Columnist

Although the world knows him best for his chocolate, Milton Hershey’s first successful confection after several failed attempts was actually caramel.

    It was the 1870's and a whole army of men were on the move throughout the nation. They moved mostly by train, well-hidden in freight cars.
    Some were new immigrants who could not find a job; many were men who had fought and seen too much during the Civil War. Others were refugees from the slums of the large eastern cities. They were generally known as tramps.
    Braidwood was a well-known destination among these men. Coal was coming into its own, factories, railroads and home-heating needs meant the demand for coal exceeded the amount produced.

    In the golden age of cinema there were stars, there were superstars, and then there were those rare talents that were regarded as Hollywood royalty.
    One such talent was Mary Pickford, known in her prime as “America's Sweetheart” and “Queen of the Movies”.  Pickford's on-screen resume includes over 50 features, and one delicious namesake cocktail.
    Mary Pickford was the most versatile and recognizable performers of the early 20th century starring in some of the most enduring films of the silent era.