Mokena's Front Porch: Recent Episodes
Matt Galik & Israel Smith
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Since moving to Mokena in 1977, the Fleischer's have been an active part of the Mokena community. Mayor Fleischer and Mrs. Fleischer sat down with Israel and talked about their lives before Mokena, how they came to Mokena and they impact they have both made since. We discuss Mayor Fleischer's political future and what changes he would like to see for Mokena.
Enjoy Israel's conversation with Mayor Frank and Laurie Fleischer.
The full video is available on our YouTube channel and on our website!
Support the Show.
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Send us a text
Since our Village was incorporated in 1880, it held elections to determine who the decision makers in town would be. The local elections for Village Mayor and Trustees, Village Clerk, School Boards, Park, Fire and Library boards, will be Tuesday April 1, 2025! And candidates are already circulating petitions.
This municipal elections cycle, Mokena's Front Porch Podcast is going to be a resource for this local elections and attempt to bring you conversations with each candidate, whoever is willing.
I also provide a current update of which seats are up for election and who has already pulled petitions to run for office!
This is going to be an ongoing series throughout the April 1, 2025 election. If you are a candidate and want to schedule a time to talk, or if you have a real question you would like us to ask the candidates, you can email them to mokenasfrontporch@gmail.com.
I am looking forward to getting to know the candidates and I think you will too!
A full video version is available on our YouTube channel by clicking here!
And check out the Local Elections tab on our website for all things Mokena elections.
Support the Show.
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Send us a text
Israel sits down with Joann Jeffers and Lana Graser of the Mokena Women's Club to learn more about this group and how they have been serving the people of Mokena since 1960! I hope you enjoy our conversation and please reach out to them if you would like to join what they are doing in Mokena!
Support the Show.
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Send us a Text Message.
Matt and Israel talk about the recent storm that came through town and did significant damage down Front Street as well as the collapse of a beloved historic barn, built by the Erickson family in the early 1900's.
We also discuss the building that sits on the south east corner of First and Mokena Street. Today the home of Audiologic and the newest addition to Front Street, Hustle & Heart, this site holds a long history as a center of town for generations. Matt shares some great stories of this site that has a long, and at times, troubling, past.
This episode is based on Matt's blog post from May 1, 2022 titled, Down on The Corner." You can find that episode here!
Be sure to check out our video on YouTube as well for additional pictures and videos. You can find that here!
Support the Show.
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
The Brauns were a family of blacksmiths in Mokena, going all the way back to the 1880's, all the way into the 1950's! Al Braun was said to be one of the last working blacksmiths in the State. Al always welcomed neighborhood kids, who would enjoy all of the action going on in his shop.
Al Braun also served as a Village Trustee for 33 years and was very active in the community. Matt shares some of his story and how significant he was to the community. A blacksmith was not a luxury in the earlier days of Mokena, it was a necessity. As an all around repair man, horse shoer, wagon wheel repair man, and fabricator, the blacksmiths fire was the answer to many Mokenians problems.
Enjoy hearing some of Al Braun's long Mokena story.
Support the Show.
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Founded in 1839, the Marshall Cemetery is home to many of Mokena's founders, with names like Marshall, McGovney, and Jones. It is also the resting place of numerous war heros from the Civil War, and more. Matt gives us a walking tour as we cover only a few of the families buried here.
The setting is a quiet country road, a little busier than it was in the 1800's, but it still maintains a charm of yesteryear, where you can still feel a little of what it felt like back in the early days of Mokena. We hope you enjoy this walk through of the historic, Marshall Cemetery!
There is a full video of our walk on our YouTube Channel. You can find that by clicking here!
Support the Show.
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
On a beautiful April evening, Matt and I (Israel) took a walk down Mokena's Front Street, talking history. This is the audio only version so you have to imagine standing at the South East corner of Wolf Road and Front Street and walk along with us!
Matt is a wealth of information when it comes to Mokena and this was a lot of fun! We plan to do more of these throughout the summer. I think this was a fun conversation and we hope you enjoy it too!
Be sure to follow our YouTube page and our website, www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
You can find the YouTube Link HERE.
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Mayor Joe Werner cared deeply about Mokena and its people. He served as both Village Trustee and Mayor and made many lasting contributions to Mokena. He sadly passed away on Christmas Eve of 2023 after fighting brain cancer. I am honored that we get to share some of Mayor Joe’s story and all he did to make our Village a better place.
If you would like to share your thoughts or stories about Mayor Joe on our podcast, you can call and leave a message with your thoughts and memories at 872-255-9259. Be sure to leave your message by the 4th of July, 2024. At that time we will release an updated episode with those messages included in the episode. It will be a great community tribute to Mayor Joe Werner.
