1936: Two Men and a Hog; Stolen Car has Radio, Heater

The entries we post on a weekly basis will be from the early 1900s through the depression era 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.

The entries below are from 1936. Just as an example of what was going on in Lake Forest in 1936, the city experienced its coldest day yet on record on Jan. 22. The temperature dropped to 25 degrees below zero. On Jan 27, it is so cold that Lake Michigan is frozen across to Michigan City. When a fire breaks out at the home of 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.

• Nov. 18, 1936: Dr. McGrew reported someone took a Remington Portable Typewriter from his office while he was out this afternoon.

• Nov. 24, 1936: Received over the radio, be on the lookout for 1928 Chevrolet Sedan, dark color, containing two white men and a black and white hog weighing about 60 pounds. These men are wanted to the larceny of the hog.

• Nov. 26, 1936: A man called at 9:40 p.m. to report his car was stolen form the alley in back of his shop, a 1936 Chevrolet Sports Coupe, light blue color, radio and heater in car. Gave to squads and called Sheriff's Office. Man called back at 10:15 p.m. and said car was back where he left it.

• Dec. 23, 1936: Officers Metzger and Lindy called and said there was a truckload of horses tipped over on Behrs Bend. The driver got the horses out and wanted to get the truck back on its wheels. Called Deerpath Garage, but it would be too dangerous to try and them up due to slippery pavement. Call came in at 2:42 a.m. Have someone go there in the morning.

- Police reports courtesy of Lake Forest resident John Walker.