tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64142002723855497532012-02-07T10:36:04.677-08:00Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.comBlogger1421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-91644685316247456002012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-07T10:34:44.637-08:00

You may have wondered where Brief History went to over the holidays. It certainly wouldn't be the first time an emailed newsletter or blog has suddenly close up shop. But Brief History intends to continue to bring little bits of history to people just as it has since the fall of 2009. To do that, we're experimenting with some new technology; specifically, paper.li, an online "newspaper"

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-614472335070581002012-02-07T05:59:00.000-08:002012-02-07T10:36:04.690-08:00

Last year Kate spoke at the Chicago Maritime Festival on how the first homesteaders of Naperville traveled from Ohio through the Great Lakes on the schooner Telegraph. An enthusiastic crowd attended the presentation and was slightly surprised to learn that about the journey. Certainly Chicagoans know that there is some serious maritime history involving Lake Michigan, but we often forget it

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-51403341452345917852011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:20:30.607-08:00

This past month North Central College alums celebrated their Homecoming in Naperville, held later in the fall than usual in order to coincide with the college’s 150th Anniversary commemoration. Naperville citizens were invited to join in the party by watching the Homecoming parade or attending musical and theater performances. Also in honor of the anniversary, new signage was erected

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-28979123201753064372011-11-22T05:59:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:22:36.815-08:00

Harry Robinson designed several other houses in Naperville in addition to the Truitt House. After a childhood spent in Mattoon, Illinois, Robinson studied at University of Illinois and worked for prairie-style architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin at different times.Prairie Style was very popular for homes in the early part of the twentieth century and many of our suburbs

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-50949739170620840912011-11-22T05:58:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:26:40.536-08:00

Norwood Park Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 311:00am to 4:00pmThe Holiday House Tour features five homes that present a cross-section of the different architecture of the Norwood Park neighborhood. Houses range from the late 1800s to the 1900s, and showcase the many ways homeowners have blended the past and present in their homes. Admission to 5 homes is $20 in advance, or $25 the

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-50806872294122065032011-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-18T06:00:16.319-07:00

One hundred and forty years ago this month, Chicago burned. An exceptionally dry autumn and steady, strong winds created a deadly opportunity. The orange glow could be seen from as far away as Naperville, twenty six miles west.Guy Sabin, a student at Naperville's North Central College wrote about the event in his diary:Monday, Oct. 9, 1871, 9:00 p.m.They got a dispatch that a fire had been

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-20647058159212019572011-10-18T05:59:00.000-07:002011-10-18T05:59:00.271-07:00

The greatest number of fire deaths in United States history occurred on October 8, 1871, but the fire didn't happen in Chicago.A little to the north in Wisconsin, Peshtigo and surrounding communities also burned that day -- at the same time as the Great Chicago Fire. Estimates of between 1,000 and 2,500 people lost their lives and almost two square miles of homes, farmland and forest. Survivors

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-84183059243598774132011-10-18T05:58:00.000-07:002011-10-18T05:58:00.039-07:00

Naper Settlement's All Hallows EveFriday and Saturday, October 21 & 226:30-10 p.mDon't miss two of the scariest nights of the year during All Hallows Eve, a unique event based on the darkest literature and events of the 19th century. The usually calm and quaint 12-acre museum village is haunted by a diabolical menagerie of spirits, vampires, werewolves, witches and otherworldly creatures of the

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-24383389981515832372011-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T15:36:20.309-07:00

North Central College celebrates its 150th Anniversary in November. Originally founded as Plainfield College by the regional Evangelical Association, the school moved to Naperville in 1870, attracted by access to the railroad and some funding deals by the city.Women as well as men were both students and faculty, but there were limits to the college’s progressiveness.Local young people in those

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-68305330334515386332011-09-20T05:59:00.000-07:002011-09-20T15:37:31.148-07:00

Just after North Central celebrates their 150th birthday, Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois will be celebrating their 175th starting in January. Like North Central College, Knox was built on a religious foundation, in this case Presbyterians and Congregationalists.George Washington Gale of New York graduated from Union College and was later ordained in the St. Laurence Presbytery, He

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-1255805653731514682011-09-20T05:58:00.000-07:002011-09-20T15:48:47.451-07:00

World War II DaysSaturday, September 2411:00 AM - 5:00 PMSunday, September 2511:00 AM - 4:00 PMA tribute to America's veterans and the largest World War II re-enactment in North America with more than 800 soliders including dozens of tanks and WWII vintage military vehicles. Narrated field battles with pyrotechnics, village skirmishes, demonstrations and displays of 1940s military and civilian

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-41134090177626910192011-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-13T13:59:47.463-07:00

While an exact date is not recorded, Joseph Naper most likely arrived at the banks of the DuPage River with his family and friends within a few days of July 15 in the year 1831.It was a Friday with the new moon approaching its first quarter. Spring had been late, wet and cold, much like this past spring. If you were to walk out onto a bit of prairie right now, you’d see the same kind of flowers

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-85925642565711015622011-07-13T05:59:00.000-07:002011-07-13T14:00:53.082-07:00

The longest list of Naperville men who died during military service comes from the Civil War, the 150th anniversary of which we are commemorating this year. While the war was certainly a bloody conflict, many deaths were actually the result of disease, infection and starvation, rather than the battlefield.Although DuPage County was represented in several companies, the 105th Illinois Volunteers

