Kaskaskia

“[Starved Rock] is not less than two hundred and fifty feet high, perpendicular on three sides, and washed at its base by the river […] the effect upon the observer is striking and imposing” (152).

The Book

Many Illinois residents are familiar with the tale of how Starved Rock got its name: One Native American tribe laid siege to another Native American tribe seeking shelter at the top. However, The History of Starved Rock by Mark Walczynski is quick to point out that this tale has no grounding in history.

The Illinois were the original inhabitants of the land in what would eventually become the north central area of the state of Illinois. During the spring and summer, they would live together, farming and hunting; and during the fall and winter, they would split into smaller camps. In 1673, they had their first encounter with Europeans. Jesuit priest Marquette started a mission after leaving Frenchmen Jolliet’s expedition from Canada. A few years later, French explorer LaSalle visited and recognized the defensive benefits of Starved Rock. He established an alliance with the Illinois, including trade, for the next twenty years. In 1690, the once lush natural resources were depleted and both the French and Illinois abandon the area. 

The eighteenth century was marked by turmoil as two wars were waged. The first, the Fox Wars, pitted the French and their Native American allies against the Mesquakie tribe. At least one of the skirmishes was at Starved Rock. The second was the French and Indian War which resulted in the transfer of Starved Rock into British hands and eventually American hands. Starved Rock in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw quite a lot of change, as American settlers moved into the area. The Black Hawk War (1832) was the last attempt by Native Americans to protect their land; it was unsuccessful and they agreed to resettle west of the Mississippi River. Sixty years later, with the invention of the automobile and creation of highways, Starved Rock become a popular tourist destination. Amidst growing concern that the natural resources would be exploited in private hands, the state of Illinois purchased the land in 1911. Today, over 2 million visitors explore the park every year and there is still the challenge to preserve the park’s ecosystem. 

The History of Starved Rock presents two lesser-known aspects of Illinois history: the Native Americans and the French. As a reader, I appreciated the detail and research that Walczynski put into the book, enabling me to learn more about this part of history. The narrative flows well and the reader can feel like they are on an in-depth tour. One unique aspect of the book is that each chapter has both an English title and a Native American title. Throughout the book, there are black and white photos of the area and items at the Starved Rock Visitor Center. When the topography and geography descriptions get detailed, these are helpful to refer back to.

The Place

Since it’s opening in 1912, Starved Rock State Park has been a popular destination for both Illinois residents and out of state guests. Visitors come for a variety of reasons: Illinois history, Native American history, geology, and breathtaking nature views. My first visit was in eighth grade, to learn more about Illinois history and geology. We visited in the fall and had the opportunity to hike to the top of Starved Rock and learn about the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on the Illinois River. 

Starved Rock State Park is open 7am to dusk; there is no entry or parking fees. Depending on the weather and season, visitors can hike, picnic, fish, boat, or stay in the lodge or cabins.  The Visitor Center is open daily, with reduced hours during the winter months, and provides insights into the land, inhabitants, and wildlife. The park hosts events throughout the year including night hikes, eagle observations, and fall color tours. A questions and answers booklet, written by the Starved Rock Lodge, provides additional information.

An American Venture in Higher Education

“What began as a humble and inchoate project for a frontier college in the 1850s evolved into a noble and sustainable ideal, grounded in the firm support of social elites of Chicago who believed that higher education was both a public and social good and an emblem of civic prestige” (64).

The Book

Despite a rocky start and various difficulties throughout the years, the University of Chicago emerged as a significant institution in Chicago and higher education. The University of Chicago: A History by John W. Boyer recounts the history of the institution and the influence of key leaders. 

There were actually two Universities of Chicago. The first was founded in 1856 by Stephen Douglas, with Baptists, to educate in classics, grammar, science, and agriculture. It got off to a rocky financial start and its location was isolated from downtown Chicago. Enrollment declined as Chicago boomed and the university closed in 1886. In spite of the poor reputation of the first university, several Chicago leaders were able to persuade John D. Rockefeller (one of the wealthiest Baptists in the US) to pledge $600,000 for the second university. In 1889, Marshall Field donated land in Hyde Park and the second University of Chicago was chartered in 1890. 

The first president of the second university, William Harper, revolutionized the structure of instruction (the quarter system and majors and minors), developed a relationship with the community, and raised standards for undergraduate students to make sure more would continue in graduate studies. His vision was often in tension with the board and Rockefeller, especially when it came to funding. In the 1920s, work was done to develop more rigorous faculty research and move away from financial dependency on the Rockefellers. The mid-twentieth century found the University of Chicago in financial and enrollment trouble, just as its relations with Chicago and the neighborhood deteriorated. Since then, the university has worked to improve neighborhood amenities and work with the residents. 

