Soft candlelight and romantic Big Band music floated through the air recently as the Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs celebrated its 75th anniversary.
For the occasion, the ballroom restored its tradition of dinner before dancing. The music was provided by Nancy Hays and the Willowbrook Orchestra.
Elegantly dressed owner Pat Williams was welcoming guests and sharing tales about the old ballroom. “It’s kind of amazing to think this place has been here this long,” she said. “The Willowbrook takes on a life with each new generation, I think because it’s such a romantic setting.”
Villa Park resident Bonnie Carino fondly recalled the ballroom as the place where her husband, Jerry, began courting her more than 30 years ago.
“We used to come every Saturday night,” she said. “It’s the only place in the world where you can do ballroom dancing.”
Ellie Malan and Carl Hobscheid, both of Wood Dale, met at the Willowbrook a few years ago.
“This place saved my life after my husband died,” Malan said. “I came out here and didn’t know anybody. Now I know everybody. It’s a beautiful place.”
Hobscheid agreed. “It’s like coming to a wedding here every Sunday. Everybody’s dressed up, the men in suits and the women in gowns.”
Jennifer Anderson of Oak Forest is so entranced with the place that she and her fiance, David Gasik of Hickory Hills, will be married there in October.
“I love the atmosphere here,” she said. “I love the ’30s and ’40s feeling. It’s very nostalgic.”
