John Hughes Memorabilia Sought for Exhibit at Northbrook Historical Society

NORTHBROOK, IL - The North Shore’s favorite film director may have died seven years ago, but his contribution to popular culture will continue forever.

You aren’t an American human if you haven’t made a reference to “The Breakfast Club,” “Home Alone,” “Uncle Buck” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” in a real life situation.

Because of John Hughes, Chicago’s North Shore became the Hollywood of the Midwest. The famed 'Home Alone' house is one of the most visited spots in nearby Winnetka. The home where the car rolled out of a glass window in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is in Highland Park and the houses associated with "Uncle Buck" and "Sixteen Candles" are both in Evanston.

The late great film director’s hometown, Northbrook, is proud to be associated with the movie legend.

But there’s not too much about Hughes at the historical society in the village.

“While he has been recognized for a long time by the people here, we don’t have much memorabilia and it’s been a gaping hole in our collection,” said Northbrook Historical Society President Judy Hughes, who is not related to the film director also known for the “Beethoven” and “Vacation” movie series.

Judy Hughes is looking for anything John Hughes related. Artifacts from his filming days in Northbrook would be a great addition to the society, but so would stories and personal encounters. The result will be a temporary exhibit honoring Hughes and his contribution to film history.

Also on Patch: Find All John Hughes’ North Shore Movie Locations in One Spot

Judy Hughes says in the few weeks since she first made a call for memorabilia, “a lot of people have been calling and emailing with memories.”

“The days of when he filmed in Northbrook are recent enough as to the likelihood of 1-2 neighbors still being out there from that time… We want to preserve this information before it’s lost.”

Northbrook itself has not been shy about its connection to Hughes. A bench near village hall has been constructed in his memory. It sits prominently in the village, and when you sit on it, you’ll find a perfect view of the water tower famous for having the words ‘Save Ferris’ scribbled on it in one of the most popular movies from the 1980s.

“Northbrook is full of people with many treasures and things to offer,” Judy Hughes said. “John Hughes is one of many well known people, but he is likely the most well-known of our residents because he was out in the forefront because of the films he made. More people are aware of him than anyone else, and people here do have pride in him.”

Related on Patch: Glenbrook North Alums Bond Over John Hughes in Their Own ‘Breakfast Club’

While the exhibit at the Northbrook Historical Society will, once assembled, only be displayed temporarily due to space constraints at the Historical Society, it will be part of the society’s archives forever.

An interactive map of John Hughes’ movie locations in Northbrook is also planned.

“Just in case someone comes in later on and starts asking about John Hughes,” Judy Hughes said.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons