Author Archives: editor

Bluford Wilson (lawyer, corruption fighter)

Posted on October 31, 2020 by editor

In his later years, Maj. Bluford Wilson was a railroad lawyer in Springfield. His spare time was consumed with church work, politics and, apparently, cultivating a luxuriant mustache. But as a young man, Wilson helped break up the Whiskey Ring, … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Churches, Prominent figures, Railroads | Leave a comment

Old Capitol restoration, 1960s

Posted on October 27, 2020 by editor

Before the Old State Capitol was restored to the way it looked in the 1850s, the building housed Springfield’s public restrooms. You could tell by the odor. Earl “Wally” Henderson (1931-2016), co-founder with Don Ferry of the Ferry & Henderson … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, First Citizens, Historic Sites, Illinois capital, Local government, Museums, National Register, Prominent figures, Sangamon County, State government | 1 Comment

Iron Spring, Washington Park

Posted on October 16, 2020 by editor

The Iron Spring in Washington Park originally poured forth from a sandstone cave at the foot of a steep clay bluff. Cattle drank its water. But when Washington Park opened in 1901, the spring was one of its earliest attractions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Local government, Markers, Parks, Social life, Sports and recreation | Leave a comment

Shadid’s Book Mart

Posted on October 11, 2020 by editor

Shadid’s Book Mart began business at 322 S. Sixth St. on Aug. 4, 1958, after Mitchell, Woodrow and Phillip Shadid bought out the stock of a defunct book store downtown. The brothers at first called their shop the “Mag & … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Prominent figures | 10 Comments

Stephen Douglas statue, Statehouse (removed)

Posted on October 5, 2020 by editor

See Dismantled statues, Statehouse lawn.

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Pierre Menard statue, Statehouse (removed)

Posted on October 5, 2020 by editor

See Dismantled statues, Statehouse lawn.

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Dismantled statues, Illinois Statehouse lawn

Posted on October 5, 2020 by editor

The statue of Pierre Menard that formerly stood on the Illinois Statehouse grounds was a gift from a citizen of Missouri. Was it a good likeness of Illinois’ first lieutenant governor? Nobody knows. The Menard statue, along with that of … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Illinois capital, Markers, Politics, Presidential candidates, Prominent figures, State government, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Luann McDaniel, Valley Forge nurse

Posted on September 27, 2020 by editor

Of more than 50 Revolutionary War veterans thought to be buried in Sangamon County, Luann McDaniel is the only woman. According to family tradition, McDaniel (1759-1850) acted as a nurse at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. Her husband, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Markers, Military, Women | Leave a comment

Newcomer-Bell Mill

Posted on September 24, 2020 by editor

The Newcomer-Bell Mill was on Sugar Creek in Woodside Township, on a site that today is covered by Lake Springfield south of Lindsay Bridge. William Southwick (1805-83)purchased the property on Dec. 6, 1830 and formed a partnership with Armon Lathrop … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Industry, Mills | 5 Comments

Tourist camp, 1924

Posted on September 22, 2020 by editor

A camp to accommodate the new phenomenon of automobile tourism was set up in Springfield’s Douglas Park in 1924. See Founding of Douglas Park, 1921.

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