Author Archives: editor

The Open Air Colony (Palmer Tuberculosis Sanatorium)

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Open Air Colony was a private sanatorium for people suffering from tuberculosis that operated at Chatham Road and Lawrence Avenue from 1913 until about 1953. (This closing date has been corrected.)  The Colony eventually was renamed the Palmer … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Public health, Social services, Springfield Survey | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

The Orpheum Theatre

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

The Orpheum Theatre in the 100 block of North Fifth Street was Springfield’s preeminent movie palace from 1927 to 1965. It was demolished to make way for expansion by the Illinois National Bank. The theater, with a spectacular Art Deco … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Spectacles, Theaters | Tagged , | 2 Comments

P-51D aircraft (National Register)

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

A U.S. Army P-51D aircraft, the top-performing fighter plane in World War II, housed at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The plane has won a variety of restoration awards. Aircraft are eligible … Continue reading →

Posted in Airport, Historic Sites, Military | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dr. George T. Palmer

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

Dr. George T. Palmer was a lifelong advocate for better public health and social services, with a special interest in therapy for tuberculosis. Palmer (1875-1943), the grandson of Gov. John Palmer, began his medical practice in Chicago, but moved to Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Prominent figures, Public health, Springfield Survey | Tagged | 1 Comment

Paving crew, early 1900s (photo)

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

A paving crew, nearly all African Americans, installs brick paving in the 300 block of East Lawrence Avenue. The work apparently took place sometime after 1904, since the Dana-Thomas House (then Susan Lawrence Dana’s home), far left, appears to be … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Photos and photosets, Transportation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pawnee Railroad

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

As railroads became vital to community development in the late 19th century, Pawnee farmers and businessmen took the unusual step of financing and building their own rail link. The line originally ran west from Pawnee to connect to the north-south … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Communities, Industry, Railroads, Transportation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Pillsbury Mills

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

Note: This entry was significantly expanded in 2021 and slightly updated in 2022. 2025 note: With demolition under way, the Pillsbury Project issued its own 128-page history of the Springfield plant, along with documentation of the plant’s buildings and processes. … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Industry | Tagged | 33 Comments

Planes flown by Illinois National Guard, Springfield

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

Planes flown by the Illinois Air National Guard based in Springfield: Sept. 30, 1945: 170th Fighter Squadron recognized as Air National Guard unit flying P-51 Mustang 1953: Converts to F-86 Sabre Jet (Corrected; see comments) 1955: Converts to F-84F Thunderstreak … Continue reading →

Posted in Military, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Police officers killed in line of duty

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

Ten Springfield police officers, one deputy sheriff, six Illinois state troopers based in Springfield and a federal prohibition agent have been killed on duty in Sangamon County.  The list includes: Springfield Police Departrment Off. David Tapscott, died Dec. 26, 1979: … Continue reading →

Posted in Law enforcement | Leave a comment

Potawatomi Trail of Death

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Potawatomi Trail of Death is the name given to the forced removal in 1838 of more than 800 Potawatomi Native Americans from north-central Indiana to eastern Kansas. A total of 41 people, mostly children, died during the 10-week, 660-mile … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Native Americans | Tagged , | Leave a comment