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-88990620760967378612011-07-13T05:58:00.000-07:002011-07-13T14:02:56.244-07:00

Settlement Sundays at Naper SettlementSummer Sundaysthrough August1:00 PM - 4:00 PMEach Sunday, admission to the museum not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings and root beer floats, but also a variety of hands-on activities, games, stories, presentations, entertainment and guest presentations. Play old-fashioned games, tour the historic Victorian mansion, see the "Brushstrokes

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-6913825597111092132011-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:45:41.766-07:00

Many of us who live in Naperville don’t give much thought to how Mill Street was named since it seems self-explanatory. On further reflection, however, you start to wonder. What kind of mill? Where exactly was it?When Joseph Naper headed out to Illinois, he always intended to found a colony rather than a single family homestead. He brought with him on his schooner the iron works for a saw mill

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-3645534924512772742011-05-31T05:59:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:46:42.837-07:00

A grist mill for grinding grain was also constructed in Naper’s Settlement. It was built soon after the saw mill but apparently there was some serious concern as to how they were to create such a thing since they had no mill stones for grinding.Robert Nelson Murray, who was a teenager at the time, tells us that the grist mill was built due to the efforts of Christopher Paine. Paine, who was

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-60905577007641240742011-05-31T05:58:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:51:20.391-07:00

Links to some upcoming local events:Annual Fort De Chartres RendezvousSaturday and SundayJune 4 and 5, 20119 am - 5 pmOne of the largest in rendezvous events in the country occurs annually at this historic fort. 18th century crafts, food, music, 1000's of historically dressed participants, flintlock musket and rifle competition, cannon and mortar competition, traders and more.Small parking feeFor

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-80784018793235824612011-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-13T16:01:21.439-07:00

When Kate decided to write a book about the founders of Naperville for children, her first thought was to present the history as a narrative, like a DuPage County, Illinois version of “Little House on the Prairie.”In fiction, character development, dialog, conflict resolution and narrative arc are all important elements of the story. In history, the facts about dates, places, clothing and customs

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-33832592352252246282011-05-03T05:59:00.000-07:002011-05-13T16:03:10.714-07:00

During her book research, Kate gathered up many fun facts like the Shape Note Singing information above. She'll share all the neat things she learned on Wednesday, May 11 illustrated with slides of maps, photos, engravings and other visuals. You are invited to this free event to learn a little about DuPage County's early settlers and what the world was like in Illinois in 1831.From the Naperville

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-9091856195053912232011-05-03T05:58:00.000-07:002011-05-13T16:08:43.231-07:00

Links to Upcoming Local EventsCivil War DaysSat. & Sun., May 21 & 22, 201110 a.m.- 4 p.m More than 300 Civil War re-enactors camp on site, providing a living historical view of the past. When the bugle sounds each day at 2:30 p.m., troops from the North and the South will charge into battle with rifles at the ready and cannons booming. Afterward, you can see the work of the Civil War surgeons as

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-22703348754807770892011-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-13T15:52:58.918-07:00

Kate recently had the opportunity to visit the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison. Not a huge museum, it’s easily viewed in an hour if you’re only mildly interested in military history, but real aficionados will likely spend much more time.The displays include photos, weapons, and everyday items used by Wisconsin soldiers starting with the Civil War, including a piece of hard tack that escaped

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-65399359895060144542011-04-19T05:59:00.000-07:002011-05-13T15:51:10.809-07:00

The Ditzler brothers came to Chicago in 1844 from the east via the Great Lakes. Jonathon Ditzler settled in Naperville where he married and raised his family. His daughter Hannah was a long-time teacher at the Naperville Academy as well as a librarian. Son Eli became a prosperous merchant in Hinsdale after being lucky enough to return from the Civil War. The following is a letter Eli wrote to his

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-38525893582738922072011-04-19T05:58:00.000-07:002011-05-13T15:56:39.989-07:00

Links to Some Upcoming EventsThe Medical Side of the Civil WarWednesday, April 20, 20111 pmAuthor and history professor Glenna Schroeder-Lein gives an overview of the development of mass medical care during the American Civil War. The establishment of hospitals, roles of caregivers, and common diseases will be discussed. Refreshments served immediately following in the Glos Mansion in Elmhurst.

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-39775065132043825762011-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:25:15.724-07:00

Throughout 2011 museums will be observing the anniversary of the Civil War. For some history buffs, that means re-evaluating the politics that triggered the rupture of our young country. Others intently analyze the battles as if the campaigns were real-life chessboards. Still others like to compare our everyday experiences with those of our ancestors 150 years ago to see how things have changed

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-75056154540447302522011-04-05T05:59:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:25:47.241-07:00

Want to hear a little about local history or learn a little about writing books? You’ll have the opportunity to do both this month! On Saturday, April 16 Kate will be one of more than 25 authors selling, signing and talking books at the gorgeous new Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook at their Author Fair. To cap off Library Week, authors will be on hand from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm, with some

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-5538076578807063902011-04-05T05:58:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:28:04.710-07:00

Links to Some Upcoming EventsThe Civil War and DuPage County: A Local Perspective Saturday, April 16, 2011 12 pm - 4 pm Join us for the exhibit opening which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War by reflecting on the relationship between the soldiers and their families and friends during this time of dramatic change and hardship. Letters, photos and documents from

