In-the-Woods Reunion

Thatcher Woods, Cook County Forest Preserve, September 24, 2016. Mr. Irene headed back last weekend to the Chicago area for a high-school reunion. He stopped at Thatcher Woods to revisit some memories, and he was happy to find the place in great shape.

Snowy Sunday

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1961. I'm dressed in red again, and I wear the Mickey-Mouse mittens. I take the snowman home, and we find a spot for him in the backyard.

Winter River

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1962. The river rarely froze.

Thaw

Suburban Chicago, February 1965. The Des Plaines River stays frozen for only a short time.

Fresh Dusting

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, February 1966. It's safe to walk along the edge.

Don't expect a thaw.

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1965. The Des Plaines River rarely freezes, however.

Creekside Reunion

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1962. We approach the spot at which Silver Creek meets the Des Plaines River.

December-Thaw Reunion

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, December 1975. Dad selected this image from Thatcher Woods for one of his Christmas cards.

Wake up to winter.

Suburban Chicago, March 1960. It's time to get bundled.

Winter Recreation

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, February 1966. Another group sleds on the Des Plaines River.

Another use for the sled.

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1964. Mom borrows my sled.

Winter Riverbank

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1965. Things start to freeze around the edges.

Frozen-River Reunion

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, February 1965. The Des Plaines River has risen above its banks.

Sledding

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, January 1963. Dad remembered to bring the sled.

It's too early to think about snow.

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, February 1964. Dad continued to wear hats long after men's hats became unfashionable.

Autumn Paddle

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, October 1963. It was still warm enough for a ride along the Des Plaines River.

Late Summer

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, September 1963. Things look thick just before Fall arrives.

Related by Marriage: Recital at the Prudential

In addition to taking private lessons, Mr. Irene performed with an all-accordion orchestra. Mr. Irene joined the orchestra in 1966, barely one year after picking up the instrument. The orchestra gathered for rehearsal at a local auditorium on Saturday mornings during the school year. Arrangements of the hit movie scores of the day were a big part of this orchestra's repertoire—including "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's and "Baby Elephant Walk" from Hatari.

After a string of smaller, local recitals, the accordion orchestra performed at an All-City Recital in November, 1968, sponsored by a major teaching studio, The Music Center, Inc. The Sunday afternoon concert venue would be the auditorium of the Prudential Building in downtown Chicago.

The Prudential recital was a formal affair. Mr. Irene's Parents bought a new accordion for him, and Mr. Irene wore his first rented tuxedo.

Mr. Irene's Parents had decided that the occasion should be celebrated with a memorable dinner after the show. The restaurants at the Prudential, the Gibraltar Room and the Top of the Rock were closed on Sundays. The choice for dinner instead was a swank supper club close to home, The Homestead. The Homestead was in Melrose Park and stood on North Avenue on the northeastern edge of Thatcher Woods. After the show, Mr. Irene enjoyed a festive steak dinner at The Homestead.

Ashley Ricketts and his wife Kathryn established The Homestead in 1964. The Ricketts are a legendary Chicago restaurant family. Ashley's son, Ernest, later managed The Homestead. The Ricketts were long-time residents of nearby Park Ridge. Ernest grew up near the Rodham household, and he was a good friend of a Rodham daughter, Hillary.


Chicago, Illinois, November, 1968. Mr. Irene arrives for the recital and poses with his Aunt Martha and her husband, Wally, in the lobby of the Prudential Insurance Building.

Things are still wintery.

Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve, Suburban Chicago, February 1964. But the lengthening days tell us spring is around the corner.

This looks a little risky.

Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, February 1966. It looks like the Des Plaines River has frozen.