Looking Back

By Arline Adamsick

The Crete Record: March 15, 1973

“Township Postpones Paying of Bills”

“The day of reckoning for the payment of all bills was postponed until the last possible moment in hopes that 1971 tax monies would soon be received, the Crete Township Board of Auditors decided Monday night. J. Merlon West, Crete Township Supervisor, stated he made several inquiries at Joliet as to when the money will be sent to the township, but no one at the county level has been able to give him an answer.

“In the meantime, auditors agreed to meet Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m., to approve borrowing the exact amount of money necessary to pay the bills if the tax money has not been received. The fiscal year closes on March 26…West suggested and Gerald Karwoski, township attorney, agreed that if tax monies are not received, the solution would be to borrow the necessary funds from the revenue sharing money deposited in Crete Trust and Savings Bank.”

“Village to Dedicate Wood Street Extension”

“Although it has been commonly used and maintained as a village street for more than 40 years, Wood Street is not actually owned by the village. True ownership of the road remains a mystery since it is listed on the tax rolls as ‘Unknown Owners.’ Village board members recently learned an out-of-town buyer, Robert Burroughs, attempted to purchase the 65 by 222-foot parcel for back taxes as a ‘scavenger sale.’ The problem was called to the attention of village officials by Glen Wilner, Crete Township Assessor.

“Village Attorney Wallace Solum reported to the village board Monday night he and Mayor Ronald Christopher had researched the matter carefully in the tax records at Joliet. Solum recommended the village go ahead and dedicate the street, then deal with Burroughs to buy the land. He has not yet been issued a deed for the property.

“Will County Supervisor of Assessments Oren Pomeroy has volunteered to appear in Circuit Court on behalf of the village petition to retain the street, Solum told the board. Since it has been used as a street all this time, there is every likelihood the judge will rule in favor of the village, he added. It was estimated that purchase of the land will cost the village a relatively small sum, about $150. Attempts by Solum to reach Burroughs have not yet been successful.”

The Beecher Herald: March 15, 1973

This was an ad, but could it tempt you concerning an unforgettable vacation?

“Covered Wagon Trips Will Roll This Summer”

“For those who want to try something really different this summer on their vacation, Wozny Travel in Steger has America’s newest outdoor vacation experience “Wagons West,” covered wagon trips available from April through November in the old wild west country. Wagons West is an authentic replica of a pioneer wagon train as used by early settlers in their journeys west. Wagons are patterned after the famous Conestoga Wagons. For safety, all wagons are pulled by gentle teams of horses or mules and driven by local ranchers.

“The covered wagon trips trek along unused roads in the Utah Color Country, the Wyoming Prairie, the foothills of the Rockies, or near the Mighty Tetons. The wagon trains start out from a motel early in the morning. Frequent rest stops and a lunch break give the traveler ample time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

“Wagon covers are rolled up to give the passengers a full view of passing scenery and game. When the campsite is reached for the night, a wagon circle is formed in early afternoon to allow time for hiking, fishing, riding, or relaxation before supper. Meals are served family-style from a chuckwagon by an experienced cook. Travelers may choose to sleep in their wagon, in a deluxe tepee, or under the stars. Campfires, cowboys singing, and square dancing provide the entertainment.”

Only thing missing in this ad was the length of the trip and the cost! Anyone interested???

Here’s a summary of the Beecher School District Meeting…

Easter vacation was extended by two days, as the district did not use the allocated snow days for the school year; 1973- ’74 school calendar was approved, with the first day of school scheduled for August 27, while ending on May 31, 1974; Summer band program approved; Vera Westerburg was retiring after 35 years of teaching at Beecher Elementary; Decision to place Beecher in a junior college district remained with the Junior College Board; BHS Speech Team placed fifth in a field of 16 at the IHSA District Contest in Pontiac; BJHS placed first in the Kan-Will Conference Spelling Contest in Peotone; and the junior varsity cheerleaders, at the elementary school, brought home a third place trophy after competing in a contest at Providence High School in February.

The Peotone Vedette: March 15, 1973

“Village Board Hears Plans for Construction”

“It appears that 1973 is definitely going to be a year of construction in the Village of Peotone. Although the board was just barely able to make a quorum, with only three board members present, plus the mayor and clerk, they did approve building permits for more than a quarter of a million dollars.

