Tag Archives: Chicago history

For Halloween: The Ghosts of the Quarries!

Halloween is almost here! A good time to rell you about the Ghosts of the Quarries! Ghost hunters sometimes describe a phenomenon called the “stone tape theory.” The theory proposes that certain rocks have the ability to imprint—or “record” —energy … Continue reading

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The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

In last month’s blog, I spoke about the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and its tremendous importance to not only the Chicago area and Illinois, but to the opening to settlement of the entire United States west of … Continue reading

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Illinois and Michigan Canal Celebrates 175th Anniversary.

In April of 1848, the I & M Canal officially opened. From April of 2023 through March of 2024, the I & M Canal Corridor Association is having a year-long celebration of this event. Continue reading

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The Des Plaines River

I get excited when I talk about Lemont’s waterways, because they are so important not only to the growth of Chicago, but to westward expansion across the entire continent. The only place all these important waterways come together is Lemont. … Continue reading

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Admiral Dewey and the Battle of the Sanitary Canal

The I & M Canal had been a tremendous success in opening up shipping and transportation between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. However, during dry periods the level wasn’t sufficient to float the barges and boats, and during heavy … Continue reading

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Lemont Streetcars – The Joliet and Chicago Electric Line

NewsOn Sunday, February 26, at 2 p.m. I will be speaking at the Lemont Historical Society about the “Lost Town of Sag Bridge.” If you have not already attended this talk, I hope you will come. If you have attended … Continue reading

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Chicago’s South Side Mob – Concluded #4: The Chicago Mob, The FBI & Fun Facts

Chicago’s South Side Mob – Concluded #4The FBI and Fun Facts What effect did the government and law enforcement have on the Mob?Among the skills developed by the Outfit was the ability to avoid, minimize, and overturn criminal punishment. Money was … Continue reading

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Chicago’s South Side Mob – Continued #2

CHICAGO HEIGHTS AND JIMMY EMERY This is part two of a series about the South Side Chicago mob. I hope it will provide you a moment of respite from the troubles of this trying year. Since my teen years I … Continue reading

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CHIEF SHABBONA – Peacemaker in a Turbulent Chicago

One translation of Shabbona’s name is “Built like a Bear,” and from all reports the name fits. As the picture above shows, he was a tall man, with broad shoulders—a large, muscular man of commanding appearance. He was an important … Continue reading

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BILLY CALDWELL (SAUGANASH, THE ENGLISHMAN) – EARLY CHICAGO LEADER

Although Billy Caldwell was an educated man, written records of his life, obtained mostly from interviews, contain contradictions, and are subject to debate. He is represented as both a hero and an opportunist. We do know he had significant effect … Continue reading

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