Author Archives: editor

Charles Dawson, gambler

Posted on August 3, 2016 by editor

Scottish immigrant Charles Dawson was Springfield’s most notorious gambler for much of the 1920s. He was shot to death gangland-style in December 1931. See Gambling rivalry, 1931. 

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Wentworth Club

Posted on August 3, 2016 by editor

The Wentworth Club was a social and political club that challenged Sangamon County’s regular Republican organization from 1925 to 1933. The club’s name came from the middle name of one of its founders, Dr. Charles Compton. See Gambling rivalry, 1931.

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Dr. Charles Compton (surgeon, politician)

Posted on August 3, 2016 by editor

Dr. Charles Compton was the guiding spirit behind the Wentworth Club, a social and political organization that challenged Sangamon County’s regular Republican organization from 1925 until 1933. See Gambling rivalry, 1931.

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Gambling rivalry, 1931

Posted on August 3, 2016 by editor

Threats to bomb one of Springfield’s most visible mansions illuminated the murky connections between city fathers and the local underworld in 1931. Machine-gun toting police officers took up guard posts at 1303 Wiggins Ave. in May 1931, in the midst … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Illinois State Fair fatal incidents

Posted on July 29, 2016 by editor

See Green Beret fatal accident, 1966 Illinois State Fair, for a list of all unnatural deaths at the Illinois State Fair.

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Green Beret accident, 1966 Illinois State Fair

Posted on July 29, 2016 by editor

Three people died and 38 more were injured on Aug. 20, 1966, as Illinois State Fair workers were preparing a catwalk for a planned demonstration by U.S. Army Green Berets. The accident was the worst ever in state fair history. … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Disasters | 12 Comments

Southern Air restaurant

Posted on July 20, 2016 by editor

The Southern Air restaurant operated from 1948 to 1984 at 3045 Clearlake Ave. See Chesapeake Seafood House.

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John McGredy (nurseryman)

Posted on July 20, 2016 by editor

John McGredy built the home, then more than a mile east of Springfield, that today is the Chesapeake Seafood House. See Chesapeake Seafood House.

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William Colby (probate judge)

Posted on July 20, 2016 by editor

William Colby was the second owner of the home on Clearlake Avenue that today is the Chesapeake Seafood House. See Chesapeake Seafood House.

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Chesapeake Seafood House

Posted on July 19, 2016 by editor

NOTE: This entry has been edited. See below. The home that makes up the core of the Chesapeake Seafood House, 3045 Clear Lake Ave., was built sometime after 1857 by John McGredy, a 19th-century Scottish immigrant turned nurseryman. McGredy apparently … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Early residents, Prominent figures, Restaurants | Leave a comment