Super Tidbit
We are all getting ready for the 250th anniversary of United States on July 4th. I couldn't be more excited but I am also feeling privileged have been around for
the 200th anniversary. While July 4th is the big day, there was so much that happened surrounding that day. If we look back, May of 1776 was an exciting time also.
In May, 1776, the idea of remaining part of the British Empire was abandoned. The colonies were infuriated when they learned King George had hired Hessian Troops (German mercenaries) to fight against the Americans. That meant King George was treating British subjects like foreign
enemies.
At the same time, King George armed native Americans (the Cherokee, Shawnee, Iroquois and some others) with new muskets to fight against Americans on the western frontiers. Also at that time, Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" was being widely read thought out the colonies. “Common Sense” advocated for freedom from British rule.
On May 10th, Congress passed a resolution asking every colony to break all ties
with Great Britain. Several colonies had already broken ties with the British Crown on their own as George Washington was also fortifying New York to do the same. In May, 250 years ago, the foreboding sense that revolution was coming filled the air. A perfect storm was forming.
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Tidbits
May 14, 1787 – The Constitutional Convention delegates begin to assemble in Philadelphia. It took several weeks for the delegates to arrive but
finally, on May 25th, a quorum was achieved. I wonder what will come of this effort? Good stuff, I think.
May 14, 1804 – Lewis and Clark depart for the Northwest. It wouldn't be until November 8th, 1805, before the expedition reached the Pacific ocean. They paused there, on the banks of the Pacific, for the winter, and finally made it back to St. Louis on September 23rd, 1806, 2 ½ years
later.
May 15, 1765 – Parliament passes the Quartering Act which requires colonists to accommodate soldiers in their homes and provide them provisions including meals and stabling of horses. The act went on to say that if all lodging was filled, then other accommodations may be made as needed. This Act infuriated the colonists.
The Third Amendment to the Constitution of the United States states that NO
soldier, in a time of peace, will be housed in private homes without the owner's consent. During a time of war, however, this may be allowed, but only in a manner prescribed by law.
May 15, 1800 – President John Adams ordered the government to be moved to Washington D.C., leaving Philadelphia, PA.
May 17, 1943 – The B-17 Bomber, the
Memphis Belle, flies its 25th and last bombing mission over Germany. In 1990, the film, “Memphis Belle”, was released. It is a fictionalized dramatization of the real flight of the Memphis Belle. Still, it is worth watching.
May 18, 1860 – Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, is nominated for the Presidency of the United States in
Chicago.
May 18, 1980 – Mount Saint Helens erupts. The massive eruption killed 57 people and devastated some 210 square miles of southwestern Washington State. I remember seeing the volcanic ash floating over Illinois. It made for great sunsets for a few days.
Just for the record...there is an even larger volcanic dome forming under Yellowstone National Park. If that
one goes, it's going to be mighty exciting around the world and here in Illinois, particularly.
May 18, 1962 – Marilyn Monroe sings the sexually-charged version of “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy during his birthday celebration. JFK got in trouble for that one, I bet.
May 20, 1927 – Charles Lindbergh takes off in the first transatlantic flight from
Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York. It was the first ever non-stop flight across the Atlantic. In 1927, this event was as big as the first moon landing. His plane was named “Spirit of St. Louis”. If you think about that, St. Louis was the departure point for Western exploration. Lindbergh's plane represented a new frontier at that time.
Gun
Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
May 16 – May 17, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman's Show, Kankakee County
Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept. 19 – Sept. 20, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Oct. 24 - 25,
2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct. 24 - 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov. 7 - 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov. 28 - 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2026
Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Livingston County – 4th Tuesday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social half-hour from 6:00pm – 6:30pm; Meeting at
6:30pm.
Madison County – 1st Wednesday of the month – Piasa Armory, 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd., East Alton, IL; Doors open at 6:15pm; Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Northwest Suburban - 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County - 2nd Thursday of the month – New
Location: Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant, 14459 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County - 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