The University of Chicago: A History is a very detailed history of the two universities. It is written more for an academic audience and is hard to read straight through. Many readers may find one or two chapters the most interesting, or choose to skip over some parts. Most chapters include information regarding various people (particularly each president), faculty tensions, curriculum, financial difficulties, and student life. The narrative is driven by the initiatives of each of the presidents, some of whom were able to accomplish more than others. In a few places, quotes from the student newspaper were included; I would have liked to have seen more of those, since they add a different perspective to the history.

The Place

Visitors to the University of Chicago, who aren’t prospective students, are able to walk around the campus. It is nestled in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, surrounded by large trees and various architectural styles. To me, the highlight of the campus is the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures. This museum focuses on ancient civilizations in the Middle East, or the Fertile Crescent. It is incredible to see artifacts from ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Persia (to name a few). Personally, I enjoyed seeing items that hearkened back to lessons in both history classes and Sunday School: mosaics from the gates of Babylon, tools used to build the pyramids, and wall reliefs from Assyrian throne rooms. 

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, with extended hours on Fridays. No registration is required for individuals or small groups and there is a suggested admission fee. Depending on your interest level, plan for at least a half a day to walk through the various galleries. I have visited on a Saturday and weekday in the summer, both times the campus was not as crowded with students. We also walked around campus and visited Washington Park to see Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time sculpture.

Limestone Penitentiary

“The exterior of the prison impresses the visitor, and at first sight suggests one of those old castles of the olden time…” (30-31).

The Book

From 1858 to 2002, men and women convicted of various crimes, in Illinois, served out their sentences at the Illinois State Penitentiary (also referred to as the Joliet Prison and later the Joliet Correctional Center). In Old Joliet Prison: When Convicts Wore Stripes, author Amy Kinzer Steidinger introduces readers to stories from the first 55 years. 

In 1857, 160 prisoners began building the walls that would enclose them; the limestone was quarried on site and helped prevent tunneling for escape attempts. The prisoners completed the work in 1869 and soon their number swelled to 1,000. Life inside the prison was marked by labor, attempted escapes, the occasional fights, discipline, and few comforts. One example is the central dining room. There wasn’t one until 1903, prior to that, prisoners had to eat in their cells. 

Old Joliet Prison is filled with the type of tidbits that are typically part of a tour. I found two particularly interesting. The same architecture firm that designed the Illinois State Capitol and Water Tower (in Chicago) designed the Illinois State Penitentiary. In the late 1800s, there was a sense of pride in Joliet, that their city included the state penitentiary: “When you are introduced to a prominent citizen and have remarked that Joliet seems a most promising town, he inquires with pride: ‘Have you visited the Penitentiary yet?’ Just like in Cincinnati, they ask ‘Have you seen the fountain?’ or in Chicago: ‘What do you think of our lake?’” (The St. Louis Globe-Democrat, 63). 

Kinzer Steidinger’s intention was to provide a more in-depth “tour” of the Illinois State Penitentiary. She relies on news stories that published accounts of what happened at the prison or who the various prisoners were. The chapters are organized by a range of years and include short vignettes. It really does feel like you are reading what a tour guide might share, just more than a tour has time to include. Black and white photos are embedded throughout and it was helpful to see what the prison looked like, prior to its current rundown state.

The Place

The Old Joliet Prison provides a unique glimpse into multiple layers of history. The top layer is what the visitor can see: a complex that has fallen into disrepair. The second and third layers, are revealed on the tour: the experiences and personalities that found their way into the complex. Throughout its long history, the prison has been featured in or referenced in many films (the most famous being The Blues Brothers) and TV shows. Tour guides will point this out, in addition to sharing stories about the guards, prisoners, and life in prison. 

Many of the buildings are original to the 1858 opening and were in use until the prison closed in 2002. The complex sat vacant for over a decade, until 2018 when the Joliet Area Historical Museum began giving tours. Three types of tours are offered, at various prices and times: self-guided, guided, and prison after dark. I would recommend the guided tour for the average visitor; it provides a good introduction to the history of the prison. Not all buildings are open to the public, but we were able to go inside the buildings that once held prisoners in solitary confinement and the hospital. Closed toed shoes are required (because of the state the complex is in) and the majority of time is spent outside, walking around the fifteen acres.

The Governors’ Home

“The Governor’s house is a fine specimen of architecture, and reflects abundant credit upon those who constructed it, and upon the State whose dignity it represents. […] It is an object of honor and praise to this State, and no true citizen can look upon it without pride,” said an 1856 visitor (18-19).

The Book

At Home with Illinois Governors: A Social History of the Illinois Executive Mansion 1855-2003 is a collaboration between author Dan Monroe and Lura Lynn Ryan (First Lady of Illinois 1999-2003). It presents a history of the third oldest governor’s mansion in the United States, using its residents as the main characters. 

