John M. "Jack" Lamb

I got to know John soon after I began teaching history at Lewis in 1996. I'd bring my Illinois and Chicago History class to his I&M Canal collection, so he could play show and tell with the treasures he had accumulated over the decades. Perhaps nobody has ever known the story of the canal as well as John did. And I'm grateful that he shared his knowledge, with me, with the students, and through his research, writing, and organizing, with the much larger community. He created a lasting legacy.

I met Mr. Lamb several times through my good friend and longtime assistant in the shop, Sean. Loved hearing the stories and getting the low down on the I&M canal - which I liked to canoe from Morris to Channahon. So sorry, Sean, Irene, and the rest of the family. He will be missed.

There have been so many losses in the beloved Lamb family in recent years, first Mom, Louise in 2015, but 2021 has been devastating, when we lost their son, Michael, and now Dad, John. Blessed rest in Peace and Love.

To all family members.....what an institution. What a gift to Lockport this man was. I & M Canal, Canal Days, the Adelmann House, the history he brought to this town, & on it goes. He basically put Lockport on the map. Unselfishly giving of himself to this town. At some point, this man needs to be honored. Lockport has lost a great one & we who live or lived in Lockport, was blessed to have him...

Justine - So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was always so interesting to talk to about anything history related.