Author Archives: editor

Camp Glen Olive

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

Camp Glen Olive was a seven-acre campground on the banks of the Sangamon River in Riverton that was donated to the Springfield YWCA by Olive Black Wheeland, a YWCA supporter and philanthropist who also created Wheeland Haven, an estate east … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Sangamon River, Sports and recreation | Leave a comment

The Mansion, Riverton

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

The Mansion was a nightclub and music venue on the grounds of Wheeland Haven, the former estate of Olive Black Wheeland east of Riverton. It was destroyed by fire in 1992. For more information, see entry on Wheeland Haven.

Posted in Arts and letters | 1 Comment

Wheeland Haven, Riverton

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

In the early 1900s, in the midst of coal mines and cornfields east of Riverton, was a 17-acre oasis of beauty — Wheeland Haven, the home of Olive Black Wheeland and her husband Cyrus. Cyrus Wheeland was a farmer, grain … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Architecture, Buildings, Historic Sites, National Register, Parks, Prominent figures, Women | 17 Comments

Seth Barnes Nicholson (astronomer)

Posted on June 24, 2014 by editor

Seth Barnes Nicholson (1891-1963), an astronomer best known for discovering four of the satellites of Jupiter, was born in Springfield, although his family left the city when Seth was seven years old. Nicholson’s father, William, was principal of the old … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters | Leave a comment

John J.H. Kelly (Medal of Honor)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by editor

John J.H. Kelly (1851-1907) received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a five-day fight with Indian warriors on the Upper Washita River, Texas, in September 1874. Kelly was among about 50 soldiers — a combined infantry and cavalry … Continue reading →

Posted in Military | 2 Comments

Arthur “Jingle” Wilson (Medal of Honor)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by editor

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Arthur H. “Jingle” Wilson (1881-1953), a native of Springfield, was awarded the Medal of Honor for service on Patian Island in the Philippines on July 4, 1909. Wilson, who spent  nearly 40 years as a cavalry … Continue reading →

Posted in Military | Leave a comment

Closed high schools in Sangamon County

Posted on June 22, 2014 by editor

The list below of high schools that no longer exist in Sangamon County is taken from Illinois High School Glory Days. The site describes itself as  “a collaborative effort to preserve Illinois history, as reflected in high schools which no … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation | Leave a comment

Ursuline Academy (closed high schools)

Posted on June 22, 2014 by editor

Quick facts about Ursuline Academy, Springfield, from Illinois High School Glory Days, a website that chronicles more than 1,100 closed high schools throughout Illinois. Established: Sept. 1857 (all-girls school) First year boys enrolled: September 1981 Closed: May 2008 (15 graduated) … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Schools and school districts | Leave a comment

Sacred Heart Academy (closed high schools)

Posted on June 22, 2014 by editor

Quick facts about Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield, from Illinois High School Glory Days. School opened: 1895 School closed: 1988 Now part of: Sacred Heart-Griffin High School School colors: Blue & Gold School nickname: Blazers School song: “We Believe”(To the tune … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Schools and school districts | 2 Comments

Feitshans High School (closed high schools)

Posted on June 22, 2014 by editor

Quick facts about Feitshans High School, Springfield, from Illinois High School Glory Days, a website that chronicles more than 1,100 closed high schools throughout Illinois. Year opened: 1929 Year closed: 1967 Replaced by: Springfield Southeast High School Feitshans team nickname: “Flyers” … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Schools and school districts | 7 Comments