As an introduction, let me say that I've lived a rich full life (I'm 68) and I've documented it very prolifically (sp?), so anything I write here is more in the line of continuing a pattern, than starting a brand new media splash. My pattern is like this: I'm informal; I say what's on my mind; I try to keep it interesting; and if it works for me (more so than for others), I keep it going. In other words I'm not out for success (readership) so much as just free expression and the open documentation of live history.
I moved my family from New Mexico to Galesburg this summer, and we've landed in a fine old house on North Broad where, once you get to know me, you're more than welcome to stop by. Our reasons for this are many: kids dropped out of schools in rural mountain New Mexico; there's family here; we're both familiar with Illinois. In short though we are new to Galesburg, we're not new to Illinois. Our oldest of four dogs has come back to the state where she was born. The oldest of our kids at home (numbers eight, nine and ten) has done the same, returned to the state of his birth.
The first thing I notice about Galesburg is the trains. They block you no matter where you go. And I tend to like that, being retired, and loving having a little graffiti break up a mundane day. I always read the graffiti on the train cars. It's like art intruding into an otherwise mundane driving experience. Chambers Street is the best. When you're stuck there, you have just the neighborhoods, and the endless train.
Other things about the Midwest, I'd really missed. In short, I am seeing old Illinois in a new light. I'll try to document that here. This is one person's view of Galesburg, an old town seen with fresh eyes. Hope you enjoy it!
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