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 during the preppy handbook days, carrying bermuda bags, shopping at Lily Pulitzer for hairbands, and wearing sweaters monogrammed with our initials. I remember the toy store where Sweet Pete’s is now, and buying pantyhose and dresses at Marshall Fields. I don’t miss the old beach but I remember it, and I believe the last movie shown at the theater was The Princess Bride. I remember scooping ice cream for a line of people out-the-door regularly when I worked at Haagen Dazs whenever the movies let out. Ann Cain Rattin (’85)

“I remember Lake Forest when football games were on Saturday afternoons! As a pom pon girl we wore saddle shoes. Favorite hangout was Baskin Robbins (now Dimitri’s jewelers) and Left Bank for great hotdogs, but the sloppy joe ruled.” Lisa Carlson (’80)

“I remember LFHS when the faculty cafeteria was located near where the faculty workroom is now.  It was packed and noisy every day at lunch.  We called the longest table the “trough,” and everyone looked forward to the turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries and pumpkin pie that were served the Thursday before Thanksgiving.”  Jane Eccleston (English Teacher)

“​I remember when we didn’t have computers on our desks in the office and no projectors–the Social Studies department shared four computers among the entire office and we had to schedule computer labs for classes; that was always a crap-shoot because we didn’t have enough labs for everyone who wanted one and some teachers would schedule an entire semester in advance 🙁 One thing I really like about one to one is the ability to create on the spur of the moment and implement it because everyone has a computer now.  Before projectors, we had TVs in the rooms connected to cable (at least in my room) and students would come in during lunch and watch the NCAA Basketball tournament. TVs were how we all watched the events of 9/11 as well–a stunning day for everyone here and across America. Before the new addition, I remember how teachers had a really nice lunch room that had windows and was a great place to relax and work, even if one didn’t eat there. I miss that a lot.  Ah, progress–I like the new addition. I just wish we hadn’t lost the lunch room that was a great meeting place.”  Nancy Micksch (Social Studies Teacher)

“When remote parking for juniors and seniors was parallel to the train tracks on Western Ave. You had to cross the tracks, cut through the bike path and then illegally cross McKinley Ave to get on the sidewalk to school. In order to park in one of those few spots (~20-30 spots) you had to obtain a parking pass from the city. Those parking spots went fast so you had to get to school at least 45 minutes early.” Grace Tivnan Whiteford (’99)