Author Archives: editor

Ruth Jackson (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Ruth Jackson moved to Springfield in 1954. In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series, she discusses her marriage to George Sidney “Sid” Jackson; their children; Springfield schools; her husband’s work in the hotel business; her own work … Continue reading →

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Ida Jackson (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Ida Jackson, born in Springfield in 1938, grew up in the John Hay Homes, attending Palmer Grade School and Lanphier High School. In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series,  Jackson discusses  various jobs she has held, both … Continue reading →

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Beverly Helm-Renfro (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Beverly Helm-Renfro was adopted when she was six months old and moved to Springfield with her foster parents. In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series, she discusses growing up in Springfield, including the changes she has witnessed … Continue reading →

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Rudy Davenport (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Born in Georgia in 1928, Rudy Davenport and his family moved to Chicago the next year.  He grew up in Chicago, graduated from Roosevelt University, and moved to Springfield in 1966. Davenport worked for the state of Illinois and was … Continue reading →

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Theresa Faith Cummings (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Theresa Faith Cummings, a sixth-generation resident of Springfield, was the first director of the Community Action Agency’s Neighborhood Center. In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series, Cummings discusses the center’s services, her family’s history in Springfield, family … Continue reading →

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Velma Carey (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Velma Carey, her husband, Lee Carey, and their children moved from Champaign to Springfield in 1956. Through involvement in her children’s schools, Mrs. Carey became aware of conditions in the Springfield school district and was involved in the school district … Continue reading →

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Rosia Adams (African-American history interviews)

Posted on November 19, 2015 by editor

Rosia Adams moved to Springfield in the early 1970s . In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series, she discusses finding a job teaching in Springfield schools and her career in the school system. She also talks about … Continue reading →

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Covered bridges (Genealogy Trails information)

Posted on November 17, 2015 by editor

At least 30 covered bridge sites have been identified in Sangamon County, more than anywhere else in Illinois, according to an article posted on a family history web site, Genealogy Trails. The writer – Genealogy Trails contributors appear to all … Continue reading →

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Spring Creek Covered Bridge fire, 1977

Posted on November 17, 2015 by editor

A covered bridge spanning Spring Creek west of Springfield was destroyed in what was thought to be an arson fire on Dec. 26, 1977. The bridge – known as the Spring Creek Covered Bridge, the Riddle Hill Bridge or the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Historic Sites, Transportation | 4 Comments

Frank C. Ewing Sr. & Jr. (murder, train derailment)

Posted on November 9, 2015 by editor

Frank Carlos Ewing Sr. was an inmate at the Menard State Penitentiary at the same time as his son, Frank Jr., in the 1960s. The elder Ewing had been convicted of the murders of his aunt and girlfriend; the son was … Continue reading →

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