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-73990738115023832322011-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-03-22T06:00:04.833-07:00

While most folks have heard of the Lincoln-Douglas debates and some are familiar with “The Little Giant” nickname, that’s usually the extant of their knowledge of Stephen Douglas. Particularly from residents of Illinois, however, Douglas deserves a little more attention.“The Little Giant” moniker refers to his short stature – he was only five foot four – as well as to his standing in political

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-5246886708596251402011-03-22T05:59:00.000-07:002011-03-22T05:59:00.103-07:00

The Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook is once again hosting a bevy of authors to wrap up their National Library Week celebrations on Saturday, April 16 with an Author Fair.Kate will be among them, bringing with her newly-released activity book, a companion to Ruth by Lake and Prairie. The book includes puzzles, paper dolls and ships, pioneer recipes and other fun things to do within a

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-53462927013855944922011-03-22T05:58:00.000-07:002011-03-22T05:58:00.730-07:00

Women of the Civil War Tuesday, March 22, 20116:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe women of the civil war era did not command on the battlefield yet their participation in the conflict impacted its outcome and radically changed their lives and the future of women in America. Join Jim Weren for this captivating presentation featuring his own illustrations and fascinating narrative, all in honor of Women’s History

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-61890409208592935252011-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-22T07:05:28.341-08:00

Actually, just the artifacts will live again, but even that's pretty exciting!You may remember the Brief History story from last year about the Museum of Funeral Customs being forced to close due to the economy, lowered tourism and greater expenses. The Museum used to be right outside the gates of Oakwood Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln is buried with his family in Springfield. It was a fitting

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-41213109073258163472011-02-22T05:59:00.000-08:002011-02-22T07:07:26.195-08:00

Yesterday was Presidents' day and Caroline Kennedy used the holiday to unveil an interactive online exhibit at the Kennedy Library website. If you missed the news announcement, here's your chance to try it out.On the website is a wealth of information about John F. Kennedy, including details about his desk in the Oval Office. The new online desk exhibit lets you "sit" at his desk and see all of

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-65605580143279003432011-02-22T05:58:00.000-08:002011-02-22T07:09:20.601-08:00

Chicago Maritime Festival Saturday,February 2610:00 am - 4:30 pmKate will present "13 Families West Across the Lakes" at 2 pm, one of many seminars demonstrations, and lectures offered. See also displays of maritime art, knots, ships and lighthouses. In the evening, enjoy a concert featuring many celebrated maritime music professionals from all over the world singing new and traditional sea

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-75347304905485016322011-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T21:35:34.056-08:00

While we are bemoaning how long it takes to plow the cul de sacs this winter, it might make our dispositions sunnier when we remember how good we have it now in 2011 compared to the early settlers of Illinois.The winter of 1830-1831 was particularly nasty throughout the state, even in the southern areas. Joseph Naper was planning to bring his friends and family out to the DuPage River during the

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-77584776532614926962011-02-08T05:59:00.000-08:002011-02-21T21:37:35.251-08:00

Kate has several events coming up where she will be sharing her love for local history. On Saturday February 19 she will be attending the 9th Annual Children's Literature Breakfast hosted by Anderson's Bookshops as a guest Illinois author.Held at the Abbington in Glen Ellyn, this event features a full breakfast, Illinois authors and illustrators, new award-winning and notable books, a book talk

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-21736058561516651242011-02-08T05:58:00.000-08:002011-02-21T21:42:21.897-08:00

How Did my Street Get that Name? Sundays in February10:00 am - 4:00 pmP. Seth Magosky Museum Of Victorian Life: How did my street get that name? 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through February. $10. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Tours are $15. The museum is opened other times by appointment and available for private parties and events, groups and clubs, and school groups. Tours are $10 for adults and $5

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-80057993021826358322011-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:03:25.430-08:00

Kate is always thrilled to find kindred spirits who are as excited about history as she is, so she was intrigued when stumbling across a recent news article about a history teacher in Hawaii who has a particularly fun way to share facts with her students.Amy Burvall is one of the HistoryTeachers who have become YouTube sensations with well over a million upload views of their videos - on history.

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-76270190530064911232011-01-25T05:59:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:07:33.372-08:00

If you're in the Chicago area in February, turn your bow into the wind and sail on over to the annual Maritime Festival!Held on Saturday, February 26 at the Chicago History Museum, the Maritime Festival celebrates the Great Lakes as well as the high seas. From 10:00 am until 4:30 pm, workshops, demonstrations, lectures and seminars are offered as well as displays of maritime art, knots, ships and

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-42776107154000646462011-01-25T05:58:00.000-08:002011-05-13T16:10:07.857-07:00

Ronald Reagan's 100th Birthday PartySunday, February 610:00 am - 4:00 pmYou are invited to the Birthday Party/Open House honoring President Ronald Reagan's Centennial Birthday celebration at his birthplace in Tampico, IL. Refreshments, including Birthday Cake, will be served.Admission is free.Other events including bus tours are available throughout 2011.For more information: Contact Joan

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-38779485859641971262011-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:47:05.728-08:00

Recently the Associated Press reported that a team of divers, Charles Buffum, Craig Harger and Michael Fournier, believe they have discovered the wreck of the USS Revenge off the coast of Rhode Island.The divers say they have viewed four canons, an anchor, and some other metal objects. Nothing made of wood has survived and they have not yet found a ship's bell or anything else that has a name on

