https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B5LxmLwJxk
Although there is still much to be done, the Historical Society of Oak Park-River Forest has been opening their future home to the public to educate and generate interest in what will eventually become a genuine community asset: a permanent home and exhibit space. Most suburban communities have relatively tame histories, and museums to match. Not Oak Park and River Forest. Few other communities, can boast an exhibit on the creator of Tarzan, for instance.
Open house tours of the old Cicero Firehouse No. 2, 129 Lake St., take place this Saturday, May 30, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The society has done a remarkable job of fundraising thus far, but they’ll need even more community generosity, since the new governor has chosen to hold $200,000 in approved grants hostage. To make a donation, go to their Indiegogo site, http://igg.me/at/history-on-fire/x/10761435, where you’ll find Tarzan calling for help.
Meanwhile, here is a list of the company you’ll be joining on the current list of gifts or pledges (through April):
Founding Families: Catherine Adduci, Dwight & Sharyn Austin, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Illinois Public Museum Capital Grant Program, Don and Carol Carter, Mark & Kristen Coe, Robert Connors, Jan Novak Dressel & Chuck Dressel, Jeanette Fields, Forest Park National Bank & Trust Company, Lou Garapolo*, Bill & Judy Greffin, Willis & Shirley Johnson, Kelli & Tom Kline, Carlotta & Ron Lucchesi, Jim & Lynn McClure, Dennis & Laurel McMahon, John Notz Jr., Mark Nussbaum*, Oak Park & River Forest Community Foundation, Larry & Leslie Osterberg, Robert & Muriel Quinn-Pasin, Carolyn Poplett, Many Ann Porucznik & Elaine Fiedler, John & Therese Rigas, Tony & Chatka Ruggiero, Dawn & George Schumann, Shirley Tope Shearman, Peggy Tuck Sinko & Kenn Sinko, Doug Thompson & Jean Follett Thompson, Bob Trezevant, Nancy & Dick Waichler, Clyde Watkins*
Donors: Elizabeth & Bernie Bach, Julie Bauer & Paul Greenberg, William Clusin, Peter Conover & Kristi Sloniger, Connie Henderson-Damon & Chris Damon, Edith DeMar, Ebinger Family Fund of the OPRF Community Foundation, Edith Ewert, Julia Faust, Terry Fife & McKim Barnes, Nancy & Robert Follett, Good Heart/Work Smart Foundation, William Hines, Liz & Terry Kennedy, Donna & Matthew Lambert, Roberta Raymond Larson, Marilyn & Ruel Lehman, James & Kathy Mahoney, Scott McAdam*, Beth McBride, Frank Muriello, National Capital Panthans, Thomas Nelson, Stacy Waichler O’Brien, Neil & Patty O’Connor, Joe & Joan O’Connor, Marcia Palazzolo, Harry & Mary Jane Peterson, River Forest Service Club, Mary Jo Schuler, Georgette Sinkler, Kathy Stanton, Arvydas & Audrey Vanagunas, Dorothy Vance, Scott Waichler, Steven Waichler, Marilyn Wardle, Robin Wardle
*Pro Bono Professional Services