Glenview History Center reopens with new exhibit

Although the Glenview History Center has been very active on social medial during the past 16 months, it is now delighted to be reopening its facilities for in-person visits.

Thanks to widespread immunization and lifting of some pandemic restrictions, on Sunday, June 13, the 1864 Farmhouse Museum will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. On Tuesday, June 15, the Hibbard Library will reopen from 1 to 4 p.m.

The museum's current main exhibit is called "Saluting Glenview's Service Academy Graduates." There are many more than one might think - more than 20 have been identified so far, and the search continues. Six of these graduates are profiled.

The idea for the exhibit came from a request by Terry Stewart following a Glenbrook South High School class reunion, where he connected with other military academy graduates and realized what a special group they were. Terry contacted the History Center with an offer to donate his old academy uniform for its museum.

"The whole idea started with recognizing and appreciating how growing up in Glenview enabled us to attend the academies and serve something larger than ourselves," said Stewart, Glenbrook South High School, 1973; U.S. Military Academy, 1977; MAJ USA (ret.).

History Center researchers found graduates through searches of Glenbrook South High School and Loyola Academy records, conversations among school alums, and military academy records. The exhibit is constantly evolving, and the History Center is still searching for, and would like to learn of, additional such graduates.

A total of 23 have been identified to date. A service breakdown includes 10 from the U.S. Military Academy, one of which is female; seven from the U.S. Naval Academy; and six from the U.S. Air Force Academy, two are female.

History Center curator and current Glenview American Legion Post 166 Commander Wayne Carle said, "The exhibit showcases uniforms of the different academies the students attended. There are also yearbooks from each academy and short biographies."

Rounding out the exhibit are photos, a ceremonial sword, details of the academies and various insignias.

These academy graduates have had exemplary careers in both military and civilian life. For example, U.S. Naval Academy graduate James Grimson became a Naval aviator, flying fighter jets. He then served as an instructor for the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program for three years, when he left aviation to enter medical school.

Grimson was a Navy radiologist for 12 years before retiring with the rank of Commander, and he still practices radiology in civilian life. Others have gone on to civilian careers in business, finance and other fields.

One current Glenview resident with such a history is Donald Owen, current deputy village manager. An Annapolis graduate, he served at NASG for several years and retired from the base with the rank of Commander and became a village employee. He is a 24-year Glenview resident.

Dr. Bill Attea, History Center board member and retired District 34 school superintendent, said, "Glenview Naval Air Station was a staple in Glenview for many years. Because of this, I feel quite confident more students considered the military and attendance at one of the military academies than students would have without this presence."

History Centers President Beverly Dawson said, "Glenview's excellent school system, with its emphasis on values and service, no doubt was essential in preparing these men and women for the rigors of academy life and future careers. This is a very impressive group of people - among Glenview's finest. The village can be very proud of its sons and daughters who served this way."

The exhibit is ongoing and can be visited at the Glenview History Center beginning Sunday, June 13.

For information, call (847) 724-2235 or visit www.glenviewhistory.com.

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