Would you like to win this book, a piece of Oak Park’s history?  Published in 1959, this picture book for children tells the story of Hamilton Hill, the hill in “Oak Park Park”, or Shepherd Park. 

We have all probably gone down the hill at least once in our childhood, and it’s one of those Oak Park landmarks that are so much a part of our memories.  I remember riding my bike down the hill more than sledding down – I always was more of a spring/summer person than a winter person!  And I used to love running up to the top and rolling down, fast as I could, feeling dizzy when I reached the bottom.  But I know my mom has pictures somewhere of me in a long red plastic sled on the hill in the 1970’s.  What do you remember most about it?  Were you one of those kids that waited endlessly for snow so you could head over to the hill with your friends?  Or were you one of those kids who never wanted to leave the train?  Remember Teen Night at the pool?  I think it was Tuesday nights, and when I was a teen volunteer, that’s were all of us would go.  What are your memories of Oak Park?  Gather them up for the contest, and you might win this book! 

Here’s how you can win:

1.  You have to follow this blog (be a subscriber).  It’s totally free – just click on the ‘follow’ button at the top of the screen. 

2.  Write about what you love most or what you remember most about your time in Oak Park and email it to me at oakparkconnections@gmail.com.  There is no maximum or minimum length of your entry – whatever you choose is totally fine.

3.  At the end of your submisstion, type: “I give my permission to share this on the Oak Park Connections blog”. 

4.  Entries must be received via email by 11:30pm Saturday, April 4th, 2015. 

5.  The winner will be chosen randomly.  I will put the name of everyone who submitted their memories into a drawing and will choose one.  If you win, I will email you for your mailing address.  No money will be awarded, just a copy of the book will be sent to you. 

6.  Winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, April 6, 2015.

7.  All entries will be published on the blog the week of April 6, 2015.

My goal is to have a contest at least every two months, and I hope this blog will become interactive; an ongoing conversation among those of us who love and care about Oak Park.