Looking Back

By Arline Adamsick

The Beecher Herald: January 11, 1973

“School Board Hears Results of Assessment Questionnaire”

“Supt. Jack Keller reported that 90 parents, teachers, and students completed the needs assessment questionnaire recently, which was mailed to all school district residents.”

Results obtained included: Prairie State College was the first choice of respondents for which junior college district to join; parents did not want the towel service, but many students did; and school strengths were identified as small class sizes, concerned school board, teachers, and staff, good curriculum in many areas, clean and decent physical facilities, and a good educational climate.

Weaknesses included: More guidance needed at the elementary and junior high schools; although a minimum curriculum is offered, respondents expressed a need for more courses for the non-college bound; need for a better approach to family life education – including family economics, drug abuse, health, and sex education; inadequate shower facilities; no assembly area, poor bus maintenance; no cafeteria; and no hard-surfaced playground at the elementary school.

Regarding local school changes, it was suggested more individualized instruction was needed, along with more career education, work experience programs, drug abuse education, and provisions for special needs.

Respondents were not in favor of ethnic studies, open classrooms, program for non-English speaking children, as well as outdoor education. Students, on the other hand, were in favor of open classrooms.

Three sections dealt with how improvements should be implemented, which programs should be eliminated, and which should be added. Here were the suggestions: More vocational offerings, including courses for non-college bound students; wider course offerings at the high school, dependent on growth; more individualized instruction throughout the school system; better junior high school program with more variety in the total program; no class should have more than 30 students; and more girl sports’ activities at both junior and high schools.

Also suggested were programs suppling help for students with severe reading and math problems, a future cafeteria, better health services, add wrestling and football to athletic program, and build a new track, plus better health education, intra-mural – as needed, and elementary art programs.

This information is just as good today as it was 50 years ago…

“Motor Club Warns Against ‘Peephole’ Driving”

“Don’t be a Peephole Driver warns the Chicago Motor Club AAA.”

“A frequently ignored winter driving safety hazard occurs when motorists habitually clean only enough snow and ice from their windshields and rear windows to see straight ahead and straight back.

“The motor club advises drivers not to risk this type of peephole driving and instead to pay particular attention to cleaning all snow and ice from their cars before entering traffic. On slippery pavement or during the poor visibility of a snowstorm, obstructed vision out of either back or side windows, or less than a completely cleared windshield can cause a serious accident.”

The motor club also advised keeping windshield wipers in tip-top shape, the windshield washer container filled with anti-freeze solution, and all snow removed from the top and trunk of the car, to prevent snow and ice particles from blowing while the car is in motion.

The Manteno News: January 11, 1973

Not sure if this really is practiced to any extent currently, but those of a certain age may distinctly remember “Pen Pals”…

“Junior High Students Pick Overseas Pen Pals”

“Ninety-one students at Manteno Junior High will be responsible for an increase in the amount of mail distributed to their residences. These students took advantage of an opportunity to write to pen pals in different states and nations.

“The foreign countries they will be corresponding with are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippine Islands, Germany, Mexico, Wales, Korea, Japan, Canada, and Chile.

“Purposes of this experience are to increase students’ social and cultural awareness, build language skills, and develop new friendships. The junior high is quite pleased to have assisted in the transformation of its citizens into foreign ambassadors.”

Wouldn’t this be welcome news today…

From “As We See It…Looking at Washington”

“Schenectady’s City Council recently reduced property taxes 12 percent in expectation of two million dollars it expects to receive in federal revenue-sharing funds. Elmira, New York, plans similar action and Erie County, which includes Buffalo, and Broome County, plan like actions in 1973.

“Chicago is to cut back property taxes seven percent with revenue-sharing funds. Milwaukee will reduce its property taxes eight percent with the federal money, and Des Moines plans a 10 percent cut.

“Back to Europe…A number of foreign-born Americans, mostly from U.S. metropolitan areas, are returning to Europe after spending 30 or 40 years in the U.S. A recent feature story count told of a Polish American from Detroit, who returned a year ago, and is now living, as he describes it, like a king on a $200 monthly retirement income.

“In this case, the returnee explained that things are far quieter and living was far safer than in American cities today. He reports there’s practically no mugging in Warsaw, prices are low, good food available, and travel easily arranged.

