Monthly Archives: May 2026

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Posted on May 24, 2026 by editor

On Memorial Day 1986, a small group of camouflage-clad Vietnam veterans walked through Oak Ridge Cemetery, anticipating construction of a memorial for Illinoisans killed or missing in the war. “People are coming to realize we did our job,” veteran Robert … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Markers, Military | Leave a comment

Illinois Foundry Co.

Posted on May 16, 2026 by editor

The Illinois Foundry Co., which operated for 50 years on South 11th Street, was part of an industrial complex surrounding Springfield’s massive Allis-Chalmers/FiatAllis manufacturing plant. Mandelbert “M.W.” Baker (1875-1939)  formed Illinois Foundry in Springfield in 1917. The foundry was an … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry | 1 Comment

Chicago & Alton rail tragedy, 1873

Posted on May 8, 2026 by editor

Four Springfield men, including a former mayor, died gruesomely in a train collision outside Chicago in 1873. At least 19* people died in the crash, which occurred when a coal freight ran into – and under – a southbound Chicago … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Railroads, Transportation | 1 Comment