First of two parts “To be what we are and to become what we are capable of becoming.” —Robert Louis Stevenson It all begins at the beginning. Faneuil Hall, facing Congress Street, was erected in 1742, the gift of wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil. He wanted the building to be a
October 25 During the Battle of the Leyte Gulf, during World War II, the Japanese deploy kamikaze (divine wind) suicide bombers against American warships for the first time. During the war more than 1,321 Japanese aircraft crash-dived their planes into Allied warships. Approximately 3,000 Americans and Brits died because of
First of two parts Stephen L. Carter, a bestselling author, delves into his past and discovers the inspiring story of his grandmother’s extraordinary life which he shares in his new edition entitled: “Invisible.” The following review was found on Amazon: Carter writes: “She was black and a woman and a
“Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in its steady pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded Time.” —Macbeth soliloquy Act 5 Scene 5, by William Shakespeare About 1450 BC, the sundial came into existence. After observing the natural rhythm of daylight and darkness, civilizations looked for
Marmion Academy’s Flannigan Rifles four man tandem drill team demonstrates its skills at the Kiwanis Club of Aurora meeting Tuesday at the Prisco Center in Aurora. Marmion Academy is a Catholic-Benedictine college preparatory high school for young men. The Marmion drill team, in its 71st year, officially was formed in
October 18 The U.S. formally takes possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 Million, or less than 2¢ an acre. The Alaska purchase comprised 586,412 square miles, about twice the size of Texas. – 1867. Only one year after Spain granted Puerto Rico self-rule, American troops
A Mayoral Commendation surprises Diane Renner, executive director of the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, at the Aurora City Council meeting Tuesday. She was expecting to speak about future events and was blindsided with the honor. Diane’s husband, Robin, gives her a pat on the back for her good deeds. Second
While cleaning out book shelves and taking books to resale, I came across the Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia year books I had forgotten were in my possession. Remember when our information came from such encyclopedias? I remember sitting in the library carels at Illinois State University in Normal, on a
The Aurora Historical Society is offering a local-themed clothing patch for veterans and their supporters. The patch features Andy Aurora, the 1964 brand image for the city, decked out in camouflage instead of his signature red color, and proclaiming “I’m a vet from Aurora, Illinois and proud of it!” The
A youngster looks at an old panel of administration Saturday at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum 50-year celebration. Notice the dial telephone, another item of the past. Carter Crane/The Voice
By John Montesano – The Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club has named Tom Mlynek the October Veteran of the Month. He was born April 24, 1947 in Chicago. He grew up in McKinley Park, was graduated from Holy Trinity High School, and earned an associates degree at Wright Junior College.
October 11 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter wins the Nobel Peace Prize “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” – 2002. October 12 After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum will be host to a Community Hero Day and Touch-a-Truck event Saturday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This event is free and will activities including a touch-a-truck, pop-up shops, and free fire truck rides. Families will have an opportunity to take a
“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” —Vincent Van Gogh You will have the pleasure of reading about Davenport, Iowa, and its history and attractions. On a recent book tour, I met with the mayor of Davenport, Frank J. Klipsch, who is on
While reading the column by The Chas (Charles Coddington) in the September 27 issue of The Voice (click here for article) about his early fascination with trains, it got me thinking about some broccoli I ate last night. No. I did think about it, but that’s not what I’m referring
Ron Janusz, president, and Melinda Kruder, vice president of Support Companies, LLC, present information at the Rotary Club of Aurora meeting Monday at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. They shared an update about the former Aurora Public Library building at 1 E. Benton Street in downtown Aurora which is home
October 4 Sculpting begins on the face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota, which is completed 12 years later. – 1927 Thirty-seven striking black Louisiana sugar workers are murdered when Louisiana militia, aided by bands of so-called prominent citizens, shoot unarmed workers trying to
Cocktails with Mamie will be a chance to meet Mamie Eisenhower who will be in Aurora on a mission for Ike’s presidential re-election in 1956. This is will be a chance to rub elbows with the country club set of the era, and have a Pink Squirrel cocktail with the
The city proper of Limoges, France was founded by the Romans around 10 B.C.. In the oceanic climate, where the porcelain industry developed, the birth of Pierre-Auguste Renoir February 25, 1841, was filed in the record books. His father, Leonard Renoir, was a tailor of modest means. In 1844 the
Trains have fascinated me since childhood. Perhaps the fascination was a part of my genetic code. My paternal grandfather, Charles James Coddington, 1879-1926, whom I never knew, was a railway express clerk; my maternal grandfather, William C. Watson, 1898-1982, worked for the CB & Q all his life. But the
