Martha Merilos, Ruben Grigoryan, and Armineh Hovhannisyan are off the see the International Christmas trees at the Museum of Science and Industry. Leaving just after rush hour, the drive was uneventful. Ruben was most interested in how we were entering the city through the industrial center. I tried to explain how the city grew around the industries. The example I gave him was the old stockyard area. He was interested in how immigrants could move here and get jobs with no English language skills.

The Museum of Science and Industry was built as part of the Chicago’s World Fair. Its modernization program was most interesting. Mayor Richard M. Daley is truly following the Burnham plan for making Chicago’s lakefront the showplace of the city. We entered to find the Trees from around the world display. We were most delighted when we found the Armenian tree. To our mutual interest, the Greece tree was right of their tree. Martha is of Greek decent had to pose every one between the trees, a symbolic bridge of nations. We visited other attractions during our morning stay.

For lunch we met Deacon Aren Jebejian for lunch at the Armenian restaurant Soyat Nova. We were introduced to the owner who was gracious to us all. The conversation focused on Armenian politics. It was most lively and very interesting to hear the different points of view. After lunch, we said our final good byes to the city, for we would not return again. One last drive up the lakefront and back to Downers Grove were the evening was full of activities.

This day ended on a very high note when Armineh and Ruben met with the city governments of Downers Grove and Naperville. In both places they were met with warmth and enthusiasm. In Downers Grove the Mayor presented them  with keys to the city as well as proclamations naming them honorary citizens  of our town.

In Naperville the Mayor, George Pradel, presented our Armenian  teachers with honorary citizenship. Special thanks to Councilman Doug Krause who arranged the event. These gifts will be wonderful reminders of their  stay here.