Books by Midway Historians
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Now Arriving: Traveling To And From Chicago By Air - 90 Years Of Flight: Neal Samors and Christopher Lynch
"Now Arriving" debuts rare photos and stories of notable events and famous people as connected with Midway Airport or traveling through it. The book documents how Chicago developed into the crossroads of the world and a preeminent transportation hub of America. Order y our copy from Amazon or purchase it from your favorite bookseller.Also available from Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
"Now Arriving" debuts rare photos and stories of notable events and famous people as connected with Midway Airport or traveling through it. The book documents how Chicago developed into the crossroads of the world and a preeminent transportation hub of America. Order y our copy from Amazon or purchase it from your favorite bookseller.Also available from Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
Terminal Town: An Illustrated Guide to Chicago's Airports, Bus Depots, Train Stations, and Steamship Landings, 1939 - Present: Joe Schwieterman
Whether it's by road, rail, water, or sky, people come to Chicago. In droves. In waves of migration and immigration. For work and for play. But how do they get to Chicago? Terminal Town answers this question with a fast-moving history of Chicago’s many passenger transportation terminals. These have, for generations, served as defining features of the city’s cosmopolitan character. Showcasing great icons of transportation, including Chicago’s Union Station, Dearborn Station, and Midway and O’Hare airports, as well as lesser-known and long-gone terminals throughout the metropolitan region, such as the downtown Greyhound and Trailways depots, Englewood Union Station, Meigs Field, and Winnetka Heliport, this book illustrates why the Windy City so richly deserves its reputation as America’s premier travel hub.
Featuring 48 stations and terminals through short narratives, 215 color photographs, and 20 custom maps, Terminal Town provides a fascinating portrait of the city’s famously complex and constantly changing transportation system. The final chapter looks ahead to seven possible “Terminals of the Future”, including the proposed airport at Peotone, high-speed rail terminal at O’Hare, and major modifications to Chicago Union Station, that could one day reshape travel in the region. You can purchase Terminal Town directly from Joe or at the Terminal Town website, as well as Amazon.com
Whether it's by road, rail, water, or sky, people come to Chicago. In droves. In waves of migration and immigration. For work and for play. But how do they get to Chicago? Terminal Town answers this question with a fast-moving history of Chicago’s many passenger transportation terminals. These have, for generations, served as defining features of the city’s cosmopolitan character. Showcasing great icons of transportation, including Chicago’s Union Station, Dearborn Station, and Midway and O’Hare airports, as well as lesser-known and long-gone terminals throughout the metropolitan region, such as the downtown Greyhound and Trailways depots, Englewood Union Station, Meigs Field, and Winnetka Heliport, this book illustrates why the Windy City so richly deserves its reputation as America’s premier travel hub.
Featuring 48 stations and terminals through short narratives, 215 color photographs, and 20 custom maps, Terminal Town provides a fascinating portrait of the city’s famously complex and constantly changing transportation system. The final chapter looks ahead to seven possible “Terminals of the Future”, including the proposed airport at Peotone, high-speed rail terminal at O’Hare, and major modifications to Chicago Union Station, that could one day reshape travel in the region. You can purchase Terminal Town directly from Joe or at the Terminal Town website, as well as Amazon.com
Beyond Burnham: An Illustrated History of Planning for the Chicago Region: Joseph J. Schwieterman and Alan P. Mammoser
Joe's first book, Beyond Burnham, provides a fascinating account of a century of visionary planning for metropolitan Chicago. From Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett's famed 1909 "Plan of Chicago" to the push for superhighways and airports to battles over urban sprawl, the book showcases an illustrated portrait of the big personalities and the 'big plans' they espoused. The human face of planning appears in the interplay between public officials and citizen advocates. Powerful institutions - the Chicago Plan Commission and Regional Transportation Authority, among others - emerge to promote metropolitan goals. Some efforts succeed while others fail, but the work of planners lives on in efforts to shape new visions for the region's future.
Joe's first book, Beyond Burnham, provides a fascinating account of a century of visionary planning for metropolitan Chicago. From Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett's famed 1909 "Plan of Chicago" to the push for superhighways and airports to battles over urban sprawl, the book showcases an illustrated portrait of the big personalities and the 'big plans' they espoused. The human face of planning appears in the interplay between public officials and citizen advocates. Powerful institutions - the Chicago Plan Commission and Regional Transportation Authority, among others - emerge to promote metropolitan goals. Some efforts succeed while others fail, but the work of planners lives on in efforts to shape new visions for the region's future.
