Monthly Archives: October 2017

‘Praying Hands’ sculpture, formerly at First Street and North Grand Avenue

The Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic sponsored the design and erection of an abstract sculpture depicting praying hands on a small site at First Street and North Grand Avenue in 1966. However, the steel sculpture rusted rapidly … Continue reading

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World War I memorial, First Street and North Grand Avenue (updated)

Update note: Sangamon County’s memorial to those who died in World War I was moved from First Street and North Grand Avenue to the war memorials section of Oak Ridge Cemetery in September 2019. Wording was added honoring all Illinoisans … Continue reading

Posted in Lincoln Tomb, Markers, Military, Prominent figures, Women | 2 Comments

‘Napkin social,’ First Methodist Church (1895)

The napkin above, printed in 1895, is a rare relic of a fundraising technique that was popular among women’s church groups in the late 19th century – “napkin socials.” The idea was that members of a group – in this … Continue reading

Posted in Amusements, Churches, Women | 1 Comment