Historical Society of Forest Park Garden Walk 2023

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The Historical Society of Forest Park (HSFP) was founded in 1975 and was led by Dr. Frank Orland for more than 25 years. Currently, we are a volunteer board led by an Executive Director. We believe in bringing Forest Park’s history to the community through different engaging events, our community display, and online exhibits on our website.

Become

Patron - $250

Benefactor - $500

www.forestparkhistory.org/membership

www.forestparkhistory.org/membership

www.forestparkhistory.org/membership

Forest Park is located on the indigenous homelands of several tribal nations: the Kickapoo, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Potawatomi, Myaamia, and Ochethi Sakowin. We acknowledge the painful forced removal of these people from their ancestral lands by European settlers. We commit to building relationships with descendants of these tribal nations who still call this area home and to sharing the history and contributions of native peoples with the Forest Park community.

Raffle

1 ticket for $5

5 tickets for $20

Get you free ticket at 1416 Marengo

Drop off your ticket and buy more at 501 Elgin Ave

Prizes

$500 Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Take a flight to visit that garden you’ve always wanted to see. Donated by Michelle Melin-Rogovin

Handmade

(by Forest Parkers) Quilt

Quilt inspired by this year’s cyanotype theme. This quilt was handmade by members Jill Wagner, Carol Gulyas, Alexis Ellers and Sandy Burns.

Hendricks Gin Gift Basket

1L Hendricks Gin, 2 Yeti glasses, 2 green martini glasses, Hendricks playing card, Hendricks recipe book

Premade Cocktail Basket

Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan, Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan, Hendrick’s Gin Martini.

Card-Making Gift Basket

Supplies to make one-of-a-kind cards for special occasions or just to say hello, handmade by you. Donated by Michelle Melin-Rogovin

Map

A letter from our President

Welcome to the 2023 House & Garden Walk hosted by the Historical Society of Forest Park! We invite you to enjoy yourself as you mingle with new friends and neighbors. Let the captivating history of our village inspire you.

We invite you to our other events throughout the year including our hour-long tour of the Haymarket Martyrs Monument & Radical Row Tour. This tour takes place on the first Saturday of the month, from May through October, at the beautiful Forest Home Cemetery. Additionally, don’t miss our exciting January Volstead Act Speakeasy Party.

By becoming a member of the Historical Society, you actively support the HSFP and its endeavors. As a member, you’ll be invited to our Member Appreciation Party in November, held at the Eagles Hall. Join us for a memorable evening of bingo and karaoke.

For more information about Forest Park’s history, membership, and upcoming events, please visit www.forestparkhistory.org. We greatly appreciate any donations you can offer to support our cause.

Thank you for being a part of today’s walk, and don’t forget to cast your vote for the best of show at tinyurl.com/bestinshow23.

We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Mark Boroughf

Ramos-Sullivan

7724 Monroe St

Built: 1904

Purchased: 2018

In 2018, James Sullivan & Ramona Ramos-Sullivan bought one of the oldest homes on the block. Built in 1904, the original home was only a one bed, one bath house and less than 1,000 SQ FT. Throughout the years, owners added to the home and the current three bed and one and a half bath home stands at approximately 1,300 SQ FT. On the back porch you can still see where the original house ended before the additions. Since James and Ramona bought the home air conditioning was installed and in 2021, the house received a face lift of new siding, doors and outdoor lighting.

James and Ramona still have a small piece of the home’s history, the garage permit when it was added in 1965.

As you stroll in the Ramos-Sullivan garden, the Linden tree is the main center piece of the yard. A garden style that is colorful and full of different textures, Ramona enjoys the flowers and vegetables growing in her yard.

Ramona grew up with many gardeners in her family and at age 13 received her first pack of seeds and planted Cosmos. Currently, Ramona serves as the Co-Chair of the Membership Committee for the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. James enjoys mowing the lawn and helping with the maintenance in the yard. He loves all the fresh veggies and herbs that are grown in their raised beds. The deck is their favorite room of their house. When asked, what is your favorite thing about gardening? Answer, “Being outside.”

