Time Was

Decoration Day, a tradition spanning three centuries

Published by admin on Wed, 05/29/2019 - 9:00am

I am a traditionalist, big surprise huh? For me, Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, is the last day of May, not the last Monday in May. And firm in my belief, I researched the history of the day, and found that the date did vary.
It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

Calm returns and brings new rumors

Published by admin on Wed, 05/29/2019 - 9:00am

Last time we told of the Illinois National Guard troops that quelled riots and restored calm. Today we see what that calm revealed, both to Braidwood and her neighbors.
Of course, during times of excitement, rumors abound. In Morris, it was revealed that a rumor had gone around that the rioting miners, having been denied by the troops in Braidwood, were on their way to Morris to create havoc. Extra police were put on, but no rioters put in an appearance.

No match for the militia, calm restored

Published by admin on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 9:00am

When last we met Mayor McLaughlin had been given an ultimatum - disperse the rowdy mob or be fired upon. We return to July 29th, 1877.
The Mayor's response to General Ducat's command was sensible, “Well, I'll tell them to disperse; and as for the arms, there are only a few guns, unless those that belong to citizens and those, I know nothing about. I'll tell 'em to disperse, of course.”
The imbedded reporter tells what happened next.

Lorenzo attained fame, but at a terrible price

Published by admin on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 9:00am

Many people I know like to travel by train. It takes longer, but it is a relaxing way to travel and, for the most part, travel by rail is considered safer than driving.
Not so in the 19th century before instant communications, computers and double tracks. Today we look at a particularly bad one. Warning, some descriptions may not be for the squeamish.
This story takes place in the hamlet of Lorenzo, just west of Wilmington. It is located where Lorenzo Road crosses the tracks, and apparently looked then pretty much as it looks now.

Mr. Mayor, stand down - you have 20 minutes

Published by admin on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 9:00am

July 29th, 1877 - Send in the militia! The governor had spoken. Despite a railroad strike, the Illinois National Guard sped from Chicago to Braidwood to quell possible riot and get the black miners back to their homes. We are next going to hear from the imbedded reporter aboard that train.

Cows in the news, where is this going?

Published by admin on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 9:00am

So, I was doing my research and came across an interesting ordinance, which I suppose is still in effect, about cows. It started me thinking about cows and other livestock. This is the result.

The changing face of the Island

Published by admin on Wed, 05/08/2019 - 9:00am

The Island City, that's Wilmington's nickname; in honor of the island in the Kankakee River that aligns with the old part of the city.
That small piece of ground has seen all of Wilmington's history come and go, and in the process changed its look many times. Let's look at a few of its faces. And note, the terms “North Island” and “South Islan” are modern names. There is in fact only one Island.

One week in the life of a strike, 1877

Published by admin on Wed, 05/08/2019 - 9:00am

When we met last it was July of 1877. The miners had been on strike since early spring.
The coal companies had brought in strike breakers, known as “black legs” composed both of white and black men, but the whites had left town. And to top it off, a Pinkerton agent was killed by a drunken striking miner. The stage is set for violent confrontation.

Gold, gumption and Goose Lake

Published by admin on Wed, 05/01/2019 - 9:00am

It always surprises me when I read about someone in the 19th century who traveled, moved and changed jobs constantly. Somehow, I think of that as a modern scenario, enabled by rapid transportation and communication. N.N. Osburn proved me wrong. He had the gumption and energy that would make him wealthy.
Nial Nye Osburn was born in Athens, OH, Nov. 19, 1819. When he was 22, he made his way to the middle west, stopping first in Iowa.

Miners vs. coal companies, Round 3

Published by admin on Wed, 05/01/2019 - 9:00am

It is the spring of 1877. Once again the coal companies propose to reduce the wages of the miners. But the miners have had two years of that, and they have vowed not to let it happen again. And this time they have political clout, the stage is set for Round 3 - time for the knock-out punch.