Dr. Frank and Phyllis Oreland
Frank (1917-2000) Phyllis (1919-2009)
Remembering Dr. Frank Orland - Forest Park historian
Founder of Historical Society was pioneering dentist
By Diane Hansen Grau
Director Historical Society of Forest Park
Forest Park Review Tuesday, January 21st, 2014
Legacy means something that is passed down from one generation to the next. As a historian, I've studied the lives of many who lived before me and the legacies they've left behind. Jan. 23 is the birthday anniversary of the late Dr. Frank J. Orland and I want to share his legacy today.
I would not have my current position as Executive Director of the Historical Society of Forest Park if it were not for the foresight and dedication of Dr. Orland. He was a husband, father, dentist, and most importantly, a lover of everything historic. He was one of the founders and the first president of the historical society in 1975. He lived in Forest Park most of his life and was a friend to many. He loved reading, writing and storytelling. He was proud of the community he lived in and wanted to share that fondness with others.
He was influential in asking people to donate their stories and personal treasures so that others could learn, study and enjoy moments of the past. He wanted everyone to have access to these treasures and had sought a permanent home for the society. He recorded history, wrote articles for the Forest Park Review and created programs for others so that they would not forget the past, but would learn from it.
He was a dentist by trade; a pioneer in the field and influenced the nation with his idea that bacteria causes tooth decay and that fluoride treatment could help prevent this from forming.
Frank J. Orland was a University of Chicago professor until he retired. Born in Little Falls, NY, Dr. Orland moved to Forest Park at age 6. He graduated from Proviso East High School in 1935. He studied at University of Illinois and University of Chicago where he earned a Doctor of dentistry and a degree in microbiology. He was an advocate for water fluoridation and helped prove the link between oral bacteria and cavities. Orland met his wife, Phyllis, in medical school. He was president of the society of medical history in Chicago and of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry.
He was awarded the Forest Park Citizen of the Year award in 1989.
Orland was not a professional historian, but in his retirement, he developed a new passion in life. He organized the first of many walking tours of the local cemeteries in Forest Park. He wanted everyone; even those that were not historically significant, to be remembered. "Everyone has a story to tell," he would say. He wanted history to be "real" and personal and not just a subject that one read about in school and dismissed because one could not relate to the people, places, dates, or events that they were learning about.
Many came to respect him and his ongoing mission to preserve, collect and display the history of Forest Park and they became members of the local society. Dr. Orland and other volunteers created the "Forest Park Chronicles" and recorded specific events that shaped the creation of the Forest Park community. He recorded personal stories of several local residents and called the series: "Pioneers of the 20th Century." Both of these records are in the society's collection and now available online at the Forest Park Public Library.
Orland died in 2000 at age 83.
For nearly 40 years, the Historical Society of Forest Park ontinues the mission of Dr. Orland and shares his legacy with everyone who is interested in learning more about this strong community. The society keeps an archive that contains articles, photographs, and family documents; as well as, operates a research center and promotes various local programs, tours and special events. The historical society is open to all who are interested in the history of Forest Park. One can become a member, volunteer, or visit the research center to learn more about specific events, look up family genealogy, perform property research, etc.
Perhaps one day, Dr. Orland's vision will become a reality and a permanent home will be secured for a permanent display of this vibrant community. Let's not forget about Dr. Orland or those that have lived before us. Everyone can leave a legacy for the future.
Director Historical Society of Forest Park
Forest Park Review Tuesday, January 21st, 2014
Legacy means something that is passed down from one generation to the next. As a historian, I've studied the lives of many who lived before me and the legacies they've left behind. Jan. 23 is the birthday anniversary of the late Dr. Frank J. Orland and I want to share his legacy today.
I would not have my current position as Executive Director of the Historical Society of Forest Park if it were not for the foresight and dedication of Dr. Orland. He was a husband, father, dentist, and most importantly, a lover of everything historic. He was one of the founders and the first president of the historical society in 1975. He lived in Forest Park most of his life and was a friend to many. He loved reading, writing and storytelling. He was proud of the community he lived in and wanted to share that fondness with others.
He was influential in asking people to donate their stories and personal treasures so that others could learn, study and enjoy moments of the past. He wanted everyone to have access to these treasures and had sought a permanent home for the society. He recorded history, wrote articles for the Forest Park Review and created programs for others so that they would not forget the past, but would learn from it.
