Memories of Ray Bradbury light up Waukegan
Candle flames flickered in Green Town Wednesday, June 6, as Ray Bradbury fans gathered for a memorial tribute to the Waukegan-born author of “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Martian Chronicles” and other best-sellers. Bradbury died June 5 at age 91.
Although he moved from Waukegan as a teen in 1934, the author continued to call upon memories of his childhood there, spent playing around the ravine and rail yards, or sitting amid the stacks at the old Carnegie Library.
In the introduction to “Dandelion Wine,” Bradbury explains why Waukegan, which he renamed “Green Town” in his novels, was so special.
“Why, I was born there. It was my life,” he said.
And it’s a life that Waukegan will continue to celebrate and remember, in his books, the storytelling festival established in his honor, and the legacy of inspiration he leaves to all the residents of his hometown.