Lake Forest Relives History Through Skit

Much has changed since the signing of the  Lake Forest city charter 150 years ago.

However, thanks to the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society Council members, the community had a chance to hear from some of the founding fathers.

Present day newscasters (played by Ron Weiner and Elaine Opsitnik) wrangled time, and brought Samuel Miller, Sylvester Lind, and Harvey Thompson before the City Council Meeting on Tuesday. The three founders and pillars of the Lake Forest community shared their memories of early life in Lake Forest, 150 years ago.

Although the actual anniversary of the Charter signing was Feb. 21, 1861, it happened to fall on the President's Day holiday this year. Consequently, the City Council meeting and 10-minute skit was scheduled for the the day after.

Harold Morrison portrayed Thompson, the first mayor of Lake Forest. Lind, another former Lake forest mayor, was played by Sandy Turner, and Miller, first headmaster of Lake Forest Academy and former superintendent of schools, was portrayed by, fittingly, Harry Griffith, current superintendent of Lake Forest School Districts 115 and 67.

The skit, conceived by Harold Morrison and Edward Johnson,  was written and directed by Idona Griffith,. The skit can be seen in its entirety on Lake Forest TV as part of the City Council Meeting encore presentations.

Download the movie