As an author of a dozen books about Illinois history, Jim Ridings has dedicated his time and his talents to preserving the rich past of his community and his state. His latest book, Cardiff, Ghost Town on the Prairie, relates well-researched facts and stories about the lost town of Cardiff and the author's own community of Campus. Mr. Ridings interviewed numerous residents, scoured countless news accounts, and collected valuable photos to tell his story of Cardiff, Campus, and coal mining in early Illinois. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Ridings, Mayor Matt Galeaz of Campus believes that, "the small towns that dot the Illinois landscape will be remembered for their former glory, their colorful pasts, and for the thousands of people who dwelled there." Mr. Ridings is honored with the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award for his love of history and his dedication to documenting the past.
Cardiff, Ghost Town on the Prairie is available for $33/copy via mail order to: PO Box 464 Herscher, IL 60941-0464.
