Jill Wagner

The town of Harlem, incorporated in 1884, included today’s Forest Park and sections of River Forest. The Harlem Post was a local German weekly newspaper for Harlem’s German population. According to the publisher, a German weekly was necessary, because Harlem, based on its population at the time, “is considered one of the most German settlements in Illinois, because the large German papers do not reach this area, and because most residents are not able to understand the English weekly papers.” Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895.

Despite the first day of school fast approaching, Proviso D209 is behind on hiring, with only two of five vacant dean positions filled.

Jill Wagner put down her pen, alas, so while we search for a replacement to fill her column slot (third Wednesday of the month), we’re running some of her greatest hits. This week, “Great pumpkin” from last August. I’m not sure if someone else in town is trying to grow a giant pumpkin, but if […]

Kiwanis Peanut Days kicked off at the Forest Park Review office in September 1978 as Laurie Giers was the first to donate to the club. Kiwanis members John Stange and Chuck Pellegrino visited the office to promote the fundraiser. Club President Jerry Jacknow reported that the Kiwanis funds were used to support youth activities, swimming lessons, Christmas baskets, as well as Kiwanis Kolts youth football, Forest Park Little League, Band Parents Association, Howard R. Mohr Community Center, Seguin School, Historical Society of Forest Park and Forest Park Library.

The town of Harlem, which was incorporated in 1884, included today’s Forest Park and areas of River Forest. The Harlem Post was a local German weekly newspaper for Harlem’s German population. According to the publisher, a German weekly was necessary because Harlem, based on its population at the time, “is considered one of the most German settlements in Illinois, because the large German papers do not reach this area, and because most residents are not able to understand the English weekly papers.” Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895.

The Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance are once again teaming up this fall on their annual Invasion of the Scarecrows fundraiser. Remember to vote for your favorite scarecrow.

Photo caption: Looking north on Harlem Avenue at Lake Street in 1903, photo credit Lorri Redmon Pintests

Learn how AI prompts help any small business service team wow customers. Jill Wagner Caylin White 7 min read

The 1979 special holiday ad section of the Forest Park Review featured special buys from local businesses, including Trage Brothers at 7440 Madison St. Atari Video Game Console with 25 games and additional Game Cartridges (Superman, Casino, Missile Command) were available. In addition, the 4-hour VHS video recorder with remote pause controls was a must-have for those who were ahead of the times. The Trage ad featured additional bargains on a 15-inch portable color TV, microwave ovens, and stereo with cassette tape player/recorder, turntable and speakers.