Author Archives: editor

Benjamin Franklin statue

Posted on November 2, 2013 by editor

The Benjamin Franklin statue that sits in front of the former headquarters of the Franklin Life Insurance Company was unveiled on Sept. 8, 1949. Featured speaker for the ceremony was Vice President Alben Barkley. Ann Otway Byrd Castle, the great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters | Leave a comment

Rev. John Bergen (1828 pioneers)

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

Rev. John Bergen (1790-1872) was the first full-time pastor of Springfield’s original Presbyterian church, which was founded in 1828. He, his wife Margretta (1793-1853) and their family moved to Springfield in late 1828 from New Jersey, where John Bergen had … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Early residents, Parks, Prominent figures, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Bettie Stuart Institute

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

The Bettie Stuart Institute educated young women, mainly from the Springfield area, from the 1860s into the 1930s. Courses ranged from English, math and foreign languages to art, vocal and instrumental music, but, as an advertisement for the school pointed … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Education, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts, Uncategorized, Women | Leave a comment

Black farmers at Chinkapin Hill

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

Chinkapin Hill was the colloquial name for an area northwest of Springfield that was settled starting in the 1830s by a cluster of African-American farmers. Curtis Mann profiled the Chinkapin Hill settlement in the Sangamon County Historical Society’s newsletter, Historico, … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Agriculture, Early residents, Farming, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Black residents’ resolution opposing Liberia emigration (1858)

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

Black residents of the Springfield area met on Feb. 12, 1858 to protest the Dred Scott decision by the U.S. Supreme Court and to express their opposition to proposals that the United States solve its slavery problem by encouraging blacks … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans | Leave a comment

Board of Trade

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Board of Trade was formed in 1869. See Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Posted in Business | 2 Comments

Bolivia Road Bridge (National Register)

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

The Bolivia Road Bridge over the North Fork of the Sangamon River, 20 miles southeast of Springfield,  connects Sangamon County with Christian County. Bolivia (pronounced in central Illinois as “Bolivee”) was an early community located along the road that connected … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, National Register, Transportation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Charles Boyd (1828 pioneers)

Posted on November 1, 2013 by editor

Charles Boyd (1794-1881) was a tailor who lived in Springfield from 1820 to 1830. A family history credits him with building the third cabin, first brick chimney and first dry well in Springfield, as well as making the first tax … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Prominent figures | Tagged | Leave a comment

John Bressmer Co.

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

The John W. Bressmer Co. was founded as a dry goods store in 1861 and later expanded into a full-fledged department store, selling men’s and women’s clothing, furniture and household items. With Myers Brothers, it was one of downtown Springfield’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Business, Department stores, Disasters, Historic Sites, National Register, Prominent figures | 15 Comments

Bridgeview Beach, 1942 (photo)

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

Beaches at Lake Springfield were segregated until 1952. The Lake Springfield Beach, near Lindsay Bridge, was open only to whites. African-Americans were restricted to using Bridgevew Beach, which was on the south side of the lake. Utilities Com. John Hunter … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Amusements, Local government, Sports and recreation | 7 Comments