“Braidwood in All Its Grime & Glory”

I have invited a few former Braidwood residents to share a some thoughts about their experiences in growing up in my hometown. It has always been interesting to hear different perspectives from people with similar backgrounds. 

Dennis Turner is a few years younger than me but our stories have a lot in common. I knew his family and he, like me, attended Lewis University.

Dennis is solely responsible for writing the article below. I made minor cosmetic changes, but the content is totally his.

MY BRAIDWOOD STORY 1953-1978

By the time 1960 rolled around I was living in my 3^rd home, attending my 3^rd school and shortly would be making each a “grand slam” within a few of years. From a newborn living in Bibley’s apartments in Braidwood, to a new house on Plaza Drive in Joliet and then back to Braidwood in a rental house on Division Street – I had this moving think mastered! My education path started with a half year of kindergarten at Taft School in Joliet, a half year at Mrs. Arthur’s in Braidwood at the American Legion Hall, 1^st grade with Mrs. Theo Sullivan in Braidwood and then off to St. Rose in Wilmington for grades 2 through 5 – bus rides make you tough!

As the 60’s began to unfold, we moved into a new house on Reed Road, later to become JFK Road. It was in this house I was able to grow roots that would define me for years to come. I soon established my “running buddies” by bike riding on South Lincoln Street to see my grandmother. The core buddies would become Ray & Vic DelMastro, Ray Holm, Calvin Flint and Charlie Boyd – we were born to be wild! We spent time at all of our houses and at my grandmother’s home as well. My grandparent’s property contained a chicken coop with chickens, outhouse, coal shed and cellar. It also had a “path” that led to the old fire station that was frequently used by many for convenience/picking black berries/fighting/bathroom breaks.

As the running buddies expanded their travels, a bike ride to main street and beyond could include: a stop for pop at Crater’s Royal Blue, The Clover Farm Store or Testa’s IGA. If our bike tires needed air: Ray Sharp’s Garage or gas stations owned by Votta, Barnett and McElroy. Forbidden adventures (by our parental units) included Rossi’s macaroni factory, the old music hall and biking on “Old Smoky”. When we had some extra coin for candy: Boyd’s Variety Store or Gertie Barr’s place were the benefactors of our business. While we were too young to patronize, we loved the smell coming from Dillon’s, Reds and Floyd’s Lounge. 

Sports and Errands

While most of us all played organized sports, the baseball and football games at my house, the schools or Rossi’s field were the most fun. From whiffle ball to hard ball, from touch to tackle football – all had one thing in common – losing was not an option! While these games usually included most of the running buddies, many included others from around town. Now when a dispute arose at one of these events (and they did), our code of conduct required satisfaction at one venue: Moran’s Woods – which were located on School Street. It was there we would all gather at the appointed day and time to see who would get the snot kicked out of them. 

As the oldest of 4 kids, there were chores, errands and obligations imposed on us that would cut into our free time. Chores included cutting the grass, washing dishes and sweeping out the garage. When you were really bad, you would have to pull out weeds from our gravel driveway – that task would draw blood on your fingers! Errands included bringing something to someone on your bike – like sewing to Adele Kennedy. Or, go on your bike and get a haircut from Mike Tessler or Muzzy. My personal favorite was to go to the post office and get the mail from Box 435 (had to have the combination memorized to accomplish that task). Obligations included mass every Sunday at Immaculate Conception Church, visiting grandparents frequently and having to go to Patterson’s when certain people died. Of course, little did I know then that a trip to Patterson’s would include 3 different funeral homes in Braidwood alone as the years rolled by.

Shout Out: Dr. Viteri

Recalling my Braidwood story would not be complete without mentioning Dr. Alex Viteri. By 1965, there were 6 of us in the family and our medical needs were plentiful. Whether calling his office on our party line phone (the back of a personal residence owned by Perrinos), going to his house next to Ann & Joe Kelly, or getting a house call to Reed Road – this guy was one of the best in the eyes of our family. Regardless of others experience with him from Braidwood, you had best not share that with my parents – period full stop. He left us too soon.

So, while this does not cover all of my 25 years in Braidwood, it is a deep dive into where I started. While many categorize Braidwood as just another Podunk town with many faults – including open sewer smells most everywhere – it was MY Podunk town that also included many now cherished times. I believe my parents felt the same, even though, every time we drove through main street dad would say…

“BRAIDWOOD IN ALL ITS GRIME & GLORY“