Please support The Veterans Garage! www.VeteransGarage.com
And the Mokena VFW! http://www.vfwpost725.org/home.html
Be sure to follow Matt’s Blog, Matt’s Old Mokena https://oldmokena.blogspot.com/
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Since the early days of Mokena, 11116 has been a place where the community gathers to drink, socialize, shop and eat. For more than a decade now this property has sat vacant. The property is now undergoing a renovation and will be host a new restaurant, The Dock on Front Street! I asked Mayor Frank Fleischer about the restaurant and got his thoughts on what this can do for Front Street.
Mokena is excited about the future of this building, but if you really want to enjoy and appreciate what this property will become, you want to understand where it has been. Matt wrote this great article in 2001, detailing the rich history of this place.
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for our full video tour of the property as well! It’s pretty cool! Matt's blog post that this article is based on can be found by clicking HERE.
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Israel got to sit down with Suzanne Helwich, the Executive Director of the Curtain Call Theatre, as well as Ken Czechanski, who is a theatre board member as well as one of the stars of their upcoming March 2024 production, The Runner Stumbles.
The setting for our conversation was at the foot of the stage as they were preparing for the production. It was two hours before the first practice when the cast is expected to know their lines without their script. With that pressure, Ken was still nice enough to share some of his story, and talk about the improv nights he introduced and hosts.
When the lights go down, this 70-seat venue makes you feel like you're in a downtown Chicago neighborhood theatre. What was once a longtime neighborhood pharmacy, is now a hub where the magic of storytelling comes alive, fostered by the tireless efforts of volunteers.
This is a great community organization that is putting on some great productions and giving people a chance to live their dream of acting. I hope you enjoy our conversation and I hope you will go check out their shows!
The Curtain Call Theatre website can be found HERE!
https://www.ccctheatre.com/default.asp?iId=HILHG
The Emily McCabe Childrens Theatre Program Info HERE!
https://www.ccctheatre.com/default.asp?iId=LDJMK
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Mokena's first modern subdivision has a name that goes back to the early days of our Village. The Mineral Springs neighborhood sits just south of the train station and at one point was the source of healing waters that were being pumped from below ground. This healing well was so popular that it eventually ran a pipeline closer to the tracks to be able to fill tanker cars directly.
Matt shares the story of the first time it was sold by an early Mokenian and also shares of the transformation from "truck farm" to Mokena's first modern subdivision, that was built post World War 2.
You can find a link to Matt's article that this episode is based on HERE!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Mokena’s first post office opened February 10, 1853 and served our newly formed train depot of a town. With the railroad splitting through town, it made Mokena a prime mail location, with mail coming via the passing trains, to and from Chicago. The post office was a vital organ in the life of the new town and many took up the role of Postmaster, until 28 year old Margaret M. Maue is takes the position. She served as one of Mokenas' longest running Postmasters or Postmistresses, serving the role for thirty four years.
Margaret Maue, (later Margaret O'Brien), held the post on March 2nd, 1937, when the Post Office was robbed in the dark of night. The Office suffered a significant loss and Matt shares the story of the search to catch the bandits and what was recovered from the theft. In addition to the story of the theft, Matt paints the picture of what the Post Office meant to the residents and how it helped Mokena grow into a hub along the route to and from Chicago.
Read Matts blog post that this episode is based on HERE.
The History of Mokena: A Journey Through Time - 1831 to 2010
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Our Village was founded around the Rock Island Pacific Railroad coming through the middle of what is now downtown Mokena. In 1852 those tracks came through the north end of the McGovney (Yunker) farm. By the mid 1870's, Mokena had 8 saloons, more per capita than any other town in Will County. One of the significant motivators to incorporate was for control of how many liquor licenses would be allowed and who those fees would be paid to. Matt shares how many times they attempted to incorporate before it was finally approved by the voters in 1880.
There are still a few remnants and reminders around town of those first elected officials, including the Front Street home of our first mayor, Ozias McGovney and the location of the first official meeting place of the new board of trustees. Matt shares some great stories and interesting facts about the process and some of the first laws they passed.
We hope you enjoy this episode about an extremely important event in our Village history!
Here is a link to Matt's blog post that this is based on!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Schools are the lifeblood of a community and they carry the tremendous responsibility to educate the youth of our town. A desirable school district increases home values and make a community more desirable.
Though it was not the first Mokena school house, the grand 2 story schoolhouse that sat at today's Front Street and Schoolhouse Road, was at the leading edge of features when it was built and offered Mokena families a quality education within walking distance. This was a time when there was no high school in the area and kids would have to take the train out of town if they chose to continue their education beyond grade school.
Matt shares some great information about the school during this time and some of the early teachers and principles along with some of the amazing stories from through the years. This was a beautiful building that drew acclaim from around the area.
