Forest Park
Forest Park: Cemeteries, Charm, and a Whole Lot of Life
Let me tell you all about Forest Park, this awesome little village just west of Chicago. It’s a place with a rich history, beautiful green spaces, and a real sense of community. Graba bite from Louie’s Grill, or maybe a drink from O’Sullivan’s, and let’s dive into what makes Forest Park so special!
A Brief History (From Trading Posts to Torpedoes)
Forest Park’s story goes way back, even before it officially became a village. The area was originally home to Native American tribes like the Potawatomi for thousands of years. But things started to change in the 19th century when European settlers arrived.
In 1839, a French Indian trader named Leon Bourassa bought 160 acres along the Des Plaines River in what’s now Forest Park. Back then, it was part of a larger area called Noyesville. A few years later, in 1851, a German immigrant named Ferdinand Haase bought 40 acres from Bourassa. Haase had big plans – he eventually expanded his land to 240 acres and turned it into a popular park for both locals and city folks looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago.
Things really started picking up in 1856 when the Chicago & Galena Union Railroad opened a shop and roundhouse near what’s now Des Plaines Avenue and Lake Street. This brought about 25 men and their families to settle in the area, kickstarting the community’s growth.
For a long time, the area was known as part of Harlem. But on April 17, 1907, it officially became incorporated as the Village of Forest Park. We’ve been proudly carrying that name ever since! And get this, during WWII, we were cranking out torpedoes at a naval plant! Talk about a diverse history.
Location and Getting Around (City Perks, Suburban Ease)
One of the best things about Forest Park is its location. We’re just 9 miles west of downtown Chicago, which means we get all the perks of suburban living with easy access to the big city. It’s perfect for commuters or anyone who wants to enjoy city life without living right in the middle of it.
Getting to and from Chicago is a breeze. We’ve got great public transportation options. The Blue Line ‘L’ train has its western terminus right here in Forest Park, and it can get you to downtown Chicago in about 38 minutes. If you prefer the train, we’ve also got a Metra station nearby in neighboring Oak Park, which can get you to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center in just 16 minutes.
For those who prefer to drive, you can be in downtown Chicago in about 12-13 minutes, depending on traffic. And let’s be real, in Chicago, there’s always traffic!
The Village of Cemeteries (More Dead Than Alive)
Now, here’s where things get a bit… interesting. Forest Park has a nickname that might sound a bit morbid at first: “The Village of Cemeteries.” But don’t worry, it’s not as creepy as it sounds!
For much of its history, Forest Park was known for having more dead “residents” than living ones. Some estimates put the ratio at 30 to 1! We’ve got several large cemeteries here, including Forest Home Cemetery, Jewish Waldheim, Woodlawn, and Concordia.
These cemeteries are more than just final resting places – they’re a big part of our history and culture. Forest Home Cemetery, for example, is home to the famous Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument. And if you’re a fan of old Hollywood, you might be interested to know that movie producer Mike Todd (who was once married to Elizabeth Taylor) is buried in Beth Aaron Cemetery.
One of the most unique spots in our cemeteries is Showmen’s Rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. It’s a special section dedicated to circus performers who died in a tragic train wreck in 1918. The gravestones are decorated with elephant statues, a touching tribute to the performers’ lives in the circus. And hey, some folks say it makes for some good ghost stories too.
Architecture and Landmarks (From Parks to Churches)
While we might not have as many famous architectural landmarks as our neighbor Oak Park (home to several Frank Lloyd Wright designs), Forest Park has its own charm. We’ve got beautiful tree-lined streets and a mix of architectural styles that reflect our long history.
One of our most notable landmarks is the Park District of Forest Park building. The story of this building goes back to 1920 when a group of residents formed the Forest Park Citizens Protective League. Their goal? To stop any industrial development on the land and turn it into a public park instead. It took 14 years of hard work, but in 1934, they finally succeeded in creating the Park District. And let’s not forget St. Bernardine Catholic Church, that Gothic Revival beauty.
Community Life and Recreation (Parks and Pubs)
Forest Park isn’t just about history – we’ve got a thriving community with plenty to do. The Park District of Forest Park does a great job of providing recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
We’ve got several parks scattered throughout the village, perfect for picnics, playing sports, or just enjoying a nice day outdoors. The Park District offers a wide range of programs, from sports leagues to fitness classes to after-school activities for kids.
One of our coolest spots is the Trailside Museum of Natural History. It’s a great place to learn about local wildlife and ecology. They often have live animal exhibits and educational programs for kids and adults alike. And of course, Madison Street is always buzzing with life.
Fun Facts and Interesting Tidbits (Radio Days and Bloomer Girls)
Alright, time for some fun facts about Forest Park that’ll make you the star of your next trivia night: Forest Park once had its own radio station! From 1925 to 1931, we had a station that went through several call signs, including WHT, WNBA, WSOA, and WCHI. At one point, as WSOA, it had 5,000 watts of power! During World War II, Forest Park was home to a Naval Ordnance Station. This plant employed up to 6,500 workers and produced a whopping 19,000 torpedoes during the war. Forest Park has a connection to women’s professional sports history. In the early 1930s, a guy named Emery Parichy bought the Boston Bloomer Girls softball team, renamed them Emery Parichy’s Bloomer Girls, and moved them to Forest Park.
Community Events and Activities (Parades and Festivals)
We know how to have fun here in Forest Park! Throughout the year, there are various events that bring the community together. One of my favorites is our St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It might not be as big as Chicago’s, but it’s got a lot of heart and it’s a great chance for the whole community to come together and celebrate.
For the history buffs, the Historical Society of Forest Park often puts on interesting events and exhibits about our local history. They do a great job of keeping our past alive and helping new residents understand the rich history of our village. And don’t forget the Casket Races!
Final Thoughts (A Real Community)
Living in Forest Park is like being part of a big, diverse family. We’ve got this amazing mix of old and new – historic cemeteries and modern developments, long-standing families and newer residents from all over. We’re close enough to Chicago to enjoy all the perks of the big city, but we’ve still got that small-town feel where you know your neighbors and bump into friends at the local coffee shop.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning exploring our beautiful parks, an afternoon learning about local history at the Trailside Museum, and an evening enjoying a community event or grabbing dinner at one of our great local restaurants.
Sure, we’re not perfect – what place is? But there’s a reason why so many of us who grew up here choose to stay, and why others are drawn to make Forest Park their home. It’s more than just a suburb of Chicago; it’s a community with its own unique identity, values, and charm.