The Half Century of Progress, which bills itself as the “premier vintage farm show in the U.S.,” celebrated its 10th anniversary Aug. 24-27 in Rantoul, at the former Chanute Air Force Base, now the Rantoul Municipal Airport. The event shows visitors “what farming was like 50 years ago.” The theme this year was “Heritage Tractors,” […]
Cindy Ladage
Posted inSpecial Issues
Financial independence for teens and young adults
It’s a fine line between knowing what is enough and what is too much financial help when it comes to teens and adult children. The hope is to raise strong, independent adults and the key may be instilling knowledge about finances, along with financial confidence. The Junior Achievement and Citizens Bank Teens and Personal […]
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HENRY FORD HISTORY
Henry Ford revolutionized both the automotive and the agricultural industry by producing affordable and reliable products for consumers. The Ford family is a piece of Americana and a part of that iconic history is going to be auctioned at Aumann Auctions Pre-’30 Auction on April 13. A hand-built 5/8 scale Fordson tractor commission by Henry […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ireland’s ambassador visits Mother Jones
On May 4, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall, visited the Mother Jones Monument in Mount Olive, where he met with Northern Illinois University Prof. Rosemary Feurer, director of the Mother Jones Heritage Project. Mulhull traveled to central Illinois with Brian O’Brien, Consul General of Ireland, whose office is in Chicago. The ambassador […]
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Visit “America’s Most Dangerous Woman”
It is not a new story, this struggle between laborers and owners/management. Mary Harris Jones, better known as Mother Jones, dedicated her life to better conditions for miners and an array of laborers. You can find out about her amazing legacy right here in central Illinois. The first stop for my friend Janna Seiz and […]
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Gifts to remember
It isn’t always about what you receive or how much money was spent, but about the memories attached to a gift that sometimes ranks it up there with gifts to remember. As the holidays approach it is fun to think back about what gifts might have made a lasting impression, and what gifts we can […]
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A second act as a tour guide
Timi’s Tours has become synonymous with quality travel and opportunities for seniors and travelers of all ages to see the sights of their dreams. Timi’s Tours has been providing trips officially since 2006 when they offered a trip to see Menopause the Musical. Timi Kaufman, owner and founder of Timi’s Tours, said, “The response was […]
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Tour historic Oakland Mansion
Historic houses happen to be one of my favorite things, so when I heard about the beautiful Oakland Mansion in St. Louis, I headed out with Annie Jansen and her sister, Joanie, to check it out. Charlie Brown, the president of the Affton Historical Society said Oakland House was built in 1853-1854 by Louis A. […]
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Farm history at Ryan’s Round Barn
One of the loveliest places I’ve been in some time is Ryan’s Round Barn. Located six miles from Kewanee on Route 78, the barn is about two hours north of Springfield, near the entrance to Johnson’s Sauk Trail State Recreation Area. It’s a surprise in the midst of an Illinois state park. The park offers […]
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A chance to step back in time
Sappington House is a brick structure that takes the visitor back in time. PHOTO BY CINDY LADAGE My friend and I seized on a chance to go to the beautiful Thomas Sappington House in St. Louis for a meal and tour. The Barn restaurant outside of the house is a combination gift shop and tea […]
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For shops, food and fun, visit Kimmswick, Missouri
One of the historic log homes brought in. PHOTOS BY CIDY LADAGE To get away for the day, consider a jaunt just a couple hours south of Springfield to Kimmswick, Missouri. This historic town offers everything for a girl’s day out or a couple’s daycation. There is a great restaurant, fun shops, history and an […]
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The charms of St. Charles and Batavia
Mary Todd Lincoln’s bed at the Batavia Depot Museum. PHOTO BY CINDY LADAGE When thinking of heading north, often we think of Chicago. The suburbs get lost in the plans. A recent trip reminded me that there is a lot of beauty and history outside the urban sprawl. This fall, when the leaves are turning, […]