Casten-Austin

501 Elgin Ave

Built: 1989

Purchased: 2019

When Gillian Casten and Bradley Austin bought their home in 2019, they did not know the historical controversy about the home. Estimated to be built in 1898, this home and another in town have been debated as being the oldest standing home in Forest Park. In the early 1900’s the house was moved two blocks on railroad tracks from Circle and Madison to the current location. The home used to be stationed where the late Tap Room bar is located. The homeowners personal research discovered that a man named “Schwab” lived and died in the home. The owners, whenever they hear a creak or odd sound say, “Hey Schwabby!”

Since purchasing the home in 2019, Gillian and Bradley have installed a new roof and siding on the coach house, gutters, porch, lots of work to the garden and the newest addition the garage bar. “We want to thank the Historical Society of Forest Park for this opportunity to be on the Garden Walk, it has made for a very intense two weeks of completing garden projects we’ve “planned” to do forever, like the garage bar!”

The homeowners know their garden space is smaller, but they like to create a neat and classic look for the outdoor space. Gillian’s mom had her own floral & landscape design business, so gardening is in the genes. “We try to work with what we have – probably the smallest garden on the tour so we’ve had to get creative! My favorite thing about gardening is seeing new butterflies, entertaining guests and tulips in the spring. My favorite plant is our Baptesia, and the plant I spend the most money on is hydrangeas. We look for the mama robins and babies nested on the trellis above the bar and the carpenter bees that love our garage as well….”

Drop off your raffle ticket here

Gajewski

505 Elgin Ave

Built: 1904 Purchased: 2021

The original home was built in 1904 and has undergone many changes since. The top floor at some point was removed and built larger, creating the current three floor structure that has rental space. In 2021, Joe and Cynthia Gajewski bought the property, removed two trees and painted the home to create their own personal oasis. Living on the 2nd and 3rd floors, Joe and Cynthia spend many hours in the garden area.

When the home was bought in 2021, the garden was established, but neglected and overgrown. Cynthia worked to get the garden under control and planted prolife pollinators in the yard. “Gardening is like therapy; it keeps me grounded. I think my garden style is creative expression and layering, I will move plants around, however my husband Joe wants things to stay where planted, so we compromise.”

The homes etched glass in front of the home and the views of the garden from the rear of the home makes Cynthia think the home is “magical.” Joe and Cynthis reside on the 2nd and 3rd floors, ask and maybe a tour of their living space can be arranged, but don’t go into the 1st floor unit, the renter may not appreciate your walk through the home. While in the 505 Elgin garden, look for the resilient native wildflower, Baptisia (or also known as False Indigo), this is an easy-care perennial that brings gorgeous flowers to the Gajewski Home.

The 2nd and 3rd floor of this house is open

Kucia

Built: 1908 Purchased: 1994

The home at 529 Elgin was built approximately in 1908 as a singlefamily home and during the home’s history was converted into a two-flat. Due to the hardships of the depression or World War II, many homes in the Forest Park area were converted to accommodate a whole family or renters. Kathy Kucia purchased the home in 1994 and at that time it had dark brown asphalt siding. Under the ownership of Kathy, the homes was re-sided, a two-car garage built and a backyard fish pond added.

“I have always enjoyed gardening and the large yard was a major reason for my purchasing the home. One thing I have learned over the years is that a garden is ever changing and you have to roll with the changes and challenges. Areas that were once shaded become full sun and areas that were sunny become shady requiring changing the garden plantings to suit the new conditions. When I first purchased the home there was a beautiful 40-foot willow tree in the back of the yard. The yard was a shaded paradise…. until one day the willow fell over! After getting over the initial shock and cleanup, it gave me a whole new challenge to do some redesigning.”

