Beelden van Amerika: IllinoisReeks

Reis door het rijke verleden van Illinois met een boeiende collectie historische foto's. Deze serie biedt een nostalgische blik op pittoreske stadjes en levendige binnensteden, waar elke afbeelding een verhaal vertelt over unieke tradities en cultuur. Ontdek verborgen parels en vergeten momenten die deze Amerikaanse staat hebben gevormd. Dit zijn visuele eerbetonen aan de blijvende geest van Illinois.

St. James Trade School and Brother James Court

Aanbevolen leesvolgorde

Arlington Heights, Illinois
: Downtown Renaissance
Janet Souter
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
The book showcases the transformation of Arlington Heights, Illinois, from a collection of mercantile ventures in the mid-1800s to a thriving village center renowned for its growth and redevelopment. Through nearly 200 historic photographs, it highlights key figures, events, and industries that shaped the community. Notable images include the first photograph of the town, its founder, and the original post office. The narrative captures the dynamic evolution of the area, illustrating its resilience and reinvention over time.
Lake View
Matthew Nickerson
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,8(5)Tarief
The Lake View neighborhood, located on Chicago's north side, is known today for its celebrities, million-dollar homes, and Wrigley Field, but it was once a very different community. The English language now rules where shopkeepers once risked rebuke if they did not speak German. Expensive restaurants stand where America's celery capital once thrived. Pricey homes sell where a Chicago "sausage king" once committed a grisly murder. This chronicle memorializes boxing and Bishop Bernard Sheil at St. Andrew Parish, meals at Kuhn's Deli on Lincoln Avenue, the corner stores of the Terra Cotta neighborhood, and the snowstorm of 1967, capturing the spirit that helped Lake View endure troubled times to become one of Chicago's most iconic neighborhoods.
Downers Grove Revisited
Montrew Dunham
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,0(9)Tarief
The story unfolds in 1832 as a solitary 50-year-old man claims rich farmland in Illinois by bending a sapling, marking the founding of Downers Grove. This pivotal moment captures the essence of early American settlement and the determination of individuals to carve out their destinies in the vast prairie landscape. The narrative highlights themes of perseverance, community building, and the transformative power of land ownership in shaping local history.
St. James Trade School and Brother James Court
Franciscan Brothers at Brother James Cou
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Helping orphaned and disadvantaged boys get a chance at a better life was the mission of Brother James, founder of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, a German Catholic Order that sent Brothers to the United States in 1924. To that end, St. James Trade School was established in Springfield, Illinois, in 1928. Two years later, the first group of apprentices was admitted; they and hundreds who followed them through 1972 went on to become certified mechanics, carpenters, and electricians among other valuable trades. High school diplomas were earned beginning in 1948. In 1975, Brother James Court (BJC) opened with a brand new building specifically designed as a residential intermediate care facility. BJC provides both residency and advocacy for developmentally disabled men. Providing the highest quality care, consistent with the spirit and principles of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, programs at BJC meet residents' needs and allow them to live happily at BJC for as long as they need.
Elmwood Park
Kenneth J. Knack
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,0(6)Tarief
In less than 50 years, a blink of the eye in the history of mankind, Elmwood Park transformed itself from "prairie to prosperity." Fertile lands once home to Native Americans sprouted a development unlike any that had ever been seen in the Chicago area. The Westwood subdivision, started by John Mills just before the start of the Great Depression, resulted in the construction of over 1,500 brick bungalows in two years. A second postwar boom coincided with the Italian American migration from the old Chicago neighborhoods. The next 50 years would see continued growth and change. When people think of Elmwood Park, images of food often accompany those thoughts. Envisioning a barbecue pork sandwich or a "combo, juicy, sweet and large ice, no-lid" brings back memories of standing in long lines, cash in hand, among people of all races united in the desire to satisfy their appetites.
