Perhaps the greatest joy in writing and publishing my books has been the inclusion of co-authors. All five of my kids included their stories of growing up in Wilmington. (“603 South Kankakee”) I then asked my 14 grandchildren to write a story, about anything, that would be included in the next book. (“Just the Facts, Grandpa: Geezer … Continue reading A Literary Quilt: Stories from the Co-Authors of “I’m from Braidwood”
Blog Articles
There is No Racism
Let’s tell the truth. We (I) have been using the term “racism” incorrectly all along. By using this term, we are deluding ourselves by assuming that there black, brown, yellow, and white races when, in fact, there is but one human race. There are no variations, or subcategories. By constructing subcategories, we mistakenly identify each … Continue reading There is No Racism
A Truly Unique Braidwood Guy
“Braidwood was the foundation for my life.” Phil Weidner There have been a few famous Braidwood people that I have written about in blog posts, “Braidwood Beginnings: Growing up in a Coal Town.” (https://braidwoodguy.com) Anton Cermac, former mayor of Chicago killed by an assassin’s bullet while standing next to Franklin Roosevelt, was born in Braidwood. Labor leader John Mitchell, who … Continue reading A Truly Unique Braidwood Guy
Nicknames vs “Knocknames”
Nickname: an additional or substitute name given to a person, place, or thing usually descriptive and given in fun, affection, or derision, as “Doc,” “Shorty,” etc. a familiar, often shorter, form of a proper name, as “ Dick” for “ Richard” (Merriam Dictionary) Knockname: a substitute name meant to demean, dehumanize, or otherwise degrade another human being and perpetrated by a bully. (TRK) Dear Grandkids: If … Continue reading Nicknames vs “Knocknames”
Dear Grandkids: Money Rules
“I love money. I love everything about it. I bought some pretty good stuff. Got me a $300 pair of socks. Got a fur sink. An electric dog polisher. A gasoline powered turtleneck sweater. And, of course, I bought some dumb stuff, too.” --Steve Martin Dear Kids: My letters to you and previous conversations with you … Continue reading Dear Grandkids: Money Rules
CAROLE ANN KENNEDY ROBESON: RIP 2025
"We knew that this would happen." Gravestone marker Jon and Carole Ann My sister passed away a four weeks ago but it has taken that amount of time to write about it. Nobody has known her as long as I have known her and maybe that’s my delay in saying a few words about her. There … Continue reading CAROLE ANN KENNEDY ROBESON: RIP 2025
A Conversation on the Porch
John Kalec This past summer I was sitting on our porch in Maine with our daughter Katherine and we were planning my Mom's 95th birthday party in Braidwood. I always have found that the best conversations seem to always take place on the porch and I remembered back to my grandmother's house which was right next … Continue reading A Conversation on the Porch
A Real Braidwood Person
I recently received a message from a lady in Michigan. She traces her genealogy back to Scotland and is a “Braidwood.” Thought that this might be of interest to Braidwood, Illinois historians. Her name: Stacy Kmetz Stacy Hi, Tom! I came across your post and have read some of your stories…interesting to me because I … Continue reading A Real Braidwood Person
A Memorable Braidwood Thanksgiving
John Kalec During my visit to Braidwood to see my Mom earlier this month, we talked about the wonderful family Thanksgiving dinners we enjoyed over the years at home on Division Street. My grandparents would join us, as well as aunts and uncles from both sides of the family. But the most memorable holiday was … Continue reading A Memorable Braidwood Thanksgiving
The Hero We Didn’t Know
“My Dad would be very pleased to hear that his story is shared….hopefully it can help someone suffering with the type of issues that he did.” John Kalec In Braidwood, Illinois, on May 23, 1923, my grandfather Mathew Kalec died from a sudden heart attack. My grandmother was 8 months pregnant with my Dad and upon … Continue reading The Hero We Didn’t Know
Braidwood Beginnings 