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-52397166270368071782011-01-11T05:59:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:48:10.725-08:00

Today one can "walk" down the street of a town half a world away thanks to Google Maps. While the results are not quite as sophisticated, one can also "walk" many towns from the past thanks to Sanborn Maps.The Sanborn Maps were drawn starting in 1867 for assessing fire insurance liability in urban areas. Farms and very small towns are not represented, but many, many other areas are. In Illinois,

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-27799504140781187152011-01-11T05:58:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:50:15.227-08:00

A Reception with Elizabeth Wright at Chicago History MuseumSaturday, January 22 12:30 pmJoin Elizabeth Wright, granddaughter of Frank Lloyd Wright for an exclusive look at her newest book, Dear Bob, Dear Betty: Love and Marriage During the Great Depression. The book examines the witty, sassy, and poignant correspondence between the youngest son of Frank Lloyd Wright and his future wife during

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-1761690620954116402010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:49:53.715-08:00

Fort Wayne, Indiana carries that name because it was the site of several forts in early American history. The original structure was Fort Miamis built in 1697 by French settlers as one of a string of forts between Quebec and St. Louis. It was named for the Miami Indians who lived in the area.By 1721, the fort had been rebuilt and renamed Fort St. Philippe des Miamis and continued to serve as a

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-58223271529328058172010-12-28T05:59:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:45:04.544-08:00

During the War of 1812, Great Britain was successfully capturing U.S. forts. When Fort Michilimackinac fell to the enemy army, U.S. Captain Nathan Heald was ordered to abandon Fort Dearborn, give away the fort's supplies to the Potawatomi Indians and withdraw to Fort Wayne. There were 93 people living in the fort, including women and children who were the families of some soldiers.Captain Heald

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-35677744786257856772010-12-28T05:58:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:47:33.810-08:00

Novelle Annee at Old Fort WayneSaturday, January 2910:00 am - 5:00 pmExperience a winter with the French of Fort Miamis. French military, civilians, and local native Americans will be recreating the daily life at a Fort on the frontier . Mail call, drilling, scouting the area, cooking, and sewing will be some of the events taking place during the event.Byron Museum of HistoryTuesday through

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-7195978280003983582010-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:002010-12-15T09:46:25.571-08:00

If you've lived near Lake Michigan long enough, you will have heard or read something about the Christmas Tree ships. This year, the Christmas Tree Ship arrived on December 3 at Navy Pier, welcomed by escort boats, a band, school choirs and throngs of children with their families.United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw currently brings the Christmas trees for distribution to disadvantaged

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-27812352737456768302010-12-14T05:59:00.000-08:002010-12-15T09:53:00.375-08:00

In 1870, during what is known as the Golden Age of Great Lakes Sailing, nearly 65% of sailors on the Great Lakes were Norwegian. Sailing was a skill that many men brought with them from Norway and since the vast majority of Norwegian immigrants settled in the upper Midwest of the United States, the Great Lakes were easily accessible.During an eight year period around that time, more than 110,000

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-87801768065070493652010-12-14T05:58:00.001-08:002010-12-15T09:44:25.025-08:00

Carriage Ride in Norwood ParkSaturday, December 18 4 - 7:00 pmThe Norwood Park Historical Society will host a Holiday Carriage Ride in an open horse-drawn carriage. Begins at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House and proceeds around the Norwood Park neighborhood.Each ride is approximately 15 minutes long, and the carriage can hold groups of 8 to 10 people. Participants should dress for the weather.

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-32674729617234800422010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-30T14:00:02.318-08:00

On the twenty-sixth day of November in 1829 Pierce Hawley claimed a portion of Section 30 in Kendall County, Illinois. Since it included a large stand of trees, locals called it Hawley's Grove for a while until Pierce sold his property and it took on the new name of Holderman's Grove. Originally from Vermont, Pierce had a hard time staying put anywhere.Early Illinois history is peppered with

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-47420092551347085522010-11-30T05:59:00.000-08:002010-11-30T14:01:02.840-08:00

Local history books from DuPage and Will Counties and even Chicago are great resources to learn more about Pierce and Aaron Hawley, but much of Pierce Hawley's story is also recounted in the book Polygamy on the Pedernales; Lyman Wight's Mormon Villages in Antebellum Texas, 1845 to 1858 by Melvin C. Johnson.Written around the time that the YFZ (Yearning for Zion) Ranch was in the news, the

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-45576474633973251802010-11-30T05:58:00.000-08:002010-11-30T14:11:58.365-08:00

Christmas at Klein Creek FarmSaturday, December 4 1:30 pmSunday, December 5 3:30 pmJoin "Christmas on the Farm" for an old-fashioned celebration. Visit with Santa and climb into a sleigh to take a picture. Learn the origins of several holiday traditions, and experience Victorian Christmas activities. Stop by a warming fire for caroling and spice cookies. And explore the visitor center

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-29531471765575728002010-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-16T06:00:00.953-08:00

In 1831, Chicago was still known as Fort Dearborn. Only three ships arrived that year – one of which was the Telegraph, bringing Joseph Naper and company – but the swampy little settlement was poised to be a boomtown.Innkeeper Mark Beaubien built the first frame house that summer, an elegant improvement over the log cabins and wigwams that were its neighbors, but that was only the beginning.