Lake Forest
: Estates, People, and Culture
Arthur H. Miller
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Lake Forest: Estates, People, and Culture is the first book-scaled historical survey entirely focused on this notable Chicago North Shore suburb in a generation, offering a newly visual approach to the community's unique early past. Many of the nearly 200 images have never been published, having been newly discovered in local archives and family collections. From the Civil War to World War I especially, this community of millionaires flourished, giving rise to a diverse whole town-within-a-town whose local industry comprised the estates and their owners. West Lake Forest had been settled by Irish-descendant farmers after 1836, but by 1857 a new sort of community had sprung up further east, between the then-new railroad line along the lake and the shore. It was a wooded, naturalistic, anti-urban suburb, centered on education and faith, established by New England descendant Chicago Presbyterians, and businessmen with their families.
Libertyville
Jim Moran
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,6(5)Tarief
The book explores the rich history of a village along the upper Des Plaines River, originally known as Vardin's Grove before becoming Libertyville in the 1840s. It highlights significant landmarks like the Cook House, built by state legislator Ansel Brainerd Cook, and the estates of railroad tycoon Samuel Insull, who once owned 6,000 acres in the area. The narrative captures various aspects of community life, including business, education, and entertainment, alongside historic events such as the Lake County Fair and a notable 1924 train robbery.
Arlington Heights, Illinois: Downtown Renaissance
Janet Souter
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,2(5)Tarief
The book showcases the transformation of Arlington Heights, Illinois, from a mix of early mercantile businesses to a thriving village center known for its growth and redevelopment. Through nearly 200 historic photographs, it highlights key figures, events, and industries that shaped the community from the mid-1800s to today. Readers will discover the first known photograph of the town, its founder, and the original post office, illustrating a vibrant history marked by both challenges and reinvention at the heart of village life.
The Chicago Outfit
Ilpo Koskinen
3,9(80)Tarief
No business, legitimate or otherwise, has had a more raucous influence on the history of a city than that of the Outfit in Chicago. From the roots of organized crime in the late 19th century to the present day, The Chicago Outfit examines the evolution of the city's underworld, focusing on their business activities and leadership along with the violence and political protection they employed to become the most successful of the Cosa Nostra crime families. Through a vivid and visually stunning collection of images, many of which are published here for the first time, author John Binder tells the story of the people and places of the world of organized crime from a fresh and informed point of view.
Northlake
Edgar Gamboa Navar
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
The history of Northlake is rooted in its post-World War II development, marked by its incorporation in 1949 and a population of 3,000. The area, once known for the Westward Ho Golf Club, transformed with the establishment of Automatic Electric Company and Villa Scalabrini Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Many early residents, employed at a nearby defense plant, embodied a hardworking spirit, tackling home improvements themselves. Northlake's enduring motto, "City of Friendly People," reflects its community values and industrious character.
Asian Indians of Chicago
Indo-American Center
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
From the infectious rhythm of the bhangra dance and the sizzle of the tandoori platter to landmark achievements in research laboratories and corporate boardrooms, the Asian Indian presence has very quickly become a lively and colorful part of the daily life of the Chicago metropolitan area. Arriving in Chicago in the mid 60s, the first wave of Indians were mostly professionals who intended to return home. But as they stayed on and were joined by others, their population began to reflect the tremendous ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of India. Today, Indians are the largest Asian-American immigrant group in the Chicago area. Recognizing that first-hand resources would still be available for compiling their history, the Indo-American Center appealed to Chicago area residents of Indian origin and to their organizations to select photographs and documents from their personal collections to tell the story of the community. This book is a result of their enthusiastic response. Here, then, is a history in the making, -the record, in pictures, of the life of a diverse and vibrant community as told by the people who live it and shape its course.
Trout Valley, the Hertz Estate, and Curtiss Farm
Lisa Damian Kidder
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,0(4)Tarief
Set against the backdrop of Trout Valley in the 1920s, the book explores John D. Hertz's lavish estate, Leona Farms, designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. It highlights Hertz's life of luxury, featuring racehorses, extravagant parties with celebrities, and notable guests like Eleanor Roosevelt. The narrative shifts in 1943 when Otto Schnering acquires the estate, transforming it into a vast farming operation, while memories of its glamorous past linger in the community, including the iconic six-pony hitch and trophy-winning cattle.
