a charter member of the local
Chamber of Commerce and a founder of the PF Economic Development
Corporation. He died in 1981.
Doris wasn't just a member of a myriad of organizations, she "jumped into the water with both feet extended." Her passion, insight, enthusiasm and vigor were infectious and her creativity and audacious humor enlivened her work as a Prairie State College trustee, PTA organizer, board-member of the League of Women Voters. Illinois Theatre Center and Friends of the Library. Reporting for the Park Forest Reporter for eight years afforded her, in her own words, "the only socially acceptably reason far being nosy." She was an "Analysis in Wonderland" cast member; but her biggest role was played as one of a trio of women costumed as silent Sauk Trail Indians who appeared at many significant events in Park Forest's early development. Doric died in 1991. The Hills leave a legacy of fond memories.
A lifetime of service to community, church -- and for Bo Rotary International awaited the Lawrences when they moved to Park Forest with two sons in 1955. Helen's steadfast support and, quiet; caring involvement in making this world a better place red to many things: service to the schools and scouts, Iong-time senior choir, bell choir and committee memberships; a 22-year career as a customers' favorite Sear's employee and weekly archival work at the PF Public Library, along with many quiet acts of charity.
When pressed to single out the three accomplishments of which he is most proud in his 46 years of service to the community, Bo noted the Idea Clinic, which, among other things, led to a 10-year association with the PF College Board of Directors (a precursor to GSU); his church work, and, of course, Rotary. At Faith, he only mentioned his current project--leading PF's participation in Faith-Builds, the funding and erection of a Habitat for Humanity house in Harvey. (There's much more.) A model for Rotary's "network of service" since 1968; he was recipient of both "Service Above Self' and "Spirit of Rotary" awards (the highest given). Bo created the Seeds of Hope program, aided VOSH, gathered medical materials and earthquake relief supplies to send to Latin America, and coordinated the Blankets far Bosnia appeals. A true humanitarian.
Music and the arts: Shanti has shared her passionate devotion to both with the community for over 34 years. From her early work with Reader's Theatre, Park Forest Symphony (now Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, the name she chose), PF Arts Council and the Freedom Hall Commission to continuing involvement with Illinois Theater Centre and Tall Grass Arts Center (nee PF Art Center), she has been a major force in envisioning, designing, promoting, fundraising, creating, coordinating and championing cultural oportunities and events in the southern suburbs.
The "Afternoon with Friends" concerts, the
"Affinities" exhibit, Artists Walk in downtown Park Forest, the Art
Film Series at PF Theater -- all were Shanti's contributions to us. She
brought her commitment to sharing the culture of all peoples to 30
years of teaching in both grade and high schools, to T.A.L.E. at GSU,
and to the HF Art Associates. Shanti's love of the arts was transmitted
to her two adult children, Kim and Sarita.
From left, John and Doris Hill family members, Helen and Bo Lawrence, Dorothy Colson, Shanti Thayil
Helen and Bo Lawrence
Past and present Hall of Famers gather for a group photo, 2002.
2003 Inductees
First row seated: Georgia O'Neill, Fred Peterman, Rudy Lachman.
Back Wrow standing: Tom Taradash, Gail Taradash Smith, Helen Johnson, Victoria Lachman
Ralph and Helen Johnson and their two sons, David and Gordon, moved to Park Forest in September 1957 from
student housing at the University of Chicago
where Ralph was teaching and earning his Ph.D. For the next 19 years,
during which time daughter Maria was born, Ralph taught invertebrate
paleontology and marine biology at the U. of C. He was a scientific
adviser to the Shedd Aquarium and art associate lecturer with the Field
Museum; he also became very involved in the life of the village.
Ralph served on the ad hoc Problems Commission and the Plan Commission. He was a Village Trustee and then
was elected Park Forest's fifth V illage President. His term ran from 1971 to 1975 during which time the Freedom
Hall Committee was formed. Ralph did not run again because he was appointed Chairman of the Department of
Geophysical Sciences at the U. of C.
However, he remained increasingly active in the Art Center (becoming
president), and was on the Board of the Park Forest Orchestra (IPO
would have delighted him); he was very proud of his part in saving the
Thorn Creek Woods. Ralph died in September 1976.
In his real estate employment (eventually Assistant Vice President of the Mortgage Loan Department with Draper and Kramer in Chicago), Rudy became familiar with the sale of homes and rental units in Park forest. So he and wife Dorothy moved to Park Forest in 1955, where daughter Vicki was born. Almost immediately, he became an integral part of village governance: the Zoning Board of Appeals (8 years), Plan Commission (2 years) and the Housing Authority (10 years). However, he is probably remembered most for his longevity as a Village Trustee and his work in establishing the Youth Commission.
