By Brian Keeley A Sports Story First, some background history. My father graduated from Wilmington High School in 1932. During his high school career he developed an extremely accurate two hand set shot which he would shoot from 25’-35’ feet from the basket. In 1932, he set the Wilmington single game scoring record which lasted … Continue reading Roy Keeley: Athlete and Electrician
Tag: family
The Standard Oil Man (Part Two)
By Bill Butcher Grandpa Reardanz Serving Customers This is part two and truly it's about life, neighbors, and caring for people because it's right, even if it means you have to swim against the stream. It's about how even great American companies like Standard occasionally get it wrong. So grab a coffee and let's get … Continue reading The Standard Oil Man (Part Two)
The Standard Oil Man (Part One)
By Bill Butcher Grandpa Herman P. Reardanz I began my adult life working for Amoco or—as it was called back when my grandfather Herman P. Reardanz worked there—Standard Oil. Because it was the standard. There I was out on my job, new here in Minnesota having recently transferred from Illinois. I was at a job site … Continue reading The Standard Oil Man (Part One)
The Magic of St. Rose School
By Brenda Rayburn St. Rose "Clowns" My memories of growing up in Wilmington are filled with the incredible freedom and creativity we shared as children and families. One of my absolute favorite stories to tell my grandkids is about my days at St. Rose School. It was such a small parish, yet we always managed … Continue reading The Magic of St. Rose School
Blessed be the Ties that Bind
By Timothy Nathan Pinnick Timothy Nathan Pinnick FOREWORD In the spring of 1984 as a young lieutenant in the United States Army, I began my quest to discover my family heritage. Two years later I published what I had uncovered to date in a six-page handout titled PINNICK – JOHNSON REUNION ’86 “BLESSED BE THE … Continue reading Blessed be the Ties that Bind
The Van Duin (Van Duyne) Story
By Margaret Van Duyne Baskerville Guyney (b1/20/1901) My father, Pieter Van Duin, a teacher in America, changed the family name to Van Duyne. Born February 6, 1860, in Opdam, Holland. Married Margaret Klaver on May 1, 1881, in Opdam. They had 19 children – 3 died in infancy. (John, Richard, and Margaret.) Peter had one … Continue reading The Van Duin (Van Duyne) Story
Conversing with a Baseball Card
From the age of 13, I collected baseball cards because I was a baseball fan. I did not collect and trade cards for any other reason. At age 85, my reason remains the same. My most poignant memory at that age involved a quick stop at Floyd Nielsen’s local drug store on Main Street on my 45-minute … Continue reading Conversing with a Baseball Card
My Nerdy Side: Music
Although education and coaching dominated much of my professional life, the persistent backdrop of my journey has been in the arts: music, theater, literature, and poetry. Much of my writing has focused on life’s transitions from childhood to adulthood to old age without appropriating justice to the arts’ roles in those transitions. Without apology, it’s time … Continue reading My Nerdy Side: Music
Elena’s View of Braidwood
Elena Bergman Hibler I attended the East School and Murray Scott was the principal. I also had Josephine Donna (wonderful teacher) in the 5th and 6th grades. In 3rd and 4th grades I had Kate Fallon. She was remembered as wearing long dresses all the way to the floor. We moved to Braidwood from South … Continue reading Elena’s View of Braidwood
Braidwood from Another Perspective
Richard Shaw Richard had read some of my blog articles on Braidwoodguy.com and informed me that as a couple of years my senior, he could add some insights and respectfully offer some differences as he saw things. I completely accept these opinions, perspectives, and insights. Aside from formatting the following letter, I didn’t make any … Continue reading Braidwood from Another Perspective
Braidwood Beginnings 