Lake Zurich
Courtney Flynn
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
The narrative explores the transformation of a beloved body of water in Lake Zurich, originally known as Cedar Lake, named by early settler Seth Paine for its resemblance to a Swiss lake. The area became a popular retreat for visitors from Chicago, who enjoyed fishing, boating, and summer cottages. The community's spirit is celebrated through parks and schools named after influential local figures, reflecting the deep connection between the lake and its residents. Lake Zurich's legacy is intertwined with both its natural beauty and the people who cherish it.
Chicago Blues
Wilbert Jones
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
The book explores the evolution of blues music, originally deemed "the devil's music," into a cherished genre embraced worldwide. It traces its roots to African American communities in the South during the late 1800s, drawing inspiration from gospel and spirituals. The Great Migration saw many musicians relocate to Chicago, seeking better job opportunities and a platform for their musical talents. Notable figures like Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor contributed to the development of Chicago blues, each bringing unique styles that enriched the genre.
Hawthorne Works
Dennis Schlagheck
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,8(5)Tarief
Discover the maufacturing plant that typifies the era when American industrial giants dominated the global economy and generations of blue-collar workers strived for a fair share of the American Dream. A burgeoning town on the fringes of Chicago rose and fell with the successes of the Western Electric Company. For almost 90 years, the Hawthorne Works plant employed, educated, entertained, and defined the township of Cicero. As the manufacturing arm of Western Electric, Hawthorne contributed greatly to the prosperity and national defense of the United States. As the site of the controversial Hawthorne Studies of workplace motivation and behavior, the plant reconfigured business and social science models. A community within a community, Hawthorne had its own sports teams, social clubs, hospital, railroad yards, and savings and loan. At its peak, the works was the largest single-site employer in Illinois and one of the biggest manufacturing establishments in the country, second only to the Ford plant in Detroit.
Chicago's South Side Irish Parade
Bridget Houlihan Kennedy
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Considered to be one of the largest neighborhood-based St. Patrick's Day parades outside Dublin, Chicago's South Side Irish Parade began quite modestly, with 17 children under the age of 10 marching twice around the block. Dubbing themselves the "Wee Ones of Washtenaw and Talman," the founders of this great parade marched with homemade signs, costumes, and a baby buggy while neighbors and family members cheered them on. Over the next 31 years, the parade grew into an annual event, attracting hundreds of thousands who came to celebrate Irish heritage with family and friends. In 2009, Pres. Barack Obama encouraged Taoiseach Brian Cowen of Ireland to visit the parade, calling it "one of the great events in America."
Joliet
Marianne Wolf
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,2(7)Tarief
The transformation of Joliet from a lush prairie to a vibrant industrial community in the late 19th century is highlighted, showcasing the impact of Eastern European immigrants. As it evolved, Joliet shifted from an industrial hub to a popular tourist destination, featuring attractions like the NHRA drag strip, NASCAR track, casinos, and a minor-league baseball team. The book emphasizes the city's rich cultural heritage and community spirit, culminating in its recognition as an All-American City in 1955.
German Chicago
: The Danube Swabians and the American Aid Societies
Raymond Lohne
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
In German Chicago: The Danube Swabians and the American Aid Societies, historian Raymond Lohne presents the Germans who came to be called the Donauschwaben and their American counterparts. This amazing photographic collection of over 200 historic images has been gathered through the efforts of the author and survivors of the Expulsion, as well as numerous German-American societies and individuals throughout the nation.