Kathy goes on further to describe her outdoor space as follows: “I love being outside in the garden and I have tried to create my own personal “park” that would be relaxing and inviting to others. My gardening style can best be described as eclectic. I have tried to create various areas or “rooms”, around the yard for entertaining and to accommodate different functions. The garden is a place to enjoy nature alone or preferably with friends. Some of the features include a patio area with a table and grill for outdoor dining, a firepit area for hanging out, open lawn space for yard games, a small, secluded patio at the front of the yard, and a patio space off of the double doors of the garage (makeshift party room) and a fishpond that also attracts birds and other neighborhood animals looking for a quick bath or drink of water. The garden is definitely my favorite part of the house!”

529 Elgin

Forest Park Bank Makes it Possible.

Amanda

Daly Owner | The Daly Bagel

When I was looking for a small business loan, people kept telling me to talk to FPB. After just one meeting, I completely understood what they meant.”

When it comes to community, Forest Park Bank stands with you.

Forest Park Bank. A Community Bank for 80 Years.

Buss

921

Built: 1924 Purchased: 2019

Believed to be a Sears “kit home”, the bungalow at 921 Lathrop Avenue was built in 1924 and still retains the original shiplap ceiling in the front porch area. Only the third owner of the home, Susan Buss bought the house in 2019. “I give credit to the previous owner Terry for the exquisitely timed blooming cycles of tulips, poppies and other flowering shrubs. The only renovation has been replacement of the front porch windows for insulation.”

Gardening seems to run in the Buss Family, “My parents were avid plant lovers. My father cultivated outdoor fruit, vegetables and perennials as a source of pride and recreation, my mother having a green thumb for difficult houseplants like orchids and African violets. I had my first garden in my 20’s and increased my knowledge with the Master Gardener Program at UIC. As a John Muir fan, I love and respect all nature and enjoy the artistic and creative aspect of gardening. I find gardening very spiritual: creating my own paradise, communing with the spirits of the living things, flowing with the cycles of death and rebirth, experiencing both stillness and constant change.”

The garden style of this home would be described as whimsical and magical, joining fairies and gnomes with the practicality of repurposed furniture, locally reclaimed wood and bricks, and vintage decorations. Susan prides herself on upcycled vintage artifacts that can be repurposed as unique planters! Susan plans to continue to expand the vegetable garden, increase native plants and pollinators, and reduce lawn area. “My favorite part is blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The yard is a canvas that provides respite and restorative oases, but also an ever-changing array of weekly cut flower bouquets from May through October. I welcome community engagement in the front yard, promoting inclusivity and acceptance with flags and signs.” Susan is also a participant in the Historical Society of Forest Park annual Scarecrow Invasion.

Lathrop Ave *Lathrop closed, park on Harvard*

In 1994, Michelle Young bought her home located on Harvard Street, believing the home was built in 1918. Years later when she was remodeling the kitchen, Michelle found a piece of newspaper from 1914!

In the twenty-five plus years of home ownership, Michelle Young has remodeled the kitchen, finished the basement, refinished the original wood stairs, replaced all windows, replaced siding, replaced fences, added pergola on back deck and recreated the back yard. The floors are still original in the living room, side bedroom and dining room.

Michelle knows of two prior owners who had interesting additions to the home. One owner from the 1970’s remodeled and put in drop ceilings in the bathroom and kitchen and installed fluorescent shop lighting! In the garden, what is now the rose garden was a pond before Michelle bought the house.

Michelle describes her gardening style as “Magical and Eclectic.” “My mom is a gardener, and my grandma was as well. I always loved working in the garden with them. It’s Thera-peutic! I love finding new ways to creative and repurpose items. I want people to walk by my yard and feel joy.”

While in the Young Garden, seek out the fairy garden path, clematis on the side of the house and the climbing rose bush that typically has over 200 blooms each season (it only blooms once) and it came from Michelle’s grandma’s house in 1994! Sadly, the roses have already bloomed for the 2023 year.

