Author Archives: editor

Sangamo Monitor

Posted on November 12, 2017 by editor

The Sangamo Monitor, published from 1873 until 1898, for a time sold more copies than either the Illinois State Journal or Illinois State Register. Most of the credit goes to Thomas Winfield Scott Kidd (1828-1904), the Monitor’s popular, freewheeling publisher. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communications, Media, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

The Harrison Revival, 1886

Posted on November 8, 2017 by editor

Thomas Harrison, “the boy preacher,” was well past boyhood when he arrived in Springfield for a revival series in January 1886. It’s not clear, in fact, that he was ever that boyish in the pulpit – Harrison, born in Boston … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Media, Spectacles | Leave a comment

Calvary Cemetery

Posted on November 4, 2017 by editor

Calvary Cemetery, Springfield’s Catholic cemetery, operated for almost 70 years as almost two cemeteries – one for Germans and the other for everybody else. Calvary was founded in 1857, when two of the city’s earliest local parishes bought 16 acres … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches | 18 Comments

Marguerite Beechler Soma, teacher

Posted on October 30, 2017 by editor

Marguerite Beechler Soma (1894-1997) recounted some of her experiences teaching at Ridgely School from 1914 to 1926 to Ridgely students who were researching the school’s history in 1997. See Ridgely Elementary School, 1914-1926.

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Springfield Improvement League

Posted on October 30, 2017 by editor

The Springfield Improvement League, an all-women’s organization founded as a result of the 1914 Springfield Survey, took on a number of initiatives until folding in about 1935. See Newsboys vs. the mayor, 1921.

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Newsboys vs. the mayor, 1921

Posted on October 30, 2017 by editor

When a newsboy stiffed Mayor Charles Baumann out of 2 cents change, Baumann ordered city police to dismantle every news stand in downtown Springfield. But the newsboys had allies of their own, including an influential group of civic-minded women. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Communications, Journalism, Local government, Media, Prominent figures, Public health, Springfield Survey | Leave a comment

Ridgely Elementary School, 1914-1926 (Marguerite Soma memories)

Posted on October 30, 2017 by editor

In 1997, students at Ridgely Elementary School, 2040 N. Eighth St., interviewed former Ridgely teacher Marguerite Beechler Soma (1894-1997). Her reminiscences were compiled and published on the school’s Alumni Day web site (in fact, the site was dedicated to her). … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Education, Histories, Schools and school districts, Women | 2 Comments

Capt. John Inman (GAR national commander)

Posted on October 23, 2017 by editor

John B. Inman was the only Sangamon County resident elected (1925-26) national grand commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. See Commemorative plaques, South Old Capitol Plaza.

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Commemorative plaques, South Old Capitol Plaza

Posted on October 23, 2017 by editor

Eighteen commemorative plaques adorn the parking ramp entrance kiosk on the south Old Capitol Plaza in Springfield. Most date from when today’s Old Capitol State Historic Site served as the Sangamon County Courthouse, and most are in their third location … Continue reading →

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Last Civil War veteran

Posted on October 16, 2017 by editor

Hiram Shumate of Riverton, the last living Sangamon County resident to have served in the Civil War, died on Jan. 1, 1948.

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