Author Archives: editor

Beauty ban, 1911 Illinois State Fair

Posted on November 11, 2025 by editor

The “lady managers” of the 1911 Illinois State Fair’s domestic science school were appalled when they learned one of their instructors was giving young women advice on cosmetics well as hygiene. The 102 young women in attendance “need not trouble … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Illinois State Fair, Women | Leave a comment

Krous Park

Posted on November 7, 2025 by editor

Beer was the lifeblood of Krous Park, which operated west of Amos Avenue in Springfield from about 1878 until the early 1910s. John G. Krous (1847-94), who owned a saloon on the northwest corner of Edwards and Baker streets (today’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Celebrations, Germans, Hotels & taverns, Local government, Markers, Prominent figures, Social life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Springfield Zouave Grays go to war, 1861

Posted on September 29, 2025 by editor

“The city yesterday (wore) a camp like appearance,” the Illinois State Journal reported April 18, 1861, three days after President Lincoln called for volunteers to defend the Union from southern rebellion. From many a housetop the grand old flag of … Continue reading →

Posted in Markers, Military, Social life | 2 Comments

Gray Eagle’s Salve

Posted on September 7, 2025 by editor

Chief Gray Eagle, a Native American born in Oregon, sold what the label claimed was a miracle-working ointment for two decades in Springfield. According to the label on each 2-ounce, $1.25 jar, Gray Eagle’s Salve could treat symptoms of head … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethnic groups, Medicine, Native Americans, Prominent figures | 1 Comment

Sparrow slaughter, 1891-1901

Posted on August 23, 2025 by editor

Illinois had a bounty on English sparrows from 1891 to 1901. The birds endured, but the bounty was a bonanza for young boys with BB guns. The English sparrow (also known as the house sparrow), was introduced in the U.S. … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Animals, Children, Farming, Local government, Science | 1 Comment

The automobile as ‘devil wagon’ – Illinois State Register, 1907

Posted on August 13, 2025 by editor

The Illinois State Register, in an editorial published on Friday, Nov. 8, 1907, reluctantly admitted “the automobile has doubtless come to stay.” But the writer – probably the Register’s longtime editor, Henry W. Clendenin (1837-1927) – wasn’t happy about it. … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Communications, Journalism, Media, Politics, Prominent figures, Transportation | 4 Comments

Kiddie Land amusement park

Posted on August 7, 2025 by editor

Kiddie Land was Springfield’s home-grown amusement park in the 1950s and ‘60s. On opening day, May 27, 1950, every child received a balloon, and rides – on the merry-go-round, ponies, boats and a fire engine – cost 13 cents each, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Children, Parks, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Illinois State Fair beer ban, 1953-74

Posted on August 5, 2025 by editor

Acting on complaints from church groups and parents, the administration of Gov. William G. Stratton prohibited the sale of beer at the 1953 Illinois State Fair. The ban on beer, as well as on any other alcoholic beverage, remained in … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Illinois capital, Illinois State Fair, Social life, State government | Leave a comment

Pillsbury, 1940: 100 steps between wheat & flour (illustration)

Posted on July 29, 2025 by editor

The Pillsbury Flour Mills Co. celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Springfield plant with, among other things, this advertisement in the Feb. 29, 1940, edition of the Illinois State Register. As this entry is written in summer 2025, the plant, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Illustrations, Industry | Leave a comment

‘Bee-Keeping for Women’ (1909) by Louisa C. Kennedy

Posted on July 20, 2025 by editor

John A. (1808-92) and Elizabeth Kennedy (1812-92) moved with their six children from Pennsylvania in 1860 and took up farming in the Curran area. For some period of time, possibly beginning as soon as the Kennedys arrived in Sangamon County, … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Business, Early residents, Farming, Women | Leave a comment