We hope you enjoy this story and our conversation!
You can find Matt’s Blog Post about this article here!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Step inside the hallowed walls of The Mokena State Bank, as we chronicle over a century of its rich and vibrant history. This story takes you on a journey that captures the spirit of this iconic institution that has endured safe cracking, robberies, and economic tremors, yet stood firm as the heart of the local community.
This bank was one of Mokena's most beautiful and ornate buildings. While there was a previous attempt, the Mokena State Bank was the first bank to establish themselves. The bank was run by well known community members and became a place full of activity over the years. In a time before ATM's and drive through tellers, almost everyone in town knew the bankers by first name.
While the site of this old Mokena treasure still hosts a community bank, it is no longer the Mokena State Bank that so many community members trusted to hold their treasure for over a century.
We talk about 2 of Matt's blog posts in this episode. You can find those here: #1 The Currency of Time: The Early Days of Mokena State Bank; #2 Stick 'Em Up: The 1924 Robbery of Mokena State Bank.
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Frank and Cyndi Grobmeier endured the unthinkable after the death of their daughter just after her 18th birthday. I had the opportunity to spend time with them in the Mokena office of their charity, The Maddog Strong Foundation. They have a mission to not only have people sign their donor card but to also have the conversation with loved ones as well.
They so graciously shared, at length, the story of their family before and after the loss of their daughter and what they have done and are doing to make something amazing out of their tragedy. This is a special episode and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed talking to Frank and Cyndi. Please be sure to check out their website, www.maddogstrong.org , they are also on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube! You can register for their 5k, Miles For Maddog, HERE.
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Matt and I (Israel) attended an event at The Mokena Library by Abraham Lincoln impersonator and educator, Kevin Wood. He shared the story of Sarah Hale, who spent 35 years writing letters to Presidents and promoting the idea of a unified day of Thanksgiving across all states. Hearing Mr. Wood speak was like being in the presence of the 16th President.
Matt and I talk interesting Lincoln facts, including his visit to Mokena…almost, a Mokena resident who sang at President Lincoln’s funeral, and so much more! Enjoy this journey into the past and discover the origins of our favorite traditions.
Being Thanksgiving month, we want to give a special thank you for all our Veterans. We are thankful for a community with a long list of those who do and have served and we are thankful for all of you!
Happy Veterans Day and Happy Thanksgiving!
Israel & Matt
You can find Kevin Wood contact info here: Website, Facebook, YouTube
Clips Used:
Honest Abe Talks Thanksgiving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XykvLob3pt8
Reading of President Lincolns Thanksgiving Proclamation, read by Timeless Reader on YouTube
Check out the Mokena Library Events HERE
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Get ready for a nostalgic trip back to the Halloween days of yore as we, recall our favorite Halloween memories from Mokena. But Halloween is not just about the candy and costumes. It's also a time for ghost stories and eerie encounters. We've got a spine-chilling tale about an outhouse, with consequences that will make you scream! Then, Matt shares the story of a local Mokenian, and his haunting experiences at a now-closed Mokena bar, including phantom footsteps, spooked dogs, and possessed lamps.
As with any town that has old buildings with a long history, will have its share of stories of hauntings and questionable passings. Mokena is no different and Matt brought us some good stories for this episode, as always!
From both of us, we hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!
Israel & Matt
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Buildings like this can get lost in the daily passing by, but this one-room schoolhouse from the 1930s has weathered the passage of time and still entertains and educates children of all ages. This episode promises takes you on a journey through the history and preservation of the Schmuel School in New Lenox. It was Henry Schmuhl's generosity in donating part of his farm for the construction of schoolhouses, and the unexpected burning of the original building in 1930. The modernized school building, opened in 1932, was the most modern around, with its electricity and chemical toilets.
Diane Wilson, who is on the Board of the Historical Society, along with the dedicated volunteers, shared some great information and history of this old treasure! They share about the school's relocation and its current role as an educational time capsule. Through their efforts, children today can experience the charm and simplicity of a 1930s school. The Historical Society also teams up with the Will County Forest Preserve to combine nature hikes and field trips with historical learning.
We also talk about the work of the New Lenox Area Historical Society and their recent acquisition of the old Methodist Church, which is set to be a museum. I am so grateful for their time and for all that this group is doing to preserve the history of New Lenox.
This episode was the first episode that was made for video, so this is the audio only version of this episode. You can find a link to the YouTube Episode by Clicking HERE.