Beardstown
Harold Tyson
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Thomas Beard was a young man of 24 years who was determined to find a place on the Illinois River where he could build a town and make a living. There were no roads, only Indian paths, so it is a wonder that he found his spot. If he had traveled by river, it would have been much easier, as the waterway was already a main artery from St. Louis to Chicago. If Beardstown's elevation had been 40 feet higher, away from possible flooding, the town could have been a candidate for the state capital. All of the supplies and produce for central Illinois came through Beardstown and Meredosia. Beard was fortunate to have capable and willing friends who helped develop the town. Some of the early pioneers were Enoch C. March, Horace Billings, Sylvester Emmons, John A. Arenz, and John's brother Francis Arenz, the founder of Arenzville.
Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago
Stanford T. Shulman
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Set in 1886, this narrative explores the evolution of pediatrics through the lens of Truman W. Miller, MD, who led Chicago's first children's hospital during its formative years. Initially an eight-bed facility in Lincoln Park, the hospital faced significant challenges, including limited medical technology and rudimentary anesthesia. Over the decades, it transformed into a leading institution, now known as Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, showcasing the dedication of clinicians and the community to improving children's healthcare.
Oak Lawn Tornado of 1967
Kevin Korst
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,3(8)Tarief
Sodaro's book reveals the deadly 1967 tornado that struck towns of Belvidere and Oak Lawn in northern Illinois and left a 16 mile long path of destruction. The morning of April 21, 1967, was crisp and clear, marking the arrival of spring. As the day progressed, dark clouds covered the skies over Oak Lawn, and a deadly tornado touched down in the village just before 5:30 p.m. Cutting through the intersection of 95th Street and Southwest Highway and striking elsewhere, the storm left mountains of debris and over 30 people dead in its wake. Oak Lawn Community High School, St. Gerald Catholic Church, and the Fairway Super Mart were among the structures damaged or destroyed by the high winds. After the disaster, rescue workers and volunteers poured into Oak Lawn to search for survivors, while Christ Community Hospital and other institutions treated more than 400 injured people. The immense cleanup, which took weeks to complete, saw debris hauled out or disposed of in controlled fires. Despite the scope of the devastation, many of the affected structures were repaired or rebuilt within 12 months.
Joliet's Gerlach Barklow Calendar Company
Tim Smith
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
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.
Burr Ridge
Sharon L. Comstock
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
The Village of Burr Ridge is aptly named--and not merely for the bur oaks, nor the limestone ridges as the land nears Flagg Creek. Before there was Burr Ridge, frontier German, English, French, Scottish, and Native Americans came to these forests. The Plainfield and Joliet trails were early Native American and frontier routes to and from trading posts, and oral histories recount the Potawatomi stopping near what would become County Line Road. The angled routes of Plainfield Road and Historic Route 66 are silent reminders of these past trails and travelers. In 1917, International Harvester Company opened a research facility along County Line and Plainfield Roads to perfect agricultural equipment, namely the iconic Farmall tractor. This inspired the namesake village, Harvester, in 1956, which was renamed Burr Ridge in 1962. The modern Illinois Interstates 55 and 294 intersect near Burr Ridge, spurring growth. Today, the village has the distinction of being one of the wealthiest communities in the United States.
Chicago: Unforgettable Vintage Images of an All-America City
Richard Chizmar
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,5(2)Tarief
The book showcases a captivating collection of vintage photographs that capture the essence of an iconic American city. Through stunning visuals, readers can explore the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural moments, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Each image tells a unique story, reflecting the city's evolution and the lives of its residents over the years. This visual journey celebrates the charm and character of the city, making it a must-have for history enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.
Germantown
Mary Jensen Parrent
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Germantown is a unique community located 40 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. It has a single Catholic church as its center and a rich German heritage. This is a pictorial history of the settlement that grew out of a desire for worship. The first German settlers came to Shoal Creek in 1833 and worshipped in a small house that contained neither benches nor chairs and had a split oak bench supported by four props that served as the communion rail. In 1837, the German homesteaders bought several tracts of land and reserved the ground in the center as church property. Preparations for the present stone building took two years, and it was completed in 1854. At that time, St. Boniface Catholic Church was the largest church in the state of Illinois. It is still referred to as the mother church of Clinton County.
