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In This Issue
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Canal Corridor Association is a membership organization that preserves history, protects nature and open space, and creates destinations where people can learn and have fun in the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, from Lake Michigan in Chicago to the Illinois River in LaSalle/Peru. It enhances, raises awareness of and expands the parks, trails, landscape and historic sites that make the I&M Canal region a special place. CCA manages the Gaylord Building, a National Trust Historic Site, in Lockport, Illinois. One of the oldest industrial buildings in the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, the Gaylord Building is a model of adaptive reuse, featuring the Public Landing restaurant, canal exhibits and more. |
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CCA President's Note
No news is not necessarily good news. The Senate has not yet passed legislation re-authorizing the I&M Canal Corridor. Congress adjourns tomorrow for the November elections, so time is tight. If the Senate does not act by end of day tomorrow, we’ll set our sights on mid-November, when Congress reconvenes.
Back in the corridor, be sure to take a look (below) at all the exciting fall events Mark Harmon, the Gaylord Building’s new site director, has planned. There’s the tried and true Dinner and a Lecture series and a variety of new offerings.
Speaking of events, be sure to mark February 21st on your calendar. The 2007 Boat Captain’s Award luncheon, honoring early heritage corridor advocate Judith Stockdale, is set for that day. Watch for a save-the-date card in the mail.
Lastly, I am sad to report that a founding board member of Canal Corridor Association has passed away. Brooks McCormick was so generous with his time and resources in helping to establish what are now CCA and the I&M Canal Corridor. Please take a moment to read below about his many contributions.
Ana B. Koval President & CEO Canal Fact The explorer LaSalle found numerous bison on the prairie near Morris in 1680. Bison disappeared east of the Mississippi River around 1800. A Tribute to Brooks McCormick
He was quiet about his philanthropy. His impact was anything but.
From the I&M Canal Corridor to the Chicago region, to the nation and world, Brooks McCormick, who passed away last month, left a global legacy.
Mr. McCormick’s quiet generosity helped lead to creation of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, covering more than two million acres in Australia, including one of the rarest ecosystems in that country.
Closer to home, two natural areas in the I&M Canal Corridor owe their protection in large part to Mr. McCormick. An anonymous gift from Mr. McCormick to Openlands Project led to preservation of Goose Lake Prairie, the largest tallgrass prairie remnant east of the Mississippi River.
With Goose Lake Prairie, Mr. McCormick felt he was able to help bring prairie back to the Prairie State. This was particularly important to him since his great-granduncle was Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the reaper, which Brooks McCormick felt was partly responsible for destroying the prairie.
Another of his anonymous gifts helped the Forest Preserve District of Will County acquire the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery, the largest heron rookery in northern Illinois. It is the only site in Illinois where five species of birds, one of which is state-endangered, nest together.
Mr. McCormick was the retired CEO of his family’s International Harvester when he learned of the idea to create a national heritage area along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He became an early and avid supporter, opening doors to the corporate community and providing critical financial support.
He was one of five founding board members of the Upper Illinois Valley Association, which later became Canal Corridor Association. He was active on the board for many years, remaining as an honorary board member until his death.
Brooks McCormick: Savvy business leader. Visionary philanthropist. Committed conservationist.
Gaylord Building Dinner/Lecture Series Begins Thursday October 5th
Topic: The De-Evolution of the Solider and its Effects on Others
The men and women who fought for American freedom in World War II came to be known as the “greatest generation,” but they carry the burden of their experiences with them to the death – a very real consequence that it true of any war and is well documented in the literature of the Second World War. Ray Elliott of the James Jones Literary Society takes a look at the immediate and lingering effects of war on those who fight them and on the loved ones left behind. The program is based on extensive literary research and interviews with World War II veterans, including anecdotal information about men who witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, flew the “Hump,” saw the flag raised on Iwo Jim, and experienced the horrors of war.
Dinner, provided by Public Landing Restaurant, includes your choice of Roast Loin of Pork or Salmon Fillet and for dessert, Decadent Chocolate Cake.
LOCATION: Gaylord Building (200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, Illinois) TIMES: Doors open at 6:00pm, Dinner at 6:45pm, Lecture at 7:45pm FEES: (reservations only) One Session: $26 for CCA member, $32 for non-member Package of Three Autumn Sessions: $70 for CCA Member, $85 for non-member
Don't Miss the following future programs! Thursday, November 9th - Generating Change: Windmills of the Midwest Thursday, December 7th - St. Nicholas and the Origins of Christmas Traditions
New!!! COLLECTOR’S BROWN BAG LUNCH - Gaylord Building
DESCRIPTION: Join CCA each month for the Collector’s Brown Bag Lunch, a brand new educational program that will explore the world of collecting. Each session will focus on a specific antique or contemporary collectible, including the history, preservation, and collecting methods. Visitors are welcome to bring-in their own items to be reviewed by the presenters. Because the programs are held at lunchtime, audience members are encouraged to bring their “brown bag” lunch.
