Sunday, September 12, 2010

Historic Landmarks - The Grove

Weekend Assignment #335: History
We don't all live near the site of a battlefield or other world-famous event, but any place has its own history: political, cultural, even natural history. How aware are you of the past of the town, city or state where you live now? Share with us a story of local history.

Extra Credit: Have you ever participated personally in an historic event? (This doesn't have to be anything earth-shattering.)

Off the top of my head..I can tell you that Glenview was founded in 1890, but our landmark dates back a bit further.  Our park district still maintains the estate of "one of its most famous sons" Robert Kennicott.  He was a (oh, hell.  Now I have to go look this up) naturalist and explorer.  The Grove is part history museum and part nature preserve and our school classes would visit about once a year for one reason or another.  Sometimes it was about pioneer history - churning the butter and that kind of thing.  Sometimes it was about the nature trails and native plants and insects.

The Grove also has events around the holidays.  I seem to recall a craft fair/fundraiser.  And maybe sleigh rides?  Geez, I should really pay more attention.

I can't think of a "historic event" in which I have participated.  You know, other than voting. 

Oh.  I was at recess, across the street at the middle school, when a scene from Ferris Bueller was being filmed.  Where Ferris is picking up Sloane at school in Cameron's dad's car.  Watched the whole thing.

4 comments:

Sandrine said...

The Grove sounds fantastic. That's the kind of thing we really miss here in Ankara - the kids only ever do school trips to one or two museums... Although we do have our own historical/nature park in Cappadocia I suppose! As to the Ferris B. Wow!

Karen Funk Blocher said...

The Grove sounds like someplace I'd love to visit - but I have to admit that watching the filming of a key scene from Ferris Bueller would be even more exciting!

Anonymous said...

Hey! I was at Maple School with you, watching the filming of Ferris Bueller!

Kris Dahlberg

Stephen Watkins said...

Hey, that's a pretty cool historical moment! A little slice of film history!