When Governor Matteson was elected in 1852, the governor’s home was in the former Illinois Board of Public Works and its front door was up against the sidewalk. Matteson felt this was not suitable for his children, nor for his ability to host receptions with dignity and style. After $50,000 and four years of construction, the mansion opened to the public in January 1856. From that time on, the mansion welcomed governors and their families, state officials, federal visitors, numerous pets, and the people of Illinois. The amount of foot traffic required frequent renovations and restorations. It was quite surprising to see how many times inhabitants found the mansion in poor condition, making the reader wonder how well it was being kept up after frequent renovations.

In the 1960s, the mansion was in danger of being destroyed after many journalists and Governor Kerner viewed it as dangerous. Due to strong support from preservationists and former inhabitants, the mansion was saved, and a massive restoration and addition was completed in the late 1960s. During this time, the Illinois Executive Mansion Association was created. The Association’s mission is to help preserve the mansion and its honorary chairwoman is always the current First Lady of Illinois.

At Home with Illinois Governors is unique because the story of the mansion is told through the lens of the various governors. It is interesting to read of the impact they, and their wives, had on the décor and events. However, it sometimes felt like the mansion took a back seat. There is a brief paragraph about the architect and design of the building and subsequent renovations are described. When special events are highlighted, the author does include details on the décor and programs. The book includes photos of the mansion and its inhabitants as well as watercolors, by Kay Smith, of the interior, exterior, and gardens of the Mansion. The photos capture inhabitants during formal events and everyday life, while the watercolors provide present day views. These are a nice supplement to the stories told in each chapter, which often draw on period newspaper articles and recollections from visitors and inhabitants.

The Place

The Illinois Executive Mansion, or “The People’s House”, provides visitors the opportunity to peak behind the scenes of state government. Since 1855, governors have lived, worked, entertained, and debated within its four walls. The tour highlights select governors – like Governor Yates who served during the Civil War or Governor Stevenson who went on to run for president – and significant eras of Illinois history. Tour guides will also point out the architectural features – like the prominent spiral staircase – and antique furniture – like the hand carved bedroom set that was on display at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The tour covers most of the public areas, but the governor’s private quarters are off limits.

Unfortunately, for almost a decade, the mansion had been unused by two governors and fallen into disrepair, again. In 2015, newly elected Governor and First Lady Rauner spearheaded a privately funded restoration. My tour of the mansion happened towards the end of the restoration. Most of the obvious work had been completed and I appreciated the opportunity to see the Mansion at its best. I can only imagine what it looks like now.

Today, free tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:45pm and 3pm. Tours must be reserved ahead of time and all visitors, over 18, must bring a valid photo ID. Photography is not permitted inside the mansion. It is important to note that this is not only a home, but also a functioning state building. There is a possibility that a tour may be canceled.

The People of Illinois’s House

“The building captures the architectural beauty of the late 19^th century while, at the same time, holding on to its abundant political and social history” (7).

The Book

The Illinois Statehouse by James R. Donelan and Steven W. Dyer introduces the reader to the history and construction of Illinois’s sixth capitol building. A part of the Images of America series, the focus is on images (instead of mainly text with a few images). 

In 1836, “The Long Nine” (a group of nine Illinois state representatives and senators from the Springfield area and all over six feet tall, including Abraham Lincoln), worked together to move the state capitol from Vandalia to Springfield. By 1867, the state legislature had outgrown the state capitol building. Construction began on the current state capitol in 1868 and took 20 years to be completed. Since then, the building has seen many changes and gone through extensive restorations to be historically accurate. 

Donelan and Dyer begin their book with images of the construction, making the reader appreciate the painstaking work that went into creating this 405-foot-tall opulent building. The following chapters focus on each of the four floors, the dome, and the grounds. The authors point out interesting architecture features, highlight the different uses of various spaces, explain the significance of the artwork, and share fun facts about state officials. One room, 309, served as the original state natural history museum, library, reception area, Secretary of State’s office, a lounge, and is now Senate offices. 

This book was a quick read and it complemented what I remembered from my tour of the Illinois State Capitol. Photos didn’t just focus on the building, but also showed people at work or enjoying commemorative events during different time periods. The photos did have lengthy captions, to help provide the reader context. Personally, I would have liked a bit more to read; but it is part of a series focused on images.

The Place

The first several times I visited the Illinois State Capitol were work related, for three years I was the District Director for an Illinois State Representative. I had the opportunity to attend inauguration, participate in training, and observe a couple of days when the House of Representatives was in session. Those were incredible experiences, but it wasn’t until after I had left that position that I was able to take a tour of the building, which I highly recommend for both Illinois residents and visitors. Each time I visited the Illinois State Capitol, I easily became awestruck by the architectural details and feats. I found my gaze drawn upwards to the features in the dome or I would pause every few steps to investigate something unique.

Tours are available Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm. After going through a bag search and metal detector (this is a functioning government building), visitors can head to the Tours/Information Office on the first floor. The building will be more crowded on weekdays and in the afternoon, especially if the House and Senate are in session. The tour takes visitors through the House and Senate Galleries and each of the main floors. Along the way, you learn about the history, significant people, and architecture and artwork. If you have time after your tour, make sure to explore on your own; it is worth the time.

