Author Archives: editor

Reisch Brewing Co.

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

Update: Under prodding from Springfield breweriana collector Daryl Ponder, a non-profit group, Reisch Charities, resurrected the Reisch Brewing Co.’s flagship brand, Reisch Gold Top Beer, in 2019. The new Gold Top, brewed by younger Reisches from the original family recipe, … Continue reading →

Posted in Breweries, Business, Fever River, Industry, Prominent figures | Tagged , | 5 Comments

George Reisch discusses Prohibition

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

George Reisch (1846-1936), a son of Franz Sales Reisch, founder of the Reisch Brewing Co., helped find ways to continue the business during Prohibition, making flavored soda water and malt syrup. But his opinion on banning alcoholic beverages was clear: … Continue reading →

Posted in Breweries, Business, Law enforcement | Tagged | Leave a comment

Retail Grocers Association

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Retail Grocers Association was formed in 1894. See “Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.”  

Posted in Business | Leave a comment

Retail Merchants Association

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Retail Merchants Association was formed in 1898. See “Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.”

Posted in Business | Leave a comment

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce can trace its origins through a web of predecessor groups, starting in 1869 with formation of the city’s first commercial organization, the Springfield Board of Trade. That group lasted only a few years, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Local government | Leave a comment

George Richardson (1908 race riot)

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

George Richardson was a black man who was falsely accused of sexually assaulting Mabel Hallam, the white wife of a streetcar conductor, on Aug. 13, 1908. The allegation, reported in sensational fashion by local newspapers, helped instigate the Springfield race … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Law enforcement, Race riot of 1908 | Leave a comment

Octavia Roberts (Corneau)

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

Octavia Roberts (1875-1972), was a Springfield-born journalist and writer. Her best-known work today is Lincoln in Illinois, a brief (160-page) reflection on Abraham Lincoln in New Salem and Springfield that was published in 1918. Roberts was for a time the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Journalism, Lincoln, Abraham, Lindsay, Vachel, Prominent figures, Women | Tagged | Leave a comment

Robin Roberts

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

Springfield native Robin Roberts (1926-2010)was the best pitcher in major league baseball from 1950 to 1955, winning 20 games for the Philadelphia Phillies for six consecutive seasons. Following his active career, he played a major role in the hiring of … Continue reading →

Posted in Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Robin Roberts Stadium

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

This entry has been updated. Robin Roberts Stadium, then named Reservoir Park, opened on May 12, 1925. About 12,000 people watched a Three-I League baseball game between the Springfield Senators and the Terre Haute Hottentots. (The Senators lost, 6-4.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Sports and recreation | Tagged | 1 Comment

Julius Rosenwald

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

This entry has been revised in light of new efforts to recognize Julius Rosenwald’s charitable and other contributions on both the local and national levels. Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), a Springfield native, teamed with Richard Sears to build Sears, Roebuck & … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Education, Historic Sites, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts, Social services | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment