Tag Archives: local history

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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Train Wreck in Lemont, July 1905

Last month’s post was about a train wreck in Lemont on the Alton-Chicago Railroad in 1873. Today we continue the subject of train wrecks with the Santa Fe derailment that also occurred in Lemont in 1905. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa … 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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The Miracle At Assisi Hill Now Available!

I am so excited to announce the arrival of my newest book, The Miracle at Assisi Hill, which has been two years in the making. It’s here at last, just in time for Holiday gifting (or gift yourself!).  For those of you … Continue reading

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ILLINOIS! 200 YEARS YOUNG TODAY!

  On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the Union. Last month’s blog was part one of an excerpt from my mystery novel, The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods. Today’s post is the conclusion, and depicts what … Continue reading

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Illinois Bicentennial: Life in Northern Illinois Two Hundred Years Ago

ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL LIFE IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO PART ONE   After the Revolutionary War, the Northwest Territories were set aside as  lands belonging to the newly-formed United States. The territories were Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. … Continue reading

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Extraordinary Native American Woman – Marie Rouensa – 1677-1725

Do you know Marie Rouensa? No? Maybe she’s more familiar to you by her Native American name, Aramepinchone? You don’t recognize that name either?   Marie is a woman well worth knowing.   Marie Rouensa was born in 1677. Her … Continue reading

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Three-year-old Elsie, 1893-1896

Three-year-old Elsie, 1893-1896 The first permanent settlers came to Northern Illinois in the 1830s and by the mid-1800s many nearby towns had grown to be of significant size. On 127th Street in Lemont is St. Matthew’s Cemetery. Cemeteries like St. … Continue reading

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