About

About 

     Stan Banash, a.k.a. “Tex,” a resident of Chicago’s Norwood Park community, recently completed his third book, Roadside History of Illinois (Mountain Press, 2013). The book covers the history of the state from the Ice Age to the present, offering vacationers, tourists and visitors a series of short trips mostly along old U.S. highways, state highways and county roads that provide a glimpse into numerous historic sites as well as the history of nearly 250 significant cities, towns and villages in seven geographical regions. Among the book’s features are more than 125 images, regional maps, an Illinois Chronology, a list of Illinois Facts, the lyrics to the seldom heard State Song, “Illinois,” and a list of Illinois Originals, in addition to a Bibliography and Index. The book also includes a Special Introduction by the late Dee Brown, author of the internationally acclaimed book, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, and was praised in back cover  blurbs by former U.S. Sen. Adlai E. Stevenson III and Illinois State Archives Deputy Director Wayne C. Temple. As the Preface notes, Roadside History of Illinois is “designed to help both visitors and residents discover and savor the historical, cultural, and natural opulence of this great state.”

     Banash, who was raised in suburban Niles and graduated from Niles Township High School (East) in Skokie, served in the U.S. Air Force and then obtained his Bachelor of Philosophy degree in political science from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts degree in Urban Studies from Roosevelt University. His two earlier books were: Best of Dee Brown’s West (Clear Light, 1998) and Dee Brown’s Civil War Anthology (Clear Light, 1998). He also has reviewed numerous books for Wild West magazine, The Tombstone Epitaph, Western Historical Quarterly, Journal of the West, and Roundup magazine. Active in his local community, Banash held several elected offices with the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, including serving as its president for six years from 1988-1994. Later he chaired Chicago’s first 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Board, established by former Ald. Brian Doherty, from 1993-2011, and served as sheriff of the Chicago Corral—The Westerners for five years from 1996-2001. He also is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western History Association, Westerners International, Society of Midland Authors, Illinois State Historical Society, and American Legion Edison Park Post 541. He currently serves as part-time director of public relations for Norwood Crossing, a long-term care retirement community in Chicago’s Norwood Park. 

     In 1987, he wrote the speech that Chicago Cubs Billy Williams delivered at his induction ceremony into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in Cooperstown, New York. Most recently, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1124, introduced by State Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn), which congratulated Banash for his book, Roadside History of Illinois, and for promoting greater interest in Illinois history. Last April, the book received a 2015 Superior Achievement Award from the Illinois State Historical Society.

     Banash can easily be spotted in his local community dressed daily in western clothes, carrying the spirit of the Old West wherever he goes. He and his wife, Laura, live in a rustic, California redwood style home, with a yard surrounded by a split rail fence and landscaped with native plants from the western plains. Combined, the couple has seven adult children and 12 grandchildren.

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