Exploring the rich history of Will County's oldest community, this book delves into the early settlement along the DuPage River, the impact of the Black Hawk War, and the establishment of Fort Beggs. It chronicles significant events from the Civil War era through the commercial growth of the 19th century and beyond, including a chapter dedicated to the 1990 tornado. Tim and Michelle present a unique collection of images from early glass negatives and rare documents, offering a vivid glimpse into Plainfield's past.
Set against the serene backdrop of Walden Pond, this book explores Henry David Thoreau's two-year experience of simple living and self-sufficiency. It intertwines Thoreau's profound reflections with captivating imagery, highlighting the historical significance of the area, including its ties to the Revolutionary War and the literary movement of the 19th century. Readers will discover lesser-known aspects of Thoreau's life, including his connections with notable figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson, enriching the understanding of his philosophy and enduring legacy.
Chronicling the rich history of a significant American calendar and advertising company, this book features vintage photographs and calendar prints that showcase the Gerlach Barklow Company's evolution since its founding in 1907. It highlights the contributions of key figures and the company’s role as a major employer in Joliet, including its sponsorship of sports teams and employee events. The collection also includes works from various artists, factory department photos, and examples of greeting cards, offering a comprehensive look at the company's legacy.
Yemen, reputedly the home of the Queen of Sheba, has been a pivotal crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia for millennia, largely due to its location on ancient spice routes. Over ten thousand years, trade along Yemen's Red Sea and Indian Ocean coasts, through its mountains and deserts, fostered a rich exchange of people, ideas, and goods, generating significant wealth. A British presence in Yemen began in the early 1600s with the East India Company establishing trading posts in Mukha, a port known for its coffee trade. In 1839, the British captured Aden to safeguard trade routes, solidifying a relationship that lasted until 1967, when Britain withdrew after granting independence amid insurgency and unrest. Yemen is also the origin of one of Britain's oldest Muslim communities, with Yemenis migrating to Britain from the 1890s, many through the British Merchant Navy, and post-World War Two. By the mid-1970s, around 15,000 Yemenis resided in Britain, though that number has since declined. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the region, Yemen retains much of its tribal culture and traditions, including traditional dress and the afternoon custom of chewing khat. Today, it remains a land of mystery, attracting adventurous tourists.
