LARVALBUG LENS, December, 2018
When John and Evelyn (Val's parents) were courting, one of their favorite excursion destinations was Phillips Park in Aurora, IL. The charming humor of the situation captured here by John back in 1952 reflects the sort of lighthearted wit that comes easily on a pleasantly sunny summer day. Ev recalls that the park had a small zoo with "a bear and a few other animals," and there was a favorite restaurant on the top floor of a tall building nearby, but this specific photo leaves more questions than answers. She can't remember why the fountain and shallow reflecting pool were dry, although the rose garden in the background appears to be well-tended. This may have been the sunken garden area of the park, but the whole area has been renovated and no longer includes the specific statue (even without the living addition) shown here.