Notorious Outlaws coming to Algonquin Area Library!

The Algonquin Area Public Library will host a discussion about frontier lawbreakers and the vigilante justice that marked Illinois before the 20th century.

The presentation, “Desperadoes: Notorious Outlaws of Early Illinois” takes place Sunday, September 15 at 2pm inside the Algonquin Area main library (2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin). From the early criminals of Cave-in-Rock to figures such as the Maxwell brothers and Frank Rande, Illinois in the 1800s was often considered a dangerous place. The presentation dives into Illinois’ infamous past -- our vigilantes and our state’s early attempts at law enforcement -- through dozens of images featuring outlaws, jails, wanted posters and more.

The event is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council’s Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, a program that provides organizations statewide with affordable, entertaining, and thought-provoking humanities events for their communities. A roster of speakers, hailing from 16 different towns and cities across Illinois, present topics in history, culture, literature, music, politics, law, science, and many more. Mallory Laurel, the IHC’s coordinator for the program, says “The contagious passion our speakers have for their topics is what makes this program so dynamic and appealing. We don’t need to change lives; we just want audiences to feel curious again.” 

Presenter and author, John Hallwas spent 10 years researching his book Dime Novel Desperadoes: The Notorious Maxwell Brothers, a 2009 Midland Award Winner for Best Biography from the Midwest. “Our state’s most notorious outlaws were contemporaries of Jesse James and Billy the Kid,” Hallwas said. "I was surprised to discover how little had been written about them.” Hallwas’ program also sheds light on 19th century values and social conditions at the time.

“Desperadoes: Notorious Outlaws of Early Illinois” begins 2pm, Sunday, September 15 at Algonquin Area Public Library on 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. The free event is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council, and all are welcome. For more information, visit www.aapld.org or call 847.458.6060.