Madison County
Mary T. Westerhold
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
On September 14, 1812, territorial governor Ninian Edwards set aside the third county of the Illinois Territory and named it Madison for his friend Pres. James Madison. The boundaries of the newly created Madison County extended from its current southern border to the northern border of the Illinois territory and from the Wabash River on the east to the Mississippi River on the west. There were only a few settlements, and the daily life of the early pioneers consisted of the hard work required to survive. But the settlers did survive, and the county grew in population while shrinking to its current geographical size. Small settlements became thriving communities, such as Edwardsville, Alton, Collinsville, Highland, Granite City, and many others. In 200 years, the county has moved from an economy based almost completely on agriculture to one that has included railroads, flour mills, coal mines, steel mills, and oil refineries.
Mundelein
Shawn P. Killackey
127bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,5(2)Tarief
Tucked away in the northeastern part of Illinois, just north of Chicago, is the village of Mundelein. Starting out in the mid-1800s as unsettled and unincorporated areas of land, this little village continued to form and grow throughout the years with many settlers, pioneers, and entrepreneurs who wanted to bring their ideas and dreams to this area, from Samuel Insull extending the Chicago-Milwaukee railroad into the community to Card. George Mundelein creating and constructing the St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, which brought half a million people on one day to gather in this unknown village. In turn, the village was named in the cardinal's honor and since its settlement has gone from a population of 500 to over 30,000.
Chicago's Classical Architecture: The Legacy of the White City
David Lee Stone
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,9(24)Tarief
Chicago's architectural landscape has been profoundly shaped by classical architecture, particularly since the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, which showcased the stunning Beaux-Arts style. This event, often referred to as the creation of the "White City," marked a pivotal moment in the city's aesthetic evolution. Following the exposition, Daniel Burnham's "Plan of Chicago" further promoted classical design, influencing not only local architecture but also setting trends across the United States.
Plainfield
Tim Smith
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
5,0(1)Tarief
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.
Park Ridge
David Barnes
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,6(8)Tarief
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century immigration, the narrative explores the evolution of a community from Pennyville to Brickton, and finally to Park Ridge. The village's name reflects its scenic environment and a historical misconception about its geography. Highlighting notable residents like Hillary Clinton and Harrison Ford, the book chronicles the area's rich history and cultural transformations, with a focus on landmarks such as the art deco Pickwick Theater, illustrating the vibrant changes in downtown Park Ridge over the years.
Chicago's 1933-34 World's Fair: A Century of Progress
Bill Cotter
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
It took six years and cost $100 million, but on May 27, 1933, the gates swung open on the biggest birthday party the city of Chicago had ever seen. The Century of Progress Exposition, better known as the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair, commemorated the amazing progress that had been made since the founding of the city just 100 years earlier. Many of America's largest companies joined with countries from around the world to showcase their histories and advertise their newest products. The road to opening day was not an easy one, with the Great Depression making it look like the fair might never be built, but thousands of small investors stepped forward to help close the financial gap. The fair went on to an unprecedented second season, and when the gates finally closed after the last of the 39 million visitors went home, it had achieved something quite rare among world's fairs: earning a profit. This collection of rare photographs, previously unpublished, highlights the major attractions of the fair and the astonishing changes made between seasons.
Danville
Vermilion County Museum Society
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
A town transformed by the American railroad system, Danville, Illinois's rich history is displayed through a collection of images throughout the centuries. Named after early pioneer and fur trapper Dan Beckwith, Danville was a dream realized when the first town lots were auctioned on April 10, 1827. The town grew, especially after the iron horse made its way into the area. The railroad opened the doors to Danville's rich manufacturing potential, and the town expanded. Serving as the Vermilion County seat, Danville has undergone many changes in the last 70 years. Although the focus of its economy has changed, the days of General Motors, Chuckles, General Electric, and many more businesses and industries that provided work and brought people to the county linger in memory. Employment provided a rich and full life upon which the heritage of Danville was built.
