Mokena’s Front Porch Podcast

11/12/2025

The Hacker family, mostly born in Mokena, bought a house on McGovney Street in 1878 for $600—a house that remained in the family for decades. Carl Hacker built his career with the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, becoming a respected figure in Mokena. He dedicated 43 years to the railroad.

11/12/2025

Ask any Mokenian about Ole Laufer and...silence. That's heartbreaking. The greatest casualty? Being forgotten. Please, remember Ole Laufer today and every day.

11/12/2025

New Village Logo? What do you think?

Last night the Village presented a proposed new logo. The picture shows (poorly) the current logo on the left, and the proposed logo on the right.

The board made some comments but no decision was made.

Israel Smith
Mokena's Front Porch - Podcast

11/11/2025

A farewell party in Mokena honored Barney and other men leaving town. Alvin McGoverni provided care packages in Cleveland. Barney trained soldiers to drive at Fort Monroe but the war ended before he saw combat. He returned home January 19, 1919.

11/11/2025

A fresh-faced 18-year-old, barely able to speak English, suffered a life-altering accident near Louisville, Kentucky. During a drill, Private Hacker tripped, landing hard on a stump. The impact caused a rupture that would follow him forever.

11/11/2025

Barely 20, George, a shoemaker in Will County, volunteered for the 20th Illinois Volunteer Infantry just a month after the war began in 1861. Though only in the country a few years, his willingness to serve demonstrates true patriotism. His blood was not shed in vain, with the capture of Fort Donelson.

11/11/2025

In 1917, Fred Steinhagen, like many young men, answered the call to serve in WWI. From working at a Ford garage to facing poisonous gas attacks, his journey took him from Fort Dodge, Iowa, to the Army of Occupation in Germany. He returned home in June 1919.

11/11/2025

He was a bombardier, manually guiding deadly cargo from a B-17 right into Hitler's backyard. This picture shows him in uniform, headphones on, thick leather coat, flyer scarf. A truly cool image of a brave airman.

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day! George Troyer, a recent immigrant, risked everything for his adopted country during the Civil War. Though brave, the war never truly ended for him. A leg wound and a freezing night in Tennessee haunted him until his death at 31. Mokena honors his bravery.

11/11/2025

February 13, 1945: a day etched in Ed's memory forever. Flying over Vienna, his B-17 took a direct hit. Wings aflame, oxygen gone. Forced to bail at 25,000 feet. Can you imagine the fear? Three didn't make it. A harrowing tale of survival.

11/11/2025

Join the community in recognition of Veterans Day, at 11am at Pioneer Cemetery on Wolf Road.

Please join us in honoring our Veterans on Veterans Day. An event you won't want to miss.