Fictional Letters to Mrs. Virginia Reed* In the time between midnight and a new day, you might see Mrs. Virginia sitting on her park’s toy train, thinking about all the many years of happy children playing. She remembers her letters, and her Mothers’ Club friends. Each year she returns to read new letters and visit her park. — May 1948 Dearest Virginia,
— June 1989 Mrs. Reed: As president of the Park District commissioners, I am happy to tell you that your park has been renovated and has some new play trains. In fact, that’s what the little ones call it. The choo-choo train park. The teenagers still call it the Elephant Park. Again, we are delighted to take care of the park, a treasured gift from your wonderful Singer-Warner Mothers Club. We know you’ll be there with us in spirit.
Just a note to thank you for all your hard work for our children. Even the mayor is impressed. I’m looking forward to the playground’s Grand Opening. Kids are already there all the time. The slide and teeter totters are popular and my boys ask every day after school if they can go play. I can hardly get them to do their homework. The children clearly love it. I can’t wait to see all of our club mothers at the park. I wish it’d be named after you. After all, you started everything. I’m sorry you won’t get to see the results of your labors. We all miss you; we were saddened by your passing. I wish you could see it. Love, Priscilla
Mrs. Virginia looked around and smiled. — July 1959 Dear Mrs. Reed and the Mothers Club: I’m just a kid, eight years old. I want to tell you how much I love playing at your park. I do love it. When I’m grown up, I want to be a mother bringing all my children there to play. My favorite is the elephant slide. Love, Monica — September 1978 Dear Mrs. Reed: Congratulations! I was at the park today and the sign, Virginia Reed Park is lovely. The leaves are blowing everywhere, making it more beautiful as children race to catch them. I hope you can see it wherever you are. Sincerely, Nancy White
By Mary Inman
Tom Freirichs Lemont Park District — April 2012 Hello, We are excited about renovations to your namesake. The children will have a new rubber flooring which will be fun to run and jump on. There are new swings and of course the beloved #1948 caboose and train. We are proud that the Park District has added Storytime Hill. In June, Miss Sally will bring her special stories and share them. Lemont kids love her stories and the beautiful Hill will be ready with its bright green grass. Sincerely, Lisa Ledowski LPD Activities
Mrs. Virginia shook her head. A rubber floor? What will they think of next? — June 2012 Dear Ms. Virginia, I just can’t wait to read from your new beautiful Story Hill. I’m bringing the best stories and bodacious songs for Fathers’ Day. I love reading to smiling families. It’s going to be hot and sunny; we will hand out icy cold popsicles. Love, Miss Sally
Virginia gives a happy smile as she holds another letter dated 2023 with pale fingers. No one has forgotten her. Her mission to make a playground full of children continues. She floats over to Storytime Hill and rests in the lovely green grass.
Mrs. Virginia looked at the sign and it was beautiful. Fall was her favorite.
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*All other names are fictional
