Illinois Authors

Aleo Publications 2023

This new edition is a truly unique book that includes 47 short stories about the life and experiences of our beloved and respected presidents, Abraham Lincoln. It is unique because all of these stories were in a local Illinois newspaper, the Dundee Hawkeye, and appeared in the paper between the years of 1890 and 1917. They have all been restored in their entirety with additional, supplemental information and photos adding to the impact of the stories. This book provides a fresh, entertaining and educational history of the great man and president, Abraham Lincoln.

Aleo Publications 2020

Chicago, Illinois is a recent manifestation that challenges the imagination. Just two hundred years ago, this land was inhabited by the Potawattomie Indians, Chicago did not exist. The original Fort Dearborn that had been built in 1803, had lain in ashes since 1812. Up till 1816, there was only a French Canadian Fur trader, named Antoine Ouilmette along with his wife living in the shadows of the old burned out fort. And only then was he joined by one additional family. How did all this change? How did Chicago grow to become one of the largest and most significant cities in the United States? “Chicago, The First 100 Years” takes you on a spellbinding journey that will forever change the way you look upon the city by the lake.

Aleo Publications 2021

Dundee Township, Its Forgotten History, is the result of twenty years of research. In 2018, the author came to the conclusion that it was imperative he begin the long process of documenting his research. For the past four years, Phil has been continuing to research as well as interview, organize, write and format this two-volume set that encompasses over 900 pages. Within the 33 chapters are a total of 603 archive photographs, all fully restored by the author and 346 current photos. There are 350 archive newspaper articles and numerous maps. Over 1,300 words have been indexed to assist you in finding specific information. This comprehensive work is the result of literally thousands of hours, devoted to the preservation of the history of our picturesque community along the Fox river.

Aleo Publications 2002

This one-of-a-kind historical photographic coffee-table sized book of Dundee Township showcases Carpentersville, East Dundee and West Dundee with photographs and written history going back into the 1800's.

Aleo Publications 2023

What happens to us when we die? Is this all there is? Is there Evidence - There Is Life After Death? This is a topic close to the author’s heart. In this new book, he speaks of his own experience as well as another involving a member of his family. In fact, it is these “personal” experiences that moved him to begin researching this topic years ago. He has read numerous volumes that has taken him around the globe, touching on experiences from individuals from all walks of life. This has led to a treasure trove of resources and case examples; each very powerful by themselves. Interlaced together into this volume, the examples and cases Phil weaves into this story, develop into a most compelling discussion. This book includes details and information that will startle you and definitely increase your awareness and comprehension of what lies beyond.

Aleo Publications 2015

Bringing a fresh perspective on Galena’s history through the written page, numerous newspaper articles from the 1800's, and hundreds of restored vintage photographs, this premium edition book presents the reader with a comprehensive view of what life was like in Galena in the early 1800’s. The photography captured in this book is stunning. The authors' trademark is

Aleo Publications 2022

Aleo Publications 2021

Providing a first hand account, this book offers a unique perspective on the history of the bicycle. Based upon nearly 100 archive newspaper articles dated between 1890 and 1901, this book outlines the remarkable impact the bicycle had on the country and the world --Back cover.

Aleo Publications 2024

Once upon a time, there was a frontier village that stood on the banks of the Sangamon river, 20 miles northwest of Springfield, Illinois. It was a cluster of cabins on a hill a hundred feet above the river. The name of the village was New Salem. It was not destined to survive the competition with rival towns. Beginning in 1829, it only lasted about 11 years. By 1840, this small village had been abandoned. It would not even be a memory today, had it not been for the fact that one of its greatest citizens in later years became the greatest man of his time. That man was Abraham Lincoln. Inspired by his visit to Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site, the author has compiled this unique history of New Salem and its reconstruction. Filled with large colorful photos of the reconstructed structures, this book is the perfect souvenir for any visitor, as well as a great reference source for students of history interested in our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.

Aleo Publications 2020

While Colorado has nearly 90 locations categorized as ghost towns, many of these have little left to see today. This is not true of St Elmo. When you approach St Elmo, it’s almost like stepping back in time. Many of the structures are still standing. St Elmo is located about 15 miles southwest of Buena Vista at an elevation of 9,961 feet. The author, Phil Aleo, has been to St. Elmo three times over the past 10 to 15 years. This last visit in July, 2020, was prompted by a 1896 model of the town preserved in the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, located in Durango, Colorado. He drove to St. Elmo, some 220 miles from Durango, to take dozens of photos showcasing the town as it looks today. Tens of thousands of visitors come to St. Elmo each year. When you see the archive photos in this book, as well as the current day photos, you’ll understand why.

Aleo Publications Dundee, Ill. : 2010

Historical information and images of the interior and exterior of the Chateau Louise resort motel in Dundee, Illinois.

