Gleam TV

11/15/2025

•HISTORY MOMENTS•

Before & after of the former Perry H. Smith Mansion which was constructed in the early 1870's just after the Great Chicago Fire 🔥 (Note the Chicago Water Tower in the background!)

The three-story residence featured Joliet marble cladding, a slate mansard roof, and an elaborate interior highlighted by an ebony staircase with gold inlay and a dining room carved with wildlife motifs. Smith used the house for lavish entertaining of Chicago’s high society, hosting grand balls, theatrical events, and receptions.

In about 1918, the mansion was demolished as part of a major widening project for Michigan Avenue, making way for new commercial development. The home sat atop where the west sidewalk and southbound travel lane exists in the present day photo, and the Zara sits where the mansions back half and backyard was!

(See comments for maps of the mansions exact location)

11/14/2025

•HISTORY MOMENTS•

July 24, 1915 — Chicago’s riverfront buzzed with excitement. The SS Eastland, a passenger steamer, was loading more than 2,500 employees from the Western Electric Company for their annual picnic in Michigan City. Families waved flags, babies in bonnets, men in straw hats. It was supposed to be a perfect summer day.

Frank Kowalski, 27, a machinist, stood on the upper deck with his wife Lena and their baby girl, Anna. He’d worked twelve-hour shifts all year; this was his reward. At 7:28 a.m., as more passengers boarded, the ship began to list slightly portside. Jokes turned to unease. Then—without warning—the Eastland rolled completely onto its side, right there at the dock.

People didn’t scream at first—just silence and splashing. Those below deck were trapped instantly. The river, only twenty feet deep, filled with hats, shoes, picnic baskets—and bodies. 844 people died in less than five minutes. It was the worst maritime disaster in Great Lakes history.

Frank escaped through a porthole, clutching baby Anna. Lena was gone. He found her hours later among the rows of covered forms on the dock. He laid his coat over her and whispered:
“You were my summer.”

For years afterward, Frank never left Chicago. He worked at the same factory, raised Anna alone, and never rode another boat. Every July 24th, he brought a single daisy to the river and dropped it in the water. He never spoke her name again, only the date.

The Eastland tragedy changed maritime safety forever—new stability laws, life vest requirements, and tighter passenger limits. But for the families of Chicago, it was a wound that never quite closed.

11/04/2025

The Mr. Will Show's November 2025 episode is now out. Get ready for some great family friendly laughter. Will York

10/17/2025

•HISTORY MOMENTS•

09/26/2025

•HISTORY MOMENTS•

09/23/2025

•FINANCIAL LITERACY•

09/02/2025

The September 2025 episode of the Mr. Will Show is so funny. Check it out. Will York

08/10/2025

Did you see The Mr. Will Show August 2025 episode yet??? Well if you haven't here it is and be prepared to laugh so hard. Will York

08/04/2025

•FINANCIAL LITERACY•

Advertiser and Editorial Disclosures 13 Benefits Seniors Are Entitled to But Often Forget to Claim Last updated April 22, 2025 | By FinanceBuzz Editors You could be missing out on $1,000s, and you might not even realize it. Sure, you might know about some senior discounts at diners or retail stores....

08/04/2025

Laughing it up with the August 1, 2025, episode of the Mr. Will Show. Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/-ETLpZzyD9c

Will York

Laughing it up with the August 1, 2025, episode of the Mr. Will Show.