HM History Vault
Before Barbie: Local museum showcases the world of toys before Mattel-mania
By Anna Hughes When the Barbie movie came out last year, it took the world by storm. When the Barbie doll came out, it had the exact same effect. And then some. Barbie’s release by Mattel in 1959 was revolutionary in the world of toys. Although “fashion dolls” were popularized in the mid-19th century, Barbie…
Read MoreResurrecting Mary: Chicago’s most famous ghost-in-residence
By Maureen Callahan Legends. Every corner of the world has them. Local lore is part of a location’s identity. One dyed-in-the-wool staple of this area is the story of a young girl on her way home from an evening ball. Since the Roaring Twenties, Resurrection Mary has managed to elude dance hall patrons and cab…
Read MoreClarendon Hills Centennial Celebration
Clarendon Hills puts history front and center By Chuck Fieldman In his own way, Chuck Brand has been a part of Clarendon Hills’ history for many years as the village celebrates its Centennial in 2024. Brand has lived in Clarendon Hills for 68 of his nearly 70 years and has been involved with the village’s…
Read MoreVisit Normandy
A calm escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris By Maureen Callahan In the wake of this summer’s 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s all eyes on Normandy. And while history is around every corner here, this gem of a region is known for more than its museums and memorials. It is one of France’s…
Read MoreOut of the ashes: Six and a half decades later, Chicagoans still commemorate Our Lady of the Angels school fire
By Maureen Callahan The first day of December ushers in the holiday season. It’s a promise of happiness and celebration. But it’s also the day that Chicagoans pause to honor the memory of 92 children and three nuns who perished in a fire at Our Lady of the Angels School (OLAS) on the city’s near…
Read MoreRudy! – 30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation
By Maureen Callahan Everybody loves an underdog. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is one of the most memorable in the history of film. Thirty years ago, audiences watched him muscle his way into one of the country’s most selective institutions, the University of Notre Dame (UND). This non-scholar of less athletic ability than his teammates worked harder…
Read MoreHome & Design: A Slice of Americana
Sears Homes offer a glimpse of a past that will stand well into the future By Maureen Callahan | Photos by 726 Visuals Instead of looking online or working with a realtor to find your ideal home, imagine being able to order it from a catalog. Choose the number of bedrooms, room dimensions and finishes…
Read MoreBringing History to Life
The Oak Brook Heritage Center offers a glimpse into the past By Larry Atseff From a charming 1920s old schoolhouse at Spring Road and 31st Street in Oak Brook, the Village’s rich history has flowered into what it is today: The Oak Brook Heritage Center. The brick Revival Georgian Style building stands next to the…
Read MoreCelebrating Hinsdale’s 150th Anniversary in 2023
Chronicled by The Hinsdale Historical Society By HM Staff For many reasons, we enjoy neatly laid out streets as originally platted out and the historic downtown district of Hinsdale. Even the street names are preserved; the names of trees intersect the names of those who founded this country. At 150 years, it is worth pausing…
Read MoreFreddy Jones
Thirty years later, Marty Lloyd still takes the time to daydream By Maureen Callahan Thirty years ago, midwestern roots rock group Freddy Jones Band (FJB) appeared on the local music scene. Their folks/blues-influenced sound was unique; their lyrics largely based on their own life experiences. Originally from South Bend, IN, they quickly captured the ear…
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