Less than 60 years ago, Park Forest, Illinois, began as a vision of this country's post-World War II future. Located some 40 miles south of Chicago's Loop, Park Forest was the first privately financed, completely planned community ever built in the United States. It was hailed as a "G.I. Town"-a place where veterans could find affordable housing and put down roots. From the date Park Forest was incorporated as a Village in 1949, the community has created a distinguished history for itself, and to this day many of the original residents still take an active part in Village life. Park Forest: Dreams and Challenges brings to life the accomplishments of this inspiring community, which possesses two All-America City awards for its volunteer efforts in building for the future. Featured in the book are historic images of the first regional shopping center built in the nation after the War and the largest publicly-owned swimming complex in the state. Park Forest is also home to both the highly rated Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Illinois Theatre Center, a nationally known repertory company.
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About the Author
Retired reporter-editor Jerry Shnay has spent 30 of his 42 years in journalism with the Chicago Tribune. He is currently the Public Information Officer for the Village of Park Forest and President of the Park Forest Historical Society. He has assembled a collection of nearly 200 historic photographs, capturing the dreams and challenges of the people who built this unique community.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brings the past to life,
By Bob Sallinger (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Park Forest: Dreams and Challenges (IL) (Images of America) (Paperback)
As a baby-boomer raised in this archtypical post-war suburb, I was engrossed by the hundreds of photos and informative captions that this book captures. The photos and schematics of the Park Forest Plaza, America's first planned post-war shooping center, were especially evocative. Seeing once again the throngs milling about the at the annual Art Fair, the Marshall Fields and Sears stores, and the Holiday Theatre in their heyday set off a flood of nostaligic memories.The only downside to this delightful book is the lack of any substantive text. That said, the president of the Park Forest Hisotrical Society, author Jerry Schnay, has done an excellent job of organizing and annotating this photographic record of our hometown's childhood, adolescence, and maturity.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great memories.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Park Forest: Dreams and Challenges (IL) (Images of America) (Paperback)
Anyone who grew up in Park Forest would probably love this book. It brought back lots of memories for me. Very fun!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Park Forest,
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This review is from: Park Forest: Dreams and Challenges (IL) (Images of America) (Paperback)
This was a purchase for a family member who grew up in Park Forest. We already owned a copy of the book It is an excellent description of how Park Forest developed. Lot of photographs of familiar things in Park forest. This is a great series of books
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
A severe housing shortage gripped parts of the United States in the first years after World War II. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Park Forest, The Centre, All-America City, Freedom Hall, Main Street, Philip Klutznick, Western Avenue, American Community Builders, Village President Bernard, Patrick Kelly, Village Green, Village Hall, Rich East High School, Sauk Trail, Village Manager Janet Muchnik New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
A severe housing shortage gripped parts of the United States in the first years after World War II. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Park Forest, The Centre, All-America City, Freedom Hall, Main Street, Philip Klutznick, Western Avenue, American Community Builders, Village President Bernard, Patrick Kelly, Village Green, Village Hall, Rich East High School, Sauk Trail, Village Manager Janet Muchnik New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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