In part one, we dealt with the type of sandstone found in Ottawa, Illinois. We also dealt with the mining companies. In this section we consider the local companies using the silica.
The first glass company was Ottawa Glass Company. It’s factory was built in1867 along the north bank of the Illinois Michigan Canal. Later, the company built 2 other plants on the same property. In 1888, the firm was acquired by the United Glass Company. By 1898,the factory closed due to competition from Indiana factories.
In 1882, a second glassware opened–Ottawa Bottle Company. This company underwent name changes and closed in 1895.
Two other glass plants opened before the turn to of the century–LaBastie Glass Works of E. Dr Law Chappelle and Company. This was known for its lamp chimneys. This opened in 1888. This was also located along the I’M Canal. The plant closed around the turn of the century. The plant was later used Keen Kleaner Manufacturing Company. This company combined sand with Tripoli rock to make scouring powders and cleaning compounds. The second plant was the Peltier Glass Company. It opened between 1891 and 1898. Products included marbles and stained glass. This plant stayed in business for many years.
In 1908, the Federal Plate Glass Company opened along the northern bank of the Illinois River. The plant underwent numerous name changes and is currently owned by a multinational–Pilkington.
There were many factories and plants. Many closed because of competition with Indiana. This state had an abundant supply of cheap natural gas.
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The Silica Sand Capital of the World
The Silica deposits of Ottawa,Illinois is a mineral found in a geologic formation known as St Peter sandstone. This deposit is found in Ottawa and 10 miles west. It is also present in the Fox River Valley. The characteristics of Saint Peter sandstone include: deposits are soft and easy to mine; the sand is high quality silica; because of its purity, it can be cheaply mined; it is located near the surface. Major sand mining occurred in the 1890’s. It appears the majority of the sand mined was transported by rail. Several mining operations occurred in the area. The largest of the s was Ottawa Silica Company. This continues in operation today as United States Borax and Chemical Company of Los Angeles and later the U.S. Silica Company.
The Canal in LaSalle
This last Saturday I travelled to LaSalle, Ilinois to view the Illinois Michigan Canal. Proceeding from east to west, the first site seen was the refurbished aqueduct over the Little Vermilion River. Currently, it is well filled with water. As I proceeded westward, there was a well preserved segment of the canal with its tow path. Next in site is the refurbished Lock 14. Distal to this is a widening of the canal referred as the canal basin. This was constructed to accommodate barges leaving and entering the canal. Next seen is the remnant of Lock 15. This has not been refurbished. Finally west of this is a large widened segment for steamboats entering from the Illinois River. Also, near Lock 15, are remnant limestone piers of the Burlington Railroad over the canal.
Canal Boats
Little is known about the construction of canal boats on the Illinois Michigan Canal. In the late 1990’s, there was a breach in the integrity of the canal after a severe rain fall. In an area known as the Morris wide, the remains of multiple deserted canal boats were seen. Investigation of these boats was undertaken. It was found that the boats were made of white oak and pine. Nails were forged or machine made. Presumably, other boats were abandoned in other areas of the canal.
The Canaller’ s Life
Although the canallers came from many ethnic groups, their life in America shared many similarities. Most of these workers were young single males. Most were uneducated. As a group, they were looked down by American citizens. Irish in particular were resented about their Catholic religion. These workers lived in substandard housing. Some of the housing consisted of wooden dwellings with multiple people in a large room. Tents and shacks were other forms of dwellings For the most part, the housing was separated from the rest of the community usually located near the canal.
The life of the workers was hard. They worked long hours in less than optimal working conditions. Many were working in an almost intoxicated state. This resulted in dehydration and work injuries due to ther less than attentive state. Explosive were used frequently during canal construction. Many of the workers using the explosives were not trained in their use. They took the job because it paid more than a common laborer. As a result of their inexperience,there were many serious and fatal injuries to the explosive workers and the laborers. Workers injured in this way were basically out of luck. The contractors felt that they were under no obligation to compensate the injured workers The legal system backed them up in this regard. These workers had to depend on charity
Added to this was the unsanitary work conditions. Workers were sickened and many died of m infectious diseases. Included in this list were typhoid, cholera, and malaria. Many died due to the lack of health care and the rudimentary state of Medicine at this time. The exact number of deaths is not known due to poor record keeping.
The Beginning
After many long years, the Illinois Michigan Canal had its official start on July 4, 1836. The official ground breaking ceremony took place at the Chicago River. The steam boat Chicago transported dignitaries and pleasure seakers from Lake Michigan to the site of the ceremony. The Declaration of Independence was read. Speeches were given by dignitaries. Toasts were made. The ceremonial turning of the sod was done. Absent from this official ceremony were any of the laborers who would perform any of the work on the canal. After the completion of the festivities, the Chicago steamed back to Lake Michigan and was pelted with rocks by a group of Irish workers stationed in a quarry on the bank of the Chicago River. 12 of these workers were ultimately arrested. A definite clear motivation for the attack was never made clear. Perhaps it was due in part to their lack of inclusion in the celebration.
Channahon State Park
Between Morris and Joliet,Illinois,lies Channahon State Park. The name Channahon means joining of the waters and refers to the merging of the Des Plaines, Kankakee, and the DuPage Rivers to form the Illinois River. The state park contains along segment of the Illinois and Michigan Canal where it intersects the DuPage River. There is a dam here. Locks 6 and 7 of the canal were restored by the CCC during the depression. At the lock 6 site, there is a restored lock keeper’s house. The drive is well worth the time.
Canalers
Canalers was the generic name given to the men who did the bulk of the work on the canals in the 1700 and1800’s. The ethnic make up of these workers changed with time. Early on, they were slaves or indentures servants. With time, the majority were free men. They were low skilled workers. Many were immigrants. Wages were traditionally low. Due to the excess immigrant population,they were at the mercy of their bosses. They could not unionize or strike. Their work day was long. Their housing was substandard. They were not accepted by the local population of the area inwhich they worked.
A brief history
The Illinois Michigan Canal was a waterway extending from the south branch of the Chicago River to the Illinois River at LaSalle. Cities and towns along the course of the canal include: Chicago, Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville, Lockport, Joliet, Channahan, Aux Sable, Morris, Marseilles, Seneca, Ottawa, Utica, and LaSalle. The length of the canal was approximately 96 miles. There were multiple locks along the course of the canal. There were also aqueducts at aux Sable, Fox River, Little Vermilion River and the Nettle Creek.
After multiple abortive attempts due to financial issues, work on the canal was begun in 1836. Work was completed in 1848.. The long time for construction was due in large part to financial issues with interruption of the work for years. The canal was dug by hand and use of explosives. Canal workers were of multiple nationalities such as Polish, German, and Irish. The bulk of the workers were Irish. Wages were approximately $1 day. Hours were long and work was difficult.
Welcome
I am a I and M canal nut. I have read multiple books on the subject. I have also visited multiple sites along the canal.
I am hoping to spread some of this enthusiasm to other readers.
Each posting will be on a different subject.
