Author Archives: editor

Palmer Tuberculosis Sanitarium

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

See Open Air Colony.

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Guy Mathis

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Guy Mathis (1866-1932) was a ground-breaking photographer and automobile entrepreneur in Springfield. Mathis is best remembered today for his photography.  In addition to opening the city’s first camera shop in the late 18990s, Mathis took hundreds of photos himself, with … Continue reading →

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Gov. Joel Matteson mansion

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Springfield’s most elaborate early dwelling was that of former governor Joel Matteson (1808-73; governor, 1853-57). Matteson had moved into the then-new Executive Mansion during his gubernatorial term, but found it to be “dull and unfashionable.” So, Paul Angle reported in … Continue reading →

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Larkin Mead, Lincoln Tomb designer

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Larkin Mead (1835-1910), who designed the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, got his artistic start from a snow angel. Not the kind children make by lying down in snow, but an 8-foot-tall, highly detailed snow statue of the biblical Recording … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Buildings, Historic Sites, Lincoln, Abraham, Museums, Presidents | Tagged | 1 Comment

Mechanics and Farmers Bank

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Although it is mentioned briefly in Paul Angle’s Here I Have Lived: A History of Lincoln’s Springfield, little is known about the short-lived Mechanics and Farmers Bank of Springfield. The bank was created in the late summer of 1852, when … Continue reading →

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John Todd Stuart’s memoir of Springfield

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

John Todd Stuart (1807-85) was Abraham Lincoln’s mentor and first law partner. He served three terms in both the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress. Stuart, who arrived in Springfield from Kentucky in 1828, described the community as he found … Continue reading →

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Zimri Enos’ memoir of early Springfield

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Zimri Enos (1821-1907), the son of Pascal and Salome Paddock Enos, came to Springfield with his family at age two. He became a lawyer, engineer, surveyor and property developer and served as a Springfield city alderman and member of the … Continue reading →

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Merchants and Shippers Association

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

The Merchants and Shippers Association of Springfield was organized in 1876. The group differed from the recently defunct Springfield Board of Trade only in name; the focus on industrial development and, to some extent, the membership of the two organizations … Continue reading →

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Mildred Park (Bunn Park)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Mildred Park had rides, a swimming, boating and fishing lagoon with a suspension bridge and other attractions. The area is now Bunn Park. The suspension bridge was the site of a near-tragedy on Aug. 16,1905, when one of its cables … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Disasters, Early residents, Local government, Parks, Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Mordecai Mobley (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Mordecai Mobley was an early merchant who had a store on Jefferson Street west of First Street, according to John Todd Stuart’s recollection of 1828 Springfield. (The store is listed as No. 11 on the reconstructed map of 1828 Springfield.) … Continue reading →

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