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 my father was still a cop at LFPD. That was in the 60’s and 70’s. Society wasn’t so crazy and crime filled. A lot of great memories from back then.”   Maria Robinson

“I remember Lake Forest when ….31 Flavors was the place to go after any nighttime school function or sporting event; when, in the early days, Marshall Field’s, only carried women’s clothes so Mrs. Field didn’t have to drive all the way to the city to shop; when Little Red Hen was the best place for chicken; the Silo had a big bar in the middle of the first floor with some kind of fire that lit up the very dark room, the Silo’s upstairs was for 21 and older only; when Mr. Pasquesi (at Pasquesi’s, not Left Bank!) held court behind the counter and you felt special if you got to sit in the back room); when there were 2 campuses for LFHS and a shuttle Bus that ran back and forth; when there were massive beach/bonfire parties in the summer; when games at Lake Forest Days were 25 cents and the rides were not much more; where leaf burning was allowed in the fall and fireworks were okay on the 4th; when we stayed out all day playing in the summer and came in when we heard our Mom ring our specific bell for dinner. Growing up in this town was a real gift and I am thankful every day for it.”  Erin Murphy Foley (’84)

“I remember Lake Forest when I could walk down to Lake Forest College, stand at the chain link fence & watch Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, Refrigerator Perry and so many other amazing Chicago Bears players practice their craft! ” Lorie Tewes, (’82)

“I remember how you could hear live music in the gym as you walked in from the parking lot to the east of LFHS and you knew it was going to be so much fun dancing with everyone there together.” Jan Larsen Polep, (’62)