Category Archives: National Register

Lincoln Tomb statuary (original)

Posted on November 18, 2014 by editor

This entry is a lightly edited version of a presentation given by Mark Johnson, historian for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, to the 2014 volunteer dinner hosted by the now-defunct Lincoln Monument Association, a non-profit support group for the Lincoln … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Arts and letters, Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Military, National Register | 3 Comments

Wheeland Haven, Riverton

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

In the early 1900s, in the midst of coal mines and cornfields east of Riverton, was a 17-acre oasis of beauty — Wheeland Haven, the home of Olive Black Wheeland and her husband Cyrus. Cyrus Wheeland was a farmer, grain … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Architecture, Buildings, Historic Sites, National Register, Parks, Prominent figures, Women | 17 Comments

Orange Judd buildings, Rochester

Posted on May 22, 2014 by editor

Buildings pictured in a 1918 collection, the Orange Judd Farmer Pictorial Community Album of Rochester Township and Village, are part of a walking tour created under sponsorship of the Rochester Historical Preservation Society. The Orange Judd Publishing Co. produced a … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Architecture, Buildings, Communities, Historic Sites, Histories, National Register, Prominent figures | Tagged | Leave a comment

Lincoln Tomb reconstruction and rededication, 1930-31

Posted on April 4, 2014 by editor

President Herbert Hoover rededicated the Lincoln Tomb in front of a massive crowd on June 17, 1931. The occasion was the reopening of the tomb following a complete reconstruction, including a new interior. When the memorial was erected in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, National Register, Presidents | Tagged | Leave a comment

Bolivia Road Bridge (National Register)

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

The Bolivia Road Bridge over the North Fork of the Sangamon River, 20 miles southeast of Springfield,  connects Sangamon County with Christian County. Bolivia (pronounced in central Illinois as “Bolivee”) was an early community located along the road that connected … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, National Register, Transportation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

John Bressmer Co.

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

The John W. Bressmer Co. was founded as a dry goods store in 1861 and later expanded into a full-fledged department store, selling men’s and women’s clothing, furniture and household items. With Myers Brothers, it was one of downtown Springfield’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Business, Department stores, Disasters, Historic Sites, National Register, Prominent figures | 14 Comments

Cornelius Flagg Farmstead, Sherman

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

                                                  Flagg Farmstead, 2013 (SCHS photo) The Flagg Farmstead , 500 Old Tipton Road in Sherman … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Buildings, Business, Historic Sites, Hotels & taverns, National Register, Prominent figures, Railroads | Leave a comment

Gottschalk Grocery

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

“The name Gottschalk has been synonymous in Springfield with quality foods,” the Illinois State Register proclaimed in 1924, when Gottschalk’s grocery celebrated 35 years in business at College Avenue and Edwards Street. At the time, in addition to basic staples, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Historic Sites, National Register | 6 Comments

Chatham

Posted on March 31, 2013 by editor

The village of Chatham was laid out in October 1836 by Luther Ransom, who also built the first house in the community. Chatham got its first burst of growth following the building of the Alton & Sangamon Railroad (later the … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Early residents, Historic Sites, National Register | Tagged , | Leave a comment