06/09/2026
The Whistler on the Corner
By Mary Yahnke
After the first few weeks of being a Plainfield Elementary School first grader who got to ride the bus to school and carry a Roy Rogers lunchbox, my family moved to Division Street. I became a “Townie” and had to retire that lunchbox and walk home each day for lunch. It was a journey of only a block and a half, but the route was a bit treacherous. I had to look both ways as I crossed Chicago Street, walked past the nun's big house, crossed an alley, and watched for cars entering or exiting the gas station. But then, I met the whistler, Plainfield Police Department Officer Robert J. Taylor. He faithfully guided me across busy Lockport Street, and the journey was completed. I felt safe following his instructions. He was a very busy man. There were lots of “Townies” to get safely to their classrooms. Officer Taylor's uniform was always impressive, but I remember most fondly his habit of whistling a tune as he worked.
I didn't know how to whistle. Maybe that was something taught in second grade. On occasion, I had heard my father whistle, but no how-to lessons were given. Officer Taylor suggested I just keep trying, so I did. And once I had the basic whistle mastered, I whistled even at the dinner table...between bites of course. Mother didn't care for that, so I quit. Now, more than 70 years later, I can't recall the last whistle that slipped past my lips! In honor of Officer Robert J. Taylor and his 22 years of service to the Plainfield Police Department, especially we Townies, I think it appropriate to revive that cheerful sound.
