Author Archives: editor

Illinois State Fair

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

This entry, first published in 2013, was significantly expanded in 2023. The first Illinois State Fair was held in Springfield in October 1853 under the direction of the Illinois State Agricultural Association. The association’s president, James N. Brown (considered the … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Amusements, Buildings, Celebrations, Farming, Illinois capital | 3 Comments

Illinois State Library, circa 1900 (photo)

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

The Illinois State Library was founded in 1839 by then-Secretary of State Stephen Douglas, who reserved space for it next to his new office in what is now the Old Capitol State Historic Site. Abraham Lincoln, who used the library … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Illinois capital, Social services, State government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Illinois State University (Springfield)

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

Illinois State University – no relation to the current ISU in Bloomington-Normal – operated in Springfield from 1852 to 1870. The Lutheran-backed college originally opened in Hillsboro in 1847, when it was officially named the Literary and Theological Institute of … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Education, Lincoln, Abraham | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Indian Queen Hotel

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

A few Springfield and Sangamon County histories mention a once-famed hostelry, now generally forgotten — the Indian Queen Hotel. Owned and operated by Archer Herndon Sr., Sr., the Indian Queen was one of the city’s best accommodations in the early 1830s. … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, John T. Stuart, Prominent figures | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Desnoyers Shoe Co.

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

See International Shoe Co. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

International Shoe Company

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

Springfield had a major shoe factory at Tenth Street and Enos Avenue from 1903 to 1964. The plant, built in the late 19th century, originally was the Springfield Furniture Co., but became a shoe factory when it was taken over … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Industry, Social services, Women | Tagged | 13 Comments

‘Jack,’ age 5: First Black resident

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

Local researcher Richard Hart discovered evidence in early county records that the Kelly family, generally considered Springfield’s earliest settlers, were accompanied by several African-American slaves. In particular, Hart found, Henry and Mary Kelly, the parents of 1818-19 settlers Elisha and … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Early residents, Ethnic groups, Prominent figures | Tagged | Leave a comment

John Hay Homes

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

The John Hay Homes was a 599-unit public housing complex built in 1940 in Springfield and demolished in 1997. When built, the Hay Homes replaced a slum neighhborhood known as the Badlands, and the townhouse-style complex was designed for middle-class … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Local government, Parks, Prominent figures, Social services, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

John W. Hobbs Corp.

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

John W. Hobbs Corp. manufactured automotive accessories in Springfield from 1938 until 2009. Products included hour meters, battery indicators, controls, switches and the first clock for automobiles. Founder John W. Hobbs (1889-1968), who had worked as a youth for the short-lived Springfield Motor … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Prominent figures | Tagged | 22 Comments

Johnson & Bradford Bookstore

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

Johnson & Bradford Bookstore, founded in 1837, was thought to have been the oldest bookstore in Illinois when John Carroll Power produced his 1871 History of Springfield, Illinois, Its Attractions As A Home And Advantages For Business, Manufacturing, Etc. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Business, Early residents | Tagged | Leave a comment