To our readers:

This issue of Illinois Heritage focuses on western Illinois. The region is loosely defined as Galesburg to the north, Alton to the south, Nauvoo to the west, and Jacksonville to the east.

Those unfamiliar with western Illinois may be surprised to learn that it was a place of action in the nineteenth century. It was during that century that the state of Illinois forged much of its identity. Before Chicago dominated during the last quarter of the century, antebellum Illinois was a crucible of sorts, where issues of politics, morality, and identity were played out. The movements of people and ideas fueled much of the controversy and violence that visited western Illinois in the decades following the state's founding. From the spoken language in the region—then and now, to the religious and political controversies of the early nineteenth century, the migration of people into and around western Illinois proved to be a catalyst to deep changes and conflict.

In addition to articles covering language, the Mormon War, and the influential Betsey Lovejoy, this issue includes a review of recent books that focus on Nauvoo as well as a review of several restaurants housed in historical structures in western Illinois. The latter piece is a unique contribution to Illinois Heritage and I hope it encourages readers to enjoy and carry on similar culinary explorations in their own spare time.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this issue to the memory of Norman J. Kuklinski. Born on the South Side of Chicago, Norm graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1960. He went on to serve two tours in Vietnam, as well as in a number of other places around the globe. In the 1980s, Norm retired from the United States Army as a full colonel. In 2004, he retired from Colgate University as their Physical Plant Director and moved to Springfield—an adopted city he came to love—and served as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Lincoln Land Community College. During his time in Springfield, he quickly became interested in the city's favorite son, Abraham Lincoln. He was reunited with his high school sweetheart, Mary. T. Ferone-Young, my mother, and was engaged to be married to her. Their love of exploring dining establishments in Springfield inspired the idea of reviewing restaurants in western Illinois. He would have been a contributor to this issue had he not been so suddenly taken from us.

"Hey Norm, what's heaven like?" we wondered. "It's super! Everyone here has done a really nice job."

We miss you.

Guest Editor
Christopher J. Young, Ph.D.
Indiana University Northwest

To the editor:

Thanks for the information for this year's recipients of the Olive Foster Teach Award. I know that my mother would be very proud of the commitment these teachers have made to their profession, especially as it relates to the study and teaching of state and local history.

I also know that she would be delighted by the continuing support of the Illinois State Historical Society for this award as well as for the teaching profession. Thank you for keeping me up to date.

William Foster
Springfield      

To the editor:

Judy Webster and I would like to thank the Illinois State Historical Society for its support of local history programs and services. We couldn't help but feel that while at Pere Marquette, we were part of a program with a bigger purpose, to give meaning to the future of Illinois and its citizens, because of its past.

We are grateful for the opportunity and were pleased to participate.

Judy Webster and
Lynda Hoornbeek
         Glen Ellyn Public Library

Correction:

Regarding the article "A logical alma mater," by Loreli Steuer, which appeared in the April/May issue of Illinois Heritage, the author submits the following correction for page 16, which was caught after the magazine had gone to press: "According to historian David Herbert Donald, when Yates ran for his second Congressional term, Lincoln was, "in effect, Yates's campaign manager." Yates was one of a small group who accompanied the Lincolns to Washington and later proved invaluable to Lincoln as Illinois' governor during the Civil War.

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