Dean Milano, musician, writer, and all -around music man, joins Eric and Steve on this podcast to talk about music in St. Charles, as well as all of the history in music in Chicago. Dean’s musical journey dates back to the mid-60s and he’s been in over 75 bands. He’s the author of “The Chicago Music Scene: 60s and 70s”. He’s also a toy and plastic model collector. Fasten your seat belts because this podas is going to cover a LOT of ground! Enjoy!
Steve Darnall, host of “Those Were The Days” on WDCB (90.9 FM) and publisher of the Nostalgia Digest (http://nostalgiadigest.com) talks about the beginnings of radio in Chicago. It’s the 100th anniversary of WLS and Steve and your hosts Steve Gibson and Eric Krupa talk about the linkage between St. Charles and the burgeoning radio scene of the 1920s.
Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas (@6figga_dilla) joins Steve and Eric for a discussion of the story of John Maxon, a freed enslaved person living in Chicago in the mid-1800s who volunteered to join the 29th US Colored Troop Regiment, the only Black Civil War regiment in Illinois. Pvt. John Maxon was severely injured during the Siege of Petersburg but survived and moved to St. Charles in search of work. The discussion includes linkages between St. Charles and Chicago, as well as the Underground Railroad and abolitinists.
Bill Robinson is a 3rd generation hammered dulcimer player living in St. Charles, Illinois. Known for his upbeat playing style, and unique dulcimer traditions handed down from generation to generation, Robinson is a master of the instrument.
Bill Robinson has been playing for over 60 years and formed the band Bill Robinson & Friends in 1980. He has also taught hundreds of students how to play the instrument and continues to teach new students.
Bill has played with many of the great in Country and Blue Grass music and has appeared on the Grand OIe Opry in Nashville. He played in Roy Acuff’s band, as well as being a session musician for many other artists.
Bill’s appearance on the History Chronicle podcast kicks off our Music in St. Charles series leading up to our special exhibit in 2024. Stay tuned!
Master Gardener Mary Lynn Swanson joins your host for a discussion of the project she has developed for the St. Charles history Museum. The Kane County Master Gardeners are creating a new landscaping motif for the Museum, incorporating many 1933 gardening ideas in celebration of the History Museum’s 90th Anniversary. Mary Lynn is also currently the Vice President for the Museum.
*Special tours may be scheduled ahead of time for any day of the week, including Monday
Your City. Your History. Your Sense of Community.
The Museum welcomes participation in all activities by individuals with disabilities and special needs by working cooperatively with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. The Museum is committed to inclusion by providing public programs in the most integrated setting, providing to the maximum extent feasible for interaction between people with and without disabilities.If you or a household member has a special need or request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact us at least one week in advance of an activity, program, or visit date. For more details, call 630-584-6967.