Individuals who have been vaccinated are not required to wear masks and social distancing is recommended for all visitors.

A City Rises from the Prairie

“Naperville was situated at the quintessential spot where villages become metropolitan centers – a crossroad of transportation” (39).

The Book

For most frontier towns, the first settlers sought land, adventure, or a new way of life. A few original settlers rose to lead the community and, in some cases, lay the ground work for a future city. One of those cases is Naperville, Illinois. Naperville: A Brief History by Bryan J. Ogg provides the reader a peak into the people and events that shaped this city. 

Among the first settlers to arrive in the Naperville area was Joseph Naper, a former sailor on the Great Lakes, and by 1832 there were 180 people living in Naper’s Settlement. The DuPage River allowed for the growing settlement to have a sawmill, dam, and gristmill; these supplemented the farming community. In addition to the benefit of the DuPage River, the settlement was also at the crossroads of two major roads. These roads took other settlers south and northwest. As a result, the settlement grow to include breweries, limestone quarries, law offices, and banks, in addition to farms. In 1857, the Illinois General Assembly passed an act to make Naperville a village and it was the first official use of the name. From then, there was a steady growth in population (in 1890 it was 2,216; one hundred years later it was 85,351; in 2019 it is 148,449), land, industry, and community amenities. By the 1950s, Naperville was no long a majority farming community. Subdivisions sprang up to provide housing for the new technology jobs and commuters into Chicago. Today, Naperville is an active city with a vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and spacious parks.

Readers will see the growth of a community that came together for civic needs, celebrations, and tragedies. Schools, a library, and associations were created to serve the public and Naperville’s limestone quarries helped rebuild Chicago after the 1871 fire. The rich heritage of the city was celebrated during the centennial and sesquicentennial when public projects were dedicated and through the creation of Naper Settlement and public art. The residents did their part to support the nation through numerous wars and came together for a deadly train crash in 1946. 

The first comprehensive narrative about Naperville, since 1975, is a quick and interesting read. Street markers help resident readers picture the places mentioned and images and maps provide a look at what Naperville was like in the past. Statements from residents are incorporated throughout; these are either in the moment testimonies or reflections on what happened. Ogg sprinkles state, United States, and world history throughout for context to what was happening in Naperville. It will mostly appeal to past and current residents of Naperville. I found many names familiar, but learned what makes them significant in the history of Naperville. For example, the VFW is named after “Judd” Kendall. During World War I, he was tortured by the Germans for information regarding the First Division and Battle of Cantigny. Kendall refused to reveal anything and was eventually killed.

The Place

Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum that brings Naperville’s past to life for visitors. Each building either highlights a significant moment in Naperville history or helps us understand what life was like years ago – from a replica of the fort built for the Black Hawk War to a one room school house to the Martin Mitchell Mansion. Caroline Martin Mitchell (granddaughter of a Naperville founder) bequeathed her land and mansion to Naperville and, in 1939, Naper Settlement opened. The historic buildings are open from April through October and closed for the winter. Guided walking tours are available and most buildings are staffed by a docent. Tickets can be purchased online or at Naper Settlement. Due to the coronavirus, face masks and social distancing are required. 

As a former resident of Naperville, I would be remiss not to encourage visitors to spend more time downtown Naperville. The Riverwalk provides a serene walk along the DuPage River, public artwork is sprinkled throughout downtown, and numerous restaurants and shops provide something for everyone. Just beyond the heart of downtown is the Naper Homestead (at the southeast corner of Jefferson Ave. and Mill St.); a park on the site of Joseph Naper’s home. It is a self-guided historic site with a nine-foot statue of Joseph Naper.

Today, residents and visitors to Naperville are greeted with a much different landscape than Joseph Naper and the other early settlers. But, if you look closely, you can still find remnants that hearken back to an early time. These remnants consist of carefully preserved buildings, statues bringing significant people to life, and many community spaces.

Chicagoua: The Place of the Wild Onion

“[We] had faith in each other and faith in Chicago. Its future greatness became [our] theme of thought and conversation, and the inspiration of great plans and deeds.” –Grant Goodrich, an early Chicago settler

The Book

“Chicago” conjures up a variety of historical images and thoughts to any hearer: from the “Windy City” to the Chicago Fire. City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America cuts through all the assumptions and presents an urban biography that focuses on Chicago’s rise from the first recorded discovery of an empty prairie in 1673 to a worldwide destination in 1893.

Fur trader Louis Joliet and Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette set out from the Straits of Mackinac to explore the land to the south, claimed by France. Their detailed notes and maps introduced wide open prairies and new waterways to explorers. These explorers and early settlers recognized Chicago’s geographic potential, as did many who came after them. “Modern” Chicago began in 1848 with the opening of the Illinois & Michigan canal, construction of railroads and turnpikes, and the establishment of the Board of Trade. Business boomed in Chicago and the city took on massive engineering projects. All of that halted on October 8, 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire raged for 30 hours, destroyed 73 miles of streets, and made 100,000 homeless. 