You can find the New Lenox Area Historical Society Website HERE!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
October 12, 2022 we published the first episode of Mokena's Front Porch. Now we look back at our first year of sharing Mokena's history. Today there are over 4 million podcasts available but we are the ONLY Mokena podcast! The majority of new podcasts post 10 episodes or less but we are proud to have published 28 episodes, talking to numerous local friends, addressed the Village board, recorded live on location at Zap Taco, Little Al's and Laura Thiel's Front Street salon!
Thanks to everyone who is listening and thanks to those that have shared our show with your friends and neighbors! We have a lot planned and are looking forward to many more years of sharing Mokena's rich history as well as where we are today.
Thanks again for listening!
Israel
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Here is part 2 and the completion of the Semmler story. Be sure to listen to episode 1 as well. The Semmlers played a vital role in our Village and their impact lives on today. Be sure to check out Matt's Blog posts that we based these episodes on. They can be found HERE!
We hope you enjoy this episode! Be sure to share it with a friend!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
The Mokena News Bulletin was THE paper of record, reporting from August of 1919 until its last issue in 1969. William and Margaret Semmler started their modest paper in the former Front Street saloon that her family owned. Both were very active in the community where they raised their family and made their living. Bill served as Village Clerk, Village Trustee and Frankfort Township Clerk, to name a few.
Through Matt's endless hours reading through the Mokena News Bulletin, he grew a great appreciation for their work. He wrote an in depth account of their life in Mokena and their impact on the Village. Matt did a great job of highlighting how great these two people were. Matt released this in four parts on his blog, (which you can find HERE) and we will be releasing this in two parts.
Enjoy this series about the longest reporting newspaper in the history of Mokena, as well as two of Mokena's most influential citizens of all time!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
What if you could journey back in time to an era where block parties and street dances were the life of the town, and the Front Street Ford Agency was the hot spot for socializing? That's exactly what Dave and Charlene Bergman bring us in this captivating episode, as they transport us back to the charm and nostalgia of the old Mokena. With Dave's roots in the town running deep since just post World War II and Charlene's lineage tracing back to the Hohenstein family who farmed in Frankfort Township, now present-day Mokena, their stories are as enchanting as they are endearing.
The Bergmans don't just share family histories; they take us on a fascinating tour through their experiences in the Ford Agency, a place of camaraderie and community. We also discover the rich historical significance of the Heggwish Plant, the oldest Ford assembly plant in Chicago, and the opportunities and challenges faced by Dave when he opened his own auto shop, Dave's Auto, in 1975.
Dave and Charlene wonderfully encapsulate the changes and growth of downtown Mokena over the years. They shed light on the closure of businesses, the relocation of the post office, and the impact of these developments on the Village, all while reminiscing about the good old days of street dances, block parties, and the Cooper Hostert Ford dealership. With their tales of family, business, and a town that transformed over the decades, the Bergmans gift us a piece of history, a slice of life from the past, that offers a bitter-sweet image of Mokena's days gone by.
This episode is just like a visit to your grandparents' house; it's warm, it's nostalgic, it's a treasure trove of stories of Mokena's past.
We hope you enjoy this episode of Mokena's Front Porch!
Support the show
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
The South Side Pod
https://www.southsidepod.com
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
11042 Front Street is a building that has stood, since the years following the Civil War, as a silent witness to the history of our Mokena. This building was home to the first Mokena Pharmacy and was built by a German who was described by locals as, “fat and jolly and possessed of a merry whistle”.
Through its later years it was home to the Mokena Post Office, was almost lost to a fire in 1905 and was raided during the time of prohibition. You won’t believe what they found and who owned the building at the time!
This episode is based on Matt's Blog article that can be found HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
October 8th, 1909, John Hatch opened his general store, in the building that we know today as Zap Taco, to find that he had be robbed! Matt shares this story of two young men who robbed Hatch's store and their apparent cockiness that caught up with them in the end!
Matt and I also talk for a bit and catch up on what we have been doing this summer and talk a little about his recent blog posts and what we have coming up. Its been a busy summer but we have some great episodes in the works!
Be sure to check out Matt's blog article that this episode was based on HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Mokena owes its existence not only to agriculture but also to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. Overlooked in the collective memory is a humble wooden shack at the Mokena Street crossing, where a generation of flagmen worked tirelessly to ensure safety before the advent of electric gates.
These flagmen, employees of the Rock Island, would wave green flags and later stop signs to herald the arrival of trains. The shanty, known as the "mansion by the tracks," became a gathering spot for train passengers seeking warmth and companionship.
However, with technological advancements, the flagmen's roles became obsolete, and the shanty eventually faded into history, leaving behind the stories of these unique men who contributed to Mokena's railway heritage.
