Dean Karau, Kewanee historian and columnist for The Kewanee Voice, will be at the Kewanee Public Library on Thursday, June 19 where he’ll discuss his book on Walter Thomas Bailey. Karau will appear at the Baker Park’s new pavilion Friday at noon to talk about the history of golf in Kewanee.
At 5:30 p.m. at the library, Karau will talk about his new book on Kewaneean Walter T. Bailey. Entitled WALTER THOMAS BAILEY: Staring into the Yawning Gulf of Eternity.
The book is a deep dive into the true scope of Mr. Bailey’s work and the extent to which Mr. Bailey helped Black Americans build both communities and pride. It documents over 100 of his works and delves into important but previously unknown aspects of his life. Fresh from giving his presentation on Mr. Bailey to Chicago’s DuSable Black History Museum, Karau will provide special insight into this man’s illustrious career while he fought to overcome life’s hardships.
Karau has partnered with the library and copies of his book will be available for purchase at the event, with all proceeds going to the library. Karau’s other three books will also be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the Kewanee Historical Society.
He will be available to personally sign his books after the presentation.
On Friday, June 20, Karau will talk at a Kewanee Park District-sponsored “Lunch & Learn” about the rich history of the game of golf in Kewanee. First introduced in 1896 at Red Oak Hollow, Kewaneeans became passionate about the game, with other courses on the east side of town at the John Ladd and August Fuerst’s farms, the fairgrounds and Zang’s farm, Midland Country Club and finally at Baker Park. With interesting tidbits about each and a slew of photos, Karau will take you through how Kewaneeans tried to avoid spoiling good walks.
You can RSVP for your lunch here.
Karau’s four books on Kewanee history will be available for purchase at the event. He has partnered with the Kewanee Public Library on his book on Walter T. Bailey, with all proceeds going to the library. Karau’s other three books will also be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the Kewanee Historical Society.
He will be available to personally sign his books after the presentation.
