McKinley

Steel Baron Welcomed Roosevelt, but W.J. Bryan was Another Story

The History of Joliet – Chapter 28 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “Each man lifts his head higher when the nation does its duty.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News On a chilly Monday morning in October 1900, a large crowd started gathering in front of the courthouse in Joliet by 7:30 a.m. A train arrived less than an hour later and hundreds of people greeted it. They all knew the famous face of Theodore ROOSEVELT, better known as just Teddy. Teddy was a national hero. Two years earlier, he … Read more

Temperance vs. Whiskey Row in Joliet

The History of Joliet – Chapter 27 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “Joliet has seldom if ever known such an anti-saloon movement.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News In the final months of the 19th century, the residents of Joliet were screaming that they were angry. Their anger centered around the saloons along Whiskey Row. And at the same time, the city was visited by a president. The saloons in Joliet were out of control. Drinking and brawls, muggings and robberies were disrupting too many lives in Joliet. Minors were … Read more