The 1960’s were a turbulent time in America. Many longtime Des Plaines residents recall that as the decade when Des Plaines lost much of its small-town feel. Facing competition from nearby malls like Randhurst Shopping Center, downtown began to lose its luster, and plans were prepared to redevelop large parts of downtown. Lee Street and Graceland Avenue shifted from the fine homes of the city's elite to new shopping and office buildings. Condominiums and apartments began to spring up. Of course, with changes come growing pains, and many of the older homes of Des Plaines fell to the wrecking …

Pastel modern houses, men in straw hats, glassy buildings overlooking a sun-drenched and deep blue body of water... if I didn't know better, I'd think I was looking at a snapshot of Miami Beach in the 1960s! What we actually see here is the mid-century modern clubhouse at Lake Park, circa the 1960s, serving the 18-hole, par 3 golf course and marina. Earlier: Down by the water at Lake Opeka and Lake Park. From these early days, Lake Park has grown into a mature park. While there weren't even any trees when this picture was taken, today Lake Park includes the beautifully landscaped Lake Opeka, …

Des Plaines residents love to talk about their hometown, and numerous Facebook pages and groups have sprouted, spurring lively conversations, including on Des Plaines Patch’s page. Surprises abound. Residents share their memories, ask each other to help them remember the departed places of their youth, and introduce fascinating photos of bygone eras. Mark Mensching, of Des Plaines, recently uploaded photos of old Central School that his father, a District 62 custodian for 35 years and an avid photographer, took over the years. They can be seen on the "You Know You're From Des Plaines When" …

When this photo was taken in 1959, the congregation at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., was celebrating its second Christmas in the new edifice, dedicated in March, 1957. Earlier: Sim’s Bowl demolished, not forgotten. Prolific architect Charles Stade, of Park Ridge, designed the church in a modern style with elements of the Prairie School of architecture. Today, Immanuel Lutheran looks much the same, but still feels fresh, a testament to the quality of its design. Immanuel Lutheran School, 832 Lee St., is a part of the church. George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are …