A Bit of Nostalgia

Once in a while, it’s fun to immerse yourself in times gone by and think about what it was like when life was simpler and slower. You can get a dose of nostalgia in a number of ways in the Chicago Southland. Here are a few throwback activities to enjoy:

Park Forest 1950s House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum interprets an original home as it might have appeared in the prosperous post-war era. Set in the years of 1948-1953, the museum, operated by the Park Forest Historical Society, highlights the town that was known as “America’s Original GI Town.”

A walk through will be a sweet walk down memory lane. Visitors can open drawers, cupboards and closets to discover period treasures inside. Furnished as it would have been for a young veteran and his family with small children, you’ll find dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, furniture, clothing and more. One room also represents a classroom in the Forest Boulevard School, the first school set up by the developers in a row of townhomes. You’ll also find the museum decorated for various holidays.

Car Cruises and Shows

One of the coolest ways to take a trip back in time is by examining automobiles of the past. At a number of car cruises and car shows in the warmer months, you’ll have that opportunity. See shiny sports cars, sleek sedans, trucks and more from decades gone by and marvel at their design and ingenuity.

Crete Cruise Nights take place on Mondays during the summer season in the heart of the village’s downtown in conjunction with the weekly farmers market. Join the Frankfort Car Club for Cruisin’ Frankfort on Monday evenings in downtown Frankfort, with different vehicles featured each week. In downtown Lansing, the Lansing Association for Community Events holds a monthly cruise night where all kinds of present and current unique cars line the streets.

In August, the Dellwood Park Car Show & Swap Meet takes place in Lockport and includes a DJ and craft show. The annual Motown Custom and Classic Car Show in University Park features cool classic custom cars along with Motown classics as a soundtrack.

Lincoln Highway Murals

Along the 179 miles of the Lincoln Highway in Illinois you will find over 30 interpretive gazebos and murals that help to tell the story of this century-old route that was America’s first coast-to-coast road. Dedicated in 1913, the Lincoln Highway runs about 25 miles through the Chicago Southland, with a series of seven murals within the stretch from Lynwood to Frankfort.

Spend a day following the historic highway to view the murals, see the sites and grab a bite.

Lynwood Mural, 21460 East Lincoln Highway

This mural tells the story of Carl Fisher, the father of the Lincoln Highway.

Sauk Village Mural, 1 Sauk Trail Plaza

On this mural is a depiction of automobiles and livestock sharing the route to their destinations.

Chicago Heights Mural, 137 East 14th Street

Based on a vintage photograph, this mural shows the McEldowney Bridge crossing over Thorn Creek.

Park Forest Mural, 348 Victory Drive

The highway was named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, and this mural honors our 16th president.

University Park Mural, 580 Farmview Road (Riegel Farm Complex)

This mural honors the first women to make a solo coast-to-coast trek on the highway from New York to California.

Matteson Mural, 3627 West 216th Street

This mural highlights Mahler’s Family Garage, where the family tended to the repair needs of early travelers along the highway.

Frankfort Mural, 11008 West Lincoln Highway

Commemorating a 1928 tour along Lincoln Highway, this  mural celebrates the travels of four Eagle Scouts who stopped in towns to perform daily safety demonstrations.

Historical museums

Visit one of the Chicago Southland’s historical museums to find out the local history and see all kinds of antiques and artifacts on display. Learn the stories of early settlers and picture yourself back in a different time.

Museums in South Holland, Matteson, Calumet City, Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Lansing, Thornton, Palos Park and other communities offer a glimpse into the past.

Vintage Shopping

Set out on a little treasure hunt in the Chicago Southland in search of purchases that remind you of earlier times or authentic antiques that have survived through decades.

Historic Downtown Frankfort, the Orland Park Historic District, Downtown Crete and Downtown Homewood are great places to start your shopping excursion.