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 →

Another Walker Street Story

John Kalec The following story by John Kalec was sparked by Carole Kennedy Robeson’s tale about an old gentleman bachelor who lived on Walker Street in Braidwood. My sister, brother, and I delivered newspapers to the Kalec house in the 1950s and 1960s. John has been a friend of mine since the Braidwood days and has … Continue reading Another Walker Street Story →

Mrs. Sarah Jeffrey (aka “Jeppy”)

Carole Ann Kennedy Robeson When I look back at our rented house on Walker Street, it certainly would not be something a young family would live in today. I remember the pump in the kitchen sink, the one small bedroom shared by two, then three kids, and of course, the outhouse. None of this bothered us, but … Continue reading Mrs. Sarah Jeffrey (aka “Jeppy”) →

Living on Walker Street

Carole Kennedy Robeson I'm not sure what looked Mr. Davy like. He was a dark shadow of a figure when he opened the door of his home. It was very dark inside and everything about the house seemed to be leaning toward the earth. But I loved going across the street to his house on Sunday, carrying his dinner that … Continue reading Living on Walker Street →

THE YEAR: 2078

October 2024 Dear Grandkids: Although I am writing this letter at my current time and location, I request that you re-read it in October of 2078, 54 years from my present time. My hope is that you ask your grandkids to submit a list of questions to each of you, questions about your life, significant events, and other … Continue reading THE YEAR: 2078 →

“A THRONE AND A MIRROR”

When asked what furnishings that he needed for his new office, Regis President David M. Clarke, S.J., replied jokingly, “All I need is a throne and a mirror.” At least, I think that he was merely joking. But then again, the Jesuits have a history of living in a different way from other religious orders. Between … Continue reading “A THRONE AND A MIRROR” →

The Social Life of an Unaffiliated Teenager

“The pressure is on. The high school dance is in 2 weeks, and I still don’t have a date. My Joliet buddy doesn’t have a car and I do; he has a date and I don’t yet. Maybe I’ll stop by the Comet Stop again after school and see if Bonnie is working and I’ll … Continue reading The Social Life of an Unaffiliated Teenager →