“The increase in the flow of metropolitan Americans with ethnic connections to Europe is significant, even understandable. As the flow continues to increase to Poland, Italy, England, and other countries, Americans are thereby given an incentive to make their cities and communities safer and happier places for all citizens.”

Since it was the New Year, Manteno’s first baby of 1973 was born on January 4, at St. Mary’s Hospital – little Robert William Fitzsimmons.

The Peotone Vedette: January 12, 1973

Peotone gained another Eagle Scout… Andrew Legge was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at Scouting ceremonies at St. Paul’s Parish Center on Sunday afternoon. Taking part in the impressive Eagle Court of Honor were Andrew’s parents – Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Legge, Robert Seabright, Franklin Brtva, and Edgar Soldan.”

“Village Board Hires New Full Time Policeman”

“The Peotone Village Board, this week, approved the hiring of Gary Lee Morris to fill the vacancy as the third full time policeman for the village. Morris, 24, of Peotone, has been a member of the Kankakee County Auxiliary Police and has completed their training program. He will begin work officially on January 15 and will be on the customary probation for a period of six months.”

“Welcome Wagon Discontinued”

“The Peotone Junior Woman’s Club announced they are discontinuing their Welcome Wagon project. This decision was based on statistics and a comparison of the rapid growth of the village to the small size of the club. The club wishes to thank all local businessmen who participated and donated to this project in the past.”

Here’s a bit of similarity between 1973 and 2023. According to the American Savings Bank in South Chicago Heights, their Christmas savings accounts were earning 4-1/2 percent interest. Who would have thought 50 years later, interest rates were still hovering at 4-1/2 percent?

Also, in comparison, here are some used car prices from 50 years ago: 1972 Chevrolet Fireside Pick-up – $2,395; 1972 Buick Riviera, with mag wheels and power windows – $4,595; and a 1968 Mustang, two-door hardtop, with AM radio – $1,095. Olympia Dodge also had a coupon for a $4.50 oil and filter change!

Also, do you remember these car names from 1973: Monte Carlo, Corvette, Nova, Vegas, and Camaro?

The Crete Record: January 11, 1973

“High School to Go on Split Shifts in Fall”

“Split shifts moved from the realm of a possibility to that of a definite proposal for students attending Crete-Monee High School next September. In a report brought before the Crete-Monee Board of Education last Monday evening, the Split Shift Study Committee cited ‘overwhelming evidence’ of the need for the action. The committee is composed of 201-U administrative staff, teaching faculty, parents, and students.

“The split shift plan will, hopefully, be limited to one year, with its duration being contingent on the construction of a second junior high school in the 201-U area.

“A tentative day-long split shift schedule will consist of eleven 45-minute periods, with junior and senior students attending classes during periods one – five, and freshmen and sophomores during periods seven – 11. The middle, or sixth period will be devoted to such courses as orchestra, band, chorus, and possible ‘singletons.’ All students will be required to enroll in five classes – four courses plus physical education and may opt to enroll in a course offered during the sixth period.

“According to the report, staff assignments will not be limited to a specific shift. Teachers will be assigned to eight consecutive periods, with the normal load including five teaching periods, an assigned supervisory period, and preparation and lunch periods.

“Among what was described as ‘compromises,’ which will have to be made to implement the split shift plan, is that of increased transportation costs.

“Another will be the need to discontinue the off-campus program, which presently allows students to leave the campus when they are not scheduled in a class.

“A third might be that of extra-curricular activities. Ways to most efficiently accommodate the widest possible opportunity for extra-curricular activities are being studied by Crete-Monee Principal Russel Hunt.”

“Two New Business Licenses Approved by Board”

“Two new business licenses were issued following approval by the Crete Village Board on Monday night, and an application for a solicitor’s permit was taken under advisement.

“Both new businesses occupy the premises of 1378 Main, formerly occupied by Gaskill and Walton. They are Control Aire Heating and Air Conditioning, which deals in aluminum gutters and siding, as well as heating and air conditioning, owned by Kenneth Becker, plus Tuber Cleaning, Inc., owned by Frank Wilkinson of Park Forest South, which deals in cleaning and maintenance for heavy industry.”

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Life is Good, my friends – have a great week and welcome to 2023. Here’s hoping it’s a great year!!