Mount Prospect Historical Society

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Breaking News

History Lovers Gathered to Celebrate Flappers, Gangsters and the 1933 World’s Fair

Approximately 100 history-lovers gathered at the Rob Roy Country Club in Prospect Heights Saturday night for the Mount Prospect Historical Society’s seventh annual History in the Headlines dinner dubbed the “Guys and Dolls Speakeasy Soirée.”

Many of the partygoers wore clothing of the 1920s or 1930s to help the Mount Prospect Historical Society re-imagine the atmosphere enjoyed in area speakeasies during Prohibition.

After dinner they were entertained by Bill Hazelgrove, author of “Al Capone and the 1933 World’s Fair,” who talked about Capone’s gangster life and how worried World’s Fair organizers got him out of the picture during the event, as well as about little-known aspects of the fair itself.

The MPHS added exhibits on Mount Prospect’s brief brushes with gangsters over the years to add a local touch to the evening. There was also a challenging 1920s and 30s trivia competition with a wide range of small prizes.

Proceeds from the event have been directed to the Mount Prospect Historical Society’s Operating Fund.

Historical Society Collaborates on Veteran’s Project

The Mount Prospect Historical Society is collaborating with American Legion Post 525 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1337, as well as the Mount Prospect Public Library and the Mt. Prospect Park District, on a project to establish a memorial for Mount Prospect residents who were killed while in service to their country.

The project will involve identifying service members and then finding obituaries and other biographical information. Leading the project for the American Legion/VFW is Loren Helwink, a Mount Prospect resident.

To kick off the project, the Mt. Prospect Parks Foundation has donated $3,000 to the memorial. Once the material has been gathered, an appropriate memorial will be chosen and unveiled on Memorial Day. The memorial is adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Band Shell in Lions Memorial Park. It has been designed as a tranquil, contemplative setting featuring a fountain and columns for engraved bricks.  A limited number of bricks are also available for purchase. To purchase a brick through the Mt. Prospect Park District, visit www.mppd.org.

Please contact the Mount Prospect Historical Society via info@mtphist.org if you have information about a Mount Prospect service member who was killed in action.

The VFW Post 1337 is reserved for veterans who have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay. They meet monthly at Arlington Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas, Arlington Heights.

American Legion Post 525, founded in 1930 by 16 World War I veterans, provides service to veterans, the community and nation. It is open to any former service member whether they experienced hostile fire or not. Meetings are held monthly at Arlington Legion Post 208 in Arlington Heights.

Sarah Plain and Tall Book Discussion

Come join us for our second annual children’s book discussion in Mt. Prospect’s newly restored original one-room schoolhouse on Saturday, February 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Children in grades 3-5 will discuss the Newberry Medal awarded Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan while snacking on a prairie lunch (provided).

“We are excited to continue our children’s book discussion series in the Central School,” says Deborah Rittle, local teacher and member of the Society’s Living History program.  The one room school is located on the grounds of the Mount Prospect Historical Society. (103 S. Maple)  “Sarah is the embodiment of the pioneer spirit that made communities like ours thrive.”

Participants will read the book beforehand and come ready to chat a little about the story.  (The book has a Lexile level of 660L.) 

For more information or to register, please contact the Mount Prospect Historical Society at 847-392-9006.

Fee Information: $15.00 Includes prairie lunch. Deadline to register is January 31, 2018.

You can register with PayPal below.


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