Thursday, March 1, 2012

THIMBY Thursday - The History In My Backyard - Gaylord Building

Lockport, Will County, Illinois is a lovely town situated along the I & M Canal, southwest of Chicago.  The original canal, opened in 1848, is no longer in use for shipping, but retains much of its history through educational markers along the route.  The original towpath is now a hiking and biking trail.  Some of the buildings along the canal still remain.  One is the Gaylord Building, built in 1838 and purchased by George Gaylord in 1878.  It served as his dry goods store and grain mercantile.  Here is a great site with a detailed background of this landmark.

The Gaylord Building presently houses a restaurant, canal museum, and office space.



George Gaylord's monument and family plot 
Lockport Cemetery, Lockport, Will, Illinois


George Gaylord (1820-1883)
Ann A. Lull Gaylord (1825-1915)

What can you share from your backyard?

***