The Historical Society is a partner in a redevelopment plan for the old Drechsler Building at 1116 Lake St. in Downtown Oak Park.  Working with Focus Development and the Taxman Corporation, the Society hopes to create a Museum, Research Center and Archives in 11,000 sq. ft. of space on the first floor of the landmark building and in new construction to the rear and west.  It will be full climate-controlled and handicapped accessible!  The plan was submitted to the Village of Oak Park, which owns the property, on May 2, and the village trustees will choose among all the submitted proposals and decide which plan will best serve the community.  We, of course, will continue to need our great volunteers, no matter where we are located.  Please let Diane know what you think of this plan! 

Recently, the Historical Society has been given many different items to store, preserve, and display for its collection.  Some of the items that have been donated recently are a set of blueprints for a home at 202 S. Euclid Ave. designed by the architect, James Lincoln Fyfe, who designed the Nineteenth Century Club    Building; an old wooden wheelchair; a black two-piece lace dress and beaded black cape dating back to the late 1890's; and Masonic related items such as a snare drum, sheet music, and bass drum cover with the words: "Knights Templar" written on the front.  These items add so much value to our collection and we are proud to     receive them.  If you are interested in helping the Historical Society store, preserve, and display its growing collection, please contact Frank or Diane at 708-848-6755.  We are always looking for a few more volunteers to help us keep history alive for many people to enjoy!