Author Archives: editor

Buster Bartholomew, coach & educator

Posted on April 7, 2024 by editor

As an athlete, Buster Bartholomew was a one-armed wonder. But he made his mark as a coach, teacher and booster of country schools. Homer “Buster” Bartholomew (1891-1943), born in Tuscola, was the son of Charles and Susan Myrtle Bartholomew. His … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation | 1 Comment

Edmund D. Taylor, (not the) ‘father of the greenback’

Posted on March 22, 2024 by editor

Edmund “Dick” Taylor was a legislator, businessman and investor. He was one of the winners in the only direct election Abraham Lincoln ever lost. And he probably wasn’t “the father of the greenback.” Taylor (1804-91) lived in Springfield in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Lincoln, Abraham, Politics, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Lexington (legendary racehorse)

Posted on March 10, 2024 by editor

Lexington, the greatest sire in thoroughbred racing history, was stabled for a time in Sangamon County. But details of the horse’s stay are lacking. Lexington (1850-1875) ran in only seven races himself (winning six), due to an infection that left … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals | Leave a comment

Schools ban girls’ basketball, 1907

Posted on March 4, 2024 by editor

In December 1907, when Springfield high school Principal L.M. Castle abruptly told the women’s basketball team they had to play behind closed doors, the girls revolted. They shut down the team and published a bitter protest in the January 1908 … Continue reading →

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

Fredrick Pefferle killing, 1973

Posted on February 20, 2024 by editor

Fred Pefferle didn’t get along with his ex-wife. Sandra Pefferle Roofener had custody of their three elementary school-age daughters, and Pefferle repeatedly litigated the manner of their upbringing. As one observer at the time commented, “You didn’t have to know Fred … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Law enforcement | Leave a comment

Lucy Rountree and family

Posted on February 17, 2024 by editor

For the past 30 years, the story of Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with the enslaved Sally Hemmings has gained America’s attention through books, movies, and the integration of Jefferson’s descendants, both white and African-American, at family reunions. Unfortunately, Sally’s … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Early residents, Family life, Women | 1 Comment

Top income tax payers, 1863

Posted on February 8, 2024 by editor

To finance the Civil War, Congress and President Abraham Lincoln imposed the first nationwide income tax in 1861. Changes the next year made the tax progressive – people with incomes of less than $600 a year (about $18,000 in 2024) … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Frank Simmons Books, Stationery and Art

Posted on January 31, 2024 by editor

The Frank Simmons stationery store commemorated the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration as president with a unique and potentially lucrative certificate: If someone paid $100 on the anniversary date, April 30, 1889, the certificate said, the store would repay … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Business, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

The Hammerslough/Rosenwald family, clothiers

Posted on January 22, 2024 by editor

The Capitol Clothing House opened in Springfield in 1856 with the slogan “Low Prices and Good Goods.” Aside from providing inexpensive, ready-to-wear clothes to pre-Civil War Springfield, the Capitol Clothing House is the reason Springfield can boast that it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Historic Sites, Jewish, Lincoln Home, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | 1 Comment

Tri-City boys basketball, 1952-53

Posted on January 17, 2024 by editor

The Tri-City Tornadoes were kings of Sangamon County basketball in the 1952-53 season. Tri-City Community High School, located in Buffalo, was the first consolidated high school district in Illinois. The merger of formerly separate high schools in Buffalo, Dawson and … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Education, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation, Uncategorized | 2 Comments