Time Was

A bit of color, a bit of humor — 1882

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 1:10pm

Recently I have been doing my research in the pages of the Joliet Signal from 1882. I have found several items about Braidwood that I had not seen before, so I went back to my 1882 files to review them. I found myself reading about the year in general, and also found myself smiling. Set the way-back for 1882 and take a stroll with me through the year.

A really good snow storm, welcome winter

Published by admin on Tue, 01/07/2020 - 12:29pm

Well, there's no denying it's here; winter that is. And while we haven't had much snow yet, it will be coming I am sure. And when it does we will all be put in a state of anxiety by weather men and others, warning of the terrible weather to come. Back in 1878 they had no warning, but in spite of that, they didn't panic or wring their hands, instead they really enjoyed a “really good snow storm.”

Cold can bring death, in more ways than one

Published by admin on Tue, 01/07/2020 - 12:14pm

Winter is here, not so bad so far. Was it any different back in the day? Actually, yes, it was, and I will tell you why. Braidwood, like in every other aspect, was not like other towns. Let's look at the reasons.
First, the busiest time of the year for a coal miner, was winter. Folks all over the country were trying to keep warm. Men were working around the clock, sometimes double shifts. More work, more money, more food, etc, etc.

Hello! Can you hear me now?

Published by admin on Tue, 12/31/2019 - 8:00am

A bunch of us boomers were talking a while ago about what technology has changed the most since we were kids. Since the computer wasn't around when I was a kid, that doesn't count. We finally agreed that the one thing that changed the most was our telephone. So today, a small history of the early telephone in Wilmington.

Waking up in the 20th century

Published by admin on Tue, 12/31/2019 - 8:00am

We have been looking at Braidwood in the 19th century for a long time now. Today we peek at the beginnings of the 20th century. We will look at what changed and what had not.
At the turn of the century, Braidwood was still one of the most ethnically diverse towns in Will County. I am willing to say that English was considered a foreign language to 50% of the population. In addition African Americans were well represented, having their own churches, saloons and Masonic Hall in the building that would also house the Grinchuck Pants Factory.

Christmas in the 1900s, the party's over

Published by admin on Tue, 12/24/2019 - 12:00pm

This year is, I feel, a strange one for our country. Political wrangling, uncertain financial markets, trade wars, etc. have filled the news with less than optimistic forecasts. Despite that the new technologies in phones, computers, music etc. give us a look at the world of the future. It seems bright, but will it be? One can only hope.
As I looked back through the holiday seasons in Wilmington, I felt that 1907 was very much like this year. You decide.

New Year's traditions, what brings you luck?

Published by admin on Tue, 12/24/2019 - 12:00pm

Have you made your resolutions yet? Are you buying special foods for the first day of the new year? Have you got your date for New Year's Eve lined up? We are all pretty much aware of Christmas traditions, but I think not so aware that the things we all do at New Year's also have a long history.

Daniels in the judge's den, the end of the tale

Published by admin on Tue, 12/17/2019 - 3:37pm

We come now to the end of the tale about the Daniels' bank failure. By the way, I have found no other name for the bank except “Daniels' bank.” It seems that that was its official title. Let us see how the bankruptcy proceeded through court, and what the payout was for the common man.

Holiday shopping Braidwood style

Published by admin on Tue, 12/17/2019 - 3:20pm

How many of us have given up real shopping for the internet variety? Sitting at the computer in our 'jammies, or swiping our tablet or phone, Christmas shopping is not what it used to be. And how did it used to be? We have a description of what an up-to-date variety store in Braidwood was like in 1880. And you will never believe who was operating it.

Follow the money, but where did it go?

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 12:39pm

Whenever there is wrong doing, the saying goes, “Follow the money.” But what happens to that theory if the money is just gone? That was the case with John Daniels’ bank. It was just gone. But let's start at the beginning.