By John Kennedy “If you can run 143 miles to Columbus, you can certainly write a book about it!” Marybeth Keeler In the early morning hours of Friday, September 28, 2018, I walked out my home in Aurora, Ohio and looked out into my yard, still wet with morning dew. Getting up early for a … Continue reading Running from Cleveland to Columbus
Author: braidwoodguy
Born and raised in Braidwood, Illinois. Worked in secondary and higher education since 1962. Have 5 kids and 14 grandkids. Avocation is writing and genealogy.
TRANSCRIPT OF ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW WITH GORDIE GILLESPIE
Professor Gordon A. Gillespie Former Athletic Director and Coach, Lewis University Interview: July 15, 2010 Br: Br. Bernard Rapp, interviewer Br: So, would you like to start... Gordie: Well, in going through the outline that you were so kind to send to me, Brother…I’ll start with my early days. I’m a Chicago guy, and very proud of … Continue reading TRANSCRIPT OF ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW WITH GORDIE GILLESPIE
The Humanity Canopy
“Canopy defined: A canopy is a type of overhead roof or else a structure over which a fabric or metal covering is attached, able to provide shade or shelter from weather conditions such as sun, hail, snow and rain." Place: Braidwood Recreation Club (BRC) Date: Summer, 1954 People: Tommy Ray (age 13) and Carole Ann Kennedy (age 11) … Continue reading The Humanity Canopy
Bumming in Braidwood
By Ken Kennedy On a mild late October weekend night in 1966, my friend and cousin, B.J. Fitzpatrick, and I were out “bumming.” We were both seniors in high school, always telling each other what we wanted to do after graduation. So to speak, dreaming about our futures. We were walking on Main Street and about … Continue reading Bumming in Braidwood
Braidwood News 1871-1872
August 19, 1871 – People’s Advocate We are reliably informed that surveys have been made for a canal from the Kankakee River to the Braidwood coal fields. The stakes are driven at a point on the west side of the river near the “Camp place”, about one mile above the guard lock and upper dam. The … Continue reading Braidwood News 1871-1872
Wilmington Independent News
July 22, 1868 Mr. Editor – Being a participant in the general feeling which “conserves” the peace of this portion at least of Will County, we but echo the inquiry hourly heard upon our streets, why is it that there is an attempted suspension of civil rights and the constitutionally guaranteed “inalienable” and God given … Continue reading Wilmington Independent News
Link to Kennedy Books
I should have made everyone aware that all five books may be previewed and purchased by going to braidwoodguy.com. Feel free to contact me if there are any problems. TK
A Story of My Mom’s Garden Legacy
by John Kalec In the heart of the South Side of Chicago in 1935, on a narrow street lined with brick homes and the hum of distant streetcars, lived a little girl named Evelyn. Her home at 5246 Hermitage was modest and often bustling with the sounds of her older brother Fritz, her younger brother Rich, … Continue reading A Story of My Mom’s Garden Legacy
“Would you like some company?”
Living in Colorado for nearly 40 years is vastly different from living in Braidwood in the 1940s and 1950s. Yes, the weather is consistently better, the Novembers are virtually cloudless during the days, and evenings see the temperatures drop by about 30 degrees. Driving west for our daily exercise at the Rec Center, 7 minutes … Continue reading “Would you like some company?”
Who/What is Your Competition
"It's amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit." Harry Truman It seems as though people are always competing. Automobile drivers race ahead of the car ahead only to stop at the same stoplight down the street. Line too long in this lane, maybe I can move to the right and … Continue reading Who/What is Your Competition
Braidwood Beginnings 