Time Was

Love and tragedy, the Noel's of Will County

Published by admin on Tue, 07/16/2019 - 10:04am

In our continuing look at the history of our neighbors to the north, we must look at the Noel family. Their story is the story of early Will County. It also tells of the effects of love, both on family and history. Back now to the founding of Will County.
Our story starts in Scioto County, Ohio with the Webb family. Thomas Webb was one of those men who were never happy where they were, but always wanted to move further west.
In August of 1833 he moved his family, including his young daughter Louisa, to the west side of the Des Plaines River in Lockport Township.

Just follow the trail, early area roads

Published by admin on Tue, 07/16/2019 - 10:03am

Have you ever driven down a road and wondered why it curved at a certain place when there was no obstacle to a straight path? The answer in most cases lies in the animals, which were alive perhaps thousands of years ago.
Let me explain. When animals travel, they take the path of least resistance, around swamps and hills, keeping next to precious water whenever possible. Soon a path develops which can easily be seen, especially by Native Americans who also used these animal trails to travel. This was much easier than hacking a new path where ever you went.

High crime by the lowest of low, horse thieves

Published by admin on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 10:55am

The most common crime of the 19th century was that of stealing horses. It is hard for us to imagine what a true tragedy it was to have a horse stolen.
First, it is your means of transportation, both for yourself and everything you need to run your business, whether it was farming, grocery, or doctoring. On the farm, nothing could replace a horse, and without one there would be no plowing, planting, or harvesting.

Hunting the varmints, bounties on wildlife

Published by admin on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 10:01am

Living in a rural area has some rewards, especially for those of us who love to view the wildlife, or for that matter, eat it. When I was young, somewhat less than a hundred years ago, I never remember seeing a Canadian Goose, a vulture or a bald eagle.
These animals and more have come back. Let's look at some species to understand why they went away in the first place.

One hundred years old, still making a difference

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 1:17pm

The war was over, that war to end all wars. Some made it back, some did not. Some went on to function well in society, some did not. But for all it was a life changing experience. And as is the case after all wars, the survivors needed to be with others who understand. Thus, was born the American Legion, created by war, but carried forward by men.

A manly diversion, shooting pigeons in the park

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 1:14pm

Accuracy with a weapon has always been a trait to be admired. I imagine cavemen had spear throwing contests. And I am sure as well, that there were other cavemen there betting on the outcome. Today we go back to 1874 to witness the great Captain Adam H. Bogardus shoot down small helpless birds and delicate glass balls with deadly accuracy.

A good time in the old town tonight

Published by admin on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 9:00am

We have often talked of the unrest and racial strife that featured so prominently during the last of the 1870's in Braidwood. But by the 1880's the world had gone around a few more times, and things changed as they always do.
Let's look at some of the good times for a change.
Firstly, the railroad and coal mining strikes around the nation had ended. This was the heyday of the steam engine, and steam engines ran on coal.

Life in the big city, a trip to Joliet

Published by admin on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 9:00am

I have said little in these columns about big city life and the sprawling city to the north. By car, just a half hour away, and even in the 19th century it was only a short train trip. Today we will look at a few spots that might have drawn Wilmintonians into town.
As early as 1840 Juliet, now known as Joliet, was a booming town. There were factories, saloons, hotels, and shops with everything imaginable.
One dry goods merchant advertised the following in 1840:

The most temperate town in the Northwest

Published by admin on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 9:00am

The use of the word “temperate” in this case, does not refer to the temperature, but rather to the amount of alcohol consumed by the populace. In this case the town referred to is Elwood and the time is mid-19th century.

A grand celebration gone astray

Published by admin on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 9:00am

Today we are traveling north to Lockport just in time for a grand celebration. It was well planned, but perhaps not well thought out as things went a tad bit astray because of the thirst of the inner man.
The original I&M Canal had been built on the cheap. Instead of digging it deep enough for Lake Michigan water to naturally run into it, it was cut shallow and required a steam engine on the shores of Lake Michigan to pump water into it, and a lock and dam to be sure the I&M did not run backwards into the lake.