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Oak Brook History Comes To Life

from Oak Brook Magazine March 2023

from Oak Brook Magazine March 2023, page 63

VISIT IRELAND

The Oak Brook Historical Society, which manages the Oak Brook Heritage Center, invites everyone to see the many relics and artifacts that are now out on display. According to President Lisa Griffith, they have moved from organizing and cataloging the many items that have come their way over the past 50 years to the current phase of bringing them out of the archives so they can be shared. It is an excellent reminder of the varied history of the area we now call Oak Brook.

Speaking of history, because March is National Women’s History Month, we honor one of Oak Brook’s most important women: Dorothy Dean. She ensured that the property she and her husband, Sam Dean owned, would be held in perpetuity as a nature sanctuary. Today it is managed by the Oak Brook Park District, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Dorothy Dean for her foresight and willingness to give the 40-acre estate to the village.

One of the legacies of the Paul Butler era is what is called the Sports Core. It comprises 269 acres and features the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, the Oak Brook Golf Club, soccer fields, a regulation polo field, and additional outdoor space for other village-wide activities.

The village’s Sports Core is a 269acre open-space area purchased in 1977 from Oak Brook founder Paul Butler that features the Bath & Ten- nis Club, Golf Club, soccer field, polo field, and additional outdoor open space. dale Humane Society is celebrating its 70th year. It is happy to report that pet lovers in 12 nearby communities must come to the rescue by responding to the S.O.S. (Save Our Shelter) effort. There is more to be done, but the shelter is able to continue helping pets and their owners.

The Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Oak Brook Auxiliary Chapter reports that their Annual Fashion Show raised $175,000 as they celebrate 50 years of raising over $5 million for needy families in Chicago.

Other topics covered in our March/ April issue include tips on getting a good start on your garden from the Morton Arboretum, and solid advice from home remodelers and builders on how to make good decisions on your housing needs.

Last but not least, after many delays due to the pandemic, couples are making up for lost time and getting married. Contributing Editor Kristina Taheri reports on the trends.

Moreover, since March features St. Patrick’s Day, we give you a grand tour of Ireland, in case you’re in the mood for a beautiful vacation.

Another worthy cause in the spotlight is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how organizations in the area are helping people of all ages cope. Autism is a condition that can impede communication and social interaction, and it occurs in various degrees of severity. Local organizations such as Giant Steps in Lisle are of great help. One major donor, Jerry Rich, of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, has generously donated some of his lands so that Giant Steps can enhance their services.

Speaking of celebrations, the Hins-

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