Monthly Archives: February 2016

Daylight Saving Time, 1918

What now is known as Daylight Saving Time was first instituted on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1918, as a way to save fuel to support U.S. soldiers in World War I. In Sangamon County, the main inconvenience was to churches, … Continue reading

Posted in Local government, Science | 2 Comments

Dr. Daniel Ottis (World War I surgeon)

Dr. Daniel M. Ottis (1870-1929) was a prominent surgeon in Springfield who also was known for organizing the Sangamon County-based Unit W of the U.S. Medical Service during World War I. The Illinois State Journal summarized Ottis’ career in his … Continue reading

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Sgt. James Rollman (WWI flu hero)

Sgt. James Rollman was a member of the Sangamon County-based Unit W of the U.S. Medical Service during World War I. He died of influenza in 1918. See Flu epidemic, 1918-20.

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Unit W (World War I)

Unit W, formed by Dr. D.M. Ottis of Springfield, was part of the U.S. Medical Service during World War I. See Flu epidemic, 1918-20.

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Flu epidemic, 1918-20

Health officials closed churches, schools and theaters, barred street gatherings and set up a special hospital at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, but the influenza epidemic of 1918 nonetheless killed more than 500 county residents. Second and third waves of flu appeared … Continue reading

Posted in Disasters, Medicine, Military, Public health | 10 Comments

Stapleton Rodeo, New Berlin

Edward Stapleton operated a weekly rodeo from 1927 until the 1940s west of New Berlin. See New Berlin rodeo.

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New Berlin rodeo

The Stapleton Rodeo drew thousands of spectators weekly to an arena west of New Berlin from 1927 until the eve of World War II. Competitors ranged from local cowboys to some of the top nationwide riders. The rodeo’s impresario was … Continue reading

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Prohibition referendums in Sangamon County, 1908-17

Most of Sangamon County voted itself “dry” as soon as it legally could in 1908. But it would take four referendums and nearly 10 years before the city of Springfield finally succumbed to prohibitionist sentiment. After a bitter struggle, the … Continue reading

Posted in Amusements, Business, Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Local government, Politics, Race riot of 1908, Restaurants, Social life, Women | Leave a comment

Nellie Revell, publicist, author & celebrity

As a young vaudevillian, the story goes, Nellie Revell punched out George M. Cohan. Decades later, Cohan hosted a Friars Club benefit for Revell – a first for a woman. He also was among hundreds of celebrities who lined up … Continue reading

Posted in Arts and letters, Journalism, Media, Women | 8 Comments