Author Archives: editor

‘Madame Brownie’ (bordello operator)

Posted on October 21, 2016 by editor

“Madame Brownie” (real name Augusta Kellogg) operated one of Springfield’s best-known houses of prostitution for more than 35 years. She was 80 years old when she died in 1915, possibly following an altercation with an intoxicated customer. Her Illinois State … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Local government, Prominent figures, Women | 2 Comments

First automobile in Springfield

Posted on October 20, 2016 by editor

The first automobile in Springfield was a Duryea purchased by shoe shop owners J.F. Miller and E.E. Staley. It hit Springfield streets in the spring of 1900. The Illinois State Register published a brief item on April 16, 1900: J.F. … Continue reading →

Posted in Transportation | 2 Comments

Tramping in Springfield, 1882

Posted on October 14, 2016 by editor

On March 12, 1882, “a rather dull day for the gatherer of items,” an anonymous Illinois State Journal reporter visited the Sangamon County Jail seeking news. He was directed to “an old thoroughbred tramp being entertained at present in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Journalism, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Dr. Dominic Sterbini (vice consul)

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

Dr. Dominic Sterbini served as Italian vice consul (also referred to as “consular agent”) in Springfield from 1938 to 1941. See Italian immigration.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Arturo Granata (Italian vice consul)

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

Arturo Granata served as Italian vice consul (also known as “consular agent”) in Springfield from 1907 to 1912. See Italian immigration.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Italian immigration

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

More than 1,000 people paraded through downtown Springfield on Oct. 12, 1920, to celebrate Columbus Day. Floats depicted the Statue of Liberty, Christopher Columbus himself and Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria. Italian fraternal societies from Springfield, Virden and Decatur turned … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Ethnic groups, Italians, Prominent figures | 12 Comments

Springfield street name changes

Posted on October 1, 2016 by editor

One might think that names chosen for streets would remain the same indefinitely unless the name causes confusion or the street was physically removed.  Both circumstances have occurred over the years in Springfield. While the city of Springfield generally discouraged … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Springfield, Transportation | 13 Comments

Rudolph Haas, auto manufacturer

Posted on September 25, 2016 by editor

Rudolph Haas, head of R. Haas Electric & Mfg. Co., brought assembly of Springfield Motor Cars to Springfield, Ill., in 1909. See Springfield Motor Car Co.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Sulfur spring, Loami

Posted on September 21, 2016 by editor

Sulphur Springs Cemetery south of Loami commemorates a sulfur spring in the area that was once well known to pioneers and native Americans. See ‘Wigwam tree’ and sulfur spring, Loami.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

‘Wigwam tree’ and sulfur spring, Loami

Posted on September 21, 2016 by editor

Note: This entry has been edited to reflect additional information about the first burial at Sulphur Spring Cemetery. The “wigwam tree” was a hollow sycamore near Loami that, according to John Carroll Power in History of the Early Settlers of … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Early residents, Native Americans, Prehistory | 7 Comments