Southland Stories: 250 Years of American Spirit

Across the Chicago Southland, extraordinary talent and stories come to life. Here, passion meets purpose, and dedication transforms ideas into lasting legacies. The Chicago Southland region shines with creativity, showcasing the spirit of a community that celebrates talent, tradition and the extraordinary in everyday life.

Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios

In 1970, a small backyard studio set the stage for one of the most remarkable examples of the American dream in the Chicago Southland.

At the center of it all was Charles Lotton (1935–2021). After serving in the United States Air Force and working as a hairstylist, Charles began teaching himself the art of glassblowing, inspired by a demonstration at The Art Institute of Chicago. This endeavor was fueled entirely by his prayers and dreams. Today, over 50 years later, Charles and his incredible glass creations have earned worldwide acclaim.

Over the years, Charles continued to teach himself new techniques, mastering paperweights, vases, lamps and more. The chemistry he developed for his glassworks is unique to Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios (24760 South Country Lane, Crete), the gallery he opened in 1997. The studio is one of the rarest in the world, transforming natural elements like sand, lime, borax and metals into vibrant colors and breathtaking designs.

As his skills and reputation grew, so did Charles’s family legacy. He eventually passed on his love for glassblowing to the next generations, working alongside his sons, David and Daniel Lotton, and his grandson Robert Lagestee, as well as artist Scott Bayless at the gallery.

Today, three generations’ worth of artwork can be found at Lotton Art Glass, including styles unique to each artist. Charles is especially known for his trademark designs, such as the multiflora and Cypriot styles—beautiful compositions that have placed his work in hundreds of major museums and private collections.

The family-run studio continues to create stunning bowls, vases and other glass pieces, and visitors are welcome to tour the gallery, witnessing firsthand the artistry and dedication that make Lotton Art Glass a true embodiment of the American dream.

Crozehead Cooperage and Whiskey Experience

Craftsmanship and tradition come together at The Crow and Calico Tavern at Old Crozehead Cooperage (25964 South Egyptian Trail, Monee). Veteran-owned and family-run, this artisanal cooperage brings together three generations of artisans, led by Loren Buchmeier. One of fewer than 50 master coopers in the world, Loren works alongside his son Holden at the only cooperage in Illinois, and one of just 26 in the entire country.

Loren and Holden guide visitors through the ancient art of coopering. At Crozehead, barrels are hand-forged from white oak using time-honored techniques, as oak staves, metal hoops and heat are transformed into barrels that age whiskey, beer and other spirits to perfection. The five-acre farm that houses Crozehead also features the Crow and Calico Tavern, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails, beer, wine and locally sourced seasonal fare in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

On-site tours of the cooperage are available for visitors, including a tour followed by a tasting that pairs brown spirits with charcuterie. Private “Meet the Masters” events are also available for up to 20 guests at a time and includes discussions led by Loren and guest distillers from local area distilleries. These unique tours highlight both the history and science behind barrel-making, as well as live demonstrations of the meticulous, hands-on craft that sets Crozehead apart.

Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of coopering and craft spirits in a pastural setting with a full bar of premium spirits, beer, wine and craft cocktails, all on the family farm set on five acres with a biergarten. Every barrel reflects the Buchmeier family’s dedication and skill, solidifying Crozehead as a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates craftsmanship and tradition.

Photo by @GleasonFamilyAdventures

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

In the 1920s, three brothers set out to bring the game of golf to the Chicago area, and their vision became Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (12294 South Archer Avenue, Palos Park). Opening their first course and grand clubhouse in 1927, John, Martin and Bert Coghill planted the seeds for a public golf legacy that continues today.

Expansions followed, with Course No. 2 opening in 1929 and Course No. 3 in 1963, but it was Course No. 4 that put Cog Hill on the national map. After purchasing the property in 1951, golf professional Joe Jemsek partnered with architects Dick Wilson and Joe Lee to design Cog Hill’s fourth course, now better known as Dubsdread. Dubsdread is a championship course, built to challenge even the world’s best golfers. Since its debut, it has remained nationally ranked and hosted numerous events, including the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship (formerly the Western Open) nearly 20 times, and has seen legends like Tiger Woods set course records.

The four courses at Cog Hill are carefully designed, blending natural terrain with strategic layout. Amateurs and pros alike can test their skills on Dubsdread, practice at the driving range or participate in instructional golfing programs.

Today, Cog Hill is still owned and operated by the Jemsek family, symbolizing the fulfillment of Joe Jemsek’s lifelong vision: offering a country club-quality experience to all golfers. Spanning three generations, beginning with Joe in the 1950s, followed by his son Frank and granddaughter Katherine, the family continues the legacy of the original Coghill brothers, preserving a public golf destination that combines tradition and challenge.

Tyrone Haymore (Robbins History Museum)

For over 26 years, Tyrone Haymore (1947–2025) dedicated himself to preserving the history of the Village of Robbins. He served the village as clerk and trustee for almost 30 years, earning a reputation as a passionate educator, advocate and community leader.

Though he was devoted to his public service, it was Tyrone’s work founding and leading the Robbins History Museum (3644 139th Street, Robbins) that would leave the most enduring mark on the community, and the Chicago Southland as a whole. The museum opened on August 28, 2010, bringing the village’s rich Black heritage to life. Over the course of his career, Tyrone acted as executive director, curator and historian of the museum.

Under his guidance, the museum became a hub for celebrating extraordinary local figures, including ten of the original pioneering Tuskegee Airmen, groundbreaking actress Nichelle Nichols and S.B. Fuller, one of the country’s first Black millionaires. Through exhibits and programs, Tyrone ensured that the stories of Robbins were preserved and shared for generations to come.

Tyrone’s dedication, knowledge and pride for Robbins made him a beloved pillar of the community, inspiring countless people to honor and learn from the village’s remarkable history. His legacy lives on through the museum he nurtured and the stories he worked tirelessly to preserve.