Roadside History of Illinois, Signed by Stan Banash, author. Softcover ($20). Did you know that Chicago was named for a wild onion or garlic? Or that the only president born in Illinois was Ronald Reagan? Or that the Ferris Wheel, processed cheese, the game of softball, the fly swatter, and the automatic dishwasher were all invented by Illinoisans? You’ll find these stories and hundreds more in an entertaining and revealing tour of the Prairie State’s historical places.