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-51893083289040474392010-11-16T05:59:00.000-08:002010-11-16T05:59:00.211-08:00

When the Christmas carol "saw three ships come sailing in" they could have been singing about Chicago in 1831. While shipping was about to explode on the Great Lakes, in 1831 ships were still a rarity.Chicago wasn't actually a city yet but a small village of log houses and wigwams squatting around Fort Dearborn. The fort, built originally in 1808, was burned to the ground during the War of

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-1135415560169114382010-11-16T05:58:00.000-08:002010-11-16T05:58:00.339-08:00

Holiday Mansion Tours at Naper SettlementDecember 4-5, 11-12 and 18-1911:00 am - 3:00 pmIt's time to spice up the holidays with a tour of the splendidly decorated Victorian-era Martin Mitchell Mansion. Come learn about unique 19th century customs on three weekends in December. Tours include an informative walkthrough tour of the two-story 1893 Mansion and its Carriage House. Please come directly

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-21298308149712240362010-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:002010-11-02T12:05:19.008-07:00

Illinois became a state in 1818, and a steady stream of settlers arrived due to land grants from the War of 1812 and the opening of the Erie Canal in New York.The earliest settlers in northern Illinois came from the New England states. They were used to rocky soil and heavy forests. The prairies of Illinois were viewed with distrust by many.Sure, the land wasn't nearly as hilly and studded with

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-61237446595547077432010-11-02T05:59:00.000-07:002010-11-02T13:04:58.590-07:00

The mid 1800's wave of settlers moved into an Illinois that was still quite primitive. Until the Black Hawk War in 1832, native peoples farmed, hunted and lived on the prairies, but there were very few settlements of Europeans. Chicago itself wasn't even founded until 1833 and it only had about 200 inhabitants at the time. Since there were few places to buy food, settlers needed to bring

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-90569283206495318592010-11-02T05:58:00.000-07:002010-11-02T13:07:34.910-07:00

An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt,Elgin Gala BenefitSaturdayNovember 66:00 - 9:00 pmJoin us for our first-ever benefit, featuring premier Teddy Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand, our silent auction, and more! Silent auction items include a Hawaiian vacation and other noteworthy prizes. Tickets still available, call now before they're gone!.$35 for members, $40 for non membersRSVP by calling the Museum

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-351529810431484062010-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-19T06:00:06.108-07:00

In preparation for a teen writing class around Halloween, Kate did a little research on Victorian post-mortem photography.The 2001 Nicole Kidman movie "The Others" was Kate's first introduction to post-mortem photos. Since then, she's read a few books on the subject, and thought it was a sufficiently macabre subject to hold the interest of blasé teenagers.One website called it "almost cliché" to

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-3200311340212408322010-10-19T05:59:00.000-07:002010-10-19T05:59:00.417-07:00

The Museum of Funeral Customs used to be right outside the entrance to Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield where Abraham Lincoln is buried. Interesting more to history lovers than those seeking sensationalism, it was a nifty little treasure trove of funeral lore.The Victorians were particularly adept at celebrating death-in-life, perhaps due to Queen Victoria's forty years of mourning for her

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-22759980786317278602010-10-19T05:58:00.000-07:002010-10-19T05:58:00.464-07:00

All Hallows Eve at Naper SettlementFriday and Saturday, October 22 and 236:30 - 10:00 pmDuring Naper Settlement's All Hallows Eve, the usually calm and quaint 12-acre museum village is haunted by a diabolical menagerie of spirits, vampires, werewolves, witches and otherworldly creatures of the night. Joining them are some of the most sinister characters and criminals of the 19th century including

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-75473087874819627412010-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-05T07:51:13.399-07:00

During research for Ruth by Lake and Prairie, Kate pored over paintings, engravings and sketches from the 1830's to try picking up clues about the era. Photographs from that time simply don't exist. A patent for the daguerreotype process would be granted in France in 1839, but it would be some years before it was widely used. Abraham Lincoln had his first daguerreotype taken in 1846.Since so much

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-63457837400782784052010-10-05T05:59:00.000-07:002010-10-05T07:52:59.950-07:00

People were experimenting with photosensitivity as early as the 1400's, but it was French artist Louis Daguerre who worked out the kinks in the nineteenth century.Daguerre and his partner Nicéphore Niépce took the experimentation farther from the silver nitrate and bitumen-based methods already known. Niépce died in 1833, but Daguerre continued to tinker.An accident involving a mercury

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-26013911366565917152010-10-05T05:58:00.000-07:002010-10-05T07:56:59.321-07:00

Shadows of the Blue and GraySaturday, October 99:30 am - 9:00 pmSunday, October 109:00 am - 3:30 pmEvents at City County Park in Princeton, Ill.include the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, Civil War Fashion Show, President and Mrs. Lincoln, a period dance and night cannon firing,Battle Demonstrations occur on Saturday and Sunday, with Union and Confederate troops meeting on the field of

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-90719337369984025952010-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-21T12:57:22.920-07:00

Many towns in Illinois have a "Plank Road," including Naperville. But have you ever wondered what a plank road was?Dirt roads were the norm in Illinois. They were rutted and dusty when dry and muddy bogs when wet, making travel between towns difficult. Grain, mail and passengers needed to be transported via wagon, stagecoach and horse, so in the mid-1800's plank road corporations were

