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Certified Illinois Expert

@mrillinois.bsky.social

1.7K followers 330 following 1.3K posts

Expert in Illinois counties. Acting State Symbologist (self-appointed). Libraries, Lincoln, nature, architecture, transit. Book my library programs & get my newsletter at johnkokoris.com!

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 12h

I know the left here (of which I guess count myself a member) is beginning to sour on JB after some missteps but I can't help but like the guy, his media instincts I think are better than 99% of Democrats.

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 14h

Oh man. This has been in the works for awhile. I love the building and the antique stores inside it are v cool. LG does need more housing though... Hoping there's a compromise that keeps the front part of the bldg in tact and maybe event the ground floor retail 🤞

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 1d

Event at 7!
www.cslibrary.org/event/great-...

Great Graves of Illinois (In-Person) | Carol Stream Public Library

With one eye always on the future, we help our community members live their best lives by providing quality informational, education, cultural and recreational resources.

www.cslibrary.org

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 1d

Heading back to Carol Stream tonight if you’re in the area and want to see my Illinois Cemeteries lecture!

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · Jun 13

Carol Stream Public Library, a nice 1977 brick building along Klein Creek with a 2019 renovation. Highlight is the patio space with hanging lights overlooking a little grove of trees and wildflowers. Wish I had taken more pics!

Front of building, which is low and rectangular

Waterfall window looks into quiet reading room. Large windows (replacing a solid brick wall) look out onto patio with hanging lights

A look at the patio from outside with trees and grasses visible

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 1d

TWO Mr. Illinois programs today! Catch me at the Center of Palos Park, a truly beautiful place that serves a good cause, at 12 (lunch)/1 (Central IL lecture), or at Carol Stream Library at 7 (cemeteries lecture).

a triangular stone chapel surrounded by trees

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 2d

La Grange Theater marquee, italic san serif font with neon inner line and ornate facade visible behind

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 3d

I felt like the only person on earth here! I was only there at twilight because I’d fallen hours behind schedule and had a tough time locating the spot. My grandfather had told me about it and i never made it there, he is gone now and to find it just before i ran out of time was indeed very moving

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 3d

Hinsdale’s Memorial Hall lit in red and white for homecoming.

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 4d

So cool. Gorgeous. Maher usually exists in Frank Lloyd wrights shadow but he was a genius. If you’re ever in Chicago gimme a holler and I’ll tell u where to check out for more of his stuff!

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 4d

This is Great! About a million times I’ve intended to look up the original Kenilworth and then forgot. Interesting that kenilworth and neighboring tiny, wealthy town of Glencoe both have sisters on the British isles. Thank for these!

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 5d

Incredible u could find it with like no information. There is something vaguely California about this one to me, it gives me the vaguest mission style vibes. Didn’t realize Maher design anything in Pasadena, I was out there once to admire architecture & woukdve sought it out! Such a cool city

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 5d

It’s George Maher’s Frank Sutton house. Sad to say it just sold last month so we’ll have to wait awhile before we get a chance to buy it (ha). Not a ton about it but here’s the listing w some interior pics. Sold for 800k less than asking!
paulharb.realtor/property/338...

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 5d

Cool Kenilworth homes

Two story Prairie house with interesting zigzagging gable punching thru roofline

Crazy storybook meets Alamo house with circular pattern in center of second story balcony

A round dormer window with repeating geometric pattern on a George Maher house

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 6d

Eh, we’ll just put one of these on top:

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 6d

Kenilworth Station

Semicircular stone archway, sign with script writing, big arts and craftsy roof

Under the triangular roof, wood frames visible, looking out of the archway

Inside the stations small waiting room, with wood paneled walls and white arched ceiling

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 6d

Yes! If only the beautiful landscaping didn’t make getting a good pic impossible

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 6d

Stopped by the Kenilworth home of architect George Washington Maher en route to my lecture tonight.

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 6d

Three very fitting architects' graves at Graceland Cemetery to celebrate the North Shore debut of my new cemetery talk in Winnetka tonight. Come come come!

Baniel and Margaret Burnham - plaque in boulder

very plain, shiny, rectangular flush marker for Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 7d

See you at 7! All are welcome to register and attend. www.wnpld.org/event/great-...

Great Graves of Illinois: Illinois' Most Storied Cemeteries

Join Illinois traveler John Kokoris for a look at the graves of great Illinoisans and notable monuments to lives well lived. We'll also look at art and literature inspired by these storied cemeteries....

www.wnpld.org

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 7d

Here it is, Showman’s Rest in Forest Park, the final resting place for 56 victims of a 1918 circus train wreck as well as other circus performers. Learn about ALL of the state’s most interesting cemeteries at Winnetka’s Library tomorrow night!

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 9d

Totally underrated part of the state.

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 9d

Two years ago was like this as well but we had a pretty good mid Oct-mid Nov fall that more than made up for it.

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 10d

It is Right above the river too, just a great little park.

Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 10d

Scenic Havana IL

Small brick storefront painted white with triangular ornament protruding from center of roofline

A small brick theater with retro marquee

A simple white wooden gothic church with red door

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Certified Illinois Expert @mrillinois.bsky.social · 10d

Here is the Chicago portage, where for thousands of years native Americans traded for copper, obsidian, and shells and crossed between two great continental waterways. (According to the sign right out of frame.) Lots of leaves suddenly on the ground

Algae covered pond along a former bend in the desplaines river

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