Calumet Country Club clubhouse as it appeared in 1917, when the club relocated to Homewood.
Tag: Homewood history
Fatal accidents spurred railroad to build Dixie Highway viaduct
Deadly traffic accidents in the early years of the last century served as the catalyst for the decision to eliminate all grade rail crossings along the Illinois Central line between downtown Chicago and Matteson-Richton.
Homewood celebrates the season with two events, more art and artisans
Homewood’s holiday celebration will offer a pair of opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate the season.Holiday Lights festivities will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, and Miracle on Martin Avenue will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15.
Brawls, bucket brigades showed need for police, fire services
The village of Homewood is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its incorporation this year. This is the third in a series of articles that shed a little light on life and times in the village’s early years. In this article, local historician Jim Wright looks at the founding of the[Read More…]
Homewood’s early years: The village begins to grow up
After Homewood was incorporated in February 1893, the village board debated for months on the details of construction of a village hall. There was little debate, however, when it came to the question of sidewalks and other improvements.
Feb. 11 is 125th anniversary of Homewood’s incorporation
Although settled in the 1830’s, it took almost 60 years for the area that would eventually become Homewood to officially form a village government. That milestone was reached on Feb. 11, 1893, and so Homewood is celebrating its 125th birthday this year.
New photo history of Homewood goes on sale
Homewood historian Jim Wright’s latest book, “Homewood,” went on sale Friday, Dec. 1, at several sites in the village, and the timing was not accidental. Wright said he hopes holiday shopping helps boost sales, but the book also arrived just a few weeks before Homewood’s 125th anniversary year begins.
Homewood was part of historic nuclear confrontation
“Thirteen Days in October,” a 2000 Kevin Costner movie, chronicled the events in the Kennedy White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. During the “thirteen days,” Oct. 16-28, 1962, the world came as close to the brink of nuclear war as anytime before or since. Tensions were high throughout the[Read More…]
Homewood’s Miller was the ‘Edison’ of roller coasters
John A. Miller is renowned in the amusement ride industry as the “Thomas Edison” of roller coasters and is widely considered as the “father of the modern high-speed roller coaster.” Miller, a lifelong resident of Homewood, participated in the design of approximately 140 roller coasters and patented more than 100[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…]