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-41426430363923503812010-09-21T05:59:00.000-07:002010-09-21T13:03:38.108-07:00

For the first time in several years, Kate will not be able to take part in the Boone County Autumn Pioneer Festival. But that doesn't mean you can't!The festival is free, although donations are welcome to help preserve and recreate local history on the grounds. Soldiers, Native Americans, Farmers, Norwegian immigrants and many other people from Boone County's past will be on hand with gardens,

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-67911197258906222582010-09-21T05:58:00.000-07:002010-09-21T13:02:47.675-07:00

Stacy's Tavern Day in Glen EllynSunday, September 261 pm - 4:30 pmLive animals, crafts, demonstrations, music, museum tours, bake sale, 1840's school room, rope making, and much more. Included with admission is a celebration of old time music and dance with Common Taters Band. The band will perform inside the History Center building.Tickets can be purchased at the door on September 26 or in

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-53459847102818314792010-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:00:11.705-07:00

On Sunday, September 6, 1846, Abraham Lincoln sent his friend Andrew Johnston a poem. It was the second canto of work he started a couple years before when visiting his old home in Indiana during the 1844 campaign.Lincoln was living in Springfield at the time with his wife Mary, his young son Robert and baby Eddie who had been born earlier the same year. The young family appeared happy, settled

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-83410880658860679652010-09-07T05:59:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:01:11.645-07:00

While this story comes from the Baltic Sea and not Illinois, the time period is right for Abraham Lincoln.Divers in July found the wreckage of a ship that may have sunk in the early 1800's. On board, they discovered bottle of champagne that were still intact and have been bringing them to the surface in secrecy.Because of the cold temperature of the Baltic Sea, experts expect the champagne may

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-85398957867733725672010-09-07T05:58:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:03:59.864-07:00

Granville Cemetery WalkSunday, September 121 pm - 3 pmLearn about local characters of the past at the Putnam County Historical Society's annual cemetery walk 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12 at the Granville Cemetery.Cemetery walks offer a glimpse into the past and a closer look at those who helped shape local history. During this free program, groups will be escorted through the cemetery to visit

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-11525044840519485462010-08-25T08:17:00.000-07:002010-08-25T08:26:48.164-07:00

During the summer of 1941, the Ottawa Daily Republican-Times ran a grainy photograph showing a Civil War-era crowd standing in front of a house which they claimed was the only photograph known to exist of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas from their debate series.Since then, every reference to this photo has included the newspaper clipping, but the photograph has never been authenticated since

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-32795927977617140192010-08-24T05:59:00.000-07:002010-08-25T08:22:49.475-07:00

Illinois elementary schools often teach early American history between now and Thanksgiving, so now is the perfect time to remind teachers that Ruth by Lake and Prairie, the factual story of an 1831 girl who settled in Naperville, Illinois, is available to supplement their textbooks.To help spread the word, a new book trailer has been created. Please feel free to take a look and pass it on to

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-28132177529103317452010-08-24T05:58:00.000-07:002010-08-25T08:27:32.831-07:00

Champaign County's LincolnDailyThrough December1 pm - 5 pmThe Early American Museum gives a glimpse of what Champaign County was like when Lincoln spent time here. Includes a moving horse buggy to simulate travel on the prairie and a depiction of Alschuler's studio where the fourth known photograph of Lincoln was taken. 21st Annual Heirloom Garden ShowSunday, August 2911 pm - 4 pmThe Heirloom

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-71601969429920147142010-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:13:17.536-07:00

When Kate was writing Ruth by Lake and Prairie, she read all the accounts by the settlers she could get her hands on. Ruth's brother, Robert Nelson Murray, lived to be an old man, outlasting most of his contemporaries. About 50 years after the founding of Naperville, The Inter-Ocean, a Chicago newspaper, sent a reporter to interview Mr. Murray.They found him sitting outside the general store on

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-33685670964731827202010-08-10T05:59:00.000-07:002010-08-10T12:59:28.657-07:00

While researching whiskey and black strap and the drinking habits of settlers in the 1800's, Kate found a few interesting stories in The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 by Paul Selby.In the chapter on Kendall County, the writer tells some stories about school customs in the first half of the nineteenth century. Until larger number of German immigrants arrived, Christmas was not

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-79087668603769058052010-08-10T05:58:00.000-07:002010-08-10T13:04:22.047-07:00

Preserving History at Lombard's Victorian CottageWednesday, August 111 pm - 4 pmLearn how canning and preserving food was done in Victorian times and how those skill are applicable to modern living. At the Lombard Historical Society's Victorian Cottage Museum.Neville Collection Open House in Elgin Sunday, August 29 1:00 pmThis is a second chance to visit Aubrey and Rachel Neville's fantastic

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-28804060905535640002010-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-13T08:29:18.231-07:00

We don't know the exact date when Joseph Naper, his family and his friends arrived at the banks of the DuPage River, but it was most likely around July 15, 1831, according to several sources who were recorded some years after the event. That would be this week!When Kate was researching and writing her first book, Ruth by Lake and Prairie, she made an effort to go out to a local prairie and see

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-14389228118880329802010-07-13T05:59:00.000-07:002010-07-13T08:32:42.214-07:00

