Bill Kemp

This book was a joy to read from cover to cover. It features 75 columns written for the Bloomington (Illinois) Pantagraph newspaper, by Bill Kemp who is the Librarian for the McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, Illinois. Each column takes up two pages in the book and includes a black & white photo or sketch, most from the McLean County Museum of History or from the files of the Bloomington Pantagraph.

The author selected an excellent cross section of articles for the book, all from The Pantagraph reading area, and although he had no goal to include a connection to my Stone-Campbell religious heritage, here are several that are known to me:

Edwin W. Bakewell, bother-in-law of Alexander Campbell, is mentioned in “Landscape-altering prairie fires sparked fear, awe among settlers” (pp. 10-11). Bakewell moved to North Bloomington (now Normal) in 1846, the year of the fire described in the article.

Major's Hall, owned by William T. Major, founder of First Christian Church, Bloomington, is mentioned and illustrated in “'Lost Speech' high water mark for Lincoln in Bloomington” (pp. 30-31. Major's Hall was the site of Lincoln's speech on May 29, 1856. The Hall was eventually razed for a parking lot.

Pvt. Albert D.J. Cashier, caretaker of the Christian Church, Saunemin, Illinois, is featured in “Civil War's Pvt. Cashier maintained secret – 'he' was a woman!” (pp. 38-39). Cashier's photo accompanies the article.

George Hoagland, minister of Second Christian Church, Normal, Illinois, is featured in “George Hoagland spread the Gospel through Oil of Gladness” (pp. 90-91). Hoagland was an African American and founder of a cleaning supply business that sold products across the nation. He also helped establish Third Christian Church in Bloomington in 1901. Both churches have long closed.

Sid Smith, member of First Christian Church, Bloomington, is featured in “Million-dollar cartoonist Sid Smith got start in Bloomington” (pp. 116-117). Smith is famous for the cartoon he created in 1917, “The Gumps” which netted him a 10-year $1 million contract with the Chicago Tribune. Smith died in an automobile accident in 1935.

Rachel Crothers (1878-1958), member of First Christian Church, Bloomington, is featured in “Bloomington playwright Rachel Crothers once toast of Broadway” (pp. 120-121). Over a four decade span, Miss Crothers had 24 full-length plays run on Broadway.

Murray's Hobbyland, owned by Merle and Donna Murray, members of First Christian Church, Bloomington, is mentioned in “Downtown Bloomington offered Christmas cheer to downtown shoppers1950s (pp. 146-147).

While the book is not a religious document, I appreciate the references to persons of notoriety who are associated with my Stone-Campbell religious heritage. There may be others that I missed.

The book also includes an excellent index!

Persons who enjoy history and are from The Pantagraph circulation area are likely to enjoy this book. I surely did. Copies are available for purchase from the McLean County Museum of History.… (mere)