Mokena's Front Porch

By: Israel Smith & Matt Galik
  • Summary

  • This is THE Mokena podcast, with a focus on history and community! A Chicago Suburb of 20,000+, Mokena started as a farming community that grew up after the Rock Island Train line was built through the middle of what would become downtown Mokena in 1852. Follow our website at MokenasFrontPorch.com or on social media!

    Matt is a lifelong Mokenian and local historian with 2 books about Mokena as well as a Mokena history blog, Matt's Old Mokena. Many of our episodes are based on the Matt's work collecting the history of our Village.

    Israel grew up learning history and real life stories from his WWII grandfathers. His family moved to Mokena in 2016 and live in one of Mokena's Downtown homes that was built in 1916. Getting to know Matt along with Mokena and it's history, Israel worked to make the podcast a reality, through technical challenges and being a first time podcaster. He is a BIG fan of Mokena!

    © 2024 Mokena's Front Porch
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Episodes
  • Fundraisers & Filings - Local Election Update 2
    Nov 21 2024

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    It has been a busy couple of weeks, with fundraisers and petition filings! We hear from former Mokena Mayor, Mike Everett, and we find out who actually filed their petitions to run in the April 1st election! Be on the look out for our candidate interviews! You won't want to miss them!

    For the past year we have been doing more video episodes of our podcast through our YouTube page and our new website! The videos can be found through our website, www.mokenasfrontporch.com and our YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@MokenasFrontPorch . Thanks for listening!

    Support the show

    Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
    Check Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos

    Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
    Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

    Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
    Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com

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    11 mins
  • The Imagination Station - Mokena’s Wooden Playscape
    Nov 15 2024

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    The Imagination Station was more than a playground, it was a community effort that brought our entire Village together. For 27 years this wooden playscape was a staple for every Mokena kid. After years of weather as well as a lack of sufficient maintenance, the playscape was taken down this summer.

    In the video, we have included a bunch of pictures, provided by Dr. Mark Cohen and the 159 School District. Israel was at the time capsule opening, to see what was included by the children from the class of 1997 and we hear from volunteers who still speak with pride of the role they played in that build.

    Every community organization, church, and government bodies were part of this effort. $100,000 was raised as well as thousands of volunteer hours, donated tools, equipment and labor, daycare, food prep, and SO MUCH MORE!
    We are honored to present this living memorial to this Imagination Station and we hope that people remember all the fun was had as well as the effort that it took to get it built. Mokena was extremely fortunate to have this playscape. Thanks to everyone who allowed us to share their story about this treasure. Enjoy!

    For the past year we have been doing more video episodes of our podcast through our YouTube page and our new website! The videos can be found through our website, www.mokenasfrontporch.com and our YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@MokenasFrontPorch . Thanks for listening!

    Support the show

    Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
    Check Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos

    Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
    Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

    Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
    Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • A Day on The Farm With Eddie Yunker
    Nov 15 2024

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    This is the most in depth video recorded conversation with Eddie Yunker, the last owner of the historic McGovney-Yunker Farm, that is know of. Before Mr. Yunker passed away, he sold his farm to the ‪Mokena Park District, ensuring this property will be controlled and appreciated by the public.

    Brian Yunker, the grandson of Eddie Yunker, gave this video to Matt and asked that we share it with the community. If you never knew Mr. Yunker, you will feel like you know him after watching this video. If you knew him, you will probably remember how much you miss having him around.

    You can find our episodes about the farm on our website and YouTube page!

    Matt and Israel want to extend a huge thank you to Brian Yunker, for sharing this video with us and allowing us to share it with the public.

    For the past year we have been doing more video episodes of our podcast through our YouTube page and our new website! The videos can be found through our website, www.mokenasfrontporch.com and our YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@MokenasFrontPorch . Thanks for listening!

    Support the show

    Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
    Check Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos

    Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
    Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

    Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
    Podcast@MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 3 mins

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