Historic Impressions is an exciting view into the Social Life and Architecture of a Lost Generation. From the mansions of railroad and merchant kings, to the simple homes of hard working stone masons and laborers, this book brings them together to tell their stories. Every old home has a story to tell, and by exploring both the architectural and social history one gets a well rounded view of the city of Joliet from early growth to manufacturing prominence. View homes both standing and demolished, and follow the lives of famous and infamous. Mayors, Merchants, Masons, Architects, Brewers and Blacksmiths are but a few of the lives that are touched on in this special book. A compellation of a weekly article written by local historian P. Seth Magosky, this book promises to become a special source for not only the local community, but also a view of social and architectural trends of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rarely does such a book exist that brings together the architecture and lives of those who built them. This perspective gives the reader a well rounded view of people and their times. It also sets the stage for understanding how and why these homes take on the character and importance they have.