Category Archives: Journalism

‘We prided ourselves in being first’ – Springfield broadcast memories

Posted on June 1, 2026 by editor

In 1990 or 1991, three of Springfield’s best-known television and radio personalities discussed local broadcast history with two interviewers from the Springfield chapter of Women in Communications Inc. The plan was to add historical items to “Making News in Mr. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communications, First Citizens, Histories, Journalism, Media, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Route 66: Where are all the people going? (1946)

Posted on March 3, 2026 by editor

Wilford Kramer, chief editorial writer for the Illinois State Journal, saw problems with the post-World War II widening of Route 66 from two lanes to four. This is a reprint of “Upon Reflection,” Kramer’s regular editorial page column, printed on … Continue reading →

Posted in Journalism, Media, Prominent figures, Route 66, Transportation, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

National Public Radio in Springfield

Posted on February 16, 2026 by editor

This is WSSR, Springfield, Illinois, with our inaugural broadcast. WSSR is operated by Sangamon State University and licensed to the Board of Regents of the state of Illinois. WSSR is heard at 91.9 megahertz on the FM dial and is … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Communications, Higher education, Journalism, Media | Leave a comment

The automobile as ‘devil wagon’ – Illinois State Register, 1907

Posted on August 13, 2025 by editor

The Illinois State Register, in an editorial published on Friday, Nov. 8, 1907, reluctantly admitted “the automobile has doubtless come to stay.” But the writer – probably the Register’s longtime editor, Henry W. Clendenin (1837-1927) – wasn’t happy about it. … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Communications, Journalism, Media, Politics, Prominent figures, Transportation | 4 Comments

Buraldine Crumly, Miss Illinois 1929

Posted on April 6, 2025 by editor

Buraldine Crumly was the toast of Springfield in 1929. Crumly, 19, a telephone operator, won the title of Miss Springfield in a hastily arranged beauty pageant on May 24, 1929. In Chicago the next day, she was named Miss Illinois. … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Journalism, Media, Prominent figures, Social life, Spectacles, Women | Leave a comment

V.Y. Dallman, newspaperman

Posted on September 15, 2023 by editor

Vincent Young “V.Y.” Dallman (1873-1964) was the epitome of an old-school newsman. Though he didn’t have a college degree, Dallman worked for the Illinois State Register for almost 70 years, rising through the ranks from newsboy (a job he got … Continue reading →

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Springfield loses a newspaper, 1919

Posted on June 14, 2023 by editor

The News-Record, the last credible challenger to the Illinois State Journal and Illinois State Register in Springfield’s daily newspaper market, published its final edition on May 5, 1919. The closure was a good deal for everybody concerned … except maybe … Continue reading →

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Jesse L. McCoy, WWII “daggerman”

Posted on December 5, 2022 by editor

Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Jesse L. McCoy of Springfield converted a ceremonial sword once used by a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows into a couple of daggers. By the time he and World War II were finished, … Continue reading →

Posted in Journalism, Media, Military, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Springfield postal service/postmasters

Posted on November 3, 2022 by editor

Receiving mail was a hit-or-miss proposition before Springfield got its first post office, and it wasn’t a picnic afterwards, either. The Springfield post office will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2023. The first postmaster was pioneer storekeeper Elijah Iles. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Communications, Journalism, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

Springfield looks ahead: 1869

Posted on August 4, 2022 by editor

As 1869 began, the Illinois State Journal saw Springfield as a growing, prosperous and busy community. And the future looked even brighter: Two coal mines had just opened, plans had been drawn up for a new state Capitol, and the … Continue reading →

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