Greetings, fellow Oak Lawnians!
Congratulations to Johnson-Phelps VFW Post No. 5220, at 9514 S. 52nd Ave. in Oak Lawn, on being designated by the village as a historical landmark.
The post was formed in 1948 after a local resident generously donated the land.
Past post Cmdr. Dan Johnson joined the post 11 years ago after returning from service in Iraq. Johnson knows the post’s history well.
“Dr. Gasteyer donated the land in 1946 for the explicit use for military veterans returning from World War II. The money to build came from the VFW and donations, and the post opened in 1951,” Johnson said.
The pursuit of historical landmark status was initiated by local resident Bob Philbin.
“Bob Philbin’s father and grandfather were both members of the post a long time ago, and he (Philbin) asked me to sign the form,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the process “took about six months, a very short period, and went before the Historical Landmark Society and the village board to get a final vote.”
Post members also had to approve the new status.
“I gave the presentation,” Johnson said, “and it was unanimous to go forward. And it was also unanimous by the Historical Landmark Society and the village board.”
The post earned landmark status in part because of its role in the aftermath of the 1967 tornado that devastated Oak Lawn. The tornado touched down in Oak Lawn on April 21 that year and killed more than 30 people.
“The Post was used as a morgue after the tornado,” Johnson said, with bodies brought there for identification and family notification.
The 50th anniversary of that tragedy is coming up in 2017.
“With the anniversary coming up, we wanted to make sure families could come and see where their loved ones were held,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the post considers its new status an honor. Two signs noting the historical landmark designation now are affixed to the building’s exterior.
“The village of Oak Lawn came and put the signs up. They’re really nice,” Johnson said.
Having the post designated as a historical landmark means a lot to its members.
“It was nice of the village of Oak Lawn to recognize the VFW as part of the community, and we want to be part of the community for years to come. We want to keep our vets in Oak Lawn,” Johnson said.
‘Celebrity’ announcements
Here are this week’s featured “celebrity” announcements: Happy birthday to Lola Gornik, who’s turning 2, with love, from her parents, Amanda and Chris, and family. Happy fourth birthday to Jack LeCompte, from Grandma and Grandpa LeCompte, Grandma Laverne, his parents, Joseph and Joanne, and Julia. Birthday wishes also go out to Julie LeCompte.
Birthday wishes go out to Jasper Wills, who’s turning 8, from his parents, Becky and Jim. Happy 12th birthday to Cayden Cadwell. Happy 13th birthday to Sarah Truesdale, and to her sister, Kimberly, who’s turning 20. Happy birthday to Cole Candos, who’s turning 15, from his parents, Carrie and Don, and grandparents, Jean and Don.
Mary and Ryan Thompson wish their daughter a happy sweet 16th birthday. Birthday wishes go out to Michelle Wills, who’s turning 20, from her grandparents, Dave and Sandy Wills. Happy 21st birthday to Jessie Sharon, from her parents and family. Happy 22nd birthday to Rachel Pender, from her parents, Tina and Tim, and Christina.
Happy birthday to Danny McInerney, who’s turning 23, from his mom, Mary Sue, family and Liz Beth. Happy 23rd birthday to Michael Petzel, (yes, we’re related), and to his brother, Drew, who’s turning 27, from their dad, Fran and family. Danielle Cohen’s family wish her a happy 43rd birthday. Happy 76th birthday to Joan Cozza, from her daughters, Michelle and Cathy.
Happy birthday to Anne Casey, from her husband, John. Happy birthday to Alida Carpenter, Cindy Ziebart and Marge Joy. Birthday wishes go out to Chris Mathews, from his wife, Shannon, Cayden and family. Best wishes to Leo Gutchewesky, Bob Kuenster and Chuck Groebe, who are celebrating their birthdays.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to Will and Erica Petzel on their second anniversary, and to Chris and Shannon Mathews on their third anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community. Contact me on my cell (708) 899-9544 or email me at cjpetzel@sbcglobal.net.
Until next time …
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance columnist.