Matt's article that this episode is based on can be found HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Opening their doors for the first time on Thursday, September 21, 1916, the Cooper & Hostert Ford Agency became a town meeting place where locals not only purchased their vehicles, but also gathered to chat, laugh and gossip about what was going on in town. They were a staple of Mokena's downtown until 1974, when the business was sold and shortly thereafter the business closed for good. Today the Avalanche Jeweler and the U-Haul occupy this former Ford Dealership site.
Elmer Cooper and Barney Hostert were not only town business owners, they were active in the community, being part of the Mokena Lions Club, a director of the Mokena 159 School District, Will County Health Department, and more! They spent their lives leaving a mark on our town of service and help to others.
You can read Matt's article that this episode is based on by clicking HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
This episode discusses Mamie Bechstein Miller, who was a teacher and principal for Mokena's 159 School District in the old schoolhouse that sat at Front Street and Schoolhouse Road and who's family has been in Mokena since before the railroad came through. We discuss why Mamie was so important to the community and hear why Matt was so excited to hear that the recording of Mamie when she was just shy of 100 years old was found.
We had the chance to sit down with Dr. Mark Cohen, District 159 Superintendent, and he shared with us some about Mamie as well as shared how he came to find the tape.
We end the episode with the lady herself, Ms. Mamie Bechstein Miller and the recording she made in her later years sharing of how life was in the grand old schoolhouse. This is a great piece of history as there are few, if any, available recordings talking about what life was like in the old schoolhouse. We will share the transcript to the recording on our Facebook page, in order to better follow along as some of it can be hard to understand.
Be sure to check out Matts blog post that this episode was based on. You can find that here!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Step back in time to a fateful summer night in Mokena, as we conclude our tale of chaos and violence in Downtown Mokena. As the smoke settled, a grim assessment of the days casualties began, revealing that the majority of the injured were Chicagoans.
Newspaper accounts paint a vivid picture of the mayhem that unfolded. Yet, amidst the confusion and conflicting reports, one thing remained certain: no sympathy was felt for those involved. Media outlets, such as the Chicago Tribune, made it clear that the assailants had received their due punishment. However, the true extent of the casualties, the motives behind the clash, and the fate of the Chicagoans involved remain shrouded in mystery.
Join us on a journey through time as we conclude our story of the Mokena Riot of 1864. Discover the contrasting perspectives of newspapers of the day, each with their own biases and interpretations. This captivating chapter of Mokena's past, once lost to the tides of time, has resurfaced, beckoning us to explore and learn from the events that unfolded on that fateful summer night.
To read Matt's Blog article that this episode is based on, click HERE!
You can email us @ mokenasfrontporch@gmail.com
Find Us On Facebook HERE!
As always, thanks for listening!
Matt & Israel
MokenaHistory #ForgottenTales #MokenaRiot1864 #UnveilingThePast #HiddenHistory #HistoricalMystery #ExploreTheUnknown #TimeTravel #IllinoisHistory
We want to make sure you know about the Mokena Lions 70th anniversary farm party! The party will be at the historic Yunker Farm on Saturday June 17th from 3-10:30pm! There will be food vendors and drink vendors and the musical entertainment starts at 3:00 and our feature act is Fire Chicken! This is a free event to celebrate 70 years of service for the Mokena Lions Club! Join The Lions Club on Saturday June 17th, from 3-10:30pm at Yunker Farm!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Memorial Day, which began shortly after the Civil War, was called Decoration Day. On May 30, 1868, President Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery and said, "I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here, beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung....For the love of county they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue."
Matt and I went down to Pioneer Cemetery and talked about some of Mokena's war hero's. We discussed all 4 cemeteries and Matt shared some incredible stories of heroism and sacrifice. We talk about one Mokenian who came face to face with General George Washington, another lived out his days with a lead ball in the roof of his mouth. Matt shares the heroic story of the namesake of the Mokena VFW, William Martin.
Our Village has a rich history of service to our country and we are happy to recognize some of those stories here in this extended conversation at Mokena's most historic site.
We hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful Memorial Weekend.
President Ronald Reagans Memorial Day Speech
More on the 1868 Arlington National Cemetery Decoration Day Ceremony
We want to make sure you know about the Mokena Lions 70th anniversary farm party! The party will be at the historic Yunker Farm on Saturday June 17th from 3-10:30pm! There will be food vendors and drink vendors and the musical entertainment starts at 3:00 and our feature act is Fire Chicken! This is a free event to celebrate 70 years of service for the Mokena Lions Club! Join The Lions Club on Saturday June 17th, from 3-10:30pm at Yunker Farm!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
In the early days of the not yet incorporated Village of Mokena, our Front Street saw its bloodiest day. On August 15, 1864, As a group of Irish immigrants were returning to Chicago from a day of picnicking in Joliet, their train slowed to a stop in our town. Tiring of waiting on the train, the Chicagoans' began to exit the train and find their way into the few businesses lining Front Street. It didn't take long before the Mokena business owners were firing shots out of their doors, the train passengers pelted the buildings with boulders they picked up in New Lenox, and one building is described as being removed from the streetscape of Front Street.
