Chicago: J. Harrison White, 1912. Hardcover first edition - From the author's foreword - "the author has endeavored to faithfully portray the evolution of the Grand Prairie of Illinois into the delightful suburban sites found today. In order that the traditional and legendary associations might be more intelligently comprehended, it was thought advisable to commence with that particular portion of the prairie over which the Jesuit Fathers blazed the way. From the letters and journals of the latter, as well as from other authoritative sources, have been culled facts, vital to the telling of the story of the yesterday and today, of the highways and byways past and present associated with the traditions of the Western Suburbs. The struggles and hardships overcome by the pioneers, the undaunted courage of both men and women in the early days of settlement, when 'cities were planned in their comeliness for a future heritage', should be familiar to the youth of succeeding generations. Local traditions and legends should be fostered, for only by this method can we hope to attain to that which is an incentive to love of country and pride in, and reverence for its institutions. This is the spirit exemplified by those whose homes appear in the following pages; they were approached with intelligence and they responded in like manner." Illustrated throughout with sepia toned photographs, mostly of distinguished houses. Brief bibliography. Table of contents and list of photographs at end of book. 184 pp.