Aleo Publications 2023

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – “Collector's Edition.” (Also Available in a Softcover Edition) The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most scenic and adventurous train rides that a person will ever take in their life. Originally constructed in 1882, this Narrow-Gauge railroad takes its riders on a breathtaking, 45-mile adventure, climbing 2,897 feet in the heart of what is recognized as some of the steepest and most rugged mountains in the United States. This book not only portrays the beauty of this remarkable region, it details the history of this railroad, starting at its beginning, and takes you on the railroad’s exciting journey on up to the present day. Filled with archive news articles, archive photos, current photos and much more, this book is the perfect souvenir for those who ride this historic railroad, and for railroad enthusiasts everywhere. The Durango & Silverton Railroad has made this book their “Official Historical Book.” This edition is the “Collector’s Edition.” A premium laminated hard cover book printed on 100 lb. premium coated paper. Details: Hard Cover - Collector’s Edition * 8.75” w x 11.25” h * 191 Pages * 100 lb. Coated Premium Quality Paper * Four Color *

Aleo Publications 2012

Publication Date: December 15, 2012 - The town of Carpentersville was platted and surveyed on July 15, 1851 by Julius Angelo Carpenter. This man developed the extensive business district that we see to this day on Main Street. Although some of the buildings date as far back as 1871, they stand today in pristine condition! This “one-of-a-kind” book highlights the original development of the historic business district with text and photos - many dating back to the 1800’s. It then details the renovation that we enjoy today.

Aleo Publications 2019

The Dundee Hawkeye Newspaper began to be published in Dundee, Illinois, in March of 1890. It became the area's resource for local and world news for 27 years. For the first time, you are now able to read the news articles as they appeared in the local paper over 120 years ago. Reading this book, you get a firsthand knowledge of what it was like to be living in Dundee or Carpentersville in the early 1890's. What did they do for entertainment? Was there crime in this area back then? What were their political views? What new inventions were they excited about? What hardships did they endure? These, as well as many other topics are understood firsthand as you read through the hundreds of articles that have been selected from their local newspaper, the Dundee Hawkeye.

Aleo Publications 2020

The Dundee Hawkeye Newspaper began to be published in Dundee, Illinois, in March of 1890. It became the area's resource for local and world news for 27 years. For the first time, you are now able to read the news articles as they appeared in the local paper over 120 years ago. Reading this book, you get a firsthand knowledge of what it was like to be living in Dundee or Carpentersville in the early 1890's. What did they do for entertainment? Was there crime in this area back then? What were their political views? What new inventions were they excited about? What hardships did they endure? These, as well as many other topics are understood firsthand as you read through the hundreds of articles that have been selected from their local newspaper, the Dundee Hawkeye. This is Volume 2, covering the years 1893 and 1894.

Aleo Publications 2023

Georgetown, Colorado is one of the most well-preserved historic 19th century mining towns in the United States. Georgetown is a small town of just 1,200 residents nestled in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 8,530 feet above sea-level. Annually, tens of thousands of visitors are captivated, as they walk the historic streets filled with over two-hundred 19th century buildings, all in impeccable condition. Georgetown features the Georgetown Loop railroad. Nearly 250,000 visitors ride this historic railroad annually. This railroad was one of Colorado's first visitor attractions in the 1800’s. This spectacular stretch of 3 ft. narrow gauge railroad was completed in 1884 in the wake of the Colorado Gold Rush, and considered an engineering marvel for its time. It was used to haul silver ore from the surrounding mines as well as transport passengers visiting the scenic vistas that this region is noted for. The history of the town of Georgetown and the railroad are detailed in this release, including the railroad’s restoration in the 1970’s and its developments on up to the present day. The mines and the remarkable mine tours are also featured, their being a major component of the Georgetown Loop experience.

Aleo Publications 2020

Ouray, Colorado’s history comes to life in this captivating, hardcover book, filled with archive photographs and written history of this old western town. Ouray, named after the Ute Indian chief that once lived here, is a town that has stood still in time. Nestled up in the mountains at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Ouray is surrounded by mountain peaks extending over 13,000 feet. Ouray looks much as it did over 100 years ago. The only paved street is Main Street. The St. Elmo Hotel was built and run by Catherine O’Brien Heit in 1898. Catherine was a successful business woman in Ouray, being the proprietress of the popular restaurant, the Bon Ton. In 1898, she went on to build, own and operate the St. Elmo Hotel. The St. Elmo Hotel played an integral role in the functions of Ouray. The history of this unique town and this extraordinary hotel unfold in the richly illustrated pages of The History of Ouray, Colorado, Featuring the St. Elmo Hotel.

Aleo Publications 2020

Silverton, Colorado’s history comes to life in this captivating, hardcover book, filled with archive photographs and written history of this old western town. Nestled up in the mountains at 9,318 feet above sea level, Silverton is surrounded by mountain peaks extending over 13,000 feet. With a population of some 650 residents as of 2020, Silverton looks much as it did over 100 years ago. The entire town is a national historic landmark and considered one of the most intact sites of its kind in the country. Nearly every structure standing dates back to the 1800’s, the largest of which is the Grand Imperial Hotel. This structure was the largest building south of Denver when it was built in 1882. The largest building in Silverton till this day, the Grand Imperial Hotel has quite a history. The history of this town and this building comes to life in this comprehensive and entertaining new book, The History of Silverton, Colorado, Featuring the Grand Imperial Hotel.

Aleo Publications 2020

Read a collection of newspaper articles about the various buildings which Leonard W. Besinger and Associates completed in various Chicago suburbs during the 1920s through the 1960s. This developer is well known for his prefabricated houses, the Meadowdale Shopping center, many other building projects and his generosity to the community.

Aleo Publications Dundee, Ill. : 2011

Details the history of Meadowdale Raceways from its beginnings in the 1950s up to the present in its incarnation as Raceway Woods.