There were many wounded and killed that day, though none of those killed were residents of Mokena. This riot, or as the Chicago Times called it, "A Carnival of Blood", struck out town at a time where many from town were off fighting in President Lincolns Army, yet the horrors of war came to town that day.
We hope you enjoy this 2 part story!
You can find a link to Matt's article that this episode is based on HERE!
We want to make sure you know about the Mokena Lions 70th anniversary farm party! The party will be at the historic Yunker Farm on Saturday June 17th from 3-10:30pm! There will be food vendors and drink vendors and the musical entertainment starts at 3:00 and our feature act is Fire Chicken! This is a free event to celebrate 70 years of service for the Mokena Lions Club! Join The Lions Club on Saturday June 17th, from 3-10:30pm at Yunker Farm!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Carol Norton was the last of the McGovney family to live in Mokena. Though she was not a life long Mokenian and not even born in Mokena, she chose to move to Mokena and had a deep love and appreciation for the Village as well as the contributions that her family has made over the years.
She was not only a McGovney, she was also a Hatch, from episode 13 where we discuss what is now Zap Taco, and her relation to WW1 Veteran, John Hatch of The Hatch Hall! She is also a cousin of the famous American composer, Wilbur Hatch, who wrote the theme to I Love Lucy and much more! Almost every episode of our podcast includes something about Ms. Nortons family.
Ms. Norton was a lover of Mokena History, which created a natural connection with Matt. They spent many hours at the Mokena Library talking Mokena and Matt got to know her pretty well. When he heard recently of her passing we thought it fitting to say a few words about the last McGovney to reside in Mokena.
Our condolences to all the friends and family of Ms. Carol Norton. You can read her obituary HERE.
Matt & Israel
We want to make sure you know about the Mokena Lions 70th anniversary farm party! The party will be at the historic Yunker Farm on Saturday June 17th from 3-10:30pm! There will be food vendors and drink vendors and the musical entertainment starts at 3:00 and our feature act is Fire Chicken! This is a free event to celebrate 70 years of service for the Mokena Lions Club! Join The Lions Club on Saturday June 17th, from 3-10:30pm at Yunker Farm!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
This episode covers one of Mokena's most controversial topics, the meaning and story behind our name! We discuss a few of the stories that have been going around for many years and try to debunk the ones we can. It is a fun episode that highlights again how unique our Village is. We are the only Mokena IN THE WORLD!
Enjoy and please share with your family and friends! We would love if you could leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and anywhere you find podcasts!
Thank you for listening!
Israel & Matt
If you want to check out the book Place Names of Illinois, by Edward Callary, click here.
To read Matt's Blog article that this episode is based on you can click HERE!
We want to make sure you know about the Mokena Lions 70th anniversary farm party! The party will be at the historic Yunker Farm on Saturday June 17th from 3-10:30pm! There will be food vendors and drink vendors and the musical entertainment starts at 3:00 and our feature act is local favorite, Fire Chicken! This is a free event to celebrate 70 years of service for the Mokena Lions Club! Join The Lions Club on Saturday June 17th, from 3-10:30pm on the historic Yunker Farm in Mokena!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Since 1985, Little Al has been a presence on Front Street, serving beers and meals as well as a lot of laughs! Al Pizzato was born in 1939 and grew up in Roseland. He shares how in first grade he learned how to make change for a beer and a shot, which cost $.35 at the time.
Little Al's is one of Mokena's oldest building and Al is currently the 2nd longest owner in its rich and storied history. We welcomed Tony Margis, a friend and a Marine, as is Al. Tony brought some cool history and surprises for Al and I which we will include on our Facebook page for our listeners to follow along.
Little Al's Bar and Grill is among the last of the "dive bar" or hole in the wall bars across the south suburbs and we were happy we got to sit down, in Little Al's with the man himself.
We hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to stop in and say hello to Al and tell him you heard him on Mokena's Front Porch!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
Prepare to Repair w/Steve Suarez
https://open.spotify.com/show/1sHGhPfGXW6dDIwTOjUgGX
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, our newest episode shares the story of the Mokena Campfire Girls!
The first Mokena Boy Scout troop was established in Mokena in 1914, the young women of Mokena, not wanting to miss out on the fun, started a Campfire Girls “Camp” in 1915!
In their short history, these young ladies, ages 15 to 17 years old, left a real mark on our community. Listeners will recognize many of the last names of these young ladies as community members who played a significant roll in the earlier days of Mokena.
