Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, at 141 Forest Blvd in Park Forest, Illinois is decorated throughout February with vintage valentines and decorations. One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes. In February, the classroom is decorated for a 1950s Valentines Day party with crepe paper candy baskets, and construction paper heart-shaped valentine “mailboxes” on each desk. Red honeycomb, puffy hearts and vintage valentines are on display throughout the house.
The museum is an original rental townhome furnished as it might have been from 1948-1953. A museum visit is a great way to get acquainted with Park Forest Illinois’ unique history as the first fully-planned post-World War II suburb. It is a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period, and offers a great destination for a “staycation”. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboards and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?
A guide will tell village history, and social and fashion trends of the era. Operated by the Park Forest Historical Society and sponsored by Central Park Townhomes, the museum is open Saturdays from 1-3 p.m., or by appointment; closed in January. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Contact Jane Nicoll, Museum Director at parkforesthistory1 at yahoo.com. Learn about the Society and take a virtual tour at www.parkforesthistory.org.
