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 In April of 2015, the book received a 2015 Superior Achievement
Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. The judge’s
comment read: ”A straight-forward, well-written and informative
book..…This is the most indispensable history book, reference book
and travel guide that I have come across in Illinois. I want to have
this book with me whenever I explore the Prairie State.”
Using a power point program, Branash will show the audience the
beauty of the seven regions of Illinois. He will also highlight a
number of significant events in Illinois history which have shaped
our state.
The hosts at the Mount. Pulaski Township Historical
Society believe this will be an excellent way to get everyone
thinking about how to celebrate the state’s 200th anniversary in
2918. [Barbara Stroud-Borth]
PUBLICATION RELEASE
Local author
completes third book—Roadside History of Illinois
Stan Banash, a.k.a. “Tex,” a resident of Chicago’s Norwood Park
community, recently completed his third book, Roadside History of
Illinois (Mountain Press, 2013). The book covers the history of the
state from the Ice Age to the present, offering vacationers,
tourists and visitors a series of short trips mostly along old U.S.
highways, state highways and county roads that provide a glimpse
into numerous historic sites as well as the history of nearly 250
significant cities, towns and villages in seven geographical
regions. Among the book’s features are more than 125 images,
regional maps, an Illinois Chronology, a list of Illinois Facts, the
lyrics to the seldom heard State Song, “Illinois,” and a list of
Illinois Originals, in addition to a Bibliography and Index. The
book also includes a Special Introduction by the late Dee Brown,
author of the internationally acclaimed book, Bury My Heart at
Wounded Knee, and was praised in back cover blurbs by former U.S.
Sen. Adlai E. Stevenson III and Illinois State Archives Deputy
Director Wayne C. Temple. As the Preface notes, Roadside History of
Illinois is “designed to help both visitors and residents discover
and savor the historical, cultural, and natural opulence of this
great state.”
Banash, who was raised in suburban Niles and graduated from Niles
Township High School in Skokie, served in the U.S. Air Force and
then obtained his Bachelor of Philosophy degree in political science
from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts degree in Urban
Studies from Roosevelt University. His two earlier books were: Best
of Dee Brown’s West (Clear Light, 1998) and Dee Brown’s Civil War
Anthology (Clear Light, 1998). He also has reviewed numerous books
for Wild West magazine, The Tombstone Epitaph, Western Historical
Quarterly, Journal of the West, and Roundup magazine. Active in his
local community, Banash held several elected offices with the Edison
Park Chamber of Commerce, including serving as its president for six
years from 1988-1994. Later he chaired Chicago’s first 41st Ward
Zoning Advisory Board, established by former Ald. Brian Doherty,
from 1993-2011, and served as sheriff of the Chicago Corral—The
Westerners for five years from 1996-2001.
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He also is a member of the
Western Writers of America, Western History Association, Westerners
International, Society of Midland Authors, Illinois State Historical Society,
and American Legion Edison Park Post 541. He currently serves as part-time
director of public relations for Norwood Crossing, a long-term care retirement
community in Chicago’s Norwood Park.
In 1987, he wrote the speech that
Chicago Cubs Billy Williams delivered at his induction ceremony into the
National Baseball Hall of Fame, in Cooperstown, New York. Most recently, the
Illinois House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1124, introduced by
State Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn), which congratulated Banash for his book,
Roadside History of Illinois, and for promoting greater interest in Illinois
history. Last April, the book received a 2015 Superior Achievement Award from
the Illinois State Historical Society.
Banash can easily be spotted in his local community dressed daily in western
clothes, carrying the spirit of the Old West wherever he goes. He and his wife,
Laura, live in a rustic, California redwood style home, with a yard surrounded
by a split rail fence and landscaped with native plants from the western plains.
Combined, the couple has seven adult children and 12 grandchildren.
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