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…]
Tag: Homewood history
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…]
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…]
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…]
Advertisement
Newsletter