He was a dentist by trade; a pioneer in the field and influenced the nation with his idea that bacteria causes tooth decay and that fluoride treatment could help prevent this from forming.
Frank J. Orland was a University of Chicago professor until he retired. Born in Little Falls, NY, Dr. Orland moved to Forest Park at age 6. He graduated from Proviso East High School in 1935. He studied at University of Illinois and University of Chicago where he earned a Doctor of dentistry and a degree in microbiology. He was an advocate for water fluoridation and helped prove the link between oral bacteria and cavities. Orland met his wife, Phyllis, in medical school. He was president of the society of medical history in Chicago and of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry.
He was awarded the Forest Park Citizen of the Year award in 1989.
Orland was not a professional historian, but in his retirement, he developed a new passion in life. He organized the first of many walking tours of the local cemeteries in Forest Park. He wanted everyone; even those that were not historically significant, to be remembered. "Everyone has a story to tell," he would say. He wanted history to be "real" and personal and not just a subject that one read about in school and dismissed because one could not relate to the people, places, dates, or events that they were learning about.
Many came to respect him and his ongoing mission to preserve, collect and display the history of Forest Park and they became members of the local society. Dr. Orland and other volunteers created the "Forest Park Chronicles" and recorded specific events that shaped the creation of the Forest Park community. He recorded personal stories of several local residents and called the series: "Pioneers of the 20th Century." Both of these records are in the society's collection and now available online at the Forest Park Public Library.
Orland died in 2000 at age 83.
For nearly 40 years, the Historical Society of Forest Park ontinues the mission of Dr. Orland and shares his legacy with everyone who is interested in learning more about this strong community. The society keeps an archive that contains articles, photographs, and family documents; as well as, operates a research center and promotes various local programs, tours and special events. The historical society is open to all who are interested in the history of Forest Park. One can become a member, volunteer, or visit the research center to learn more about specific events, look up family genealogy, perform property research, etc.
Perhaps one day, Dr. Orland's vision will become a reality and a permanent home will be secured for a permanent display of this vibrant community. Let's not forget about Dr. Orland or those that have lived before us. Everyone can leave a legacy for the future.
Forest Park's 'Dr. Spock'
By Ken Trainer
Forest Park Review Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
She was ahead of her time, one of seven women in her graduating class at the University of Illinois Medical School.
"Well before women today," said her son, Dr. Ralph Orland, a psychiatrist, "she balanced the demands of being a professional woman and a good mom."
She moved to Forest Park with her husband, Dr. Frank J. Orland, in the late 1940s and set up her practice at home in 1954. Like her better known contemporary, Dr. Benjamin Spock, she quickly developed a reputation as a kind and caring pediatrician who dispensed down-to-earth, common sense advice.
"She eventually cared for the grandkids of her original patients," said her other son, Dr. Frank R. Orland, a dentist in Riverside. "She was kind and gentle with all her patients. She was a storehouse of information."
But her family was an equal priority. "That's why she practiced out of her home," Frank said. The Orlands had two adjacent apartments in their building on W. Jackson, and one of them was used as Phyllis's office.
"Patients felt at home when they came," noted her son, Ralph. "They knew they had a doctor who cared." It also benefited Ralph when he entered medical school. "She would invite me in to observe certain cases."
It was a unique situation, Frank recalled. On the plus side, they got her home cooking. On the other, they had to grow up fast. "Sometimes we had to finish cooking the dinner when she was seeing patients," Frank said.
Phyllis and her husband instilled a strong service ethic in their three children - they also had a daughter, June - who went on to become a dentist, a psychiatrist and a teacher. And Phyllis always encouraged education. "Work makes it all possible was her philosophy," said Frank. "There was always a structured basis for what she did."
Ralph said she wasn't a hugger, but she was a good listener, always interested and involved.
She was plain, Frank said. Frugal and resourceful, she rarely wore make-up. "She was a very professional lady," he noted. "I don't think she had any vices."
Strong-willed like her more eccentric husband, she nonetheless complemented him, enabling him to pursue his interests in research and local history.
She spent several years as head of the pediatric department at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, and after she retired in 1988, she continued to volunteer at an infant welfare clinic in Stickney. She also spent her later years caring for her husband and another son, Carl, both of whom died in the last decade.
