Author Archives: editor

Young gentlemen at cards, 1840s (photo)

Posted on October 3, 2013 by editor

The four card players in this photo, thought to have been taken between 1840 and 1845, are believed to be, from left: Zimri Enos, an engineer, attorney and surveyor who left personal reminiscences that are important to understanding Sangamon County’s pioneer … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Histories, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Erastus Wright

Posted on October 3, 2013 by editor

Erastus Wright (1779-1870) was a teacher, businessman, public official and farmer in a varied career spent mostly in central Illinois. He also was an early Springfield abolitionist and was one of Abraham Lincoln’s pallbearers. Wright was born in Massachusetts and traveled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Churches, Early residents, Education, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures, Railroads | Tagged | 2 Comments

Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Posted on October 3, 2013 by editor

Founded in 1838 as the Colored Baptist Church, Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1601 E. Laurel St., is the third oldest black church in Illinois. “It was a sad period in history for the African American population,” Zion Missionary’s website says … Continue reading →

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Education beginnings in Springfield

Posted on July 20, 2013 by editor

The first school in Springfield was created in 1821, with about 50 pupils taught by Andrew Orr, and the first schoolhouse, “of rough logs,” was built in 1828 at Second and Adams streets. In 1854, the city authorized free education … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Local government, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts | 2 Comments

Rechner’s Bakery

Posted on May 22, 2013 by editor

Rechner’s Bakery, founded by August Rechner early in the 20th century, was known for its buttercake. The business closed in the 1980s. Bob Cavanagh recounted Rechner’s history in an Illinois Times article published in 2004. IT’s Julianne Glatz explored the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business | Tagged | 25 Comments

A. C. Connor’s Meat Market

Posted on May 22, 2013 by editor

A.C. Connor opened Springfield’s first cash-and-carry meat market at 628 E. Washington St. in 1907. From left: A. C. Connor, Howard Nation, Harvey Connor, Mable Worthington, Julius Schlauber, Joe Englehart and Mr. Cadwallader. Original content copyright Sangamon County Historical Society. You are … Continue reading →

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House

Posted on April 26, 2013 by editor

The Dana-Thomas House, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, was built at 301 E. Lawrence Ave. for Springfield hostess Susan Lawrence Dana. Dana gave Wright his first “open checkbook” commission, and the result, as described by the Springfield Historic Sites … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Historic Sites, Prominent figures, State government | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Bullard & Bullard: Leading architects

Posted on April 23, 2013 by editor

The architectural Bullard family, founded by Samuel A. Bullard (1853-1926), designed many of Springfield’s most prominent late 19th-century churches, schools, and public buildings. It and the firm of Helmle & Helmle are considered the most successful and most accomplished of … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Churches, Historic Sites, Local government, Prominent figures | Tagged , | 20 Comments

Pawnee

Posted on April 22, 2013 by editor

Pawnee Township saw some of Sangamon County’s earliest European settlers, with Justus Henkle apparently being the first in 1818. He was followed by a number of other settlers from St. Clair County. The new families encountered the indigenous Kickapoo and … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal mines and mining, Communities, Early residents, Industry, Transportation | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Cantrall: First church, first marriage

Posted on April 22, 2013 by editor

Founded and named: The village of Cantrall was originally named Antioch, but the name was changed to honor the Cantrall family, who were among the first European settlers of the area. In unusually precise fashion, the Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Disasters, Early residents | Tagged | 12 Comments