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The Bergmans - A Living History of Mokena
Manage episode 377123452 series 3405758
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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!
Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com
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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:
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!
Chapters
1. Open (00:00:00)
2. The Bergmans (00:08:58)
3. Closing Remarks (01:36:05)
46 episodes
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