Slovaks of Chicagoland
Robert M. Fasiang
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
1,5(2)Tarief
The story of Slovak Americans in Chicagoland is a tale of the American dream. In a few short years, emigrants from Slovakia with little to their names came to the United States and succeeded beyond their highest hopes. This fascinating story of "rags to riches" has been documented in historical photographs in Images of America: Slovaks of Chicagoland. Many Slovaks came to America with few assets, no more than a sixth-grade education, and no knowledge of the English language. They went to school and became naturalized citizens. Many took menial jobs in stockyards, steel mills, and oil refineries. They saved their money and opened grocery stores, banks, construction firms, and other businesses. Slovaks built beautiful churches, quality schools, and recreational facilities. They raised their families to be proud Americans and incorporated traditions from Slovakia into their daily lives, including the important role of religion.
Chicago's 1933-34 World's Fair
A Century of Progress
Bill Cotter
130bladzijden
5 uur lezen
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair celebrated a century of progress in the city. It featured participation from major American companies and international countries, showcasing innovations and histories. Despite initial financial struggles, small investors helped bring the fair to life, which ultimately attracted 39 million visitors and turned a profit. This book includes a collection of rare and previously unpublished photographs that capture the fair's major attractions and the transformations that occurred between its two seasons.
Chicago Outfit
Ilpo Koskinen
No business, legitimate or otherwise, has had a more raucous influence on the history of a city than that of the Outfit in Chicago. From the roots of organized crime in the late 19th century to the present day, The Chicago Outfit examines the evolution of the city's underworld, focusing on their business activities and leadership along with the violence and political protection they employed to become the most successful of the Cosa Nostra crime families. Through a vivid and visually stunning collection of images, many of which are published here for the first time, author John Binder tells the story of the people and places of the world of organized crime from a fresh and informed point of view.
Route 66 in Illinois
Joe Sonderman
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,0(8)Tarief
Between the great cities of Chicago and St. Louis, there are 300 miles of adventure, history, culinary delights, and quirky attractions. This is the "Land of Lincoln" and roadside giants. There are cozy motels, cozy diners, and Cozy Dogs. Interstate 55 will speed travelers to their destination, but Route 66 offers something more. It goes through the hearts of the towns, wandering onto old brick pavement far from the roar of the interstate. Historic restaurants like Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, the Palms Grill in Atlanta, and the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield still keep their coffee pots warm. Waitresses, pump jockeys, gangsters, cops, and politicians all gave the "Main Street of America" its distinctive personality, and their stories are within these pages. So slow down, take the next exit, and head toward the beckoning neon in the distance. Come explore Route 66 in Illinois--where the road began.
St. Charles: An Album from the Collection of the St. Charles Heritage Center
Wynette Edwards
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
3,2(5)Tarief
The book offers a visual exploration of St. Charles, highlighting its historical significance from the 1830s to the 1930s. It showcases the area’s role in the Civil War, including abolitionist activities and Camp Kane's training of Union soldiers. Through historic photographs, readers will experience the leisure activities along the Fox River and the growth of local industries, featuring companies like Cable Piano and Crown Electric. This collection captures the essence of the city's development and the people who shaped its history.
Leclaire
Cindy Reinhardt
128bladzijden
5 uur lezen
4,0(1)Tarief
The Village of Leclaire was founded in 1890 as an experiment in cooperative living by St. Louis manufacturer N. O. Nelson. Small Victorian cottages with electric lights and running water were built by Nelson's company and sold at near cost to promote home ownership. The innovative Leclaire factory buildings were described by reporter Nellie Bly as the "ideal perfection of buildings for man to labor in," and workers were eligible for pension and profit-sharing opportunities. An educational building and clubhouse provided venues for a variety of programs including a kindergarten, guest speakers, social clubs, and concerts. A baseball diamond, bowling alley, and boating lake were also available to residents. Nelson believed that conflicts between labor and capital could be resolved if his workers' lives were fulfilling. His "company town" was nationally known for placing the welfare of his workers in high regard.