Paperback
Retail Price: $19.95
At the turn of the 20th Century, labor, political reforms and imperialistic expansion along with their problems and conflicts dominated the headlines of American newspapers. The growth of labor unions that wanted a better life for their members and other workers were pushing against a wall, reinforced by the wealthy industrialists, the press and those agencies at the state and federal levels. While the major strikes organized by the labor unions that resulted in the Haymarket Riot in Chicago and the strikes at the Pullman Palace Car Company and the steel companies cornered most of the national news, there was a conflict that took place in the late 1890s in a small Midwestern Illinois town that would determine the future of unionism and its struggle to survive. Although the title of this book uses the term “crossroads” it might have been more accurate to use the term “Collision Course On The Illinois Prairie”. So many forces came together in this small coal mining town that would result in the struggle of the survival of union organization, Industrialist resistance, strikes and unfounded rumors that led to a massacre. It would be just one of many in Illinois that caused the streets to run red with blood until troops and imposition of martial law would be used to restore order. It would draw the attention of the state and national governments to address these conflicts and take action in an attempt to deal with the domestic labor problems that would continue well into the 20th Century.
Paperback
Format: 6 x 9 Black & White Paperback, 120 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (May 09, 2017)
ISBN10: 1478786892
ISBN13: 9781478786894
Genre: HISTORY / United States / State & Local / Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI)
Heinz Suppan, a Springfield, Illinois native received his Associate of Arts degree at Springfield Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois and a Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois in Springfield. He has lived in Ottawa, Illinois and has taught German and history at Marquette Academy for the past 35 years. He has also taught German and a variety of history classes at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois, Joliet Junior College and Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby Illinois. In 2015 Suppan published his first book “Remember Indian Creek! In the Shadow of the Black Hawk War” and in 2016 he published his second book, “Marking Time: The Radium Girls of Ottawa”. From 2013 to 2016 Suppan has presented excerpts from his two books at the Conference on Illinois History in Springfield. He presented “Pana: The Crossroads of Crisis” in 2015. His latest endeavor, “The Ottawa Rescue Case” tells the story of several local citizens in Ottawa, Illinois who risked their freedom and fortunes to assist a runaway slave escape from legal authorities and helped him connect with the underground railroad which got Jim Gray to freedom in Canada. Suppan continues to teach at Marquette Academy and is an adjunct instructor at Illinois Valley Community College. He lives with his wife Leslie in Ottawa. 
My representative Jamie was always extremely professional and helpful during the entire process of my book publication. She always responded very quickly to requests and was always helpful throughout the entire process. She is a great role model and a great asset to the Outskirts Press family. I will highly recommend Outskirts Press to my friends and associates and also look forward to doing more business in the future. I am extremely pleased with my book publication and consider this a major milestone in my life . Thank you all very much...
Lawrence N. Weston
author of Avoiding Self Imposed Adversities
From the beginning, and throughout the process of publishing my first book, I felt that I was in the hands of a pro. Dana always took the time to answer my questions in detail and swiftly, and if she didn't have 100% confidence, she researched the question and got back to me. I was very pleased with her and I am also thankful that I was paired with her as an Author Rep.
David Matityahu Ben Avraham
author of There's No Such Thing as Magic Blood
Bridget, as well as the entire Outskirts Press team working with me, are exceptional. They held my hand through the entire process in addition to providing me with welcomed support and encouragement. I am looking forward to our next project together. I have recommended Outskirts Press to several freelance authors in my area. Thank you for making a potentially hectic journey so enjoyable and so satisfying.
Paneque y Diaz
author of More Than What They Seemed
I was very happy with my author rep's responses to me. She did a superb job of answering my questions and helping me through the editing process. She was always available when I needed her. I'm delighted with the outcome--my book looks good and it's selling! Thank you.
Kathleen O'Brien
author of Reclaim Your Right To Grow Old
A great experience with Outskirts Press. I learned a lot in this process. I will do it all over again. Thank you so much.
Esther A. Ota
author of Children: My Heritage - A Testimony
The one-on-one with Lisa was great. Especially the phone call picking out styles, font, cover template etc. She even got a vote on the color. I so wanted to have my daughter's painting as the art work on the cover and she gave me a way to do that. Her guidance helped turn my dream into a reality and sometimes it is still hard to believe until I look at my book. Thank you.
Nancy L. Regas
author of The Art of Being a School Counselor
Outskirts Press has perfected the art of self-publishing. Their process is simple and seamless with everything happening in a timely manner, giving authors complete control over how their book will appear inside and out. And the people there are fantastic. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, patient and quick to reply to emails. What more can an author ask?
Needless to say, I’ve found a home here at Outskirts Press.
Jim Black
author of Life with Bingo, Miracle on the Gridiron, Football Hero, and Ezra
Outskirts Press changed my life for the better. They turned my adoption memoir into a book that is not only beautiful to look at, it is pleasurable to read, easy to purchase online, and in less than a month already has had a profound impact on many people. A truly amazing company with a heart. Deepest gratitude!
Paul Kimball
author of We Are All Human Beings
The Outskirts Press team was helpful, attentive, prompt and detail oriented during the publishing process. It really felt like a team effort, and everyone worked hard to create an awesome final product that was my fully published book!
Eric B.
author of Realm of the Invader
Having just published my eighth book with Outskirts Press, I can attest to it being a great experience, and I look forward to publishing number nine. Thanks for a great job.
James A. Hunter
author of Soft And Gentle 8
I would like to thank everyone at Outskirts Press for helping me getting my book (Storms of Jaycard) into print. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would write a book and have it published. Once again, I would like to thank everyone at Outskirts Press for making my book dream come true.
Joseph J. Myer
author of Storms of Jaycard