1936-37: Robber is Sure to be Jingling with all that Change

The entries we post on a weekly basis will be from the early 1900s through the late-1930s at a time when was beginning to flourish as a community.

The entries are posted practically verbatim, except for the names of the victims or perpetrators of the crimes noted. They provide a fascinating reflection of the times and culture of that era.

These entries are from 1936, and one from 1937. Just as an example of what was going on Jan. 27, 1936, "it is so cold that Lake Michigan is frozen across to Michigan City. When a fire breaks out at the home of Mrs. Abby Farwell, firefighters have a difficult time putting out the blaze because the water from their hoses freezes the moment it hits anything solid," according to the  timeline.

• Dec. 10, 1936: An Edward Sims of Des Plaines will be in town today soliciting subscriptions to the Chicago Evening American.

• Dec. 18, 1936: Calverts Green house reported they had about 20 wreaths stolen last night that were hanging outside of the building. Robertson sent to investigate. Night men drive through there on your rounds at night.

• Dec. 24, 1936: A resident in the 700 block of Barberry Lane called at 8:15 p.m. and said a young man about 17 or 18 years old stopped at her place trying to sell something. Said that father was out of work, acted suspicious. Chief and Lindy on call, picked up Chicago youth selling pot holders and aprons. Sent out of town.

• Jan. 1, 1937: Received a call from Lake Forest News Agency at 7:55 a.m. reporting a burglary of his store during the night. Officer Pfister made investigation and reported the following: Someone apparently with a key entered store between 9:30 p.m. last night and 6:15 a.m. and took $2 in dimes, $2.75 in quarters, $16 in nickels, one 50-cent piece and six $1 bills.

- Historical Police reports courtesy of Lake Forest resident John Walker.

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