The Willowbrook Ballroom: Cherished memories live on

With the extensive media coverage, most people are aware that the legendary Willowbrook Ballroom no longer exists. Destroyed by fire on Oct. 28, this year marked the establishment’s 95th anniversary. Literally millions of people danced, dined, watched concerts and celebrated special events at this venue since 1921.

As someone who spent nearly two decades dancing and celebrating there, the shock hasn’t quite wore off. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend, and it would not seem inappropriate to have a memorial service. I mean, how do you let such an extraordinary place disappear from your life without paying your respects?

It was a huge part of so many lives: I remember meeting a group every other Friday night, worn out from the work week, and being instantly revived once we stepped on that inviting 6,000-square-foot dance floor. We literally danced our cares away, as well as a few calories. It was stress relief and fun at its finest. In fact, I doubt I’ve ever seen a face that wasn’t smiling while we were lost in the rhythm of the salsa, line dancing or celebrating an exciting special event.

Several years ago, I hosted singles dances there on occasion. Arriving before the crowd, I would take a moment to be still and listen to the silence, imagining the millions of feet that stomped on or glided across the enticing maple sprung dance floor in addition to the massive amount of talent that entertained from the stage. I wish I could list them all: from the big band and swing era, to the rock-n-rollers, to the tribute bands of today that keep the music of the past alive.

A Naperville resident celebrated his 100th birthday at the ballroom in December 2014. One of many WWII vets who danced there after the war ended, I don’t think I’ve met a nicer man than Ken Dorsch.

“I went there back when it was called Oh Henry Park,” he explained. “I was friends with orchestra leader Wayne King and played trumpet with him on stage.” Ken’s face lights up with joy as he leans forward to make a point. “I was his right hand man. I loved everything about the Willowbrook...the dancing, the music and the steak. They had such a great steak.”

Former Berwyn resident Ziggy Bejger Jr. is a lifelong fan and patron of the Willowbrook Ballroom with more than six decades of memories. His parents started taking him there when he was 3 years old, and the ballroom was a family-oriented place.

“My parents were such amazing dancers,” he said. “People used to stand in long lines to couple with them on the dance floor.”

In the 1950s, when he and his family saw Guy Lombardo on stage, Ziggy could feel the magic and was mesmerized.

“It was so exciting. Everyone was dressed so elegantly and looked so happy with big smiles lighting up their faces.”

Later, in the 1980s, Bejger attended concerts to see groups like the Buckinghams and Cryan’ Shames.

“One time Otis Day was on stage with a wall of people plastered against the stage to see him. It was an incredible experience. When I heard the news of the fire, my heart sank,” Bejger said sadly. "I could see myself as a little boy watching my parents dance. Letting go of the Willowbrook is like burying a loved one along with your happiest memories. I will never forget any of it.”

An entertainment icon is gone, but spectacular memories remain, both in our minds, and in my book, "Willowbrook Ballroom" by Arcadia Publishing. It was a labor of love, and I am honored to be the author, sharing vintage photos and nuggets of information to preserve, at least, part of the ballroom’s vibrant history.

Like many others, I paid my respects the only way I knew how. I drove by, stopped and took a few pictures of the rubble, and a marquee still intact, then got lost in a blur of tearful memories as reality set in. I looked at the flowers and a cross that someone placed behind the fence urging, “Please rebuild.” There were reports of people dancing in the parking lot one last time. We all have our ways of dealing with grief.

I extend a huge thank you to the original ballroom owners, the Verderbars, also the Williams family, and the most recent owners, the Jodwalis family, who collectively kept the magic and music alive for nearly a century with their hard work and dedication.

Goodbye, Willowbrook Ballroom, and as Bob Hope would say, “Thanks for the memories.”

Bonnie Classen is the author of "Willowbrook Ballroom," available through Arcadia Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Anderson's Bookshop.