Time Was

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.

Lightning, Storms, and Natural Disasters

Published by admin on Mon, 07/07/2025 - 12:55pm

There has been much talk lately about global warming, and the change for the worse in our weather conditions. Others say that there is no such thing, and the bad weather, heat and drought are just a coincidence. Regardless of your stand on the matter, I contend that weather has, in at least one category, has gotten better, at least in this area. That category is destruction of property and life by lightning.

In The Good Old Summer Time

Published by admin on Mon, 07/07/2025 - 12:49pm

After surviving the first heat wave of the summer, I got to thinking about summertime in the 19th century, so let's set the scene. Houses for the most part had little insulation; the octagon house excluded. Window screens had not been invented, and without electricity, fans were hung from the ceiling and operated with a pull rope. Garbage pick-up did not exist.

The first two weeks, July 1877, tragedy strikes

Published by admin on Mon, 06/30/2025 - 11:19am

There are times when I feel, real life resembles a tragedy by Shakespeare. July 4th, 1877 in Braidwood is one of those times. The epic armies are about to clash, tensions heighten, and a tragedy brought on by misfortune or alcohol results in death. Act 1 begins with a celebration day in honor of the birth of our country. The curtain comes up and we see the sun shining on a beautiful day.

Fourth of July celebration, not interested thank you

Published by admin on Mon, 06/30/2025 - 11:16am

Today we take a look at the up-coming holiday of 4th of July. The biggest celebration the town has ever given was in 1865 to honor the returned heroes of the Civil War. But that sort of patriotism quickly died away. We present a history of the holiday in the decade following, done Wilmington style.