One question can yield a variety of answers. When prompted to fill in the rest of the statement, “I remember Lake Forest when…” via a Facebook message or email, both recent and long ago alumni responded with answers that covered a variety of topics and events. Since its beginning, the Lake Forest/ Lake Bluff area has seen a plethora of changes. Whether it be building a new restaurant, adding a storefront to Western Ave. in Market Square, or renovations to the high school, change is inevitable. In this new weekly segment, former residents and students of Lake Forest High School and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff area share their memories about Lake Forest during the time they called it home.

“I remember Lake Forest when Gorton Community Center was Gorton School. I went there for 5th-6th grade. I was just in the building the other day with one of my children pointing out where my classrooms and lockers were. Once a week, I would walk across the street during lunchtime and take a piano lesson from Mrs. Arquilla.” Terri Kreutzer

“I remember Lake Forest when I would walk to the old Deerpath theater. They had Saturday matinees for 25 cents with a newsreel before the show. Popcorn was also 25 cents. I also remember Maxie Kohn’s neighborhood store on McKinley and Woodland with shelves of penny candy.”  Peg Wills (’74)

“I remember Lake Forest when you knew practically everyone; the football games were AWESOME on Lindenmeyer field with Tim Weigel and the best team ever! We had the longest conference winning record for 3 years! Great memories.  Judy Day (’62)

“I remember Lake Forest when everyone would gather in front of the train station in East LF for donut holes and hot chocolate right before they turned the Christmas Lights on the big, beautiful tree in the Square.”  Debbie Berger

“I remember Lake when the rec center was in downtown LF and we roller skated every Friday night, drank green rivers from the “pop” machine, and had dances upstairs on the 2nd floor.  And, of course, I can’t forget Kiddles.  Great times!” Debi Kiddle (’74)