Looking Back

By Arline Adamsick

The Peotone Vedette: June 8, 1973

I certainly was not prepared for the headline that struck me as I opened the 1973 books for this week’s news – “Latest I-57 Murder Victim Is Former Peotone Resident.”

Actually, I felt much the same way I did 50 years ago when my Mom told me the latest I-57 victim was a very dear childhood friend – Betty Hunter Harmon. Total disbelief, along with deep grief! Even though we had lost touch when the family moved to Kentucky, I still remember, more than 65 years later what a truly beautiful person she was – inside and out. In addition to that beautiful red hair, she was the kindest of people – a really gentle, sweet soul, and my heart still is saddened by the tragedy of her death. Rest in Peace, dear Betty – you are not forgotten!!

Graduation news was still in the paper, as American Legion winners never are announced to the public before graduation. Winners in 1973 were Linda Kneisler and Randy Cross for the high school and Kimberly Fink and Peter March at the junior high.

Also in the paper that week was the lovely wedding picture of Colleen and Steve Stephens, who recently celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on May 20. The couple looked very happy as they cut their wedding cake, with Colleen in a satin gown made by the groom’s mother, and Steve in his naval uniform. And yes, he had his signature mustache 50 years ago, too. Being a service couple – they were off to Japan where Steve was stationed. Here’s wishing you many, many more happy years. The only thing missing in that picture was one of their beloved greyhounds!

Playing at the Sauk Trail Drive-In: “The Family,” and Bruce Lee in “Fist of Fury.” At the Holiday Theatre, it was Ingmar Bergman’s “Cries and Whispers.”

“New J.C. Penney Coming to Lincoln Mall”

“Fashion and completeness will keynote the new J.C. Penney department store at Lincoln Mall Shopping Center, according to J.C. Penney Company district manager Robert Tomalka of Chicago. The main store, measuring more than 154,000 square feet on two levels, plus a 13,750-square-foot auto center nearby, are scheduled to open later this summer. Announcement of the management team, which will operate the store, will be made shortly.”

“Joliet Livestock Center Planning Open House”

“Completion of the massive Chicago-Joliet Livestock Marketing Center along I-55, six miles southwest of Joliet, is a reality, and the corporation will mark the event with an open house on Saturday. Featured events are live musical entertainment, state and national dignitaries, a ‘pigskin passing contest,’ with Chicago Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass, and a beef luncheon from ‘the world’s largest barbecue. Guided tours through the facility also will be provided.”

The Manteno News: June 7, 1973

And Betty’s death continued to affect the community…

“In Memoriam, Betty Hunter Harmon”

“The Manteno Community was shocked and outraged by the tragic slaying of Mrs. Jerry Harmon near Peotone this week. Mrs. Harmon, the former Betty Hunter, and her husband had both graduated from Manteno High School and had lived here for a time after their marriage, and their families continued to reside in this area. Betty is sadly missed by her family and by the entire community. At her untimely death, we can only say, ‘Thank you, Betty, for making our memories of you only beautiful ones.’”

Also in the paper that week were pictures of the high school graduation, plus this headline… “Anne Jacobs, Denny Long Receive Legion Awards”

“Anne Jacobs and Denny Long were named as recipients of the 1973 American Legion Awards at Manteno High School at graduation ceremonies in the school gymnasium last Friday night. The awards are given annually to the graduating boy and girl voted outstanding in such qualities as leadership, scholarship, and honor.

“Principal speakers at graduation ceremonies were Valedictorian Karen Knupp and Salutatorian Sherry Warburton. Other seniors graduating with honors were Gina Bedore, Debra Brueggert, Matthew Felber, Gregory Hall, Anne Jacob, LuAnne LeSage, Deanna Neiner, and Patricia Viall.”

“As We See It…

“To the Graduate: June 1973, is to be the first month of post-school life for millions of young Americans since they enter the stage of life at a time where there is much printed and spoken abuse of their country and its government, a word on the U.S. record is in order.

