Author Archives: editor

David Hammons (MacArthur Fellow)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

David Hammons, born in Springfield in 1943, is an acclaimed New York-based artist, performance artist and sculptor who received a MacArthur Fellowship (sometimes called a “genius grant”) in 1991. According to artnet, “Hammons’s work speaks of cultural overtones; employing provocative materials … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Arts and letters, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Hanging of Nathaniel Van Noy (1826)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Early pioneers of Sangamon County often used the hanging of Nathaniel Van Noy on Nov. 26, 1826 as a time reference. Van Noy, who lived west of Athens in what now is Menard County, had killed his wife in what … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Law enforcement | Tagged | Leave a comment

‘The Old Hay Market’ (photo)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Springfield’s hay market once was on the northwest corner of Seventh and Jefferson streets. In the background is the pre-1927 Springfield Police Station. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, reprinted in Fever River Research’s study of the proposed site of the Abraham … Continue reading →

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Gen. James Henry

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

James D. Henry (1797-1834), gained the title of “General” via his acknowledged exceptional leadership during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Henry, who arrived in Springfield in 1826, was elected sheriff in 1827 and was operating a store on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Maps, Military, Native Americans, Politics | Tagged | Leave a comment

Herman-Laubheimer Brewery

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

The Herman-Laubheimer Brewery lasted only a few years in the 1860s and ’70s at the southwest corner of Amos and Jefferson streets, but a last few vestiges resurfaced — literally — in the 1990s. The operation began after Frank A. … Continue reading →

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Herndon & Co.

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Founded in 1866, R.F. Herndon & Co. sold dry goods and women’s and children’s clothing, specializing for many years in gloves. Herndon’s was on Fifth Street until 1964, when it moved to 206 S. Sixth St.  A Herndon’s opened in … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Department stores | Tagged | 14 Comments

Archer Herndon (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Archer G. Herndon Sr. (1795-1867) was one of the “Long Nine,” including Abraham Lincoln, who are credited with persuading the Illinois legislature to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. Archer Herndon also was the father of William … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Maps, Politics, Prominent figures, State government | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Hickox Apartments

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

The Hickox Apartments, built at Fourth and Cook streets beginning in the mid-1920s, are a five-building, 100-unit complex that “brought social respectability to apartment living” in Springfield, according to Fever River Research’s 2003 study of the Aristocracy Hill neighborhood. Builder … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Fever River | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Hickox Mill

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

The Hickox Mill was located on Spring Creek, near modern-day Veterans Parkway north of Jefferson Street in Springfield. Abraham Lanterman submitted the first mill dam application ever in Sangamon County to the Commissioners’ Court in December 1823, but in May … Continue reading →

Posted in Mills, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Virgil Hickox

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

Virgil Hickox (1806-80) was a Springfield merchant, mill operator and bank and railroad investor. He also was a close friend of Stephen Douglas and managed Douglas’ successful 1858 U.S. Senate campaign against Abraham Lincoln. Hickox, a New York native, arrived … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Mills, Prominent figures | Leave a comment