Author: Tom
Wright Flyer III
The Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903 and that plane is in the Smithsonian. But the brothers said there was a much more important…
The Priest Who Went to the Supreme Court
Normally a priest’s words are to inspire the local congregation. In this case, the priest’s words sent him to jail and then to the U.S….
An Oath He Would Not Take
For many folks it seemed to be a good idea. Have people take an oath of allegiance to the nation. However, one man objected –…
Who Is the Author of the 13th Amendment?
On a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River you’ll find a bust of a U.S. Senator who authored one of the most important pieces of our…
John Brooks Henderson
There’s a good chance you’ve not heard of Senator John Brooks Henderson. On the surface he seemed an unlikely man to write legislation that would…
New Melleray’s Caskets
When people began attending funeral’s here, many had the exact same reaction. They mentioned that when they passed, they wanted a funeral just like that. …
New Melleray’s Timber Transformed
These men had about 3500 acres of farmland, pasture and timber. However, tilling the land they owned was becoming more difficult as they grew older. …
Monks of the Union Army
Who helped supply the Union army’s depot in Galena, IL during the Civil War? The monks at this abbey of course. Their work is why…
How a World Class Italian Restaurant Wound up in Rural Kansas
If you love Italian food perhaps you dream of a trip to Tuscany in Italy to savor the true tastes of that country. But if…
The Unique Route From Tuscany to Kansas
Nancy grew up in small town Kansas but had a desire to see the country and the world. For several years, her home town was…
