Tim Frakes Productions Inc. Sheldon Peck Portrait of an Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Times
Channel: Tim Frakes
Date: 2019-03-30

Contact: 
Tim Frakes Productions Inc.
2 South Park Ave
Suite 2C
Lombard, Illinois, 60148
630-418-2439

Sheldon Peck, Portrait of an Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Times tells the story of Lombard, Illinois’ most famous son, 19th century primitive portrait artist, radical abolitionist, progressive temperance and public education advocate and conductor on the  underground railroad, Sheldon Peck. 

Sheldon Peck, Portrait of an Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Times, is a story infused with a humanity that resonates today.  Largely forgotten in the century after his death in 1868, Sheldon Peck and his legacy have seen a revival and renewed appreciation that recognizes his talent, passion, courage and vision.  It's a story of American western expansion in the days of manifest destiny and how one man embraced the important issues of his day and was not afraid to speak out or get personally involved when and where he saw injustice. 

This documentary was a labor of love.  In August, 2018 I moved my 11 year old video production business a few miles east, from Glen Ellyn to Lombard, Illinois, the town were we have lived since the early 1990's, raised our three children and actively participated in church, school and little leagues.  

Julie (my spouse) and I were having dinner at a new restaurant, Babcock's Grove, in the old Lombard Hotel on the corner of St. Charles Road and Park, Avenue. It was a beautiful summer evening.  The downtown was buzzing with vitality.  Seated at our outdoor table we were remarking out energized Lombard's downtown had become. The new $9.7 million dollar Metra Station and pedestrian tunnel, street lighting, restaurants and creative businesses made for a place people wanted to congregate.  

That's when I saw building owner Tom Smith's 2 South Park Avenue office-for-rent sign on the door next to Babcock's grove.  One thing led to another and I wound up moving into Lombard's oldest commercial building (1858) in one of the coolest office spaces in DuPage County.  God is good. 

Being a hopeless history buff and the producer of many historical documentaries, I was looking for a way to introduce my video production business to my new/old home town.  A google search revealed that the story of Sheldon Peck, had never been told in the documentary format.  A phone call to the Lombard Historical Society led to an introduction with Executive Director Sarah Richardt who enthusiastically endorsed the idea and then proceeded to assist us at every turn as we told the story and tracked down experts and images. 

Thanks to all those who helped put this story together.  Check the credits for a listing. 

Tim Frakes Productions produces documentary and image video for non-profit, faith-based, broadcast and corporate clients.