Category Archives: Springfield Survey

Children’s physical exams, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

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Home for the Friendless

The Home for the Friendless assisted indigent women and children of Springfield from 1863 to 1928, when it was merged into the Children’s Service League. The gradual addition of other social service agencies ultimately led to formation of the Family … Continue reading

Posted in African Americans, Children, Social services, Springfield Survey, Women | 15 Comments

Housing for African Americans, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane and … Continue reading

Posted in African Americans, Ethnic groups, Springfield Survey | Leave a comment

The Open Air Colony (Palmer Tuberculosis Sanatorium)

The Springfield Open Air Colony was a private sanatorium for people suffering from tuberculosis that operated at Chatham Road and Lawrence Avenue from 1913 until about 1953. (This closing date has been corrected.)  The Colony eventually was renamed the Palmer … Continue reading

Posted in Churches, Public health, Social services, Springfield Survey | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

Dr. George T. Palmer

Dr. George T. Palmer was a lifelong advocate for better public health and social services, with a special interest in therapy for tuberculosis. Palmer (1875-1943), the grandson of Gov. John Palmer, began his medical practice in Chicago, but moved to Springfield … Continue reading

Posted in Local government, Prominent figures, Public health, Springfield Survey | Tagged | 1 Comment

Sangamon County Jail, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

Posted in Buildings, Law enforcement, Springfield Survey | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sangamon County poor farm, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

Posted in Public health, Social services, Springfield Survey | Tagged | 21 Comments

School problems, 1914 (Springfield survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Education, Schools and school districts, Springfield, Springfield Survey | Tagged | Leave a comment

City jail ‘bullpen,’ 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

Posted in Law enforcement, Social services, Springfield Survey | Leave a comment

Washington Park children’s corner, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey, where this photo originated, was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of … Continue reading

Posted in Amusements, Children, Sports and recreation, Springfield, Springfield Survey | Tagged | Leave a comment