Monthly Archives: February 2017

Caldwell Mansion

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

The Caldwell Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in the 1870s for Ben F. Caldwell. See Ben F. Caldwell: politician, farmer, banker.

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Caldwell School, Chatham

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

Caldwell School was at Main and Walnut streets in Chatham from 1895 to 1964. See Ben F. Caldwell: politician, farmer, banker.

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Ben F. Caldwell: politician, farmer, banker

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

Ben Franklin Caldwell (1848-1924) was a member of Congress and the Illinois legislature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also was a farmer, banker and civic leader whose donations helped build schools in both Chatham and Thayer. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Business, Fires, Historic Sites, Politics, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts | 9 Comments

Edith Martin, teacher & heroine

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

Teacher Edith Martin may have saved 30 children by forcing them out a second-story window as flames consumed Thayer’s Caldwell School on Feb. 16, 1903. An Illinois State Register special correspondent described the rescues in a highly colored account published … Continue reading →

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Ridgely School fire, 1916

Posted on February 3, 2017 by editor

Regular fire drills were credited with saving the lives of an unknown number of children when Ridgely School caught fire in the middle of classes on Nov. 15, 1916. The blaze began when sparks from the school’s coal furnace flew … Continue reading →

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Red Grange visits Springfield, 1928

Posted on February 1, 2017 by editor

Football great Red Grange faced an unpleasant welcome to Springfield when he accompanied runners to the city during the 1928 Transcontinental Foot Race.

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‘The Bunion Derby’ (1928)

Posted on February 1, 2017 by editor

Football star Red Grange received an unfriendly welcome when he accompanied the 1928 Trans-American Foot Race to Springfield in 1928. The race, better known as the “Bunion Derby,” was the brainchild of Grange’s agent, C.C. “Cash and Carry” Pyle (1882-1939). … Continue reading →

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