Like Kate, you may want to stand in an actual northern Illinois prairie this week and imagine that you are one of Naper's settlers from Ruth by Lake and Prairie. Much of the original prairie has been plowed up or built over, but there are still a few places that are either original or restored.One of the best places to find original prairie is in very old graveyards. Yes, the settlers long ago

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-44270016035842331392010-07-13T05:58:00.000-07:002010-07-13T08:35:26.625-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Norwood Park 136th Birthday PartySaturday, July 2412:00pm - 4:00pmand 5:00pm - 10:30pmThe Norwood Park Historical Society celebrates the city's 136th anniversary with two free events on the grounds of the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House.Re-enactor Kevin Naughton sets up a Mini Civil War Encampment camp on the lawn from noon to 4 p.m.Guests are encouraged to visit him,

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-27339703798500642572010-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-12T16:30:43.334-07:00

Kate recently spent an afternoon at Garfield Farm in LaFox near Geneva helping with the archeological dig that was held for two weeks during June. After taking part in the Joseph Naper Homestead dig in Naperville, Kate was excited to find yet another project where she could help and learn more about Illinois in the early 1800's.If you go out to Garfield Farm today, the main feature is the brick

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-68665108920099828002010-06-30T05:59:00.000-07:002010-07-12T16:31:57.751-07:00

The Glen Ellyn Bookfest was held downtown on Saturday, June 19, sponsored Glen Ellyn's Downtown Alliance. Shops hosted local authors for book sales and signings.Kate enjoyed hanging out at the Vintage Living Store, a charming couple of rooms overflowing with old photos, textile, jewelry and other treasures. Chatting with visitors about local history and their own writing aspirations was quite

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-62928288356812961352010-06-30T05:58:00.000-07:002010-07-12T16:35:42.722-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Summer Fashion ShowSaturday, July 3112:00pm - 3:00pmCome be a part of the Flagg Township Museum Summer Fashion Show and Luncheon!See the show or be a model yourself! We will be serving a light lunch before the show.$25/ticket-includes the luncheon and fashion show.Contact: hubhistory@gmail.com or 815-762-6199Seating is limited.Guided Walking Tour of Somonauk

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-32335409492807985112010-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-15T12:35:24.495-07:00

Naperville was first settled by New Englanders, but German immigrants were right behind them -- and they brought the beer.Although Naperville was first settled by New Englanders of Irish and Scottish extraction, a wave of German immigration occurred soon after and they brought their beer-brewing tradition with them.One of the early brewery operators was Peter Stenger. Peter and his wife Barbara

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-7574367829422137772010-06-15T05:59:00.000-07:002010-06-15T12:38:59.739-07:00

On Saturday, June 19, Glen Ellyn's Downtown Alliance will be hosting its first Bookfest. Many of the shops downtown will host local authors for book sales, book signings and chats about writing with more than 30 authors on hand from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.As one of the authors, Kate will be set up at the Vintage Living Store, a charming shop filled with antique "found treasures." A map listing

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-6172258485275543542010-06-15T05:58:00.000-07:002010-06-15T14:44:09.214-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Free Admission for Dad on Father's Day at Naper SettlementSunday, June 201:00pm - 4:00pmDads are free with paid admission for their child or another adult from 1-4 p.m. on Father's Day, Sunday, June 20. It's also a Settlement Sunday with free ice cream sundaes and all the toppings.Garfield Farm Archeology Volunteer OpportunityJune 16 - 20September 22Morning or

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-70895874856816189952010-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-01T17:00:14.185-07:00

When the United States of America was a very young country, there wasn't a lot of gold in the treasury to pay for a standing army. Still, there were wars to be fought such as the War of 1812, the Mexican War and of course the American Revolution.One way the government could pay its soldiers was to offer bounty land grants for their service. Discharged soldiers applied for a warrant, and if

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-55815414281759333822010-06-01T05:59:00.000-07:002010-06-01T17:01:14.572-07:00

Originally known as Decoration Day, the day of remembrance was first observed on May 30 in 1868. General John Logan made the proclamation earlier that month to decorate the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington Cemetery.The Southern states who were at one time Confederate chose not to recognize the holiday and decorated their veterans' graves on a different date until

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-59696859474525332722010-06-01T05:58:00.000-07:002010-06-01T17:08:38.401-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Reddick Mansion ToursBeginning May 31Sunday, Monday & Wednesday - Friday11:30am - 3:00 pmSaturday12:00pm - 3:00pmThe Reddick Mansion stands facing historic Washington Square in Ottawa, Illinois, and was built in 1858 for the then-costly sum of $25,000. Mr. Reddick served as a state senator. Mr. Stephen A. Douglas was one of the many politicians entertained at the

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-30613497265004211622010-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-18T06:00:07.028-07:00

While most local citizens are aware that Joseph Naper founded what became known as Naper's Settlement and was later incorporated as Naperville, few people are familiar with the details of Joe's journey.We usually picture wagon trains heading west, also known as "prairie schooners." But Joe had an actual schooner. Father Robert Naper was a ship builder and Joe and several of his brothers followed

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-67143143974559595152010-05-18T05:59:00.000-07:002010-05-18T05:59:00.113-07:00

