MIDDLE WEST ARTICLES
SUBMITTED BY MRS. HICKEY NELSON RIDGE SCHOOL
TOWN--NEW LENOX , IL
New Lenox is located about 36 miles southwest of Chicago.  It was settled in the 1820's and became more established in 1852 when they built the Rock Island Railroad between Rock Island and Chicago. The town's original name was Tracy after the general superintendent of the Rock Island Railroad. New Lenox is located in the plains and has been considered an agricultural area that grows corn and soybeans.  However, recent growth in population and housing has changed the area.  There are more businesses coming to our area and the demand for more schools is an ever present problem for the community. The most interesting place for people who live in New Lenox to visit is the Old Plank Trail.  It is a great place for families to exercise by walking, jogging, or biking.  The trail was used prior to 1850 as a trading and transportation corridor for Native Americans, missionaries, fur traders, trappers, and explorers.  After 1850 it became an emigration route for European settlers looking for land to settle on. 
STUDENT COMMENTS ON FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT

John age 10---My favorite place to go is downtown Chicago.  To be
specific I really enjoy the Taste of Chicago.  There is everything there like good food, music, and the sights of the city.  If you go it starts about 10  days before the 4th of July thru the 4th of July. 
My favorite foods are Lou Malnotti's pizza, Eli's cheesecake, and Billy Goat's cheeseburgers.

Brian age 10--Navy Pier is my favorite place to visit because there are a lot of fun things to do like visiting the Children's Museum.  You can also take a boat ride on the Chicago River on the Sea Dog.  That is awesome.  There are great fireworks in the summer, and I like to eat at Bubba Gump's. 

Maggie age 10--My favorite field trip was to the Art Institute of Chicago.  There are many beautiful exhibits.  I particularly enjoy the Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurot.  The lions in front of the Art Institute are a well known landmark in Chicago.

Annie age 11-- My favorite field trip was to the Brookfield Zoo.  There are many exciting exhibits. My favorite is the the dolphin show.  They perform for the audience and do a bunch of tricks that can get you wet if you are sitting in the right place.  When I grow up I want to be a marine biologist.