Orland Park History Museum Hosts Prohibition History Crawl

The eighteenth amendment holds a place of prominence in

United States history. Not only did its 1919 ratification prohibit alcohol
nationwide, it was also the only amendment to be repealed from the United
States Constitution.

“It’s fascinating to apply what was happening in the country and its effect on Orland
Park,” said Trustee Kathy Fenton, village board liaison to the village's
history museum. “When we think of events in U.S. history, we don’t always think
about what was happening here at the time.”

Prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the ratification of the twenty first amendment.

The Orland Park History Museum will explore prohibition and its impact in
Orland Park with its Prohibition History Crawl on Saturday, October 13, 2018.

“We’re going to walk Old Orland to see where the bars were and will share the stories of
Orland Park from that time,” said Museum Curator Sarah Stasukewicz. “When
prohibition passed, Orland Park had buildings that became ‘soda fountain
stores’. Other buildings that had been saloons became ice cream and soft drink
parlors.”

During an 1883 election, nine years before Orland Park was incorporated, locals voted
to permit a saloon within the limits “by an exceedingly popular vote of 98 to
1.” The 1884 History of Cook County reported that the
population was less than 200 and the town had two saloons.

“Orland Park wasn’t a municipality until 1892 when Senator Humphrey led the
movement for its incorporation,” Fenton said. “Putting that in
perspective, when Orland Park was incorporated, Ellis Island first opened.
Sir Frederick Stanley donated the Stanley Cup and the first Pledge of
Allegiance was recited in public schools.”

The two hour Prohibition History Crawl will begin at the museum, 14415 Beacon Ave,
at 1 p.m. and is open to those age 21 and older. It is limited
to 25 participants and registration closes Thursday, October 11.

The tour includes stops at Fox’s Orland Park Pub and the Irish Patriot. The
cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members and does NOT include
refreshments.

The October 13th Old Orland festivities will include the grand
opening festivities for Peace Marketplace at 9919 West 143rd Place.

Peace Marketplace is located in the building that once housed Kruspe's Saloon in Old Orland.

Crawl tickets may be purchased at Peace Marketplace, 9919 West 143rd Place
and at Recreation Administration, 14600 South Ravinia Avenue.

Stasukewicz added, “This is really a fun tour because we’ve collected a number of
stories to share as we explore prohibition’s history in Orland Park.”

Questions about the tour can be directed to the museum at 708/873-1622.