Normal to begin lecture series to mark 150 years

Normal Theater
The Normal Theater is just one part of the the town’s long history. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Normal Theater)

By Terry James

NORMAL – The town of Normal has a long and storied history.

Normal is celebrating it’s 150th anniversary and the first of a seven part lecture series on the history of Normal starts Sunday. Lecturer Paul Holsinger said his lecture has something for even the most knowledgeable resident of Normal.

“People who have lived here their whole lives maybe want to refresh their minds or learn something new along the way,” said Holsinger.

The lecture is at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Normal Town Council chambers.

“Well I think anyone that wants to know why or what they were,” said Holsinger. “I think we are all products of where we live.”

Terry James can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…