“Never be afraid to make your garden unique, color outside of the lines! If you want to shore my garden with other after the walk, you are welcome to do so, just ensure my little dog Rocket doesn’t get out! After taking your picture at the photobooth, please come up on my desk or ask a volunteer to venture into the first floor or finished basement.”

The

Andersson

Built: 1937 Purchased: 2005

Built during the height of the Great Depression in 1937, the plat of survey indicates the original owner as American Wilbert Vault Works. e American Vault Works place of business can be seen across the street from the home and has since been converted to housing. An obituary from the Forest Park Review in August 1956 lists Lewis J. Bezucha as residing at the 1010 Troost home and the retired secretary-treasurer of the American Wilbert Vault Corporation.

ere is believed to be only three other owners of the home a er the Bezucha Family. An avid wine collector owned the home followed by a relator who had garden plans drawn up and begun to implement the garden plan with some of those plants still visible in the garden.

In 2005, Linda and Tom Andersson bought the home and have resided since. e Andersson’s added the deck to the home and built the fence. An interesting feature of the home is the wall and fire pit that Tom Andersson built when he removed the brick patio to build the deck.

As a child, Linda Andersson watched her great aunts and grandparents garden, “I liked the idea of planting, tending and reaping the rewards of my work. I really got into gardening in my first home when I was 24 years old. My garden style kind of goes with the flow. Sometimes I will get an idea and then try to execute it. Sometimes I just buy plants and try to figure out what to do with them.”

e enjoyment of gardening for the Andersson’s is: “It gets us outside and moving, it fuels my imagination, it feeds my body and soul, though some years are better than others for both. ere is a sense of satisfaction when I sit on the deck with coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening and look out at what I have created. It is always a work in progress that is limited by time and money, but always gratifying.”

While touring the Andersson garden, look for the garden’s hidden treasure, the grapevine given to Linda for Mother’s Day nearly 10 years ago which is tended by her husband Tom, “Kudos to my husband for taking over the care of it.”

While the Andersson’s wish for you to just enjoy the outside of the home, don’t forget to look up at the homes windows, many which have stain glass accents. e home stain glass windows, especially in the evening with the lights on, are illuminated and can be easily seen. ere are stain glass windows in front and back of the home to observe.

1010 Troost Ave

Cyanotypes

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. It was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842, who was a prominent astronomer and scientist. Initially, the cyanotype process was used for reproducing drawings and diagrams, but it soon found a new purpose in the field of botany. The cyanotype process was particularly well-suited for botanical research because it produced a high level of detail and contrast, which allowed scientists to capture the intricate details of plants and their structures. In addition, the cyanotype process was relatively easy and inexpensive, making it accessible to a wide range of researchers.

English botanical artist, collector and photographer Anna Atkins was the first person to illustrate a book with photographic images. Her nineteenth-century cyanotypes used light exposure and a simple chemical process to create impressively detailed blueprints of botanical specimens.

Anna Atkins (1799-1871) photographs of British Algae : cyanotype impressions

Jackson

1111 Troost Ave

Built 1939 Purchased: 2011

In 1939, the homes original owner and “builder” of this corner lot house was Frank Otto Howard and wife Bonnie Jean Howard. The house remained in the family and occupied by their daughter Dianne Howard Beaty until 2011.

Current homeowner Diana Jackson bought the property in 2011 when the house was condemned by the Village during the deed transfer and was deemed unlivable. Diana bought the home “As Is” and from the sidewalk to the roof, the home was rehabbed and brought back to life. The entire yard was also completely cleared with the exception of the two trees and one white peony. The granddaughter of the original owners, Tina who lives in California, is welcomed in by Diana Jackson each year for a home stay because of the many memories growing up in the house.

“I think of my garden as an extension to my home and there is nothing more rewarding than having your own botanical garden at your doorstep. Gardening is very calming and offers a sense of tranquility. My father was an avid gardener so I guess it’s genetic,” says Diana Jackson. The Jackson Home front garden features a more traditional formal garden with symmetric lines and specific plantings. According to Diana Jackson, “It exudes elegance and order.”

