CICERO : THE FIRST SUBURB WEST
Images of America Series
by Betty Carlson Kay
If you or your family originated in Cicero, Illinois and its vicinity, you will be enthralled by the volumes of historical photographs in and around Cicero. The memories will flow back as thick as Czech houska from the bakery. Of particular note are the chapters on the Western Electric Hawthorne Works and the Eastland Disaster.

The Eastland Memorial Society was proud to assist in the development of this book, and would like to thank the author for her extraordinary efforts.

You can order this book from Amazon for $18.99.
Paperback - 128 pages (November 2000) Arcadia; ISBN: 0738507865

ILLINOIS FROM A TO Z
by Betty Carlson Kay
Looking for a quick way to introduce the wonders of the state that produced our most well-known and beloved president? Illinois From A to Z is the way to do it. Covering the state from all directions, Betty Carlson Kay shows off the state of Illinois in all of its glorious dimensions. There is more to the Prairie State than the adult home of Abraham Lincoln, and you will appreciate why he chose to make his home and career here, in addition to seeing how the state has grown and matured into a figure for world attention. Children of all ages with a healthy curiosity will be captivated by the creative format and information. If you are a teacher, this book is a must for your bookshelves if you teach primary grades in the state of Illinois.

This book is also dedicated to the Eastland Disaster.

You can order this book from Amazon for $13.96.
Hardcover - 80 pages (October 2000) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Univ of Illinois Pr (Trd); ISBN: 0252025407

MARITIME CHICAGO
Images of America Series
by Theodore J. Karamaski and Deane Tank, Sr.
Thoughtfully researched, this book combines a magnificent display of rare photo's of Chicago's boating, life saving stations, lighthouses, yachting and lakefront transformations. A few special sections include the Eastland disaster, the naval training history off Chicago's lake front and includes aircraft carrier training photo's. Each photo is defined in detail. This is a must read and view for anyone remotely in love with Chicago and/or it's maritime past.

Both authors are directors of the Chicago Maritime Society.
You can order this book from Amazon for $18.99.
Paperback - 128 pages (September 2000); Arcadia; ISBN: 073850761X

SCHOONER PASSAGE:
Sailing Ships and the Lake Michigan Frontier
Great Lakes Books
by Theodore J. Karamaski and Deane Tank, Sr.
Schooner Passage presents an intriguing look back into the cultural, sociological and economic contexts in which the Lake Michigan schooner trade existed. The history of lake schooners and their role in the development of commerce on Lake Michigan has received relatively little attention, making this book an important contribution to the Great Lakes maritime history genre. Drawing from primary archival and secondary research materials, Dr. Karamanski presents factual accounts from schooner captains, crews and passengers to cast light on the circumstances and conditions that characterized the schooner era on Lake Michigan. The book begins with the pioneering days of the late 1700s and describes Lake Michigan's wind-borne commerce well into the 20th century.

This book is an excellent book for any reader wishing to acquaint themselves with the history of sailing ships and 19th century commerce on the Great Lakes. The book presents enough detail to be of interest to the serious Great Lakes maritime historian, while giving a high enough overview to be accessible by the casual enthusiast.

Both authors are directors of the Chicago Maritime Society.
You can order this book from Amazon for $34.95.
Hardcover - 262 pages (February 2001) Wayne State Univ Pr (T); ISBN: 081432911X
Review excerpt by Brendon Baillod - Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation - Milwaukee, WI