But Chicago wasn’t halted for long: The railroad and new industries (stockyards, luxury rail cars, and mail-order shopping) drove Chicago to a quick recovery. Cable cars and electric trolleys replaced horse drawn carriages, creating the Loop. Architecture boomed with new advances in structural systems and foundations to build even taller buildings. The wealthy advocated for civic patriotism and began funding projects to promote culture and civics. At the same time, many workers and their families lived in unsanitary slums. The plight of the working classes led to demonstrations, some of them fueled by anarchists. In the midst of these extreme contrasts, Chicago was picked to host the 1893 World’s Fair. Visitors flocked to the White City that could not completely cover up slums, political machines, an active red-light district, and industrial strikes. 

Miller takes on a herculean task: cover over 200 years of history in one volume. He does it in a way that helps the reader grasp key concepts and learn interesting tidbits, without loosing sight of the overall narrative. The one issue was the missing pages early on in the book. On a couple of pages, the words did not line up with the following page. Despite that, you are transported to various times and places with details and quotes from journalists, key people, average people, and fictional characters from novels of the time. Mini biographies are interspersed throughout that provide insight into key players in Chicago history, some more well known than others. At no point did I feel like it was too much information or not enough, Miller struck the right balance and also didn’t sugarcoat the stories of people or events. 

*For more information see these blog posts:

·         The Architect and the Skyscraper

·         Flowing through the Windy City

·         The White City

The Place

The Chicago History Museum is a one of a kind museum that uses a variety of exhibits to engage visitors with Chicago’s past. I would recommend beginning with Chicago: Crossroads of America, and if possible, join a guided tour with one of the docents. This section of the museum corresponds almost exactly with City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America. Artifacts from the early settlers, the Great Chicago Fire, and the 1893 World’s Fair make history come to life. Another highlight are the detailed dioramas depicting Chicago as a frontier post to the World’s Fair. The other permanent and temporary exhibits provide hands on activities and a chance to glimpse significant artifacts.

As with most museums these days, The Chicago History museum has had to adapt to life impacted by the coronavirus. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and follow special guidelines, listed on the website. Some exhibits are closed, due to their hands-on nature. The museum has also developed ways for visitors to explore Chicago history from their own homes, through the website. The Chicago History Museum is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you still have time, after visiting the museum, you can take a stroll through Lincoln Park – the largest public park in Chicago.

Literature Reflecting Life

“[Tolkien and Lewis’s] depictions of the struggles of Middle-earth and Narnia do not represent a flight from reality, but rather a return to a more realistic view of the world as we actually find it” (xvi).

The Book

For many, the stories of hobbits and fauns conjure up memories from childhood and the clear theme of good versus evil, both on the battlefield and within each character. In A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and A Great War, author Joseph Loconte argues that the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were influenced by their service in World War I. Tolkien served as a battalion signals officer and began writing The Lord of the Rings while he was on the front lines. The hobbits reflected the British soldiers he encountered, in both courage and duty. Lewis was a 2^nd lieutenant who saw active trench warfare.  

Loconte begins by helping the reader understand two contexts: the world in the early 20^th century and the context Tolkien and Lewis grew up in: an era of progress and industrialization, science elevated over religion, and duty. World War I entered this context like a bull in a china shop. The views of man’s rationality were lost in trench warfare and the mass industrialization of weapons destroyed nature. The post-World War I narrative reflected humanity’s disillusionment with life and religion. Tolkien and Lewis’s writing ran counter to that by combining tragedy and hope, showing the individual struggle against evil and the eventual triumph over it. Grief and joy comingle in Middle-earth and Narnia, just as they did on Armistice Day. Loconte concludes by stating, “After returning to England from the front, Tolkien and Lewis might easily have joined the ranks of the rootless and disbelieving. Instead, they became convinced there was only one truth, one singular event, that could help the weary and brokenhearted find their way home: the Return of the King” (193).

A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and A Great War is a unique book. It serves as a biography, historical account, and commentary. The narrative relies heavily on Tolkien and Lewis’s own words (in the moment and reflections), historians, and prominent and average people from the time period. While World War I is a well-known topic, Loconte uses a variety of personal accounts and imagery to make the story feel new. The best part of the book is the generous use of quotes from The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia to help support the author’s claims and bring new context to the characters.

The Place

The Marion E. Wade Center is an ideal stop for those who enjoy the writings of Tolkien and Lewis. But it doesn’t just focus on those two authors. There are five more British authors (Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, Owen Barfield, and Charles Williams) represented, who also blended their faith with their literary work.

