Monthly Archives: March 2013

Church of the Immaculate Conception (‘Old St. Mary’s’)

Posted on March 21, 2013 by editor

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic parish church that stood at the northeast corner of Seventh and Monroe streets from 1858 until 1952, should not be confused with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which became the episcopal … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches | Tagged | 11 Comments

Historic sites of Springfield

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

The Historic Sites Commission of Springfield has designated 66 buildings as having local historic significance. The commission’s primary goal is to increase awareness of the need for historic preservation, although designation as a historic site can also be helpful in obtaining economic … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Local government | 2 Comments

Springfield, origin of

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

Whether or not Elisha Kelley was the first resident of the area that later became Springfield, the “Kelley cabins,” occupied by Elisha, John and Henry Kelley and others, were the heart of early Springfield. Even though their settlement was tiny, nowhere … Continue reading →

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Aetna Foundry and Machine Shops

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

The Aetna Foundry and Machine Shops, established in 1848 by a partnership named Lowry, Lamb & Co., operated for most of its existence at the southwest corner of Second and Adams streets in Springfield. John C. Lamb became sole owner in 1855. … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Coal mines and mining, Industry | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Donner Party: Emigrant tragedy

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

The Donner Party left Springfield to emigrate to California on April 14, 1846, but became stranded in deep snow near present-day Truckee, Calif. The group’s experience is remembered today primarily because, before the surviving members of the expedition were rescued, … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Early residents, Markers, Prominent figures | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Certificates of Freedom

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

Many early black residents of Sangamon County were former slaves. Below are some of the certificates of freedom they were issued by their former owners or, in some cases, by judicial action. Note that Phoebe “Feba” Rountree Fleurville referred to … Continue reading →

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Bowling alleys

Posted on March 17, 2013 by editor

Organized bowling certainly was offered in Springfield by 1874 and perhaps even as early as the 1860s. The Greater Springfield Bowling Association web site formerly included an extensive list of Springfield-area bowling establishments over the years, with about 45 of them … Continue reading →

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