Monday, October 16th - WWII U.S. Military - George Young of the WWII Historical Reenactment Society examines military collectibles from the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. LOCATION: Gaylord Building (200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, Illinois)
TIMES: 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 1:00 p.m. FEES: Single Session (at-the-door): $4 for CCA member, $6 for non-member Multi-session Fee (reservation package for three sessions): $10 for CCA member, $15 for non-member
Future Brown Bag Lunches Monday, November 20th - Windmills Monday, December 18th - Fishing Lures & Tackle
For additional information about these or future educational programs and family events, please contact Mark S. Harmon, Gaylord Building Historic Site Director, via 815.588.1100 (phone) or mharmon@canalcor.org (email).
Come Play VINTAGE BASE BALL!
Any adults who would actually like to try this living history sport should contact Mark Harmon at 815.588.1100. Period clothing is not required for first time players, so players just need to show up. Join the Lockport Sleepers today!
Sunday, October 1st Lockport Sleepers vs. Downers Grove Plowboys
Sunday, October 8th Lockport Sleepers vs. Somonauk Blue Stockings
Sunday, October 15th Lockport Sleepers vs. Oregon Ganymedes
LOCATION: Dellwood Park (Rt. 171/State Street and Woods Drive, Lockport, Illinois) TIMES: 1:00 p.m. FEES: Free for everyone!
Gaylord Building Volunteers Needed
Do you like to see smiles on children’s faces? Do you like to hear people laugh? Do you like to tell stories? Do you like to help others? Can you spare a few hours each week or each month? If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, Canal Corridor Association needs you! We are seeking adult volunteers to fulfill needs at the Gaylord Building. Volunteers are vital to the historic 1837 structure’s activities. Tasks can include greeting visitors, guiding group tours, assisting family events, presenting educational programs, aiding exhibition development, gardening, or maintaining the historic structure. The choice it yours! The primary characteristic of a volunteer is a willingness to share knowledge, talent, and time with others. If you are eighteen years or older and are interested in learning more about volunteering, please contact Mark Harmon, Gaylord Building Site Director at 815.588.1100.
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Upcoming Events
Here is a sampling of events happening in the corridor. For a more complete listing of events, click here to visit the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitor Bureau's website. Don't see your event listed here? Please send it to enews@canalcor.org.
Enjoy all of the events in Morris during this annual festival.
September 30 Prairie People Workday - National Public Lands Day Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve FPDWC 8:00 AM Volunteer and help improve natural areas. The Forest Preserve will provide water, tools, and plenty of good conversation. Dress for the weather and outdoor work. You might want to bring a snack and a beverage. Youth groups of 10 or more must have one adult for every five children and pre-register to ensure safety for all and enough equipment for everyone. Workdays are held out-of-doors with rugged terrain and unlevel ground. Meet in the west parking lot of the Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. Enjoy a hike at the conclusion of the workday. For more information call 815.727.8700
September-October Downtown Ottawa Farmers’ Market Every Saturday from 8 am to 12:30 pm on Jackson Street just south of Washington Square Park
Saturday Mornings in October Chicago Portage National Historic Site Tour the same ground walked upon by all the explorers, early settlers and creators of Chicago; the connection between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico by linking Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River discovered by Marquette and Joliet; the site where the idea for the I&M Canal began. Guided tours start at 10:00am. The site is located on the west side of Harlem Avenue, 2 blocks north of Interstate 55. For more information call Gary Mechanic at 773-590-0710
Saturday Evenings in October Starved Rock Lodge Join Trish Kelly around the fire pit on our Pool Patio as she shares Irish Tales, animal related stories and a ghost story or two for all ages. Roast hot dogs and smores around the fire pit. Programs are from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
Saturday, October 7, 2006 October 7 & 8, 2006 33rd Annual Historic Pullman House Tour Homes Open 11:00am to 5:00 pm, Tour starts at the Pullman Visitor Center, 11141 Cottage Grove Avenue. Tickets are $15 in advance by Oct. 5th, $18 at the door. For more information call 773-785-8901.
October 8, 2006
October 10 & 11, 2006
October 11, 2006 "True Ghost Stories of Chicago" by Chicago's Ghost Hunter, Richard Crowe. Discover Chicagoland legends, folklore and history with a special paranormal twist. This is a one hour fully slide-illustrated armchair tour of Chicago's most haunted locations. Program begins at 7:00 pm. Worth Park District Historical Museum, 11500 Beloit, Worth
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Saturday, October 28th, 2006 November 6, 2006 Carbon Hill Historical Society Annual Meeting - 6:00pm Call 815-634-4213 for more information
November 18 & 19, 2006
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Are
you a fan of the 18 karat? Then come yell HUZZAH!
as the hands of the Lockport Sleepers bring back the
national pastime as it was originally played before the
American Civil War. Watch the hurler as he
juggles the spheroid to the behind, hoping the
striker doesn’t hit the apple out of the orchard!
What is this? This is Vintage Base Ball! Players use
period equipment, which does not include gloves; follow 1858
rules like no automatic homeruns; wear historical clothing;
and speak with mid-1800s words and phrases like those
above. 