Time Was

November of 1920, like 2020, was a presidential election month. Republican Warren Harding defeated Democrat James Cox of Ohio by a landslide. Harding won all the northern states, while Cox took the traditional southern states. And like today, voting rights was a hot topic. Our story today may be more graphic than you care to read, but I assure you these events did take place. Let’s begin with the first week of the month.

Those of you who read this column regularly have read of the dangers of coal mining. Even today it is a dangerous occupation, not so much from the falling rock as from the coal dust and gases. Mine inspectors can only do so much. Let's look at one very eloquent Mine Inspector to see what he has to say.
The first mining accident I have recorded in my files is the following; from November 6, 1867, in the Wilmington Independent.

Why it was the automobile, of course. It changed American in a way that nothing else, until that time did. And, when you think of it, it still is. It contributes to many of today's problems, climate change, fossil fuel production, lives lost by drunken drives just to name a few. In the 1920's the problems created by the auto were a bit more fundamental and local - getting from here to there.

Braidwood's 19th century social scene was not exactly what you would call “high class.” But nonetheless, Braidwood did have some other recreation than drinking in a saloon. There was the Music Hall, originally built as place for traveling vaudeville troops. Put on your bustle and dust off your top hat, we're going to the theater.