1950s Park Forest House Museum

About

Represents an original townhome in the first five years of the Village, 1948-1953. Displays home furnishings, books, children's books, toys, dolls.

Story

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, at 227 Monee Road, inside St. Mary's Catholic Church, interprets an original rental townhome furnished as it might have been from 1948-1953. A museum visit is a great way to get acquainted with Park Forest, Illinois' unique history as the first fully-planned post-World War II suburb It is a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody? One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes.