This essay was originally published in the program for the 2009 Historical Society Annual Dinner in Washington, Illinois. Part one was written by Christy L. Parr and it included the following paragraph: “President Kathy Bandeko was focused on the restoration of a disintegrating round barn located on farmland at the southeast edge of Washington. Her … Continue reading An Incomplete History of the Washington Historical Society
Illinois
Frank Schulz: On How Not to Succeed in Business
Imagine going to the grocery store in Elmwood in the 1940s or 1950s and finding the door locked – even at noon on Saturday, with no sign in the window: “Closed,” “Be Back in a Minute,” or “On Vacation.” Actually, the owner, Frank Schulz, was on vacation with his buddy Ralph Kilpatrick, the local accountant, … Continue reading Frank Schulz: On How Not to Succeed in Business
An Extended Obituary: Karl K. Taylor, PhD 12/2/1938 – 9/5/2024
A note from the family: We wish Dad, who was a writer, had pre-written his own obituary. Since he did not, we worked together to summarize the highlights of his amazing journey. He was the best father and we know we will see him again in the Kingdom to come. – David, Andrea & Amy … Continue reading An Extended Obituary: Karl K. Taylor, PhD 12/2/1938 – 9/5/2024
Clifford Bateman: PFFP
Cliff and I were waiting for the rain to stop so our airplane could take off. I hadn’t seen him for several years, but he hadn’t changed much. At 40 or so, he still had no gray hair, no wrinkles. He still looked like the wholesome boy next door. A little shorter than six feet, … Continue reading Clifford Bateman: PFFP
The Elmwood Fall Festival: Then and Now
When I was growing up in Elmwood in the 1940s and 50s, the first week of September was a special time. I argued with my parents that the school board should call off classes so kids could spend as much time as possible on the kiddie cars or merry-go-round. Besides, who wanted to diagram more sentences or fill in more workbooks?
Chapter Two Elmwood, Illinois — July 4, 1900 Independence Day Celebration
Since he played the clarinet in the American Band, Nelson Dean Jay, seventeen years old, took his place to the right of the conductor, sitting on a wooden folding chair beside Frank Shively, a skilled carpenter on his right, and Earl Runyon, a butcher on his left. Joking with his friends, Jay placed the music on his stand and opened his instrument case.
Chapter One Galesburg, Illinois – June 6, 1960 Graduation Day at Knox College
On June 6, 1960, we seniors were thinking about our future, but Jay may well have been remembering moments from his past. There were certainly memorable ones.
Preface: Lunch with Friends at 58 Avenue Foch
An obituary is not a biography; however, an obituary is about the most we can expect when we are gone. After examining the Jays’ lives, I had to decide whether an obituary was sufficient or not for the time they spent on this earth. It was not.
The Miracle on March 5, 1957
Elmwood had been waiting more than thirty years for the chance to beat the mythical Canton Little Giants.
Taylor Johnson: Budding Catcher, Would-Be Writer
He looks the part, the way you would expect: short, a little stocky, bright red cheeks, a butch hair cut, and brown hair. What really draws attention to him are those bright red socks, up to his knees, matching his cheeks. Cool or hot, though, Taylor’s forehead is covered with perspiration. Everybody sweats, but he sweats more than most folks, maybe because he just tries a little harder than most kids, maybe because he has juvenile diabetes.
Stories From Small Town Illinois 