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In a time where it’s typical to see a Starbucks on every corner and Target stores galore, it can be difficult for some Deerfield residents to recall the days of mom and pop shops.
But, thanks to the members of the Deerfield Area Historical Society, the memories of the “good old days” will live on.
The Deerfield Area Historical Society hosted “Remembering Deerfield Merchants and Stores,” at the Deerfield Public Library on Feb. 12. The open-panel discussion was part of its annual business meeting and was open to the public so residents could also share memories and artifacts.
Donna Stupple helped organize the event with her husband, Bruce. Though Bruce Stupple is a lifetime Deerfield resident, Donna Stupple moved to Deerfield in 1968 after the couple was married.
Donna Stupple said she invited people to bring artifacts and memories from local stores to the event to help jog their memories and start the discussion.
“One of the features of a tight-knit community is when you know people in the stores and they know you,” she said. “Whether you’ve lived in Deerfield for 50 years or five years, you can get something from this discussion.”
Around 25 Deerfield residents participated in the trip down memory lane, recalling places like Mrs. Tracey’s Store, Stan Zykaski’s Milk Store, the Village Market, Sure Save and Phil Johnson’s Restaurant.
“Oh, Phil Johnson’s had the best chicken! Prime rib too, but they were renowned for their chicken,” said Betty Koets, a resident since 1955.
While the group erupted in “ooohs” recalling the delicious meals they once enjoyed at the restaurant, one audience member said that his parents used to drive all the way from Edgebrook to eat at Phil Johnson’s.
Today, a Borders Books and Music sits on the land where Phil Johnson once cooked his famous chicken, on the corner of Waukegan and Lake Cook roads.
Koets also recalled shopping for formal dresses for high school dances at Modern Miss while Donna Stupple chimed in about one of the last times she shopped there.
“I got in an argument with the owner,” Stupple said. “It was the late sixties, early seventies and I was a raging feminist. I wanted to open a charge account and the owner told me I had to open it in my husband’s name. I remember getting so upset about it, but he was adamant. I suppose it was the times more than anything.”
Sharing memories about the old train station and showing off artifacts from Lindemann Pharmacy sparked discussions about old high school teachers, community members and the evolution of Deerfield phone numbers.
“Joe Hoffman’s dad owned a barber shop,” longtime Deerfield resident, John Wilman said. “You could get a pretty good haircut there for half a buck. But, the reason we liked to go there is that you could get a glass of wine with your haircut.”
Sharing stories and laughter, the residents helped remind each other about a time before Whole Foods and Home Depot. Don Wrobleski, an area resident for 40 years, said the discussion brought back a lot of memories for him.
“I enjoyed it, it was a neat reminder of what Deerfield was like,” Wrobleski said. “I was surprised at how successful the discussion was. I was afraid no one would start it but it went on and we had to stop because the library was closing.”
Wrobleski said that he remembers most of the places people talked about, but it’s two local hardware stores he really misses.
“They were friendly places where you could go in and get advice from people who know something,” he said. “You can’t necessarily get that at Home Depot.”
Donna Stupple said she thought the open-panel discussion was a solid success and she was surprised at how many things people remembered.
“Everyone shared their memories and stories,” she said. “It was fun to hear them, and any event where people are remembering things from far back is a success to me.”
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I enjoyed hearing Deerfield residents reminisce and share stories. Feel free to share your own and you are welcome to check back here in the future to catch up on the latest news in Deerfield!
Thank you for this story! I grew up here in the '80s and remember Lindemann's pharmacy, the "old" commons, of course Harry's before it became the cherry pit, and more.