Category Archives: Prominent figures

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

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

Riddle Hill

Posted on June 20, 2016 by editor

Riddle Hill got its name in 1899, when farmers and other residents west of Springfield expected a proposed Springfield-to-Jacksonville electric railway to boost land prices in the area. The Illinois State Journal announced the creation of a new Riddle Hill … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Prominent figures, Transportation | 9 Comments

Oriental Cafe

Posted on June 1, 2016 by editor

The Oriental Café was Springfield’s most popular Chinese restaurant for more than 40 years – and, when it closed in 1955, the only one. The café, on the second floor of the buildings at 424 and 426 E. Monroe St., … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Prominent figures, Restaurants, Social life | 1 Comment

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

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

Johnny Connors (boxer, saloon-keeper)

Posted on April 23, 2016 by editor

Johnny Connors – boxer, saloon-keeper and sportsman – was small in stature, but he played an outsize role in Springfield for nearly 80 years. Connors (1867-1966) was born John O’Connor in Ireland, but boxed as Johnny Connors. He never legally changed … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Prominent figures, Restaurants, Sports and recreation, Theaters | 10 Comments

Late-night Springfield, 1935

Posted on April 13, 2016 by editor

J. Emil Smith wrote a daily column, “Making Conversation,” for more than 28 years, starting when he became editor of the Illinois State Journal in 1930. Much of the column was made up of briefs, jokes, poems and birthday notices for friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Hotels & taverns, Journalism, Local government, Media, Politics, Prominent figures, Restaurants, Social life | Leave a comment

Jack Johnson (boxing champion)

Posted on April 12, 2016 by editor

“Battle royals” in Springfield were a springboard to fame for boxer Jack Johnson, who went on to become the first African-American heavyweight champion. Johnson (1878-1946) was tutored in Springfield by Johnny Connors (1867-1966), a  boxer himself as well as a … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Amusements, Hotels & taverns, Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | 1 Comment