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.

Searching for a Missing Great Grandfather

“Ik werd verkrqacht doorde dokter.” (Translation: "I was raped by the doctor.")Evy Klaver These words might have been said in 1888 by my great-grandmother, Evy Klaver, an immigrant from Holland.  Evy was probably a domestic worker who spoke very little English. My Search for a Missing Link: Background Not many people get into genealogy research at … Continue reading Searching for a Missing Great Grandfather →

No Social Security, no Medicare, no Health Insurance: My Parents’ Lives in 1920s and 1930s

 “Your grandparents came of age in the Great Depression, when everyday life was about deprivation and sacrifice, when the economic conditions of the time were so grave and unrelenting it would have been easy enough for the American dream to fade away.”  Tom BrokawTom Brokaw The best way to study history is to start with our parents. … Continue reading No Social Security, no Medicare, no Health Insurance: My Parents’ Lives in 1920s and 1930s →

“You’re Telling Me We Lived in a Former House of Prostitution?”

“It is true, son, but it was only for a little while.” A little explanation is needed. I lived in Braidwood my first 21 years with the last four of those years being mostly on the campus of Lewis College (University). After Dolores and I were married in June of 1962, we lived in Joliet … Continue reading “You’re Telling Me We Lived in a Former House of Prostitution?” →

Gordie Gospel: According to Disciples Pat, Ray, Tony, and Tom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordie_Gillespie "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi Over the years, a lot has been written about Coach Gordie Gillespie. I decided that most of these short articles should be put into one document in order for my grandkids, young coaches, and aspiring leaders in any field to … Continue reading Gordie Gospel: According to Disciples Pat, Ray, Tony, and Tom →

Avoiding a Riot at Lewis: 1971

"The College holds, as a basic principle for its existence, the civilization of the mind, the development of the rational process by which men can work for their betterment. Any tactic which impairs the freedom of thought and expression and of due process in controversy is incompatible with the very natures of the College and … Continue reading Avoiding a Riot at Lewis: 1971 →

Irish Troubles? Not with Pat Sullivan

“I feel more and more the time wasted that is not spent in Ireland.”  Lady Gregory Tom & Pat Since my first trip to Ireland in 1994 with my sister, brother, and our spouses, I have returned many times for a variety of reasons and accompanied by friends and some family members. That first trip was … Continue reading Irish Troubles? Not with Pat Sullivan →

Braidwood Saloon Society in the 1940s and 1950s

"There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern." Samuel Johnson The Riviera, Braceville, Illinois Why did dad and other men go to the bars? (And it was mostly men.) While I can’t speak to all men, I have enough experience to … Continue reading Braidwood Saloon Society in the 1940s and 1950s →

Learning Through Books, Music, and People

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”  Alvin Toffler Still have some of my old library. Learning and Unlearning When we are young, we are sponge-like, soaking up all that surrounds us while we are formed into the people … Continue reading Learning Through Books, Music, and People →

My Alaska Trip with Tony Delgado on a Dollar a Day

“Where is the boy to whom the call of the wild and the open road not appeal?” Baden Powell de Aquino Alaska! We talked about it for years, but it was all talk. Tony Delgado and I were teammates at Lewis College in 1962. Four years later in 1965-66, we were once again together teaching and … Continue reading My Alaska Trip with Tony Delgado on a Dollar a Day →