“The largest permit issued Tuesday night was for a six-unit apartment building, to be built on the corner of Schroeder Avenue and Wilmington Road, at an estimated cost of $90,000. Permits also were issued for two four-flat apartments in lots 12 and 13 along the Wilmington Road in Jessen’s Subdivision, at an estimated cost of $63,000 each.

“The board also received the preliminary plat for Tibbetts Subdivision, which is bounded by Conrad Street, Joliet Road, and Mill Street, just north of the grade school. The preliminary plat calls for six R-1 (single family) lots, plus the present house and two R-2 (multiple family) lots. Plans were turned over to the Plan Commission, and three residents, who were present at the meeting concerning the request for R-2 zoning, were told to appear before the commission when it meets on the matter.”

“Enclosed Shopping Mall to be Built in Joliet”

“The largest enclosed mall shopping center in ‘downstate’ Illinois will be constructed on the west side of Joliet and will be called Joliet Mall. The first development phase will include two major department store tenants and 67 other retail and service shops in 600,000 square feet. The second phase will include a third major retailer, other merchandisers, and expand the center to more than 800,000 square feet.

“The center will be on approximately 57 acres on the south side of Jefferson Street, between Caterpillar Drive and Joyce Road. Surrounding the totally enclosed shopping complex, it will be fully lighted, landscaped, along with paved free parking areas for more than 3,000 vehicles.

“In describing the proposed mall, Melvin Simon, chairman of the board of the company that bears his name, disclosed Montgomery Ward and Wieboldt’s of Chicago will anchor the enclosed facility.

“‘The real character of the Mall will stem from the many boutiques and specialty shops that line the arcades, connecting the big stores,’ said Fred Simon, vice president and director of leasing for the Hoosier shopping center developers. He further explained, during a press conference, the enclosed mall concept of Joliet Mall emphasizes individual businesses in storerooms fronting on and surrounding a totally enclosed pedestrian arcade, fully air conditioned in summer and fully heated in winter. Avenues also will contain nitches, seating arrangements, and decorative fountains, he noted.”

At the Holiday Theatre, here was the ad: “Two’s company…Three’s a RIOT with 250 lbs. of lovable trouble named “George.”

The Manteno News: March 15, 1973

Headlines for that week included “Downtown Park Named Merchants’ Court,” along with a half page sketch of what the proposed court would look like.

“The new Merchants’ Court at Division and Main Streets will feature a curving brick walk, cedar seats, and landscaping. At the northwest corner, there will be a combination information and telephone booth. The park is one of three being simultaneously developed. It was made possible through the foresight of village trustees from all parties.”

Here’s something we have taken for granted for many years – televised high school basketball finals. Apparently, it was rather new in the early 1970s, as this was the headline: “Class AA High School Basketball Tournament Finals Televised March 23-24 from Assembly Hall”

According to the article…“The IHSA tournament, now in its 66^th year, was split into two tournaments last year. The final rounds of the Class AA tourney, for the 290 schools with an enrollment of more than 750 students, will be held March 23-24. The Class A tournament, for the 471 schools with750 or fewer students, will be determined the preceding weekend.”

In addition to coverage by WGN, which covered both Friday and Saturday games, nine other stations also would cover the tourney on Saturday only, including those in Champaign, Danville, Harrisburg, Peoria, Quincy, Rockford, Rock Island, St. Louis, and Springfield.

At Manteno Foods that week, customers could purchase choice center cut round steak for $1.29/lb., corned beef brisket for $1.19/lb., or ground beef for 89¢/lb. Also on sale were the cabbage to go with the corned beef at 5¢/lb.; Aurora soft prints toilet paper at four, two-roll packs for $1; a small Cool Whip for 49¢, or Welch’s grape drink – three 46 oz. cans for $1. But here’s a real biggie – eight 16-oz. bottles of Pepsi for 79¢, plus deposit. Have you checked current soda prices????? It’s colored water and bubbles!!!!!

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Well, it’s another week closer to spring, we’ve already “sprung ahead” for Daylight Savings Time, plus it’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!!! That’s a pretty good trifecta!! Have a great week – Life is Good!!