Time Was

Reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic, or schools and scholars

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 11:02am

It comes earlier and earlier every year. Time was when I was a youngster, it didn't start until the second week of September. I am talking abut the start of the school year, and it is almost upon us. Today we look at early education in Wilmington and vicinity.

Women criminals, what to do with them?

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 10:59am

Women are the flowers of society, being pure of heart, chaste of mind, and incapable of intentionally doing wrong. This was in essence the prevailing notion of the weaker sex during the 19th century. Of course, it has no basis in fact. Women were fully as capable of committing crimes as men, but with perhaps, less opportunity. In Braidwood, women were saloon owners and frequenters as well.

The mysterious case of Henry Belt

Published by admin on Tue, 07/23/2019 - 11:57am

The Will County Historical Museum and Research Center in Lockport has just been put on the list of the National Park Service's list of sites on the Network to Freedom. These are sites across the country that were important to the Underground Railroad.
Today's story is not exactly the story of a run-away slave, but a typical one in the years prior to the Civil War. Set the way-back machine to the 1840's in Joliet, Illinois.
Our story comes from George Woodruff's book, Forty Years Ago, based on a series of lectures he gave in 1874.

More than tourist traps, hotels of the coal fields

Published by admin on Tue, 07/23/2019 - 11:56am

It's that time of year when we spend hours on the computer or phone looking for the perfect place to stay on our vacations. A bad hotel can break an otherwise good vacation. But the hotels that we are going to look at today were part of the community, offering much more than a place to sleep.
In the 19th century there were two kinds of buildings every small town had - an opera house and a hotel. The hotels served both the traveling community and those who could not afford or find lodgings elsewhere. The latter was the case in the coal fields.

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.