On the campus of Wheaton College, the Center includes both a reading room and a small museum. The reading room is open to the public with several guidelines that must be followed. The museum is in one large room that showcases a rotation of exhibits. There is a lot to read and learn about the seven British authors, as well as artifacts on display. I was particularly excited to see the wardrobe that is believed to serve as the inspiration for the wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

The Marion E. Wade Center has free admission and plenty of parking. The museum will not take more than half a day and it isn’t far from downtown Wheaton. Smaller children who are fans of Narnia will enjoy seeing the wardrobe, but the rest of the exhibits might be better for older children and adults. 

Lincoln- Honest Abe and Father Abraham

“A. Lincoln continues to fascinate us because he eludes simple definitions and final judgments” (3).


The Book

Any author writing a new biography of Abraham Lincoln has an insurmountable task: a public who is already familiar with the life and times of the 16^th President. Ronald C. White, Jr. takes on the task aided by the Lincoln Legal Papers and hosts of new primary documents. A. Lincoln: A Biography is well worth the invested time (676 pages) and the narrative is easy to follow.

White opens each chapter with a quote from Lincoln and a brief passage that sets the stage for the chapter. This immediately places the reader in Lincoln’s shoes: picturing his environment, what he saw and did, interactions with other people, and the culture. Lincoln’s story begins with a brief introduction to his ancestors and parents, flows through his political and professional development, and ends by honing in on his presidency. Of course, the basic biographical information will be known to many readers. However, White writes in an engaging way and brings in quite a bit of information I did not know. He dives into Lincoln’s thought processes, showing how a man (without a formal education) was a dedicated researcher, careful thinker and planner, and investigator who weighed all sides of an issue. What was particularly fascinating for me was to follow White as he traced Lincoln’s thought processes and growth in beliefs as president. For example, Lincoln took his first public stand against slavery in 1837; yet, he knew that the timing had to be right to interject slavery into the rationale for the Civil War.

A. Lincoln also provides insight into how Lincoln prepared his speeches and an analysis of the speeches. Lincoln appreciated good oratory and was able to communicate well in a variety of ways, but was also nervous prior to delivering a speech. White argues that, “[Lincoln’s] most developed political weapon [was] public speaking” (299). Based on what I read, I would go one step further and say it was all communication. Lincoln could connect through a speech, personal conversation, private letter, or public letter.

The more I read A. Lincoln, the more I come to admire, respect, and like President Lincoln. He was a man committed to the principles of Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bible. The final chapter unpacks Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address in detail, showing a president who understand the consequences of the past four years and the role God plays in the lives of man.

The Place
If the regular readers haven’t already noticed, I read and write quite a bit about President Lincoln. In fact, I have been fascinated with him since I was four years old. What better way to culminate years of fascination than a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum?

Visitors walk into a rotunda and are prompted to travel through two sections: Lincoln’s early life through the 1861 election and his presidency. Lifesize and realistic statutes bring the people and scenes to life, with artifacts, technology, and explanations interspersed. This Museum is engaging and well-thought out, helping visitors get to know Lincoln, appreciate why history is so vital, and walk away with a new appreciation for the 16^th President.

I read A. Lincoln after visiting the Museum, but still saw a strong connection between how both treated the saga of the Emancipation Proclamation. Author White shows the development of this document through other events, in order to show the reader the process and seriousness of the issue. The Museum captures Lincoln’s decision through dramatic images and technology. I will never forget seeing the climax of this part of the museum: there is a single hallway lined with pre-recorded actors passionately stating their views on the Emancipation Proclamation. The narrow hallway draws your attention to the lone figure of Lincoln, standing over his desk with the paper is his hand. Behind him, a screen airs silhouette images of slavery and the audio provide more views of the issue. This exhibit and White’s book help to truly capture the significance of Lincoln’s decision to free the slaves.

The Museum is located in downtown Springfield, IL. There is an admission cost and ample parking available on the street or in a public garage (both have a fee). Before you leave, make sure to talk a family photo with the Lincoln family in the rotunda and check out Union Station Park across the street, with several Lincoln statues. If you are in Springfield for more than a day, there are plenty of other Lincoln sites to explore (see previous blog posts for descriptions).

Shaping of a President

“Coming to the village like ‘a piece of floating driftwood,’ as [Lincoln] said, he had worked his way up to a position of leadership not only in New Salem but in the state as well” (134).

The Book

The purpose of Lincoln’s New Salem is to introduce the reader to a time that shaped Abraham Lincoln’s life. Author, Benjamin P. Thomas argues that the six years (1831-1837) Lincoln spent in New Salem influenced many of his skills and abilities: leadership, reputation, politics, law, public speaking, and debate to name a few.

