Time Was

More than just a hardware store

Published by admin on Mon, 08/18/2025 - 4:21pm

Steinhart & Whitmore. What more do I need to say? At the beginning of last century it was a name that meant business in Wilmington, big business. If they did not have what you needed, you really didn't need it at all.
Each week's paper had a half page ad. It was apparent they catered to every taste. They sold farm equipment and kitchen stoves, heating and plumbing fixtures and harness for buggies, they sold two types of horse drawn buggies and in 1904 they started selling automobiles.

Braidwood's favorite pastime, quoits?

Published by admin on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 2:43pm

That Braidwood and the surrounding coal towns were hubs for immigrants from all over the world still fascinates me. They came in waves, usually one nationality at a time. The prejudices they grew up with came with them. But also came the good things. Let's look at just one.

Staying in fashion

Published by admin on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 2:40pm

My mother always said, “You are what you wear.” And I believe that my mother's saying can also be applied to history. Look at what people were wearing and you can get a good idea of what life was like during that era. So, what can we learn about the first 1830's settlers of Wilmington from what they wore? Let's see.

350 years after Columbus, the Italians discovered Braidwood

Published by admin on Mon, 08/04/2025 - 11:45am

We no longer celebrate Columbus Day. It is now Immigrants Day. I have no objection to celebrating that fact that we are all immigrants if we go back far enough, but I also believe that each nationality should be able to celebrate their achievements and milestones. There is no doubt that the sons and daughters of Italy have made a great contribution, but it wasn't easy. Today we look at the Italian immigrants that called Braidwood their home.

Wilmington and the Civil War, part last

Published by admin on Mon, 08/04/2025 - 11:34am

Wilmington's final involvement in the Civil War occurred on July 4th, 1865. The town welcomed home the veterans with the largest gathering ever held in Wilmington to this date. In early June of 1865 the editor of the Independent called for the special celebration with these words, “Our great natal day is close at hand, and it will not only be a greater pleasure to the American people than ever before, to celebrate it in a becoming manner, but a binding duty.

Technology made Custer Park what it is today

Published by admin on Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:46am

Custer Park, once part of Reed Township, is today a sleepy serene spot on the river. So how did technology have anything to do with it? The answer is that every industry that came to Custer was put out of business by technology.
Horse Creek Dock, now known as Custer Park, was for a short time in its history a seaport. Well, almost anyway. You could board the little steamer named the “Mohawk Belle” at the landing and take it all the way to Chicago via the Kankakee Feeder Canal and then the I & M Canal.

Wilmington in the Civil War, part 3

Published by admin on Mon, 07/28/2025 - 10:57am

This continues our look at Wilmington’s involvement in the War Between the States. One of the things that strikes me now, is that the entire community was involved. Men by their participation, women by forming groups that sent food, bandages, clothing and more to the troops, and government officials who lent their time and money to give a “bounty” to the brave men on the front.

The Bohemian National Cemetery of Braidwood

Published by admin on Mon, 07/21/2025 - 1:37pm

Last time we talked about the coming of the Bohemians to the coal fields. Today we look at the Bohemian National Cemetery of Braidwood; celebrating its 140th year.
The Bohemian Burying Ground, as the Cemetery was once known, was deeded to the board of trustees in October of 1885 for $150 ($5,500 today). In 1984 it was incorporated as the Bohemian National Cemetery of Braidwood, Ltd., with Edward J. Jaros, Edward Vodicka, Sr., Edward Vodicka, Jr. as Directors, and Mrs. Charlotte Vodicka as Secretary/Treasurer.

Wilmington and the Civil War, pt. 2

Published by admin on Mon, 07/21/2025 - 12:56pm

We continue our look at Wilmington's participation in the Civil War.
War meetings were held regularly, usually at the Methodist Church, which is now the Wilmington Public Library. At these meetings speakers would try to rouse the patriotism of the audience and encourage them to enlist.

Wilmington and the War Between the States

Published by admin on Mon, 07/14/2025 - 1:26pm

This begins a new series of columns concerning the effect the Civil War had on Wilmington. Many of us have visited Civil War sites in the South, but have the notion that up here in the North it was business as usual. It wasn't. There are those today who say that a new Civil War is brewing in our country, partly based on race. Before we rush headlong into violence, we need to look back at what happened in this country almost 200 years ago.