These young ladies are examples of community members who were committed to do good with their organization and made a real change in our community. That spirit of community lives on today in many of our civc organizations.
We hope you enjoy this episode sharing some pretty cool history about some of Mokena’s amazing women!
Thanks for listening!
You can find Matt's Blog post that this article is based on by clicking HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
Downtown Mokena’s restaurant scene was ZAPPED with the addition of Zap Taco House on Mokena Street. As Todd and Jason (owners of Zap) are bringing food and entertainment to downtown we will share the story of this buildings beginning. In 1901 the building we know as Zap, was moved from an unknown location to its home today and John Hatch, a WW1 Veteran and Mokena’s First Village Clerk, established Hatch Hall. This building hosted dances, community meetings, VFW Meetings, parties, performances and more over the years.
It has lived a quiet life for the last number of years, until 2021, When Zap Taco House opened. Matt and I talk to Gino Picciola, who is the owner of the building and did the remodel before Jason and Todd opened the restaurant. Gino also owns a few other downtown properties and he gave us the scoop on the remodel of the old Paulie’s Pizza building that is next to Tribes on Front Street!
Check Out ZAP Taco HERE!
Matt’s Blog Article Can Be Found HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Local Shows We Recommend:
Lincolnway Central High School Podcast: Everything Lincolnway Central
https://open.spotify.com/show/54JF9WM86A2E7rVT7wJrYt?si=64820f40cdda4f98
If you have a local Podcast you would like us to include, send us an email! We would love to share your show!
The morning of April 14, 1926, the Inland Steel payroll delivery was hijacked in Indiana Harbor. Later that afternoon, Will County deputy sheriff and Mokena resident and Front Street business owner, Walter Fisher died in a hail of gunfire at the corner of todays 143rd and La Grange Road in Orland Park. That night, the bullet-riddled body of Santo Calabrese turned up on a Broadview road. The exact sequence of events remains uncertain, but a jury was able to trace enough of the day's violent trajectory to send Daniel Hesly on the path to Alcatraz.
This story of high-speed pursuit and mistaken identity, shocked the jaded sensibilities of Prohibition-era Mokena and plunged our town into mourning.
Deputy Fisher lost his life in the pursuit of justice for a prominent Mokena Doctor. For years, as Matt was researching Mokena’s history, this story kept popping up and it held a special place for him. That resulted in the publishing of his book, The 1926 Orland Park Murder Mystery.
This book is meant to be a memorial to Deputy Walter Fisher and the sacrifice he made for our community.
You can buy Matt’s Book on Amazon by clicking HERE! It’s a great book!
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Mokena’s Front Porch
Matt & Israel
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
Since the early days of Mokena, 11014 Front Street has been a place where the community has come together to conduct business and socialize. The now flattened, Dina's Barbershop, was the most recent inhabitant. For decades Mokenian's went to Tony Dina's for a trim and good conversation. If those walls could talk, the history of this town would be told with creativity and full of color!
Before the haircuts, the Schuberth's built their hardware store here in 1862 and it remained an active place of business until it was destroyed by a fire in 1929. It wasn't until 1950 that Tony Dina built his barbershop and later added his home onto the back of the barbershop.
Today this lot sits empty, but the "ghosts" of these two buildings still hang around and remind us of the rich history that has taken place on these grounds.
Matt's Blog that this episode is based on can be found HERE!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
One of Mokena’s oldest buildings and a true gem of Front Street; 11008 Front Street has been host to numerous businesses and families over its 160+ years long life. The property still stands today in all its glory, having been restored by local beautician and salon/home owner Laura Thiel!
We discuss the rich history of this building and the blog post that Matt wrote about the and then Israel sits down with Laura to discuss her home, what it was like when she bought it over 20 years ago, and the years-long process she went through to keep this beautiful property on Front Street when so many of its neighbors have gone by the wayside of progress.
Find Matt’s Blog Post Here: https://oldmokena.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-fresh-new-look-rescue-of-historic.html?m=1
Thanks for listening!!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
One year after making his way by wooden ship from modern day Northern Germany, 18 year old Carl Hacker joined the fight to preserve the country that he and his brother, Christian, had recently patriated to.
Carl returned from his service in the war to establish himself in early Mokena. He purchased a home on McGovney Street in 1878 that stands to this day, looking over the tracks of the railroad where he worked for 43 years.
Mokena made a significant contribution of soldiers to the Union's Civil War effort, which is evident on a stroll through our cemeteries. Lieutenant Carl Hacker is deserving of our respect and we are happy to share Matt's story with you!
This episode is based on Matt's blog post from July 24, 2022. That article can be found HERE.
