Illinois

Riverside Fish Co. - East Peoria, Illinois (1939)

Riverside Fish Co. - East Peoria, Illinois (1939)

A beautiful 1939 old times story photo outside the Riverside Fish Co. of East Peoria, Illinois.

Arthur Sears (1900-1964), The Blackhawk Restaurant, and The Spinning Salad Bowl (Chicago, 1950s)

Arthur Sears (1900-1964), The Blackhawk Restaurant, and The Spinning Salad Bowl (Chicago, 1950s)

Learning about where your family ate, drank, smoked, or celebrated can be as meaningful as knowing where they married, prayed, or were buried. My great grandfather, Arthur Bryan Myers Sears (1900-1965) dined at The Blackhawk Restaurant in Chicago, IL one 1950s evening with his colleagues. He likely had The Spinning Salad Bowl.

Pic of the Week (#141) - "Colorado's Pine and Silent Peak" (Postcard, 1918)

Pic of the Week (#141) - "Colorado's Pine and Silent Peak" (Postcard, 1918)

This delightful 1918 postcard depicts a picturesque Colorado mountain scene behind a forest of pine trees. Written from Hazel, to her Aunt in Illinois. Can you help us tell this story?

Pic of the Week (#134) - Dapper Derby Dans of Rockford, Illinois

Pic of the Week (#134) - Dapper Derby Dans of Rockford, Illinois

Here are six similarly aged and dressed men wearing Derby or Bowler type hats and dark overcoats. Who are they and what are their stories?

Pic of the Week (#132) - The Mona Lisa Smile of Laura Victoria Kallman (1875-1961)

Pic of the Week (#132) - The Mona Lisa Smile of Laura Victoria Kallman (1875-1961)

This late 1890s cabinet card from Sycamore, Illinois shows a beautiful young woman with a Mona Lisa smile and a stunning, soulful gaze. Can you help me find her story?

Pic of the Week (#103) - "Santa Claus came to you heavily loaded"

Pic of the Week (#103) - "Santa Claus came to you heavily loaded"

Postcard (1910): “Wish one and all a Happy New Year. Suppose Santa Claus came to you heavily loaded. Was very good to me. I am very busy now preparing to be bride-maid for a wedding. How are you standing this cold weather? Love to all. Anna L.”

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#95) - "We would sure have a high time" (Postcard, 1911)

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#95) - "We would sure have a high time" (Postcard, 1911)

This 1911 postcard is delightful for two reasons: the beautiful pastel drawing and the extremely legible handwriting. Can you help me tell the stories of Ida, Wilber, and Stella?

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#94) - Illinois Boy Charles Shauk Wears Unique Outfit

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#94) - Illinois Boy Charles Shauk Wears Unique Outfit

Illinois boy, Charles Shauk, wears a unique outfit. Can you help me tell his story?

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#80) - "A Line from West York"

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#80) - "A Line from West York"

In 1907 a mystery person sent a funny postcard to 13 year old Miss Lela Seiler of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Here is what is known of her story. What is left to learn?