Rudy was on the Village Board for over 16 years, ranging from 1964-1966 and 1968-1985. Chairman of the Commerce Industry and Transportation committee, he was involved in the acquisition of open space lands close to the borders of Park Forest to prevent it from being developed commercially. If there was a problem to be solved in a "level-headed" manner in any area, people called on this Berlin-born, Roosevelt University-educated WWII GI who helped the US war effort with his knowledge of German. Rudy served not only the village, but the Good Shepherd Center, the South Suburban Board of Jewish Education and the Illinois Central Commuters' Association.
Currently President and CEO of the Matteson Area Chamber of Commerce, which encompasses Matteson, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park and University Park, Georgia played a key role in the merger of several village chambers to form the current organization. Effectively operating to increase the chamber's network of business contacts, she established office computerization, built a business database and enhanced the public relations and publicity efforts. A graduate of the six-year management "Institute" program sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce, Georgia has worked in this field for 20 years. She has volunteered her expertise in a variety of agencies in and around Park Forest.
A former member of the Economic Development Advisory Group, United Way Board of Directors and Tall Grass Arts Association Board, she serves the community now on the Strategic Planning Committee, Employer's Advisory Board to Aunt Martha's and Cook County Workforce Investment Board. Georgia and Marty have lived here for 33 years, raising Terri, John and Kathleen in the village.
BLAINE "BUD" and HOPE OSTERLING
Bud and Hope, husband and wife team closely involved in village government as professionals and volunteers, came to Park Forest in 1952. Bud's dream as Village Engineer and Plan Commtsston member was to help "build the perfect community." He had a hand in the master plan for thoroughfares, public sites and recreation facilities. Bud saw the early need for regional planning in sewage systems and unincorporated areas. He is very proud of the way that the Sears' development was "shoehorned" into the Plaza complex without sacrificing too many planning principles. He eventually. became Director of Public Works, from which he retired in 1989; he was also a Rotarian with a 35-year perfect attendance record.
Hope worked as secretary to the Manager and the Village President from 1959 to 1980 when she also retired. The first person one would see upon entering Village Hall, her friendly demeanor and dry wit belied a person who kept extremely organized files. She produced the Annual Budget for the village every year, saved article's and brochures for the local history collection and coordinated all of the village parties! A member of the Garden Club, Hope was very involved with the Park Forest Toastmistress Club. The Osterlings moved to Maryland in 1997.
Fred and Veta Peterman moved to Park Forest on July 3, 1953, and raised six daughters here. He is the only member of American Community Builders who has continued to live in the village, and for 50 years he has guided our development through his advice and expertise. Fred was sales and marketing director for the final, major phase of ACB's residential development -- the Lincolnwood section of town -- and through his planning the various home styles were mixed, dramatically increasing home values. He was instrumental in arranging the sale of a home to the Wilson family; the first African Americans in Park Forest in 1959, a nationally recognized event since America did not become serious about integration until the mid-sixties.
Fred continued to work with Philip Klutznick on Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan, and other housing developments around the country. When the' village purchased the Plaza in 1995, Fred helped shape the Vision Statement and Master Plan for downtown. A member of the Economic Development Advisory Group, his efforts and contacts brought the Victory Centre Senior Complex to Main Street and he continues to develop leads for the Field's building.
The first retail store in the brand new plaza, Park Forest Liquors, was opened in November 1949 by George and Irving Taradash. The brothers quickly learned that service would be the hallmark of success, and it was! A modern day convenience store, it offered baby food, bread, milk, canned foods, check cashing, message taking and free delivery. The store served as grocery, tavern, delicatessen, candy shop and town gathering place. In the basement such organizations as the Volunteer Fire Department, Boy Scouts, Sportsmen Club and the Model Railroad Club found a home for regular meetings.
Adapting to customer needs as times
changed, the store moved to larger quarters and added punchbowl and
glassware rental, always maintaining customer goodwill. In 1954 they
received I.W. Harper's "Highest Standards of Quality and Service"
award. However, that was not all! The list of local charities the store
supported financially was immense; George was a volunteer fireman,
deputy policeman, and Aqua Center Board member, to name a few. George
and Nancy Taradash raised Tom and Gail in the village; they moved to
Chicago in 1965, and he died in 1967.
Robert E. Brooks, Sr.
Norma Jean Crute Collins
Judy Lohr
Robert G. Maeyama
Jerry Mathews
Patricia M. Moore
2006 Inductees
Keith Hauge
Janet R. Muchnik
Dr. Mel Muchnik
Jon D. Steinmetz
Jane Steinmetz
Alfred "Al" Van Horn III
2007 Inductees
Mary McCall
Mary McCall was the primary sha