Author Archives: editor

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

Zoo Park

Posted on September 14, 2016 by editor

Zoo Park was an ambitious, but short-lived amusement park set on nearly 200 acres of land off Eighth Street Road north of the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Early ideas for the park included not only a zoo, but also a mile-long … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Parks, Social life, Sports and recreation, Transportation | 2 Comments

Old Stone House, Rochester

Posted on September 7, 2016 by editor

The Old Stone House, a project of the Rochester Historical Preservation Society, is an 1830s dwelling moved from its original site east of town to near Rochester Community Park. It is open periodically as a living history demonstration. The house … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Communities, Historic Sites, Lincoln, Abraham, Markers, Museums | 3 Comments

Illinois Hotel

Posted on September 1, 2016 by editor

The Illinois Hotel operated on the northeast corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets from 1905 until 1947. See Dineen family (hoteliers).

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment