Plainfield High School - Plainsman Yearbook (Plainfield, IL)

Page 13 text:

Circuit rider builds first mill A tribe of about one thousand Potawatomi Indians were the first known residents of the future site for Plainfield. In the early 1800's, as settlers ventured westward, most of the Indians were forced farther west or north. A circuit rider, Father Jesse Walker, came to this area in 1828. He named the area Walker's Grove. Dur- ing his stay in Walker’s Grove, Walker built a lumber mill. Some of the lumber was hauled northeast to build Chicago's first buildings. Walker's mill marked the beginning of the village of Plainfield. Though Plainfield was a small commu- nity, it had an impressive effect on the growth of other cities surrounding it. Today Plainfield is no longer a small village. One can not walk down the street and know everyone, but it is still small enough to recognize people as individuals. 9

Page 12 text:

1. The Fort Begg’s Monument represents the fort where 125 people took ref- uge from hostile Indians in 1832. 2. The Halfway House served as an inn. a stage coach station, and a post office for mail traveling from Ottawa to Chi- cago. 3. This small, one lane bridge is one of three remaining bridges built in the early 1900’s. 4. The Joliet-Plainfield Plank Road passed through Six Cor- ners in Joliet. 5. The first homesteads on the plains were simple one room cabins with a small barn and a corral. 6. This home was built in 1870 and has been in the hands of one family for over a hundred years. 7. The Halfway House marker tells of the history behind this landmark. 8

Page 14 text:

1. Mr. Harris demonstrates that modeling can also be recreational. 2. At the close of the Mexican War, in the 1840’s, Mexicans and Americans came together to sign a treaty which produced the great powerful Plainfield High School that we have today. 3. Through laughter. Ms. Stonitsch, expresses her love of teaching students. 4. Sophomores aspiring to drive, question an offi- cer about traffic laws. 5. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Anderson enjoy a quick smoke between passing periods. 6. Mr. Anderson writes himself a pass. 10