In the early 60’s Studs Terkel canvassed Chicago and the suburbs interviewing people. He interviewed everyday people, people that worked for their livings. The end result was a 71 essay book that was published in 1967 called Division Street America. One of the interviewees, a cabbie, told Studs that “I want my death to be worth something.”. I immediately knew what to do with that statement.

Thanks to Professor Cronk of NEIU for her advice and for turning me on to the Division Street book.