Wednesday, Sept. 24 Tonight, Friends of the River Forest Library take us on a time machine back to late 19th century Chicago and afford us a front-row seat on a young bride’s mission to collect healthful, and manageable, recipes. The book to be discussed is Learning to Cook in 1898: A Chicago Culinary Memoir. Presenters for the evening are author Ellen F. Steinberg, a researcher and professor, and Eleanor Hudera Hanson, the food consultant who helped update the more than 80 recipes in the bride’s collection of newspaper and magazine clippings. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Call 366-5205 now if you plan on attending. 735 Lathrop, River Forest
Thursday, Sept. 25 Out of rationalizations for shoe shopping? We’re here for you. This Thursday night, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the new shoe boutique on Oak Park Avenue, you can score a 20-percent savings on a new pair if you bring in an old pair. Nora’s Shoe Shop is collecting footwear to benefit Soles4Souls, an international charity that makes one person’s past-season castoffs another person’s frontline defense against cuts to the extremities. Adding to the thematic fun will be chocolate treats shaped like pumps and complimentary foot massages. 103 N. Oak Park Ave, 524-5740
Friday, Sept. 26 It’s a Huskie Musicfest on Friday night at Oak Park and River Forest High School. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., all OPRF band classes, orchestra and choir ensembles and small student groups will be performing. The evening’s proceeds will benefit the school’s music activities. $5 for adults. $3 for students. Tickets at the door. 201 N. Scoville, Oak Park. 383-0700, www.oprfhs.org
Saturday, Sept. 27 Wine and cheese tasting goes outdoors for a cause during a four-hour event for the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. From 3 to 7 p.m., Marion Street Cheese Market is hosting Fruit of the Land, a 10 tasting-station intro to wine, artisanal beers and local cheeses. Other nourishment will be provided by La Bella restaurant. $35 in advance ($5 for children), at the market, the conservatory or by calling 725-2460. ($40 at the gate) Flash wristbands from the event afterward at local restaurants for related treats.
Sunday, Sept. 28 The time machine returns for Children’s Day. From 1 to 4 p.m., visit Pleasant Home, at 217 Home Ave., for a kid-friendly tour and a photo exhibit to see how children lived in the landmark mansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At neighboring Mills Park, the steps back in time become all the more real with chances to try such chores as carpet beating and such games as hoop rolling. Free, with lemonade and popcorn, all thanks to a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Presented by Pleasant Home Foundation, the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, Wonder Works Children’s Museum and the Park District of Oak Park. For details, call the Pleasant Home Foundation at 383-2654 or the historical society at 848-6755.