Thanks so much for listening!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
In 1867, Lester Scheiks father came to Mokena at 8 years old. Lesters Grandfather built their farm on 30 acres at the corner of Wolf Road and 191st Street. Their house sat where Greased Lightning sits today. The Scheiks Dairy at one point provided milk to 95% of Mokena, serving about 400 customers a week.
The Scheik family exemplifies the hard working spirit that built Mokena at a time when Wolf Road and 191st Street were out in the country. If you have seen the cover of Matt's Mokena book, the Scheik home is featured on the cover!
You can find the original blog post from Matt HERE.
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
This is a special Christmas episode with a few presents thrown in! A special guest introduces the episode and we end with a VERY special song by the Mokena Intermediate School's 4th & 5th Grade Beginning Band!
Matt shares his story, Yule of Yore: Christmas 1925 in Mokena which was originally posted on his blog on December 17, 2021. You can find that HERE! The story tells of a wintery night after word spread that Mokena would have a VERY special visitor! Imagine Front Street, 97 years ago, and the roar those kids of all ages must have made when they saw Santa turn onto Front Street.
Thank you so much for continuing to listen. Matt and Israel both wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
As a follow up to our 5th episode about the McGovney-Yunker Farm, I sat down to talk with Jennifer Medema, who happens to be my neighbor! Jennifer is responsible for getting the Farm listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which was a four year journey that resulted in National recognition of the significance of the farm.
Learn about what caused Jennifer to want to pursue the idea of getting the farm on the Register even when some told her it couldn't be done! Jennifer and her family live in one of Mokena's oldest homes that still has view of the farm so it's not hard to imagine why this property holds such a place in her heart.
To Read The Application Submitted Click HERE
The audio is not the greatest in this episode so we apologize, but we thought the conversation meant more than the quality of the recording.
Thank you all for continuing to listen and we hope you enjoy this conversation with Jennifer Medema!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
The Historic McGovney-Yunker Farm is the only property in Mokena that is on the National Register of Historic Places. In this episode we discuss how this farm came to be and why it and its inhabitants are still so important to us today.
Matt has again crafted the McGovney-Yunker Farm story in a way that brings to life this farm that has made up a significant part of our Village landscape since the mid 1800's. You can read that story HERE and see some great pictures!
Also, you can read and view the application that was submitted by Jennifer Medema that resulted in the property being listed on the National Register of Historic Places by clicking HERE. Both links are also included below.
We hope you enjoy this episode on The McGovney-Yunker Farm!
https://oldmokena.blogspot.com/2021/03/where-cattle-crossed-history-of.html
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/28894303
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
On this episode of Mokena's Front Porch we sit down with Mr. David Kropp, who's family history in Mokena goes back almost as long as Mokena! He is grandson to Reverend William "The Builder" Kreis, who is responsible for the building of the historic St. John's Church in Mokena. He is also cousin to Laverne and Edwin Yunker of the McGovney Yunker Farm.
Mr. Kropp talks about Mokena during World War 2, spending time on Yunker Farm and down by the Hickory Creek as a child and so much more. Still today he lives in the home that his family build 100 years ago. As Mr. Kropp approaches 90 adventure filled years, Matt and I thought it would be a good idea to share his thoughts and perspective with the community.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with Mr. David Kropp!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the St. John's Church building and the 160th anniversary of St John's Church, Matt Galik wrote a 12 page book about the church and the process this small congregation went through to place on our landscape one of the most significant building's in our town and region.
The churches of Mokena have always played a significant role in our town. Not only as a place of worship but a place of community gatherings for celebrations and mournings, education and entertainment. Those churches have served countless meals, hosted elections, and helped those in need, along with meeting the spiritual needs of a growing community.
St. John's and their Ladies Aid Society and the Brotherhood of St. John's, along with the leadership and encouragement of Reverend William Kreis, are the reason that we have this beautiful place of worship today.
We are excited to share this story with you about St. John's Church!
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Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo Credit: Jennifer Medema
This is a special Halloween episode of Mokena's Front Porch! Gather the family and enjoy a true Mokena ghost story that takes place on Front Street in Kim McAuliffe's, An English Garden Flower & Gifts.
This article was originally posted on Matt's blog, Matt's Old Mokena, on October 16th, 2020. You can read that by clicking HERE.
Thank you for listening and SUBSCRIBING and sharing!
Happy Halloween!!!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo Credit: Jennifer Medema
In our inaugural episode we talk about one of Mokena's oldest building and the longest serving bar in town; the building we now know as Little Al's Bar & Grill. Learn about how this building has served as town hall, a hotel, and even a church, though today it claims to serve the best burgers in town!
This is the first of many episodes discussing and recording the history of our town. Thank you for listening and please share with your friends and family!
Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
Photo Credit: Jennifer Medema