Columnist

Filling in the blanks, bits and pieces

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 10:44am

While doing research I often come across bits and pieces, snippets from the newspaper that by themselves aren't part of a larger story, but they do tell a story all on their own. Most are only a few sentences, but they help fill in the blanks of local history. Today we have a collection of bits and pieces.
The first is from Sept. 3, 1862, the second year of the Civil War. “Reed claims to be the banner town of the county so far as furnishing soldiers is concerned. The largest vote she ever polled was 149, and she has already furnished 80 soldiers.”

When you have more money, you play hardball until the end

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 10:27am

The oddest political couple in the state’s Democratic Party is teaming up again.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is backing yet another young protege of progressive U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Chicago) for the Illinois House at a time when other people appear to be distancing themselves from or even challenging the powerful House Speaker.

Wassail: A traditional toast to 2020

Published by admin on Mon, 12/09/2019 - 3:10pm

Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too! When revelers appear on your doorstep bringing wishes of joy and good health in the New Year, will you be ready? This week we're going a-wassailing!
Wassail, also referred to as Mulled Wine is a holiday tradition that can be traced back literally hundreds of years. It is warm, festive, and delicious, and literally was once served to anyone who appeared at your front door asking for it.

One campaign tactic that’s good to let go

Published by admin on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 8:00am

Another relic of Tim Mapes' days as House Speaker Michael Madigan's chief of staff has passed into history.
Mapes could be a kind and generous man to his friends and family. He was often the delightful life of the party when he chose to go out.

Custer's first two years, not a lot going on

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 11:20am

When Braidwood was created, it exploded on the scene. The town immediately took off with all the hustle and bustle it could muster. It wasn't long before entire columns of newspapers were filled with the goings on, both good and bad. It made for quite an exciting life. The little hamlet just east of Braidwood did not share that excitement. Although in the same township, Custer couldn't be more different.

From horse to iron horse, the C. & A. Railroad

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 11:18am

Transportation has changed radically since Wilmington was first put on the map. Early pioneers arrived here by horse and wagon, over muddy roads, with poor accommodations along the way, exposed to the elements and bounced over every stone and stick in the way. There was no other choice.

Bring in the holiday season with Eggnog

Published by admin on Mon, 12/02/2019 - 1:10pm

Thanksgiving arrived a bit later on the calendar than usual this year, meaning that we have three weeks and some change to prepare for Christmas. We have even less time to prepare for the pre-Christmas parties. When preparing your holiday cocktail menu, you may find yourself caught in a Christmas cocktail conundrum: to Eggnog, or not to Eggnog?
If Eggnog has been present at your Christmas gatherings as long as you can remember, the question answers itself and it is highly likely that a family recipe is also part of that tradition.

Hunting, an old autumn tradition

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 12:10pm

Autumn signals the start of the school year, the beginning of cool weather, the raking of leaves and for some, the start of the hunting season. This also means buying a hunting license, reading the new game laws, and trying to find a good duck or goose blind. Laws governing the shooting of game are fairly recent in our history. Let's look at the 19th century sportsman and hunting on our Kankakee.

The paving that tripped up a mayor, very Hazzard-ous

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 11:59am

Elections are now starting to gear up for the spring primary. Who will win is not always obvious, especially when a hot-button issue is brought before the voters. The issue doesn't have to be huge, sometime a small thing, like snow plowing, can bring down a candidate. Set the way-back for the spring of 1921 and the Wilmington mayor's race.

Madigan insider put it in writing which is a big mistake

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 8:00am

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that Mike McClain, the most prominent insider connected to House Speaker Michael Madigan, sent a blind-copied email to what he called the "Most Trusted of the Trusted" asking for help raising money in the closing weeks of the 2018 campaign.