Thomas splits the book into three sections, the history of New Salem, Lincoln’s time in New Salem, and the restoration of New Salem. Part One explores the frontier era and what life was like for the average pioneer. Thomas also touches on the people, businesses, and growth of New Salem. Part Two comprises the bulk of the book. Here the reader learns of Lincoln’s arrival in town and the various jobs he held. Lincoln quickly earned the reputation of courageous, strong, honest, and truthful. It is in New Salem where Lincoln first runs for political office and begins to educate himself, ultimately settling on reading the law. In 1837, Lincoln was admitted to the Illinois State Bar and moved to Springfield (the new state capitol). Part Three provides the reader with a look at the growth of the Lincoln legend, after his assassination, which led to an interest in Lincoln pre-presidency. That interest led to restoration efforts in New Salem, as well as in Kentucky and Indiana.

Lincoln’s New Salem was originally published in 1954, 32 years after restoration began of the New Salem village. Thomas is considered a Lincoln scholar and lends credibility to this in-depth look at six years of Lincoln’s life. Lincoln’s New Salem is well-written, although it is a straight history book full of details regarding Lincoln and the frontier of central Illinois. Sometimes, the reader can get lost in the lists of facts or descriptions, but the detail does help the reader visualize Lincoln’s world.

The Place

Lincoln’s New Salem provides visitors the chance to walk the streets of the village Lincoln called home for six years. Numerous buildings, including log homes, were restored and filled with period furniture. The New Salem Mill, a significant part of the village, was also restored.

New Salem has Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter specific hours, so make sure to check the website prior to visiting. Throughout the year, there are various events and the campground is open from April to October. My family visited for a day, tied to a weekend spent exploring Lincoln sites in the Springfield, IL area. One of the unique aspects of Lincoln’s New Salem is the opportunity to learn about the Lincoln before his time as a lawyer or as the president.

Lincoln's Profession

“…what would Lincoln have seen when he practiced the law?” (ix)

The Book

Abraham Lincoln is known for his honesty, debates with Stephen Douglas, and presidency. Many people know that Lincoln was a lawyer, but few know the details behind the profession he spent the most time in. Brian Dirck attempts to rectify that in his book, Lincoln the Lawyer. 

Not much is known about Lincoln’s law practice; detailed records where not kept and, according to Dirck, many embellished their accounts after Lincoln’s death. Lincoln studied for four years prior to taking the bar exam and was a junior partner in two different law firms from 1837-1844. In 1844, he asked William Henry Herndon to be his junior partner. Dirck uses the words of Lincoln, his partners, and clerks to help paint a picture of Lincoln the lawyer.

Dirck comes to the conclusion that practicing law had a great impact on Lincoln’s politics. In my opinion, this final chapter is the best part of the book. Dirck shows the reader that law built Lincoln’s networking and general people skills and shaped his language and arguments. Dirck traces connections between Lincoln’s writings and thought-processes as president with legal concepts. The law practice ultimately taught Lincoln the value of grease (in a figurative sense) to allow things to function.

The book is well-written and provides new insight into our 16^th President. However, it is geared more towards the academic reader than the average history buff. The chapters are broken down by topic, which makes it easy to pick up after a break from reading. The majority of the book explains the time period, how men became lawyers, and the various types of cases. It is important for the reader to have this background information, but it often feels like a history of antebellum law, rather than a Lincoln biography.

The Place

Lincoln's Law Office is located across the square from the Old State Capitol Building in Springfield. The whole square has a historic feel, as if the visitor has stepped back in time. If you close your eyes, you can imagine Lincoln walking to his office.

At the time of this writing, Lincoln’s Law Office is closed for renovations. Unfortunately, due to the budget crisis in Illinois, it is unclear when the site will be re-opened. While you may not be able to enter Lincoln’s Law Office, it is still worth it to walk past the place where an influential president spent his days practicing law. 

The Legend, His Newspaper, and His Estate

“If the world refused to do [Robert R. McCormick’s] bidding, then he would fashion a world of his own at Cantigny” (336).

The Book

The history of Chicago and the suburbs is full of larger-than-life characters and their impact on the Windy City. In The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick, author Richard Norton Smith introduces the reader to one of those characters. Robert R. McCormick’s grandfather (Joseph Medill) became the managing editor of the Chicago Tribune in 1855, setting up a family dynasty for the next one hundred years. McCormick was made the acting president of the Chicago Tribune in 1911 and oversaw the paper until his death in 1955.

The Colonel delves into more than just the biography of one man. It provides biographies of his ancestors and relatives, co-workers, wives, employees, and newspaper. Smith lays out the facts, with some editorializing, and provides a neutral biography of a controversial man. McCormick was loyal (sometimes to a fault) to America, Chicago, the Chicago Tribune, and his political beliefs; but not to his family. He did what he thought was best and attempted to sway popular belief. In a sense, McCormick was the Chicago Tribune.

The story of Robert R. McCormick is complicated and detailed, which calls for a longer book. Smith’s biography covers a lot of ground, which can be too much for some readers. The book is well written and well researched, but I would only recommend it to those highly interested in the subject manner.

The Place

Cantigny was a family estate that Robert R. McCormick enlarged to his specifications. He named it after the battle he fought (at Cantigny, France) with the Big Red One First Infantry Division in World War I. McCormick bequeathed the estate, in a trust, for the people of Illinois.

