Inspired by my celebration of Illinois's bicentennial 3 years ago, I offer another list of 21 notable things about Illinois to celebrate 203 years of statehood today.
I was born in Illinois 30 years ago, and that got me wondering about other famous people born in Illinois.
1. actor Jim Belushi
2. actor Gary Sinise
3. TV host Pat Sajak
4. actor Bob Newhart
5. Helen Scot Hay, Red Cross nurse
6. actor Burl Ives
7. entertainer Jack Benny
8. actor Bill Murray
9. actor John Cusack
10. Arthur Goldberg, former US Supreme Court Justice
11. John Paul Stevens, former US Supreme Court Justice
12. actor Buddy Ebsen
13. musician Miles Davis
14. Mary Agnes Meara Chase, botanist
15. Patricia Robert Harris, former Cabinet Secretary, the first Black Female Secretary
I also think about some of the notable figures in the women's suffrage amendment movement, with markers at sites for them throughout Illinois.
16. Recently, a sign was installed for Grace Wilbur Trout at the site of her home in Oak Park.
17. Julia Holmes Smith
18. Ida B. Wells
19. Ellen Annette Martin, the first woman to vote in Illinois, on April 6, 1891, Lombard
I end recognizing that 125 years ago on July 16, 1896, at the 1896 Democratic National Convention at the Coliseum (#20) in Chicago, William Jennings Bryan delivered his epic speech ending with the words, "Cross of Gold!" (#21).
Happy Birthday, Illinois!
Let's party like it's 1818 all over again, with all the amazing people in the Land of Lincoln!
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| Sign at the site of Grace Wilbur Trout's home in Oak Park, IL |
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