Outside of work and home, she most loved spending time at the family "farm" near Dixon in western Illinois. A botany major in college, she loved plants and picking mushrooms. Ralph recalls her serving "weird salads" during weekend dinners. She was also an accomplished pianist and musician, who encouraged her children to play instruments.
Ralph and Frank both say they hope their mother is remembered as Forest Park's pediatrician. "She was really dedicated to the town," said Ralph, "and to providing quality medical care."
She spent her final year at the Scottish Home in North Riverside, where family and friends celebrated her 90th birthday in April. "She was very alert and responded to people," Frank said of her latest birthday.
Responding to people was how she lived.
Dr. Phyllis M. Orland (nee Mrazek), 90, died on July 1, 2009. She was the wife of the late Frank J. Orland; mother of Dr. Frank (Dr. Carla) Orland, June (Jack) Kiburz, Dr. Ralph (Dr. Anna) Orland and the late Carl Orland; grandmother of Dr. Gina and Geoffrey Orland, Mika, Karina and Jace Kiburz, and Adriana, Hannah and Mark Orland; and the aunt of many.
A memorial service will be held in August. Arrangements are being handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home.
Forest Park Review Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
She was ahead of her time, one of seven women in her graduating class at the University of Illinois Medical School.
"Well before women today," said her son, Dr. Ralph Orland, a psychiatrist, "she balanced the demands of being a professional woman and a good mom."
She moved to Forest Park with her husband, Dr. Frank J. Orland, in the late 1940s and set up her practice at home in 1954. Like her better known contemporary, Dr. Benjamin Spock, she quickly developed a reputation as a kind and caring pediatrician who dispensed down-to-earth, common sense advice.
"She eventually cared for the grandkids of her original patients," said her other son, Dr. Frank R. Orland, a dentist in Riverside. "She was kind and gentle with all her patients. She was a storehouse of information."
But her family was an equal priority. "That's why she practiced out of her home," Frank said. The Orlands had two adjacent apartments in their building on W. Jackson, and one of them was used as Phyllis's office.
"Patients felt at home when they came," noted her son, Ralph. "They knew they had a doctor who cared." It also benefited Ralph when he entered medical school. "She would invite me in to observe certain cases."
It was a unique situation, Frank recalled. On the plus side, they got her home cooking. On the other, they had to grow up fast. "Sometimes we had to finish cooking the dinner when she was seeing patients," Frank said.
Phyllis and her husband instilled a strong service ethic in their three children - they also had a daughter, June - who went on to become a dentist, a psychiatrist and a teacher. And Phyllis always encouraged education. "Work makes it all possible was her philosophy," said Frank. "There was always a structured basis for what she did."
Ralph said she wasn't a hugger, but she was a good listener, always interested and involved.
She was plain, Frank said. Frugal and resourceful, she rarely wore make-up. "She was a very professional lady," he noted. "I don't think she had any vices."
Strong-willed like her more eccentric husband, she nonetheless complemented him, enabling him to pursue his interests in research and local history.
She spent several years as head of the pediatric department at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, and after she retired in 1988, she continued to volunteer at an infant welfare clinic in Stickney. She also spent her later years caring for her husband and another son, Carl, both of whom died in the last decade.
Outside of work and home, she most loved spending time at the family "farm" near Dixon in western Illinois. A botany major in college, she loved plants and picking mushrooms. Ralph recalls her serving "weird salads" during weekend dinners. She was also an accomplished pianist and musician, who encouraged her children to play instruments.
Ralph and Frank both say they hope their mother is remembered as Forest Park's pediatrician. "She was really dedicated to the town," said Ralph, "and to providing quality medical care."
She spent her final year at the Scottish Home in North Riverside, where family and friends celebrated her 90th birthday in April. "She was very alert and responded to people," Frank said of her latest birthday.
Responding to people was how she lived.
Dr. Phyllis M. Orland (nee Mrazek), 90, died on July 1, 2009. She was the wife of the late Frank J. Orland; mother of Dr. Frank (Dr. Carla) Orland, June (Jack) Kiburz, Dr. Ralph (Dr. Anna) Orland and the late Carl Orland; grandmother of Dr. Gina and Geoffrey Orland, Mika, Karina and Jace Kiburz, and Adriana, Hannah and Mark Orland; and the aunt of many.
A memorial service will be held in August. Arrangements are being handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home.
