History Detectives Club
Past Meetings
Fall 2014: “The Sounds of Wilmette”
Awooga! Have you ever heard a car horn sound like that? Probably not, but your grandparents or
great-grandparents may have. For our first meeting, we’ll listen to some historic sound clips to help
imagine how everyday life has changed in Wilmette. After playing a listening and guessing game, we’ll
identify the sounds and then hunt around the museum exhibits for photos or objects that match the
sounds.
Winter 2015: “Bowling at the Wilmette Bowl”
Strike! Our winter meeting will convene at the Wilmette Bowl (1903 Schiller Avenue). Drop off your
child at the alley following District 39’s early dismissal. Over a pizza lunch, children will learn about the
history of the bowling alley (formerly Bleser Bowling Alley founded in 1927) and the sport. We’ll even
try to score our games the old-fashioned way – by hand.
Spring 2015: “Historic Ridge Road Scavenger Hunt”
Let’s grab our detective hats and hit the road! For our spring meeting, we’ll explore Historic Ridge Road,
the main business center for early Gross Point residents. Using clues from the past found in old
photographs, we’ll compare past and present uses of the historic structures that continue to line Ridge
Road.
Fall 2015: “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History”
What’s your favorite candy? Tootsie Roll? Milky Way? Cracker Jacks? Lemonheads? Did you know these
treats were all produced in Chicago, the “Candy Capital of America”? We’ll explore Chicago’s “sweet”
history by looking at historic photographs, advertisements and commercials. We’ll conclude our
meeting by playing a few rounds of the Tootsie Roll Dice Game.