Online Resources Reading Materials and Links
Disclaimer: I don't want to share things that might violate copyrights, so let's get it out of the way now that this is an educational site...
Content is either hosted directly by SouthCookExplore or linked to its original source.
SouthCookExplore Hosted Content
Historic Buildings in Worth - Created by the Worth Park District Historical Museum Association in 2001, and revised in 2007. Features backgrounds on historic homes in Worth.
The History of Worth, 1st edition - Written mid 60s or 70s?
The History of Worth, 2nd edition - Created by the Worth Park District Historical Museum & Historical Society in 2006. Features similar content to Images of America: Worth IL
SouthCookExplore in The Daily Southtown - Sept 19, 2022 by Paul Eisenberg
PDF Surveys and Digitized Books
Architectural Resources in the Lemont Historic District - 70+ pages of historic architecture in Lemont hosted by the City
Autobiography of Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard - Digitized Gurdon Hubbard autobiography hosted by The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal
Blue Island Story: 1835 - 1962 - Digitized Blue Island history book hosted by The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal
Downers Grove Historic Survey - 2013 survey of four areas in Downers Grove
Harvey History 1890 - 1962 - Digitized copy of History of Harvey, IL
History of Fairmont, IL - a 2012 PDF detailing the history of the unincorporated neighborhood near Lockport.
History of Will County, IL - a 1928 digitized publication detailing history throughout Will County
Illinois Preservation Series, Issue 21 - an undated newsletter focusing on Joliet-Lemont limestone
Joliet-Lemont Limestone - a 1998 publication by Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois detailing Chicagoland structures built from local dolomite limestone
Will County Rural Surveys by Township - Will County Historic Preservation Commission's PDF's on the 24 townships in Will County
Internet Links
Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Illinois - collection of photos and information on former airfields around Chicagoland
Chicago History in Postcards - The database of early to mid-20th century Chicagoland postcards
Clearinghouse Historic Aerial Photos - 1937-1947 aerial photos over all of Cook County
Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal - this site has everything ever. Just visit it.
DuPage County Historical Society - A fantastic resource for all things DuPage County
FRRANDP - Forgotten Railways, Roads and Places - all sorts of cool finds from old lines
IanHistor's Matteson Landmarks Guide - a 20 year old guide to historic locations around Matteson
Industrial History - Dennis is the resource for old photos and detailed information on the industrial Midwest
Matt's Old Mokena - Detailed information on old buildings and history in Mokena
Oak Forest Historical Places - The best resource online for all things Oak Forest
Rab City - local artist also on Instagram @RabCity
South Side Pod - Chicago's South Side Podcast
Thornton Distilling Co. - Located in the oldest-standing brewery in Illinois and built on top of a prehistoric artesian well, signing up for tours here is a must!
Educator links
Chicagoland High School Employment - For others seeking employment in a Chicagoland high school, this Google Sheet provides direct links to every non-CPS public high school district in Cook County, as well as DuPage and Will Counties. This saves an incredible amount of time seeking employment in regional schools by linking to the external candidates and posted positions page in all three counties.