Today, Cantigny provides numerous experiences for the people of Illinois. The estate includes a golf course, gardens, the Big Red One Museum, and Robert R. McCormick’s home. The Robert R. McCormick Museum allows visitors an opportunity to learn more about McCormick through a tour of his home. A tour is a great compliment to The Colonel because it helps readers and visitors visualize McCormick and see his ideas come to life. The tour guide introduces visitors to the people who lived in the house as well as the design and items that were placed there.

Guided tours are available year round (the Museum is closed on Mondays) and visitors must obtain a ticket for a tour time. There is a $5 per car entry fee into Cantigny. 

Amphibious Invasion

“If the soldiers of the Big Red One and their partners in the 29^th Division had failed, the Allied position in Normandy would have been severely hindered” (297).

The Book

The Dead and Those About to Die: D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach, by John C. McManus, tells the story of the United States Army 1^st Infantry Division’s (Big Red One) part in the D-Day invasion. D-Day took place on June 6, 1944 and the majority of the book chronicles the events of that day. The first chapter introduces the reader to the Big Red One and the last chapter focuses on the aftermath of “the longest day.”

McManus begins with an immediate background of the Big Red One: their success in the Mediterranean, arrival in England, and intense training for D-Day. The reader gets to know the type of men and their mindset through first person accounts. The soldiers went through land and sea training so often that they could complete their duties in the dark. Once a brief summary of the attack plan is covered, the book quickly flows into a word picture of the assault. Nothing went according to plan on Omaha Beach: pre-invasion assault did little to the Nazi defenses, the beach was littered with obstacles and mines, the enemy fire was relentless, the tide was coming in, and the beach was getting crowded. Yet, the Big Red One pressed on. By the end of June 6^th, the Nazi defenses were breached and the soldiers made their way inland.

Omaha Beach was one of five beaches invaded by the Allies on D-Day. As I was reading this book, I had to keep reminding myself that the Big Red One was only on two sections of one beach. The Dead and Those About to Die gave me a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made on D-Day. The infantry fought hard to overcome the Nazi fortifications, the engineers worked amid enemy fire to dismantle obstacles, and the medics stayed in the crosshairs to treat the wounded. Readers will come away grateful for the courageous men of the Big Red One.

The Place

Nestled in the quite suburban park of Cantigny, the First Division Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Big Red One. The land around the museum is populated by tanks and artillery pieces from World War I through Desert Shield. Visitors are invited to touch and climb on the tanks. This is a great feature for kids and even adults. History comes alive when you are able to touch or climb.

Inside the museum, visitors will find an impressive interactive display. The Main Exhibit Hall enables you to walk through the trenches of World War I, land on the beaches of Normandy in World War II, and explore the jungle of Vietnam. This is a truly immersive experience and you actually feel like you are fighting alongside the Big Red One. I have visited this museum numerous times and am always awed by the depth of the displays. The First Division Museum has spring/summer hours and fall/winter hours, so double check before you plan a visit. Admission to the museum is free; however there is a $5 per car charge to enter Cantigny Park.

Flowing through the Windy City

“From the water the famed lakefront is unforgettable, the heavy industry and shipping of the Calumet River is awesome, and Chicago’s history comes alive” (115).

The Book

David M. Solzman’s The Chicago River: An Illustrated History and Guide to the River and Its Waterways provides the reader with a story that links a waterway to the birth and growth of a city. The Chicago River is one of the main reasons for the existence of Chicago; accessible transportation provided a better avenue for trade. Shipping on Lake Michigan could continue through the Chicago River and eventually make its way to the Mississippi River. Industry sprung up along the banks and provided jobs to the communities. However, industry also brought the pollution of the Chicago River. The pollution traveled down the river into Lake Michigan, Chicago’s water supply. In 1900, the Sanitary and Shipping Canal successfully reversed the flow of the Chicago River, away from Lake Michigan.

Solzman divides the book into two sections. The first focuses on the geography of the Chicago River, as well as the history of its development. The second section provides the reader a guide to the Chicago River. This guide is interesting, but is best used if you plan to walk, drive, or canoe on the Chicago River. Solzman provides interesting facts, helpful tips, road directions, wildlife locations, and a bridge guide (38 are movable). The Chicago River is a helpful tool for anyone interested in exploring the river. 

The Place

There are numerous ways to explore the Chicago River, including several boat tour services. A Google search will provide a complete list of the various types of tours and companies. I had the opportunity to explore Chicago through the ShorelineSightseeing’s Architecture Tour. Tours are held regularly throughout the spring and summer, with a revised fall and winter schedule.

Seeing Chicago from the river is a truly unique experience. The tour guide provides information about the buildings, history of Chicago, and people who developed the skyline. From the Chicago River, you are able to see buildings designed by some of the greatest architects from different time periods. History and architecture combine to showcase an original city.