The homes back garden is a cottage style garden that is lush and informal with plenty of blooms, color, vegetables & herbs incorporated throughout. The back garden features a pergola to relax after a day of gardening and a water fountain that is the neighborhood bathhouse for birds. The favorite feature of Diana’s Garden is the Waterfall Japanese Maple, “It displays beautifully with cascading branches with finely cut lime color foliage and bright golden fall color. Every plant, shrub and blade of grass was personally selected and planted by myself.”

The Jackson Home is showcasing the outdoor garden only, but look up into the windows, the family cat Bae might be watching you as you walk along the property!

Make your own Cyanotype here

Brown

1003 Circle Ave

Built: 1898

Purchased: 2013

Built in 1898 by Frank and Marie Mack, the home had a brick addition added in 1936. Michael and Megan Brown bought the home in 2013 and have not stopped working since! Believing to be only the third owner, the Brown’s have done a dormer project, bathroom updates, patio, basement and currently building the front porch and kitchen renovation. front porch and a major kitchen Reno. “The house has great bones and many original vintage features. It’s been a joy to work on.”

The inside of this house is open

The Brown’s stated, “We spent so much time on the interior, we ignored the garden for the first few years. There were already a few beautiful established peonies, irises, and tall pines. Unfortunately, we had to remove several of the pines due to disease. We suddenly had a lot more light and space in our garden. Then came 2020 and we had more time to devote to gardening.”

Describing the garden style of the home as with some trial and error, the Brown’s try to use native plants, avoid pesticides, plant bee friendly wildflowers and just make things fun! The giant Kong sunflowers bring beautiful birds to the yard every summer.

The most recent project in the yard is the greenhouse built in 2020. The greenhouse is used for lettuce and cutting flowers and starting seeding. “I love watching the goldfinches arrive each year. Our greatest joy is watching our kids enjoy the garden. Picking berries, eating carrots and peas, watering in the summer. They enjoy it just as much as we do. We love Forest Park and our community. We are happy to share our garden with you and look at the kitchen too!”

Wejman

1416 Marengo Ave

Built: 1910 Purchased: 2014

In 2014, Jill & Joe Wejman became the proud owners of this 1910 construction home. Since purchasing the home, the Wejman’s added a new front porch, new siding, new windows, new roof and an overhaul of yard. On the interior, everything was updated but the footprint remained mostly the same as did the original hardwood floors. Through the floorplan of the cabinets and appliances in the kitchen was changed, the Wejman’s kept the same size. The home was built on what was a double lot and then sold off to a developer to build the home in 1910. Guests are welcome to come into the home and tour the main floor only.

When asked what was her favorite thing about gardening, Jill replied: “I love working with my hands, being outside, and problem-solving. Gardening is the perfect opportunity for all three. I was a wedding floral designer and wanted to grow garden roses, various greenery, and cut flowers to add to my designs. It then turned into a hobby. I started my cut gardens in 2020.

I was inspired by Floret and her first flower farm and Grace Rose Farm for roses. I loved learning about getting more flowers on less land. It has slowly transformed from mostly cut gardens to gardens we enjoy while using our yard. I’ve started to add more native perennials to the garden. My “hidden treasures” in the garden is my Koko loko and Distant Drum garden roses. Also, I’ve incorporated ollas in the garden for watering, which dates back thousands of years.”

After Party

Please join us for an after party this evening!

Saturday, July 15th at 4:00 PM at McGaffer’s Saloon Patio

Come celebrate with the Historical Society of Forest Park Board, homeowners and friends for appetizers as we draw the raffle ticket winners and announce the “Best in Show” from the garden walk!

Thank you to

F is for Fringed Orchid

P is for Prairie Smoke

G is for Bottle

GentianC is for Cone Flower