April 20, 1978 rally is scheduled
On February 23, 1978, Judge Bernard Decker of the U.S. District Court of Illinois rules that the three ordinances adopted by the Skokie Village Board are unconstitutional (Collin v. Smith, 447 F.Supp 676).
Frank Collin announces a National Socialist Party of America (NSPA) rally for April 20, 1978 to coincide with Adolf Hitler's birthday.
Plans are made to counter the April 20 NSPA rally.
Mayor Albert J. Smith holds a meeting with community leaders on Feburary 28, 1978 to make contingency plans.
Niles Township Jewish Congregation sends a letter to its congregation opposing violence in any counter-demonstrations.
"A peaceful anti-Nazi demonstration by about 500,000 will be held on April 20… village officials speculate that such a crowd will create massive security problems."
"More than 3,000 individuals from the Illinois area are expected to march under the banner of the Jewish War Veterans in a mass counter-demonstration…"
Congressman Abner Mikva announces his support of Skokie's efforts to prevent the neo-Nazi rally. "I do not want the Nazis to march in Skokie."
"The Jewish Defense League…threatens to 'crack heads'…"
More opinions roll in from across the country.
In time to prevent the April 20, 1978 rally, Circuit Court Judge Decker sends Collin v. Smith to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals overturns Judge Decker's 45-day stay on the NSPA rally and orders an expedited briefing schedule.