Category Archives: Business

Ben F. Caldwell: politician, farmer, banker

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

Ben Franklin Caldwell (1848-1924) was a member of Congress and the Illinois legislature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also was a farmer, banker and civic leader whose donations helped build schools in both Chatham and Thayer. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Business, Fires, Historic Sites, Politics, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts | 9 Comments

Bressmer department store fire, 1948

Posted on December 11, 2016 by editor

Fire caused by a lightning bolt destroyed the John Bressmer Co. department store in downtown Springfield early on May 2, 1948. First reports estimated damages of $2 million. Even though that figure was later adjusted downward to about $1.3 million, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Department stores, Fires | 2 Comments

Boston Store fire, 1915

Posted on November 30, 2016 by editor

What was thought to be Springfield’s most disastrous fire ever, up to that point, demolished The Boston Store on the east side of the downtown square on Dec. 7, 1915. The Boston Store was part of a loosely affiliated chain … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Department stores, Disasters, Fires, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Most costly fires in Springfield, 1904-48

Posted on November 30, 2016 by editor

The following list of the most destructive fires in Springfield history was published in the May 3, 1948, Illinois State Journal. The list is based solely on the amount of property damage. Damage estimates are not adjusted for inflation. Preliminary … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Department stores, Disasters, Fires | 6 Comments

The Battle of Virden (1898)

Posted on November 13, 2016 by editor

The 1898 “Battle of Virden,” a 10-minute gunfight that killed 13 men and had lasting significance for Illinois coal mining, was fought in Macoupin County, just south of the Sangamon County line. However, the Virden confrontation also led to turmoil … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Coal mines and mining, Labor unions, Markers, Oak Ridge signs, State government | 10 Comments

Western Cartridge Co. explosion, 1920

Posted on November 5, 2016 by editor

Four men were killed on June 24, 1920, when an explosion and fire wrecked part of a smokeless gunpowder plant northeast of Springfield. The Western Cartridge Co., based in East Alton, opened the plant in 1915. Powder manufactured in Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Disasters, Industry, Military | Leave a comment

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

Dineen family (hoteliers)

Posted on September 1, 2016 by editor

When Robert Dineen died in 1970, his obituary stated he had been an owner of the Palmer Hotel and the Illinois Hotel in downtown Springfield. Although not mentioned in the obituary, he also was the past president and a founding … Continue reading →

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

Downtown business map, 1913

Posted on August 19, 2016 by editor

The Oct. 7 and 8, 1913, editions of the Illinois State Register, published during the Illinois State Fair (then held in the fall) included a map of the area surrounding Springfield’s courthouse square that showed many of the city’s downtown … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Illustrations, Maps | 8 Comments

Alice Gilliland (Royal Neighbors of America)

Posted on August 14, 2016 by editor

Alice Gilliland (1863-1926) helped found the Royal Neighbors of America, the first “fraternal” benefit society to offer life insurance to women, and rose to become the group’s Supreme Oracle, its top post. Gilliland, who was among the first 500 members … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Prominent figures, Women | Leave a comment