Monthly Archives: June 2014

Clear Lake

Posted on June 28, 2014 by editor

When most Sangamon County residents hear the name “Clear Lake,” they think of the avenue or township. However, the body of water that gave these places their names has a rich history all its own. Clear Lake itself is about … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Communities, Local government, Military, Parks, Sangamon River, Sports and recreation | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The Cara-Sel Lounge

Posted on June 27, 2014 by editor

One of the more colorful Lithuanian-American businesses in Springfield was the Cara-Sel Lounge, Seventh Street and North Grand Ave, operated for 17 years by Tony and Carol Yuscius. Tony (1923-2009) was the son of Lithuanian-born Joseph and Marcella (Radavich) Yuscius. … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Coal mines and mining, Ethnic groups, Hotels & taverns, Lithuanians, Restaurants | 2 Comments

John Carroll Power (historian, Lincoln tomb custodian)

Posted on June 27, 2014 by editor

John Carroll Power (1819-94), was a historian as well as first custodian of the Lincoln Tomb. Born in Kentucky in 1819, Power “was brought up a farmer, but in later life, contrary to his early anticipations, became an author,” according … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Histories, Lincoln Tomb, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Camp Glen Olive

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

Camp Glen Olive was a seven-acre campground on the banks of the Sangamon River in Riverton that was donated to the Springfield YWCA by Olive Black Wheeland, a YWCA supporter and philanthropist who also created Wheeland Haven, an estate east … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Sangamon River, Sports and recreation | Leave a comment

The Mansion, Riverton

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

The Mansion was a nightclub and music venue on the grounds of Wheeland Haven, the former estate of Olive Black Wheeland east of Riverton. It was destroyed by fire in 1992. For more information, see entry on Wheeland Haven.

Posted in Arts and letters | 1 Comment

Wheeland Haven, Riverton

Posted on June 25, 2014 by editor

In the early 1900s, in the midst of coal mines and cornfields east of Riverton, was a 17-acre oasis of beauty — Wheeland Haven, the home of Olive Black Wheeland and her husband Cyrus. Cyrus Wheeland was a farmer, grain … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Architecture, Buildings, Historic Sites, National Register, Parks, Prominent figures, Women | 17 Comments

Seth Barnes Nicholson (astronomer)

Posted on June 24, 2014 by editor

Seth Barnes Nicholson (1891-1963), an astronomer best known for discovering four of the satellites of Jupiter, was born in Springfield, although his family left the city when Seth was seven years old. Nicholson’s father, William, was principal of the old … Continue reading →

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John J.H. Kelly (Medal of Honor)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by editor

John J.H. Kelly (1851-1907) received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a five-day fight with Indian warriors on the Upper Washita River, Texas, in September 1874. Kelly was among about 50 soldiers — a combined infantry and cavalry … Continue reading →

Posted in Military | 2 Comments

Arthur “Jingle” Wilson (Medal of Honor)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by editor

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Arthur H. “Jingle” Wilson (1881-1953), a native of Springfield, was awarded the Medal of Honor for service on Patian Island in the Philippines on July 4, 1909. Wilson, who spent  nearly 40 years as a cavalry … Continue reading →

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Closed high schools in Sangamon County

Posted on June 22, 2014 by editor

The list below of high schools that no longer exist in Sangamon County is taken from Illinois Glory Days. The site describes itself as  “a collaborative effort to preserve Illinois history, as reflected in high schools which no longer function, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation | Leave a comment