Roadside History of Illinois

Book excerpt: Stan Banash has diligently recorded Illinois' rich history.... A unique guide to Illinois and its history as America's crossroads and the home of Abraham Lincoln. There is a vital need for a new "biography" of the Land of Lincoln. Stan Banash of Chicago has masterfully supplied that need through years of research. ... Mr. Banash writes with a keen sense of style and verve, making for an enjoyable and informative read. This large volume is a most welcomed addition to history bookshelves, far and wide. Did you know that Chicago was named for a wild onion? Or that the only president born in Illinois was Ronald Reagan? Or that the Ferris Wheel, processed cheese, the game of softball, the fly swatter, and the automatic dishwasher were all invented by Illinoisans? You'll find these stories and hundreds more in Roadside History of Illinois, an entertaining and revealing tour of the Prairie State's historical places. Book jacket.