Monthly Archives: March 2014

‘Hell at Midnight in Springfield’

Posted on March 31, 2014 by editor

Hell at Midnight in Springfield: or A Burning History of the Sin and Shame of the Capital City of Illinois was a rant against vice, alcohol and, especially, “political Romanism” written by professional anti-Catholic William Lloyd Clark after a visit to Springfield’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Law enforcement, Women | Tagged | 2 Comments

U.S. Senators with Sangamon County links

Posted on March 30, 2014 by editor

Note: The following list of U.S. senators with connections to Sangamon County does not include those who lived here solely because of their involvement in state government or politics.  *Ninian Edwards (senator from 1818 to 1824): Edwards, who was territorial … Continue reading →

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Teddy Gray

Posted on March 27, 2014 by editor

Teddy Gray, born Theodore Georgio in Greece, operated confectioneries in Springfield from at least 1919 until the 1940s. See The Sugar Bowl Restaurants.

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George Mann

Posted on March 26, 2014 by editor

George Mann, a former member of the Springfield Police Department “booze squad,” was driving at Ninth Street and Enos Avenue in November 1930 when occupants of another car shot and fatally wounded him. See Prohibition Violence in Springfield.

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Dominic Tarro

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

The body of Dominic Tarro of Benld, founder of the storied Benld Coliseum dance hall and reputed bootlegger, was found in the Sangamon River in May 1930. Tarro had been beaten and shot to death. See Prohibition violence in Sangamon … Continue reading →

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John Picco

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

John Picco, Italian consular agent in Springfield, was shot to death in Springfield in April 1932. No one was ever charged with the killing, and no motive was ever determined. See Prohibition violence in Sangamon County and Italian immigration.

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Jasper, Frank and Robert Aiello

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

The Aiellos — Jasper was the nephew of brothers Frank and Robert — were shot to death within 10 months of each other in 1927, apparently victims of a Prohibition-related gang dispute. See Prohibition violence in Sangamon County.

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Prohibition violence in Sangamon County

Posted on March 25, 2014 by editor

On Dec. 13, 1933, two days before liquor sales were again to be legal nationwide, the Illinois State Journal tallied up the body count of Prohibition-related murders in Sangamon County. The newspaper said the total came to 20. However, only 18 … Continue reading →

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Alex Karon

Posted on March 23, 2014 by editor

Alex Karon, born Alekos Karahouzites in Greece, was the proprietor of the popular Sugar Bowl restaurant at State Street and South Grand Avenue. See Sugar Bowl restaurants.

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Springfield mayors

Posted on March 23, 2014 by editor

Springfield was incorporated as a village on April 2,, 1832. For the next eight years, it was governed by a village president and board of trustees. (Dates below refer to election or appointment dates.) Village presidents Charles R. Matheny, 1832-39 … Continue reading →

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