Author Archives: editor

Sangamon County Historical Society publications

The Sangamon County Historical Society has published 36 books, pamphlets and program booklets since 1965, on subjects ranging from Abraham Lincoln sculpture to the local chili culture to Springfield’s most powerful crime boss. Most of the publications remain in print … Continue reading

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Sangamon County Jail, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

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Sangamon County poor farm, 1914 (Springfield Survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

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

Sangamon Stage

The Sangamon Stage is a geological term used to designate one of the intervals between the successive advances of glacial ice across the landscape of North America. Also known as the Sangamon Interglacial, the period is so named because the … Continue reading

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Santa Anna’s artificial leg

One of the more popular attractions at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield is the artificial leg that belonged to Mexican General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna, conqueror of the Alamo. The limb was captured during the battle of … Continue reading

Posted in Historic Sites, Military, Museums, Prominent figures | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Hummer Manufacturing Co.

Operating under a variety of names, Hummer Manufacturing Co. (originally Sattley Manufacturing Co.) was one of Springfield’s most important industries for more than 70 years. The firm originated in 1851 as a small farm-machinery manufacturer operated in the Rochester area by brothers Archibald … Continue reading

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Racine-Sattley Manufacturing Co.

See Hummer Manufacturing Co. 

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Sattley Manufacturing Co.

See Hummer Manufacturing Co. 

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School problems, 1914 (Springfield survey photo)

The Springfield Survey was a massive study of local schools, prisons, and other institutions undertaken in 1914 by the Russell Sage Foundation with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Topics covered included schools, care of “mental defectives, the insane … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Education, Schools and school districts, Springfield, Springfield Survey | Tagged | Leave a comment

Westminster Presbyterian Church

See Second Presbyterian Church.

Posted in Abolitionism, Buildings, Churches | Tagged , | Leave a comment