Author Archives: editor

‘We prided ourselves in being first’ – Springfield broadcast memories

Posted on June 1, 2026 by editor

In 1990 or 1991, three of Springfield’s best-known television and radio personalities discussed local broadcast history with two interviewers from the Springfield chapter of Women in Communications Inc. The plan was to add historical items to “Making News in Mr. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communications, First Citizens, Histories, Journalism, Media, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

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

Col. John H. Wilson Jr., post office namesake

Posted on April 27, 2026 by editor

A tiny sign above a self-service stamp machine is the only public indication that Springfield’s Cook Street post office is named after a World War II hero. John H. Wilson Jr. (1918-2008) earned a Silver Star, the nation’s third highest … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Buildings, Military, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

Mary Lou “Smokey” Schneider (women’s softball)

Posted on April 14, 2026 by editor

Mary Lou “Smokey” Schneider (1928–2015) was born and raised in Jacksonville, where she developed a passion for fast-pitch softball at an early age. She played for several teams over her career, including the Springfield Merchanettes and the City Water, Light … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Sports and recreation, Women, Women's softball | Leave a comment

Bernice “Dutch” Renken (women’s softball)

Posted on April 14, 2026 by editor

Bernice “Dutch” Renken (1932-2022), born on a farm outside of Pleasant Plains, joined the powerhouse Madison Furniture Co. women’s softball team in 1950. Madison Furniture dropped its sponsorship in 1951, but the team, including Renken, remained together as the Californian … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Sports and recreation, Women, Women's softball | 2 Comments

Betty Wanless Decker (women’s softball)

Posted on April 14, 2026 by editor

Betty Wanless Decker (1928-1995)  got her start playing softball with the Trinity Lutheran and the Madison Furniture Co. women’s softball teams while still attending Lanphier High School. After graduation, she joined the Caterpillar Dieselettes in Peoria; from 1949 to 1952, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Sports and recreation, Women, Women's softball | Leave a comment

Eleanor “Rudy” Rudolph (women’s softball)

Posted on April 14, 2026 by editor

Eleanor “Rudy” Rudolph (1928-2022), the daughter of Giuseppe and Chiara Rodolfi of Springfield’s Devereux Heights neighborhood, played one season for Springfield’s Madison Furniture Co. softball team and then joined the famed Caterpillar Dieselettes of Peoria. Rudolph, a catcher and sometime … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Sports and recreation, Women, Women's softball | Leave a comment

Rose Folder Powell (women’s softball)

Posted on April 14, 2026 by editor

Rose Folder Powell (1926-2014) was born in Auburn and grew up in Springfield, where she graduated from Feitshans High School in 1944. Folder was still in high school when she began pitching for some of Springfield’s top women’s softball teams, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Sports and recreation, Women, Women's softball | Leave a comment