Lost Airports of Chicago and Forgotten Chicago Airfields: Nick Selig
Fellow Midway Historian and our late friend, Nick Selig, wrote Lost Airports of Chicago and Forgotten Chicago Airfields. Belt into the right seat of Nick's Stinson 108 and fly back in time as he visits some of the most wonderful and fascinating places on earth — Chicago's lost airfields!
Fellow Midway Historian and our late friend, Nick Selig, wrote Lost Airports of Chicago and Forgotten Chicago Airfields. Belt into the right seat of Nick's Stinson 108 and fly back in time as he visits some of the most wonderful and fascinating places on earth — Chicago's lost airfields!
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So I Bought an Air Force: W. W. Martin
W. W. "Will" Martin's incredible new book, So I Bought an Air Force, is a must-read for every Midway enthusiast and lover of warbirds. Answering an ad in Trade-A-Plane, Will literally purchased the piston fleet of Nicaraguan strongman General Anastasio Somoza, in late-1965! But that's only the beginning. Will takes you on a journey from his youth to high advenure and harrowing exploits in Central America -- that sounds for all the world like a 1940s aviation adventure straight out of Hollywood. But every word is true, and you can't put this book down! Indeed, Warbirds of America's own Rick Siegfried says that Will's book is, "A true adventure most can only dream of."
W. W. "Will" Martin's incredible new book, So I Bought an Air Force, is a must-read for every Midway enthusiast and lover of warbirds. Answering an ad in Trade-A-Plane, Will literally purchased the piston fleet of Nicaraguan strongman General Anastasio Somoza, in late-1965! But that's only the beginning. Will takes you on a journey from his youth to high advenure and harrowing exploits in Central America -- that sounds for all the world like a 1940s aviation adventure straight out of Hollywood. But every word is true, and you can't put this book down! Indeed, Warbirds of America's own Rick Siegfried says that Will's book is, "A true adventure most can only dream of."
Midway Airport (Images of Aviation): David E. Kent
In 1903, Chicago fell in love with flying. Enterprising people opened airfields, designed and built aircraft and won big money at air meets.
After World War I, aviation was a serious matter with explosive commercial potential. A transcontinental airmail service was established; then came the first airlines. Aspiring to be first in aviation,the City of Chicago considered which of its existing airfields to develop into its new, modern municipal airport. It chose none of them and instead decided on a square mile of property 10 miles southwest of the city as the location for what would soon become the “World’s Busiest Airport.”
Midway Airport captures the ethos and thrill of the Midway experience during a time when people dressed up for air travel or to just visit the airport, dine at the Cloud Room, and gaze from Midway’s observation platforms at the incredible aerial ballet before them. It was a magical time, when flying off into the clouds in beautiful silver airliners meant traveling in style and following aviation’s romantic call.
Available at Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
Also available from Arcadia Publishing/The History Press at: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738598505/Midway-Airport
In 1903, Chicago fell in love with flying. Enterprising people opened airfields, designed and built aircraft and won big money at air meets.
After World War I, aviation was a serious matter with explosive commercial potential. A transcontinental airmail service was established; then came the first airlines. Aspiring to be first in aviation,the City of Chicago considered which of its existing airfields to develop into its new, modern municipal airport. It chose none of them and instead decided on a square mile of property 10 miles southwest of the city as the location for what would soon become the “World’s Busiest Airport.”
Midway Airport captures the ethos and thrill of the Midway experience during a time when people dressed up for air travel or to just visit the airport, dine at the Cloud Room, and gaze from Midway’s observation platforms at the incredible aerial ballet before them. It was a magical time, when flying off into the clouds in beautiful silver airliners meant traveling in style and following aviation’s romantic call.
Available at Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
Also available from Arcadia Publishing/The History Press at: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738598505/Midway-Airport
Chicago's Midway Airport: The First Seventy-Five Years: Christopher Lynch
Christopher Lynch combines oral histories, narrative, and historic and contemporary photos to celebrate the rich and exciting history of Chicago aviation and the Midway legacy.
Available at Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
Christopher Lynch combines oral histories, narrative, and historic and contemporary photos to celebrate the rich and exciting history of Chicago aviation and the Midway legacy.
Available at Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
When Hollywood Landed at Chicago's Midway Airport: The Photos and Stories of Mike Rotunno: Christopher Lynch
Al Capone dove for the floor when he saw the flash of the camera, while his startled body guards drew their guns. General Jimmy Doolittle called him a Son of a Bitch, while the Pope called him his friend. Bob Hope asked if he would escort Hope's wife to church, and John Barrymore asked if he would hide him from his mistress. Cary Grant demanded a shoe shine, Eleanor Roosevelt demanded an apology, and Harry Truman demanded a bourbon. Who was this guy? He was Mike Rotunno, and he was a photographer for one of Chicago's newspapers. Yet, he also photographed airplanes for the airlines, starting in the 1920's, the beginning of his 50 year career at Chicago's Midway airport.
