Mt. Prospect's Seven Wonders
If you ever thought the Taj Mahal and Randhurst Shopping Center had a lot in common, you are in luck.
The Mount Prospect Historical Society is looking for your top picks for its Seven Wonders of Mount Prospect project, modeled after the new seven wonders of the world, which include the Taj Mahal in India.
Part fundraiser and part community event, the project is a chance for residents to show what they value about their environs.
"It will create a little snapshot about what people think is important in our community," said Gavin Kleespies, director of the historical society.
Leo Floros, 80, who has lived in the village since 1958, put the Capannari Ice Cream store, 10 S. Pine St., at the top of his list of seven. It has had many incarnations, including one as a general store.
"It has been a focal point for Mount Prospect," Floros said. "It has endured. It has staying power."
You can nominate a building, a park, a business, a person, an organization or pretty much anything you think is a wonder in the community.
For instance, Skip Farley, former village president, said his list would include people who have made a difference, including Leo and Lill Floros, who have been involved with village affairs for decades, both serving on commissions and committees.
"I like people involvement, so I'd put Leo and Lill at the top of my list," Farley said.
If you have an idea of something you would like to nominate, fill out a form explaining your nominee and why you think it is a wonder, and return it Seven Wonders c/o The Mount Prospect Historical Society, 101 S. Maple Street Mount Prospect, IL 60056.
You can make as many nominations as you like.
Forms are at the historical society, the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., or village hall, 50 S. Emerson St. Or you can download it from mtphistory.org.
The society will accept nominations until May 15.
When all the submissions have been gathered, the society will pick the top 10, which will be voted upon by residents.
It will be free to vote at booths the society will set up around the village, but your vote won't count for much unless you also donate.
In a system that may seem more reminiscent of a big city than a sleepy suburb, this vote can be bought. The more you donate, the more your vote counts.
The winners will be announced Aug. 22 at the society's Back to School Bash at Bogie's, 303 E Kensington Road.
Funds raised will be used to support the historical society's work to preserve community history, such as the recent lengthy effort to save Central School, the town's oldest public building.
Saving another likely winner, Randhurst Shopping Center, might prove tougher, as much of it has a date with a wrecking ball later this year as part of its conversion to a lifestyle center.
Seven Wonders of Mount Prospect
Here are the top picks of a former village president, trustee and reporter.
Skip's List
Skip Farley -- former village president
• Leo and Lill Floros: dynamic village couple who have been in the village for almost 50 years and have served on numerous boards
• Randhurst Shopping Center
• Mount Prospect Water Tower
• Mount Prospect Library
• Mount Prospect Village Hall
• Mount Prospect Golf Club
• State Sen. Carolyn Krause
Leo's List
Leo Floros -- former village trustee
• Mount Prospect Water Tower
• Randhurst Water Tower
• Mount Prospect Railroad Station
• Central School
• Keefer's Pharmacy
• Mrs. P & Me, formerly Kruse's Tavern
• Capannari Ice Cream
Steve's List
Steve Zalusky -- reporter who covered the town
• The old Van Driel pharmacy, now Busse Flowers.
• Ye Olde Town Inn, built in the 1920s
• Capannari Ice Cream
• Keefer's Pharmacy
• Mount Prospect Plaza, Central and Rand roads
• Randhurst Shopping Center
• Mrs. P & Me, formerly Kruse's Tavern