Plague Journal, Ottawa
Today is the day after Labor Day.
We visited the town of Ottawa yesterday. The town is about an hour drive south, near the terminus of the Fox River. Ottawa is the seat of Lasalle County and was the site of the first debate between Stephen A. Douglass and Abraham Lincoln in 1858. The debate taking place in Washington Square Park lasted for three hours and was conducted in the heat of an August afternoon. From information gathered from a plaque posted in the park, despite the weighty issues debated, human trafficking otherwise known as slavery and popular sovereignty, quite the party atmosphere prevailed for many in attendance.
We enjoy the “feel” of walking around a historic town. Viewing the building facades, if fortunate, one can sense the presence of past generations who lived, worked, and died here, — passing on, as best they could, what they believed, lived and died for, — to their children and grand children. The old court house is a imposing monolithic presence, a stolid counter point to the numerous churches, the two poles around which community life and understanding revolved. I found myself wondering whether a public hanging was ever conducted around the precincts of the courthouse?
The afternoon was warm. We found hospitality, and a cold beer at Tangled Roots Brewing Company on Main Street. Tangled Roots is locally owned. The spacious, tastefully appointed atmosphere alone makes the trip to Ottawa worthwhile.
We read for a while under the old shade trees in Washington Square Park. I captured a photo 
of Lady Liberty atop the monument erected to honor those from Lasalle county who fought in the War of the Southern Rebellion. She possesses a unsheathed sword and shield. The names of the inscribed dead are faded in the eroded marble surface. Does not relentless time erode everything?
Until our next visit to Ottawa…
2 thoughts on “Plague Journal, Ottawa”
Ottawa, IL has a dark history in that one of the factories that had young women painting radium dials on watch faces was in that town in the 20’s and/or the 30’s. The book The Radium Girls tells the more than sad story of how so many of those girls ended up with cancer and disfigurement when they were taught to lick the brush as they sharpened the brush point.
Did you see any note of that Ottawa history?
As you mention it, I had read some about that. I want to investigate more, even read the book. Would like to visit the site of the watch factory. Would guess that the structure has been demolished for reason of public health.
My first reaction to the story, how we Americans, eager to seize early any opportunity, especially in the “womb” of our capitalist ideology, often exploit our fellows. And then, after the damage is done, it is impossible to desist in our practices, because of sunk costs.
$$$ Uber Alles…