History

"Arlington, Illinois began as a hodgepodge of mercantile and service ventures straddling the tracks of the Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad. Today the village center has become a model for explosive growth and redevelopment studied by other towns across the United States. Through the medium of historic photographs, this book captures the evolution of Arlington Heights, from the mid-1800s to the present day."

"Glen Ellyn took its name from a Victorian real estate development whose massive promotional campaigns brought this unusually beautiful village to the attention of city dwellers eager to move their families away from the grimy, coal-fired environs of Chicago. Its story begins with hardy New Englanders who felled trees to build log cabins, broke the virgin prairie sod, and trapped wild game in the marshlands that would become greater Chicago, continuing through the radical changes that came with the railroad and the Civil War. From Potawatomi Indians and pioneers to an important Underground Railway station; from a luxurious lakeside health resort with a fabulous grand hotel to one of Chicago's premier suburban communities, 'Glen Ellyn' presents the village's rich history with evocative photographs from the collection of the Glen Ellyn Historical Society."

"The first Lake Forest Day in 1908 included a hot air balloon ascension, a cutest baby contest, a mind-reading dog, and a vaudeville show. Proceed from the event, organized by the Lake Forest Woman's Club, funded the Contagious Hospital, which eventually merged with the Lake Forest Hospital. American Legion Post 264 took over in 1921 and has maintained this extraordinary tradition ever since. The annual celebration has changed over the years to reflect local interests, national events and even cultural shifts. With the advent of World War II, the themes became patriotic, such as 'Home Defense,' 'Prelude to Victory,' and 'On to Tokyo.' Lake Forest Day, Lake Forest Day, held on the First Wednesday of August, continues to inspire civic pride. This book represents a fascinating look at Lake Forest in 1908 and the century thereafter, as parades, carnivals, and contests energized the community spirit."

Collection of poems from Columbia College students, political in theme, including samplings of non-student authors

"Fox Lake, nestled as it is in the heart of the chain, has been one of the Chicago area's favorite recreation destinations for over 100 years. Starting in the late 1800s, wealthy sportsmen constructed clubs that sparked an era often referred to as the 'resort heyday.' An explosion of resorts and cottages beckoned tourists to come to hunt, fish, enjoy nature's gifts, or be entertained. In 1910, the Chicago Tribune referred to the area as 'Vice Capital,' noting the openness of gambling, saloons, dance halls, and more. Through the magic of vintage postcards, some of the ghosts of the past are brought to life in this book - scenery, structures, boats, and people gone but not totally forgotten."

"Highland Park represents one of the finest examples of late 19th century suburban development. Its abundant natural beauty was quickly recognized and preserved by the visionary design of two well-known landscape architects, Horace W.S. Cleveland and William M.R. French. Capitalizing on the setting and boasting "good schools, good churches and good society," the Highland Park Building Company transformed the scenic village into one one of the most desirable communities on Chicago's North Shore, attracting socially prominent residents who built gracious lakefront estates and quiet country homes along its bluffs and shady lanes. Historic photographs illustrate the transformation from forest and farmland to a fashionable residential community and capture the social, civic, and business accomplishments of Highland Park's early citizens. The city's early progress and prosperity are celebrated in this book."

"The Waukegan Historical Society was founded in 1968 to help keep the city's history alive. Through numerous programs and presentations the society has provided a record of many of the contributors to Waukegan's growth and importance. Publication of a photo record seems like a natural continuation of this mission. The memorable images collected in "Waukegan, Illinois" are of those people and events that made the city great, and were selected from the society's archives. We hope that many memories may be sparked as one wanders through our collective past."

"The remarkable city of Naperville, Illinois, Illinois began as an agrarian community in the mid-1800s. The rich prairie filled the grain elevators and cattle were shipped to the Chicago "Yards." Through the medium of historic photographs, this book captures the evolution of the people of Naperville, from the mid-1800s to the present day."

"Schaumberg has come a long way over the years. Through a collection of over 200 vintage images, author Betsy Armistead highlights the remarkable contrasts between the community's rural past and dynamic present. Featuring images of of the village's founding fathers, land, and landmarks, "Schaumburg" chronicles the evolution and transformation of this unique community."

From Lumber Hookers to the Hooligan Fleet: A Treasury of Chicago Maritime History is a book retelling the history of Chicago through maritime actions.