Oak Lawn Public Library - Local History

06/18/2026

A mortgage burning ceremony in 1947, in front of American Legion Green Oak Post #757 near 53rd Court and Oak Street. A mortgage burning is a tradition marking the final payoff of a home or organization’s mortgage, symbolizing financial freedom and the achievement of debt-free ownership.

06/13/2026

A 1951 Military Payment Certificate, Series 481 for five cents. These certificates were issued to American military personnel from 1946-1973 to keep American currency from inflating the local economy and hampering work to stabilize foreign governments. The certificate was donated by Robert L. Ulatoski, an Oak Lawn resident who served in the US Army during the Korean War.

In 1951, five cents could buy a bottle of Coca-Cola, a scoop of ice cream, a Hershey bar, a pack of gum, a single donut, or a telephone call from a payphone.

06/08/2026

Oak Lawn's business district in 1945 on 95th Street looking southeast. Businesses (from left to right): McKay's Jewelry, 5255 W. 95th Street, Atlantic and Pacific, George the Shoemaker and Rebuilder, Andy's Tavern, Lincoln Meat Market and Ratajik's Pharmacy, 5251 W. 95th Street.

06/04/2026

The Oak Lawn Cement Block opened its doors in 1925 and was owned by the Vallera family. In the image, the business sign is prominently displayed near the roof line of the one story building. A sign on the door tells customers to "Please Call At The House."

05/30/2026

Join local southside historian Carol Flynn for an interesting program about the underground railroad on the south side. Visit the Library calendar for details:

https://www.olpl.org/event/underground-railroad-southside-27053

05/25/2026

A 1965 Memorial Day ceremony showing Inez Duckwall and Edward Maciong of the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 with a Boy Scout troop in the background.

05/18/2026

Five Calvinist Cadets from Chicago Southwest Christian School practicing their camping skills, in 1961. The Calvinist Cadet Corps is a non-denominational Christian ministry affiliated with the Reformed Christian Church. The ministry trains boys to perform church and community based projects and outdoor adventures.

From left to right: Marty Huiner; Jim Boerema; Jim Kwasteniet; Mickey Boomsma; and Richard Mulder.

05/13/2026

Oak Lawn Telephone Company switchboard operators in 1939. Leota Lemert is standing behind the two operators. The switchboard was located on the second floor of the building owned by the Chiappetti family at 5420 West 95th Street, on the northeast corner of the intersection of 95th Street and 54th Court.

05/09/2026

A 1939 aerial photograph of Midway Airport looking northwest from 63rd Street and Cicero Avenue showing some adjacent homes, businesses, and undeveloped land. 87 years later, it is much more developed.

05/07/2026

We're looking for historic photos of former Oak Lawn mayors. If anyone has photos of these men, please contact us:

John T. Emery (1925-26)
Harvey Wick (1952-1960)
Tunis Collings (app. 1953)

Send a message to learn more