Author Archives: editor

Villa Valencia

Posted on July 14, 2016 by editor

The Villa Valencia, operated by Nick Campo and Joe Bardi, was a nightclub that preceded the Lake Club at 2840 Fox Road. See The Lake Club.

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Peacock Inn

Posted on July 14, 2016 by editor

The Peacock Inn was a short-lived predecessor of the Lake Club at 2840 Fox Road. See The Lake Club.

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O’Joy Inn

Posted on July 14, 2016 by editor

The O’Joy Inn, operated by Gertrude Joy, was the first amusement venue to occupy the building best known as the Lake Club, 2840 Fox Road. Gertrude Joy built the club. See The Lake Club. 

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The Lake Club

Posted on July 14, 2016 by editor

NOTE: This entry has been edited. See below. The Lake Club, 2840 Fox Road, brought top national performers – Mickey Rooney, the Mills Brothers, Guy Lombardo, Pearl Bailey, Lawrence Welk and many more – to Springfield in the 1940s, ‘50s … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Buildings, Business, Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Law enforcement, Prominent figures, Social life | 23 Comments

A. Morris Williams (lawyer, developer)

Posted on July 11, 2016 by editor

A. Morris Williams was a prominent African-American attorney and real estate developer in Springfield from the 1900s to the 1930s. See Dudley Hotel.

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Brown Hotel

Posted on July 11, 2016 by editor

The Brown Hotel (or Hotel Brown) was the original name of a building at 11th and Adams streets that was built expressly as a hotel exclusively for African-Americans. See Dudley Hotel.

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Dudley Hotel

Posted on July 11, 2016 by editor

The Negro Motorist Green Book, a nationwide guide for the African-American traveler, for 20 years listed only one hotel in Springfield as open to blacks: the Dudley Hotel, 130 S. 11th St. The Dudley and its predecessors at the same … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Buildings, Business, Hotels & taverns, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Historical markers in Sangamon County

Posted on July 8, 2016 by editor

The Historical Marker Database lists 101 markers in Sangamon County. Most are part of the Looking for Lincoln and Lincoln Home marker series, but the database includes others as well. A check of a dozen marker descriptions  indicates the database’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites | 4 Comments

Noble Bates Wiggins (hotelier)

Posted on July 8, 2016 by editor

Noble Bates Wiggins (1841-1901) was one of the original managers and later owner of the Leland Hotel. See Leland Hotel.

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Leland Hotel

Posted on July 8, 2016 by editor

The Leland Hotel, on the northwest corner of Sixth Street and Capitol Avenue, played host to travelers, party-goers, celebrities and politicians for 103 years in Springfield. The hotel probably got its most extensive public notice when it served as national … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Buildings, Hotels & taverns, Prominent figures | 6 Comments