History of Mokena Told in New Book

Oct. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- New from Arcadia Publishing and local author Matthew T. Galik is Mokena. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images, giving readers a unique opportunity to reconnect to the history that shaped their community.

Founded in 1852 by Allen Denny, a War of 1812 veteran and operator on the Underground Railroad, Mokena has for over 150 years been a center of commerce and a transportation hub. Meaning “turtle” in the ancient Algonquin tongue that was fluently spoken in this region for centuries, Mokena rose to prominence with the completion of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1852 and would bustle in the post–Civil War era.

Home to such unique industries as the Mokena Mineral Springs and the Mitchel Brewery in the 20th century, the village is today a renowned suburb of Chicago. The author is proud to present Mokena, along with the photographs and stories contained within; many of which are made public here for the first time. Galik regards the book as a present to the Village of Mokena, a place he will always call home.

Highlights of Mokena include:
•   Thy Great Commercial Tree
•   The Fountain of Knowledge
•   Home Is Where the Heart Is
•   One Well Traveled
•   Amber Waves of Grain
•   Not Without Thy Wondrous Story

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

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With more than 7,500 local history titles published to date, Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Widely recognized sepia books feature hundreds of vintage historical images.