Recent Posts
West of the Mississippi to Illinois
Today we head west of the Mississippi River to the state of Illinois. Yes, that is correct…we’re heading west across the great river to the…
Liberty Bell of the West
The Liberty Bell tolled for freedom in Philadelphia…or was it really in the state of Illinois. The surprising answer to that question can be found…
The Mighty Kaskaskia, Illinois
Roll back the clock 250 years and this city’s population might rival some of the largest towns on the east coast…yet it was in the…
The Historic Trees of Hero’s Park
Many towns have memorials to veterans. So, at first glance, the memorial in Carrollton, Missouri, while nice, may seem like a lot of others in…
Surviving the Rescue Attempt
American troops had finally made it to Manilla and were attempting to free POWs like Tom Crosby. Just when things seemed hopeful, the tables turned…
December 7th in Manilla
Life was good for eight year old Tom Crosby, an American living in Manilla in 1941. Then December 7th came, and his life changed forever. …
The Making of a Real-Life Superhero
There was no stunt he wouldn’t consider. And because of his daredevil nature, some have called him the first, real-life superhero. After all, he was…
Jumping the Grand Canyon?
There was always something new he just had to try. Something different that would excite and audience and bring out a crowd. For years it…
Evel, Not Evil
It all began with a motorcycle jump in a local parade that went awry. Soon snakes were slithering towards spectators and a mountain lion was…
No Man’s Land
It’s the only county in the nation that border’s five different states. Some have called it “No Man’s Land” but I found it to be…