Author Archives: editor

George Mann

Posted on March 26, 2014 by editor

George Mann, a former member of the Springfield Police Department “booze squad,” was driving at Ninth Street and Enos Avenue in November 1930 when occupants of another car shot and fatally wounded him. See Prohibition Violence in Springfield.

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Dominic Tarro

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

The body of Dominic Tarro of Benld, founder of the storied Benld Coliseum dance hall and reputed bootlegger, was found in the Sangamon River in May 1930. Tarro had been beaten and shot to death. See Prohibition violence in Sangamon … Continue reading →

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John Picco

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

John Picco, Italian consular agent in Springfield, was shot to death in Springfield in April 1932. No one was ever charged with the killing, and no motive was ever determined. See Prohibition violence in Sangamon County and Italian immigration.

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Jasper, Frank and Robert Aiello

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

The Aiellos — Jasper was the nephew of brothers Frank and Robert — were shot to death within 10 months of each other in 1927, apparently victims of a Prohibition-related gang dispute. See Prohibition violence in Sangamon County.

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Prohibition violence in Sangamon County

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

On Dec. 13, 1933, two days before liquor sales were again to be legal nationwide, the Illinois State Journal tallied up the body count of Prohibition-related murders in Sangamon County. The newspaper said the total came to 20. However, only 18 … Continue reading →

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Alex Karon

Posted on March 23, 2014 by editor

Alex Karon, born Alekos Karahouzites in Greece, was the proprietor of the popular Sugar Bowl restaurant at State Street and South Grand Avenue. See Sugar Bowl restaurants.

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Springfield mayors

Posted on March 23, 2014 by editor

Springfield was incorporated as a village on April 2,, 1832. For the next eight years, it was governed by a village president and board of trustees. (Dates below refer to election or appointment dates.) Village presidents Charles R. Matheny, 1832-39 … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Politics, Springfield | Leave a comment

1850s Springfield, in four mysterious paintings

Posted on March 18, 2014 by editor

The four paintings below show all four sides of the Springfield square in the late 1840s or early 1850s. They are unusual in two ways: their perspective, presumably from the cupola of what now is the Old State Capitol; and … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Historic Sites, Histories, Hotels & taverns, Illustrations, Maps, Photos and photosets, Prominent figures, Springfield, State government | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

2006 twin tornadoes

Posted on March 5, 2014 by editor

See Weather disasters.

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Easter ice storm, 1978

Posted on March 5, 2014 by editor

See Weather disasters.

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