The History of Joliet – Chapter 26 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo BENNITT’s regiment lost about two dozen men. More soldiers died from exposure and illness than combat. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News Like others who came to Joliet as young men, Fred BENNITT … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 25 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Business was booming in Joliet. People were working. And growth was happening rapidly. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News In the summer of 1887, 35 years after the city was incorporated, The Joliet … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 24 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The bandits had killed the express manager and gotten away with $22,000 cash and a bag full of jewelry. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News From the very beginning, Joliet Police Chief Frank … Read more
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 … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 32 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The screaming convicts had set fire to five buildings and were attempting to ram a railroad freight car through the front gate. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News A patriotic fever swept across … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 14 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo I have still an arm left for my country, and she shall have that too, if necessary. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News Of all the warriors from Joliet who fought in the … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 15 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The rebellion, in its death throes, has dealt one terrible last thrust. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News In the summer of 1863, bands played, cannons fired and church bells rang when the … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 16 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Stephen A. Douglas, the Illinois senator who squared off against Abraham Lincoln in the famed debate of 1858, was often seen in Joliet seeking political advice from newspaper editor Calneh Zarley. By John WHITESIDE … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 17 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The ground at the new prison site was filled with limestone, which meant convicts couldn’t tunnel out. That limestone also could be used to build the prison walls and buildings. By John WHITESIDE of … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 18 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo I don’t think I’m guilty. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News They thought his name was George CHASE. But they weren’t sure, and he wouldn’t tell them. They hanged him anyway in Joliet … Read more