Al Capone dove for the floor when he saw the flash of the camera, while his startled body guards drew their guns. General Jimmy Doolittle called him a Son of a Bitch, while the Pope called him his friend. Bob Hope asked if he would escort Hope's wife to church, and John Barrymore asked if he would hide him from his mistress. Cary Grant demanded a shoe shine, Eleanor Roosevelt demanded an apology, and Harry Truman demanded a bourbon. Who was this guy? He was Mike Rotunno, and he was a photographer for one of Chicago's newspapers. Yet, he also photographed airplanes for the airlines, starting in the 1920's, the beginning of his 50 year career at Chicago's Midway airport.
A Little Known Story of the Land Called Clearing, Second Edition: Robert M. "Moose" Hill
This is a 2013 republication of the fascinating and thorough 1983 look into the Clearing area, which included the magnificent airport that grew up in her midst, and became known as Midway. Carefully and painstakingly updated and containing dozens of historical photos along with literally hundreds of stories, this is a veritable history textbook written by one of Clearing's own sons, Bob "Moose" Hill. And you should own your own copy.
Available from the Clear-Ridge Historical Society. For details, contact Mr. Rob Bitunjac, Clearing Library, (312) 747-5657.
Available at Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
This is a 2013 republication of the fascinating and thorough 1983 look into the Clearing area, which included the magnificent airport that grew up in her midst, and became known as Midway. Carefully and painstakingly updated and containing dozens of historical photos along with literally hundreds of stories, this is a veritable history textbook written by one of Clearing's own sons, Bob "Moose" Hill. And you should own your own copy.
Available from the Clear-Ridge Historical Society. For details, contact Mr. Rob Bitunjac, Clearing Library, (312) 747-5657.
Available at Midway Jewelers, 5635 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60638 (Just West of Midway Airport). Telephone: (773) 767-1633, ask for Dianne.
A History of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport: Michael Branigan
In 1942, a stretch of Illinois prairie that had served as a battleground and a railroad depot became the site of a major manufacturing plant, producing Douglas C-54 Skymasters for World War II. Less than twenty years later, that plot of land boasted the biggest and busiest airport in the world. Many of the millions who have since passed through it have likely only regarded it as a place between cities. People like Michael Branigan, who spent years on its tarmac, know that O'Hare is a veritale city unto itself, with a fascinating history of gangsters and heroes, mayors, presidents and pilots. The late, great Michael "Mike O'Hare" Branigan has captured the essence of O'Hare's unique, colorful and multifaceted history in his five-star book.
In 1942, a stretch of Illinois prairie that had served as a battleground and a railroad depot became the site of a major manufacturing plant, producing Douglas C-54 Skymasters for World War II. Less than twenty years later, that plot of land boasted the biggest and busiest airport in the world. Many of the millions who have since passed through it have likely only regarded it as a place between cities. People like Michael Branigan, who spent years on its tarmac, know that O'Hare is a veritale city unto itself, with a fascinating history of gangsters and heroes, mayors, presidents and pilots. The late, great Michael "Mike O'Hare" Branigan has captured the essence of O'Hare's unique, colorful and multifaceted history in his five-star book.
Fujiyama Trays & Oshibori Towels: Anne Billingsley Kerr
Anne Billingsley Kerr's delightful book, Fujiyama Trays & Oshibori Towels, details her adventures flying with Northwest Orient Airlines when the giant Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, and the first 747, ruled the skies!
Anne Billingsley Kerr's delightful book, Fujiyama Trays & Oshibori Towels, details her adventures flying with Northwest Orient Airlines when the giant Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, and the first 747, ruled the skies!
Chicago Aviation: An Illustrated History: David M. Young
From the dawn of flight, Chicago has played a vital role in the development of aviation. Favored by geography and a superb network of railroads, the Windy City rapidly became the nation's crossroad. Young's richly illustrated history portrays the inventors, entrepreneurs, and aviators who conquered the skies and made Chicago the nation's premier hub for air travel and transport.
From the dawn of flight, Chicago has played a vital role in the development of aviation. Favored by geography and a superb network of railroads, the Windy City rapidly became the nation's crossroad. Young's richly illustrated history portrays the inventors, entrepreneurs, and aviators who conquered the skies and made Chicago the nation's premier hub for air travel and transport.
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