Monthly Archives: April 2016

John O’Connor, Sr. and Jr.

Posted on April 23, 2016 by editor

The legal name of boxer, hotelier and sports promoter Johnny Connors was John O’Connor Sr. His son, John Jr., nicknamed “Buster,” also promoted a variety of athletic events under the last name Connors. Both men are in the Springfield Sports … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Empire Hotel

Posted on April 23, 2016 by editor

Johnny Connors’ Empire Hotel, 416-24 E. Jefferson St., was a regular stop for nationally known boxers and other athletes in the early 20th century. See Johnny Connors (boxer, saloon-keeper).

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Grover Cleveland Alexander (baseball pitcher)

Posted on April 23, 2016 by editor

Grover Cleveland Alexander, one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, was living at Springfield’s Empire Hotel when he was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame. See Johnny Connors (boxer, saloon-keeper).

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

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

J. Emil Smith (newspaperman, mayor)

Posted on April 13, 2016 by editor

J. Emil Smith served in several city government positions, including as mayor from 1926 to 1930, but he is mainly known as editor of the Illinois State Journal from 1930 to 1955. He wrote an editorial page column, “Making Conversation,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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

DICKEY-john Corp.

Posted on April 9, 2016 by editor

Auburn-based DICKEY-john Corp. got its start in 1960, when Chatham-area farmer Robert Dickey was in the hospital recuperating from a lawn-mower accident that had cost him his right eye. One of his visitors was a minister. “In talking about farming, … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Business, Farming, Industry, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

William Lochridge

Posted on April 3, 2016 by editor

William Lochridge was a merchant, banker and business promoter in Pawnee in the late 19th century. After losing his businesses in the financial panics of 1893 and 1896, he moved to Springfield, where he became an innkeeper. See Hotel Normandie. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hotel Delmar

Posted on April 3, 2016 by editor

The Hotel Delmar was at 313 S. Fourth St. from about 1927 until 1946. Its predecessor at that address was the Hotel Normandie. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment