Life in the settlement began to take on a formal aspect. In 1860, the first school-house was built on the site where the Oak Lawn Athletic Association has its ballpark. The first school teacher was Wilbur Wilcox and the enrollment the first year was either six or eight.
The years of the Civil War came and went with not much importance to the little settlement, except that Wilbur Cox enlisted in the northern army and was never heard of afterward, having probably given his life for the cause.
This excerpt was from the Oak Lawn Yearbook of 1912. Intrigued to know more? History buffs of Oak Lawn unite! With the 2009 Oak Lawn Centennial not in the too far future, a group is being formed to begin research and continual documentation of our village’s past.
Phil Leo, pastor of the Calvin Christian Reformed Church, has started a history club to make the centennial the fete of 2009. Contact Phil at (708) 636-5665.
How about some hands nature with Dr. Robert James, zoologist and author? Dr. James will bring live animals, including a porcupine, alligator and ostrich to the Oak Lawn Library, 5300 W. 95th St., from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Sunday, April 20. No advanced registration is required. Call (708) 422-4990 for more information.
Oak Lawn High School Student Alexis Smith has been named a Golden Apple Scholar. This award goes to a student for their academic excellence and commitment to teaching for five years in an Illinois school. Congratulations, Alexis, on being one of 125 chosen statewide.
Jennifer Burbatt, my niece, did it. She passed the bar exam on her first try. We are so proud of you and this huge accomplishment.
Birthday greetings to Ed “Fergie” Ferguson, who celebrated the big 50 this month, along with his sister-in-law, Pam Gallagher, who remains ageless.
The St. Catherine’s Family School Association is hosting a bake sale on Sunday April 20 beginning at 8 a.m. and running in conjunction with the science fair. Proceeds will benefit the school. Bakers are needed. Drop-off will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19. For more information, contact Maria Veal at (708) 229-7649 or Terri Byers at (708) 425-3652.
Correction to April 9th column. Mea Culpa! It was actually the Oak Lawn High theater group that took second place in the Illinois State Drama Tournament for their Cyrano de Bergerac rendition. Oak Lawn High School students placed first in their stage version of David Sedaris’ collection of autobiographical essays.
Apologies for the confusion, and I am sure their performances last week were a great success!
I would love to hear from you. Please send me news of upcoming events, celebrations or birthdays you want to share. I may be reached at (708) 422-0949 and DMZ92@yahoo.com.
All best until next week, Donna.