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 when, LFHS had a fountain soda machine in the lunchroom. Loved the 7up. I assume it would be heavily taxed today. I remember the one pay phone to call for a ride home. And Mrs. Waldeck in the attendance office.”  Kristen Buck Chun

“I remember Lake Forest when we had “Scoop the Loop” day and night around Market Square, then heading for the beach. Also tobogganing down same said drive, ice skating at West Park. Hanging out at the beach and water skiing during the day time, smelt fishing and bonfires at night. Dancing at Cellar and Big Toe on Friday and Saturday nights (LFHS clubs with live bands held at the old Rec Center in Market Square.) Shopping at all the old stores with girlfriends uptown (Uptown was Lake Forest, Downtown was Chicago.) LFHS football on Saturdays, basketball on Friday nights, cheerleading, student council, talent shows, musicals, proms, awesome teachers and friends and when girls were finally allowed to wear pants around ’68 or ’69.  Many great memories.”  –Karen Fennell Idema, (’70)

“I remember Lake Forest when all the school sponsored dances were held in the Girls’ Gym off the north foyer and people, including parents and friends, could come to watch from the dark balcony bleachers. Sort of creepy, I thought. (My parents never did that but some of my friends’ parents went and I felt sorry for my friends with their parents watching them “slow dance” with their dates.) Sandi Moe (’63)

“I remember Lake Forest when Sweet’s was in the middle of that block on Deerpath closer to Walgreens and they opened up the muffin shop where Sweets is now. I worked at both places–so much fun. Marcy Griem Calaway, (’89)

“I remember Lake Forest when we chopped down a live crab apple tree in full bloom and put it on the middle of the old east gym to decorate for our junior prom. –Joye Wright Hurthle, (’53)