Monthly Archives: July 2024

Henson Robinson Co./Henson Robinson Zoo

Posted on July 25, 2024 by editor

The standard version is that Henson Robinson planned to go to California but got distracted by Springfield. The real story is more complicated, but the result was the same. Robinson (1839-1900), a tinner born in Ohio, became the founder of … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Museums, Parks, Prominent figures, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Philemon Stout’s big party (1898)

Posted on July 15, 2024 by editor

Philemon Stout knew how to throw a party. It was 1898, and Stout (1822-1910) had had a good life. He owned nearly 2,000 acres of prime farmland near Cotton Hill. He had served as school trustee, highway commissioner, and justice … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Celebrations, Early residents, Farming, Prominent figures, Social life, Spectacles | 1 Comment

Mary Lincoln funeral, 1882

Posted on July 8, 2024 by editor

Thousands of people viewed Abraham Lincoln’s body between the time of his assassination on April 14, 1865, and his burial two weeks later. By contrast, only relatives and friends were given access to a private viewing following the death of … Continue reading →

Posted in Lincoln, Abraham, Presidents, Prominent figures, Spectacles, Women | Leave a comment

‘Derecho’ storm, 2023

Posted on July 5, 2024 by editor

The storm that hit Sangamon County on June 29, 2023, wasn’t, by definition, a tornado. But you couldn’t tell that from the destruction.  In a tornado (or a hurricane), winds circulate in a spiral. The 2023 damage was caused instead … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Uncategorized, Weather | 1 Comment