Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial Org. Debuts New Book On Civic Center

FLOSSMOOR, IL — An updated collection of historic photographs and little-known details of Flossmoor’s 1929-era Civic Center building is now available on the Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial, Inc. (FVM) webstore.

FVM Vice President Richard Condon, a Korean War veteran who moved to Flossmoor Park in 1932 and into the Civic Center in 1935, first compiled A History of Flossmoor’s Civic Center Building, 1929-1999, for Flossmoor’s 75th anniversary. This volume has been updated to include new information about the Village’s crown architectural gem, previously unseen historic blueprints, and drone photography of little-known design details.

Retired Flossmoor Mayor Paul Braun, who serves as FVM’s president, commented on Condon’s recall of a childhood spent in the Civic Center.

"Dick’s recall of building details, such as two-story apartments, the Village offices and public services housed in the building, and even the stories of growing up in downtown Flossmoor, has become well-known to many of us," he said. "His knowledge of the building’s features, its occupants, and the businesses that have sustained it through the years are important parts of local history. We’re also grateful to Dick that he’s updated this history for the local Flossmoor community as a fundraiser for the Veterans’ Wall of Honor project."

In addition to details about the Civic Center’s construction and 1929 dedication, Condon incorporates portions of the original 1920s-era blueprints, permanently housed at the Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor History. He also includes stories behind the carved “medallions” embedded into the outer brick structure. Businesses such as Flossmoor’s first pharmacy, its first service garage, the Flossmoor Police and Fire Departments, and even faith-based organizations that used Civic Center space are represented on these medallions. Thanks to the drone technology efforts of photographer Jamie Zimpelmann, Marcellus Marsh of Bionic Content, and HF Homes/eXp Realty real estate consultant Vicki Stevenson, residents can see up-close details and read Condon’s recollections of the medallions’ histories.

A retired chain saw engineer, the updated Civic Center volume is Condon’s second effort benefiting FVM. In 2022, his illustrated Flossmoor Historic Sites Coloring Book was published with original photographs and historic details of well-known village buildings.

A History of Flossmoor’s Civic Center Building, 1929-1999, Second Edition, is available in a 50-page color hardcover volume on FVM’s webstore (https://flossmoorvets.square.site). Cost is a $20 tax-deductible donation, with 100% of sales benefiting the Wall of Honor project.

"Flossmoor’s 2024 centennial gave FVM a fantastic opportunity to raise community awareness of our efforts and to preserve Flossmoor veterans’ stories," Braun said. "In addition to our recent ‘Flossmoor Veterans’ Time Machine’ local history outreach to District 161 students, Dick’s research on one of Flossmoor’s most historic buildings pays tribute to our community and supports FVM’s mission."

FVM expects to construct the Veterans’ Wall of Honor on a 9,500 square-foot parcel located north of Flossmoor Road and east of the Metra/CN tracks. Designed by Flossmoor architect Michael Matthys, the Wall of Honor will be a tribute to all current and former Flossmoor residents who are serving or have served our nation’s Armed Forces.

For more information, visit @honoringflossmoorvets on Facebook/Instagram, @FlossmoorVWH on Twitter, https://flossmoorvets.square.site on the Web, or flossmoorvets@gmail.com via e-mail.