As everyone knows, springtime in Brookfield came early this year. And nobody’s complaining.
By mid-March, the weather had grown warmer and the robins were happily chirping in the bare trees. That is, until Old Man Winter laughed at them and froze their feathers on the first day of spring, March 20.
It’s been pretty sunny around here, lately, and Mother Nature has really let Old Man Winter know who’s boss.
Last week, Brookfield’s annual crop of lilacs started blooming, and now their sweet, heady fragrance can be detected quite easily. Usually we get lilacs on the first week of May, but they’re out a few weeks early this year.
Do any of today’s Brookfield kids do like yesterday’s kids did, years ago? I mean, twisting and snapping bunches of lilacs off of neighbors’ bushes (sorry, Mrs. Dabkey!) and proudly presenting them to their mothers?
Another example of natural beauty coming out early are the white-budded linden trees, adding a change from the usual green tree leaf buds. I’ve been taking photos of these before they shed their “snow.”
Kids are riding their bikes, walking, running, screaming, shouting and laughing, totally enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. And I don’t blame them a bit.
While more parents than ever are pushing baby strollers, adults with more free time are running, jogging and biking, getting in some exercise to take off those extra winter pounds. Other adults are cleaning up yards, and – can you believe it? – are already mowing their lawns, though the grass doesn’t really look like it needs it, yet.
One sure sign of spring, back about five years ago, was when the Cock Robin ice cream store, at 8861 Burlington, opened up in late March. The old “Robin” hasn’t spread its wings since 2006.
Back in March 2007, the “for sale” sign went up on Cock Robin, and the place is still languishing without a buyer. “Jackie,” of Frieh and Associates, is currently handling the sale of the building and property. If you’d like to buy what has become a local ice cream legend since 1932, now’s your big chance. Call 708-309-8888.
I think the building had its distinctive red canopy added onto it in the 1970s. I remember, as a kid, going to the Prince Castle (its old name) back in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
There are some interesting bits of stone architecture hidden behind the white-paneled side sections, out front. And inside, on the floor since 2007, is a one gallon can of Bonnie Maid milk chocolate fudge syrup.
A most curious feature is the waist-high ice cream freezer case facing the outdoor serving window. For all these years, it appears that the freezer has just been left running. There’s quite a high buildup of frost that anyone can see from the outside, just behind the slanted viewing window. Yes, there’s still real ice at the old ice cream store!
There are also cone boxes along the back wall, and I’m always wondering if there are still cones in them.
So, if during this beautiful springtime weather (now a little cool), you have a wish for a Jumbo sherbet cone, or a Steakburger, or a One-In-A-Million Malt, why not open up the place? It’s only going for $395,000. Sure, that’s a little steep, but you can eat all you want.
Say, if you’re into health foods, maybe a lilac-flavored malt would hit the spot!
