The 16th annual Drivin’ the Dixie event on Saturday, June 17, marks the 102nd year of Dixie Highway, a major state thoroughfare and one of the nation’s early interstate highways. Drivers will take to Dixie Highway from Blue Island to Momence, stopping in Homewood and Flossmoor along the way.
Tag: History
Iwo Jima flag honors Marines’ sacrifice with signatures of survivors
John Beele’s signed commemorative World War II flag is destined for a museum, but he’s not ready to turn it over just yet. The flag has been signed by dozens of Iwo Jima veterans and by the Associated Press photographer who took the icon photo of the second flag raising[Read More…]
Washington Park afire
February marks the 40th anniversary of the largest fire in Homewood history. The fire destroyed the grandstand of Washington Park Racetrack, located on the west side of Halsted Street south of 175th Street. Older residents probably remember the track and that fateful day. Saturday, Feb. 5, 1977, was a quiet[Read More…]
Local residents witness Obama’s farewell
Editor’s note: When President Barack Obama gave his farewell address in Chicago on Jan. 10, a number of Homewood-Flossmoor residents were there for the historic occasion. The Chronicle asked them to share their observations and experiences. Cosme Rios II, Tamika Spicer-Britten and Destiny Watson provided the following insights. Cosme Rios IIUsually[Read More…]
Century-old Funk’s Hall hosted several firsts in Homewood
Funk’s Hall, on the right, as seen in the 1910s looking east on Ridge Road, then Main Street. (Photos courtesy of the Homewood Historical Society) Excitement is building in Homewood about the redevelopment of the south side of Ridge Road west of Martin Avenue, where a mixed-use, residential/business building[Read More…]
Campaigners: Four presidents have visited H-F area
The presidential election of 2016 is rapidly nearing an end. Although neither candidate has visited the Homewood-Flossmoor area this year, a number of presidential candidates, presidents and a former president have visited the area in the past.
Homewood’s Hobo Night returns Oct 8 with railroad stories and songs
The village of Homewood will host its annual Hobo Night event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Homewood Rail Park at Chestnut Road and Park Ave.
6. A brief history of the community’s investment in water
In the early 1980s, Homewood voters made a decision that directly affects the cost of water in Homewood and Flossmoor today: They decided to switch from well water to Lake Michigan water. The vote wasn’t even close. Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld said the referendum passed with 90 percent or more[Read More…]