Author Archives: editor

Mid-Day Luncheon Club

Posted on May 22, 2016 by editor

Springfield’s Mid-Day Luncheon Club played host to world leaders, past and future presidents, philosophers, magnates and monarchs in a speech series that lasted more than 50 years. And then there was that totem pole. The club was made official in … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Media, Native Americans, Prominent figures, Social life | Leave a comment

Old Capitol Art Fair beginnings

Posted on May 17, 2016 by editor

Springfield’s first Old Capitol Art Fair was a one-day affair in 1962 that featured 174 artists from around the Midwest. The event, held Saturday, May 26, 1962 (see note below), was one of the earliest events created by the Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Arts and letters, Celebrations, Prominent figures, Spectacles | Leave a comment

Sangamon County place name origins

Posted on May 15, 2016 by editor

In April 1896, an unnamed Illinois State Journal writer attempted to determine the origins of Sangamon County place names. The results were two articles, published April 6 and April 13, that covered every township and most cities and villages in … Continue reading →

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H.D. Anderson (accused embezzler)

Posted on May 10, 2016 by editor

Harry “H.D.” Anderson was accused of embezzling as much as $300,000 from the Springfield Brewing Co., which operated at 11th and Madison streets from 1933 until the mid-1940s. See Springfield Brewing Co.

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Nicholas Schlangen (brewer)

Posted on May 10, 2016 by editor

Nicholas Schlangen owned the Springfield Brewing Co. from 1937 until its demise in the mid-1940s. See Springfield Brewing Co.

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Conrad Engelking (brewer)

Posted on May 10, 2016 by editor

Conrad Engelking owned the Springfield Brewing Co. from 1934 to 1937. See Springfield Brewing Co.

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Springfield Brewing Co.

Posted on May 10, 2016 by editor

The Springfield Brewing Co. operated at 11th and Madison streets from 1933 until late 1946, when it closed in the wake of wartime grain shortages, a federal tax lawsuit, and an embezzling scandal. The grain shortage was unavoidable. The United … Continue reading →

Posted in Breweries, Business, Crime and vice, Prominent figures | 5 Comments

Oak Ridge Abbey (mausoleum)

Posted on May 1, 2016 by editor

When Springfield’s first mausoleum was built, its builders played on people’s fears of disease, grave robbery, decomposition and neglect. What’s more, they promised, interment in the Oak Ridge Abbey would protect against the possibility of premature burial. The interior of … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Local government | Leave a comment

John O’Connor, Sr. and Jr.

Posted on April 23, 2016 by editor

The legal name of boxer, hotelier and sports promoter Johnny Connors was John O’Connor Sr. His son, John Jr., nicknamed “Buster,” also promoted a variety of athletic events under the last name Connors. Both men are in the Springfield Sports … Continue reading →

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Empire Hotel

Posted on April 23, 2016 by editor

Johnny Connors’ Empire Hotel, 416-24 E. Jefferson St., was a regular stop for nationally known boxers and other athletes in the early 20th century. See Johnny Connors (boxer, saloon-keeper).

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