Author Archives: editor

413-15 E. Adams St. fire, 2024

Posted on June 20, 2024 by editor

Furniture stores occupied the building at 413-15 E. Adams St. for more than 70 of its 121 years in existence. The three-story structure, devastated by a fire on June 19, 2024, was torn down the next day. Leonard Reisch (1858-1933), … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Fires | 1 Comment

Albert Giles, ‘Hero or Villain’?

Posted on June 17, 2024 by editor

Albert Giles, a Black sharecropper from Arkansas, was sentenced to death in connection with what is known as “the Elaine Massacre,” one of the bloodiest racial conflicts in U.S. history. Giles served four years on death row before the charges … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Crime and vice | Leave a comment

Kroger grocery stores

Posted on June 11, 2024 by editor

On Dec. 13, 1928, two men, one carrying a revolver, entered the Kroger grocery at 12th Street and South Grand Avenue in Springfield.  They forced employees and a 15-year-old customer into a back room.  When the boy lagged behind, he … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Grocery markets | 1 Comment

‘Hammock parties,’ 1890s

Posted on June 7, 2024 by editor

“Hammock parties” were a way for young people to get together in the 1890s. The problem was how to prevent hammock hanky-panky. The Illinois State Journal outlined the rules in July 1890. The equipment was simple: enough hammocks to hold … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Social life | Leave a comment

George Brinkerhoff mystery, 1893

Posted on May 19, 2024 by editor

George M. Brinkerhoff Sr. and his daughter Bessie climbed aboard an Illinois Central Railroad sleeper the evening of July 28, 1893, on their way home from the World’s Fair in Chicago. When the train arrived in Springfield the next morning, … Continue reading →

Posted in Prominent figures, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

First wedding (1820)

Posted on April 30, 2024 by editor

The first marriage ever performed in Sangamon County took place in a log cabin near Cantrall on Nov. 2, 1820. In a pioneer community, the event required some improvisation, including a legless piano and a fake wedding cake. The happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Early residents, Family life, Social life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Corky Meyer, test pilot

Posted on April 28, 2024 by editor

Corky Meyer got serious about building and flying model airplanes while a student at Springfield High School in 1936. He had no way to guide his models, though, so he had to chase them by car until they ran out … Continue reading →

Posted in Air travel, Airport, Military, Transportation | Leave a comment

Kayport Package Express implodes, 1983

Posted on April 21, 2024 by editor

Founder F. George Celani called Kayport Package Express a “41-day miracle” when the shipping startup went into business at Capital Airport on March 1, 1983. About 1,200 Springfield dignitaries attended the ceremony, which included champagne, a high-school band and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Airport, Business, Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Spectacles, Transportation | Leave a comment

Frank P. Richards, wood carver

Posted on April 16, 2024 by editor

In the early 20th century, Frank P. Richards would display his patriotic wood carvings on the front lawn of his home at 1160 Elliott Ave. every Fourth of July. Soldiers from nearby Camp Lincoln would salute as they marched past. … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Business, Industry, Museums, Native Americans | Leave a comment

‘Bock Beer Day’, 1870s-’80s

Posted on April 12, 2024 by editor

“Today is Bock Beer Day, and the boys will all imbibe freely of the foaming extract of hops,” the Illinois State Journal predicted the morning of May 1, 1882. It didn’t always end happily for “the boys.” Bock beer is … Continue reading →

Posted in Breweries, Business, Celebrations, Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Law enforcement, Social life | Leave a comment