by Judge Henry X. Dietch (Retired) December 10, 1997

When I came back from serving overseas in World War II, there was, in fact, no place we could rent to start up our civilian life again. My wife was living with her parents and our small amount of furniture was in storage. Thus, when Park Forest townhouses became available to war veterans, we eagerly applied and were fortunate to rent a two-bedroom apartment. Several years later, we built our present home where we continue to live today even though our children are all grown up and have children of their own. Our house is really too big for two people. However, I continue to be a "big frog" in a "small pond." In addition, Park Forest represents our life for almost 50 years and we continue to enjoy the company of old friends and Park Forest's wonderful conveniences.

It's pleasant to recall my service on the first Village Board as trustee, then as village president, and later, village attorney. We were living a "Camelot" life, building a village from the ground up, and we built well. I am most proud of our clean, non-partisan government, outstanding library, schools that produce Ivy League college graduates, and the maintenance of high grade municipal services. What more could one want than to be a participant in such an undertaking? We are all the beneficiaries of what we wrought in the halcyon days of Park Forest. As a founder and first president of the Park Forest Historical Society, I have tried to preserve the events of those days.