“Our country’s constitutional republican form of government has survived in its present form longer than any other in the world. The founding fathers of the nation, when they established the system, were ahead of their time, and they built a system flexible enough to change with changing times.

“There are imperfections in the system and injustices in government and governing, but taken as a whole, the average citizen in the United States has something closer to an equal change, economically and socially, than in any other major country. That is saying much for America, because we are a melting pot nation of many races and religions.

“Looking back on history, what has been the record? It is not perfect, but people of this country have built the richest nation in the world, a nation of individual freedom for all, a nation which has never lost a war, a nation which constantly seeks to improve itself, to uplift the disadvantaged. We have a long way to go, yet, but that is not a bad start. Every newly-graduated young citizen should not casually accept these many blessing without a humble sense of thanksgiving and appreciation of the efforts and accomplishment of those who have gone before – who have done so much for all those starting in 1973.”

The Crete Record: June 7, 1973

There were some promotions at the paper…

“Russell Printing Tells Editorial Promotions”

“Russell Printing Company, this week, announced the transfer of Crete Record Editor Audrey DeMuth to the home office in Peotone, where she will edit the Peotone Vedette and assume the new position of managing editor of the seven Russell Publications. She will be replaced at the Crete Record by Associate Editor Peg Cosme.

“Mrs. DeMuth has been editor of the Crete Record since 1963 when Russell Printing Co. bought the paper, making it the fourth in their chain. They already published the Peotone Vedette, Monee Monitor, and Beecher Herald. Since that time, they have added the Manhattan American, Park Forest South Post, and Steger News – the latter two papers getting their start as local columns in the Record.

“Her dual assignments in Peotone are designed to free publishers Gilbert and Lanson Russell for more administrative pursuits and to strengthen the company’s position as journalistic leader in the fast-growing Eastern Will County area.

A little-known fact… “More bikes than cars: In 1972, for the first time since World War I, more bicycles were sold in the United States than cars. More than 40 percent of Americans now are at least part-time cyclists.”

Thrif T Mart Ad: Whole fryers – 43¢/lb.; Meadowmoor milk – 79¢/gal.; Comet Cleanser two for 33¢; Zest soap – three for 39¢; Heinz baby food – 9¢/jar; 100 paper plates – 56¢; Open Pit BBQ sauce – 29¢/18 oz.; Pillsbury cake mixes – three for 89¢; and a coupon for four rolls of Northern bathroom tissue – three for $1.

The Beecher Herald: June 7, 1973

“Arrest Youth for Break-In”

“Two Crete juveniles and Mary Sorenson of Park Forest were involved in the break-in of the trailer home of John Bricks on Rt. 1, south of Beecher. The break-in occurred early Monday while the trailer occupant was away. Entry was made by breaking a window on the west side of the trailer and opening the door.

“Harold Bruns, of Beecher, saw the suspects in the field south of the trailer, carrying what appeared to be a TV. He turned around and, while watching from the Standard station across the street, observed two suspects lying in the ditch waiting for a car to pick them up.

“When he observed them loading some items in a car, he reported the license to the police. The juveniles were later questioned at their Crete homes and admitted the break-in and theft, while implicating the third person.”

And in a letter to the editor…”

“We have read with both interest and dismay your articles about the school board’s deliberations concerning the choral musical programs. Mrs. McGuire has worked very hard to establish the minimal program we now have. We believe music should be as much a part of the curriculum as the basic ‘3 Rs.’ The world needs a bit of music, whether it be classical or rock-and-roll, to bring a little enjoyment to our very hectic world.

“The board’s apparent ‘nit picking’ about the hiring of a part-time music teacher and timing of the request suggests a negative attitude toward the program. Based on our observations, it apparently has become ‘uncool’ to belong to a choral group in Beecher. Our community is growing, and so must our approach to what constitutes an educational program. We hope the board and people of Beecher can develop as positive an attitude toward the choral group and music program as it has toward our excellent band program.”

Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Mulcahy

*****

Happy June! Happy end of school!! Happy warm weather!!! Have a great week!!! Life is Good!!!!