Frequently we have spoken about the brave miners who were injured in the mines. Many a miner had to fight for his life against the odds. But he was not alone; fighting on his side was a doctor. One of the most successful doctors in early Braidwood was Dr. John Backus. Tuesday, August 31, 2010
We left our story of saloons and sample houses with a new dram shop law enacted. Local ordinances set closing hours at midnight, and no Sunday hours, while State law made bartenders and owners liable if a patron was over-served. Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Liquor licenses have been in our news lately, and, may I add, in the news since there have been drinking establishments in Wilmington. The pros and cons of drinking aside, let's look at what saloon life was like in the 19th century. Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Today we are looking at the social occasion known as the dance. I don't see a lot of them happening these days. But the dance in the 19th century was the primary way for guys and gals to meet, and if you were lucky actually touch each other in a socially acceptable way. Strike up the band, the dance has begun. Tuesday, August 24, 2010
As a fan of John Wayne, Roy Rodgers, and Mr. Dillon (not necessarily in that order) the above words were familiar to me. They were also familiar to 19th century folks who lived in these parts. Let's look at the worst criminal there ever was - the horse thief! Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Internet match ups are all the rage. Finding Mr. Right is just a mouse click away. But how did they do it back in the day? What did a girl look for in a man? Where was a girl to meet an eligible man? For that matter how was a guy to meet a decent girl? Let's hop aboard the romance express to search for love in all the strange places. Tuesday, August 17, 2010