On Saturday, May 15, Mayor Daley's Book Club held their Spring Conference. Kids from 7th through 12th grades have been meeting in school libraries and branches of the Chicago Public Library all year long, reading and discussing books. At the Spring Conference, teenagers by the busload arrived at DuSable High School to attend workshops and meet authors.At the suggestion of a fellow author, Dyanne

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-7412897274894361092010-05-18T05:58:00.000-07:002010-05-18T05:58:00.184-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:The History of the PickleNorwood Park Historical SocietyWednesday, May 267pmThe pickle was in its heyday in Chicago in the late 1800s. Important Chicago firms including Clausen and Libbey had large farms in the area which ended with the Great Pickle Blight of 1911.Learn about this history from pickle expert, David Leider. The free event will be held at the

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-33906841602972292042010-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-04T09:03:06.224-07:00

Learning more about the founding families of Naperville is especially pleasant during these beautiful spring days as there are so many out-of-doors places to see their influences.Certainly there is the Naper Settlement living history museum, but that's not the only place to view history. Just down the street from the Settlement is Naperville Cemetery where you will see headstones bearing the same

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-13481019573679763352010-05-04T05:59:00.000-07:002010-05-04T09:05:18.522-07:00

In the last edition of this newsletter we mentioned that 145 years ago to the day, Abraham Lincoln was lying in state in Washington, DC. Today, May 4, was the day he was finally laid to rest in the temporary tomb in Springfield, Illinois. For the two weeks between those dates, Lincoln's funeral train traveled 1,700 miles across the country so thousands of citizens could pay their

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-70590800331913276732010-05-04T05:58:00.000-07:002010-05-04T09:39:06.794-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Heritage Month in NapervilleThroughout the monthIn celebration of Heritage Month, various activities for folks of all ages will be available sponsored by the City, the Park District, Naper Settlement, the DuPage Children's Museum and North Central College. See their website for a list of the events.Civil War Days at Naper SettlementSaturday and SundayMay 14 and

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-24469809285892845002010-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:002010-04-20T08:39:27.365-07:00

With National Library Week occurring this month, Kate's been busy at several events meeting readers and writers of all ages. Many of those readers and writers dropped their name into the basket for a chance to win a family pass to the Naper Settlement living history museum and we have winners!Congratulations to Helen of Bolingbrook and Jovanka of Chicago! Your family passes are in the mail

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-34402631209112661852010-04-20T05:59:00.000-07:002010-04-22T09:39:22.662-07:00

John Wilkes Booth shot the President on the evening of April 14 and on April 15 Lincoln died. That was just six days after General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Confederate army to General Grant. Preparations began for an elaborate funeral demanded by a grieving country, a sort of national expression of all the personal griefs caused by the Civil War.The President's body was embalmed, a procedure

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-4107788581079202712010-04-20T05:58:00.000-07:002010-04-20T08:47:47.529-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Cuneo Mansion and GardensFridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season10am until 5pmCuneo Mansion & Gardens is now open to the general public. Ticket sales end at 4 p.m. The mansion and gardens are open for self-guided tours Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Guided tours take place Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and are led by Cuneo

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-28143742707319267322010-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:002010-04-06T09:05:25.421-07:00

"Don't know much about history" Sam Cooke warbled and everyone understood him to mean that he didn't care much for his history classes. Or as the Talking Barbie Doll might have said: "History is hard!" And now we have unpopular Ben from the "Lost" television show as a history teacher in the alternate universe! No wonder it's hard to get folks excited about history!But "Too Late to Apologize: A

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-6297476360040546182010-04-06T05:59:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:24:16.797-07:00

Several journalists recently reported on Santa Anna's leg, apparently in response to renewed interest in the General following an episode of the "King of the Hill" cartoon.Santa Anna is most known for ordering the attack on the Alamo in which Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died. He's also been recently cited in connection with the Benito Juarez exhibit that ends this weekend at the Chicago History

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-36733268654350674802010-04-06T05:58:00.000-07:002010-04-06T09:12:15.853-07:00

Links to some upcoming events:Appraisal Fair in AuroraSunday, April 1811am until 3pmAurora Historical Society presents "What's It Worth?" antique and collectible appraisal fair.Verbal Appraisalsat Gray's Mill, 210 River Street, Montgomery, IL$5 for one item,$10 for threeFor more information, call 630.906.0650 or visit our websiteHeirloom-Gardening ClassSaturday, April 17,9:30am-11:30 amand1:30pm-

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-20598871469397233512010-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:002010-03-23T09:12:36.116-07:00

Saturday, March 13, was a rainy, gray day -- perfect for an Author Fair!Kate was one of thirty authors of all genres who filled every nook and cranny at the Joliet Library - Black Road Branch. While the authors enjoyed chatting amongst themselves about the business of book-writing, there was hardly time as a steady stream of patrons made their way through the shelves.Many visitors were

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414200272385549753.post-77581852311831122002010-03-23T05:59:00.000-07:002010-03-23T09:15:03.594-07:00

While recently reading "Searching for Tamsen Donner" by Gabrielle Burton, Kate learned that two of the families of the doomed Oregon Trail party were from Illinois. James Reed was a businessman from Springfield who operated a general store, sawmill and furniture factory, among other ventures, and George Donner himself was a fellow Springfield citizen.Googling to see if there were any other

Kate Gingoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483601943625581869noreply@blogger.com0