Monthly Archives: November 2014

Orlin Miner (National Lincoln Monument Association)

Illinois state Auditor Orlin Miner was one of 15 original directors of the National Lincoln Monument Association.

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Newton Bateman (National Lincoln Monument Association)

Illinois School Superintendent Newton Bateman was one of the original 15 directors of the National Lincoln Monument Association.  

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National Lincoln Monument Association directors, 1865

The National Lincoln Monument Association, officially organized on May 11, 1865, oversaw fundraising for and construction of Abraham Lincoln’s tomb. Although members originally planned to build the structure on land that now is the site of the Illinois Statehouse, the … Continue reading

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Cadillac garage, 1912 (photo)

L. Lee Savage sold Cadillacs in Springfield from 1911 into 1914. His first dealership was at 312 W. Washington St. This photo, from 1912, shows Savage’s second location at Fifth Street and Lawrence Avenue. The Cadillac Co. of Springfield took … Continue reading

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Springfield in 1912 (‘General Facts’)

Above is a page from Springfield: The Capital of the State of Illinois (1912), published by the Springfield Commercial Association, a forerunner of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps the most illuminating “general fact” to the modern reader is … Continue reading

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Walter Tabor (Maldaner’s restaurant)

Walter Tabor (1888-1971) owned Maldaner’s, Springfield’s oldest restaurant, from 1934 until his death. See Maldaner’s restaurant.

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Maldaner’s restaurant

John Maldaner (1852-1924), the namesake founder of Maldaner’s restaurant, got his start at age 14, making cakes and candies for a confectioner on the north side of what is now the Old Capitol Plaza. He went into the confectionery business … Continue reading

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Police news, 1883

The following cases were all reported on Page 4 of the Oct. 7, 1883 Illinois State Journal. They give a sense of how both law enforcement and newspapers dealt with crime and court cases 130 years ago. NIGHT PROWLERS. A … Continue reading

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Artie Matthews (ragtime composer)

Acclaimed ragtime composer Artie Matthews apparently got his start as a musician in the bars and bordellos of Springfield’s old Levee district. After composing such ragtime classics as Weary Blues — later recorded by, among others, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver … Continue reading

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Springfield U.S. Census figures

See Population changes, 1830-2010.

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