Old Cantrall: A History of a Small Village Carved Out of the Illinois Wilderness Paperback – October 30, 2025

Do you have a favorite childhood spot you recall or visit? Did you have adult mentors who truly made a difference in your life—then and now? Did you drive your mother to work when you were in eighth grade? Would you like to hear about the tail tale of a dog that was key to Abraham Lincoln’s first lawsuit? Would you enjoy spending an evening with a man who helped Charles Lindbergh after an emergency landing while hauling airmail? Would you be interested in knowing a man who was a Rough Rider with Teddy Roosevelt? Have you known someone who knew a future President? Author Andy Wasilewski answers these questions with the same three words: “Well, I did.” And they all happened to him while growing up in Cantrall, Illinois.Not only did these things happen, but Andy Wasilewski has personal knowledge of them. From early childhood to now being an old chap (or “coot” as some say), he has gathered stories of Old Cantrall and now invites the reader on a heartfelt journey describing these unforgettable events. Don’t be surprised to find yourself laughing aloud at his captivating sense of humor. But also be prepared to wipe away a tear as he shares love and loss. Old Cantrall was only a few miles north of Springfield, the state’s capital, but it was significantly different in conveniences and culture. From its earliest settlers before 1820 through the 1960s, Andy has brought to life the history of this small town and shown how the past lives on among us today. Read more