Monthly Archives: January 2026

First motorized police & fire vehicles

Posted on January 26, 2026 by editor

Springfield city government entered the automobile age on July 30, 1913, when the police department’s first gasoline-powered vehicle went into service. The wagon collected its first prisoner and its nickname a few hours later. The arrestee was Arthur Luckey, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Springfield, Transportation | Leave a comment

Auburn’s double-decker bandstand

Posted on January 18, 2026 by editor

The double-decker bandstand on the Auburn square evokes the early 1900s, when growing pains preoccupied Auburn residents. Today’s bandstand is a 21st-century replica of Auburn’s original two-story bandstand. The first bandstand was built in 1905, shortly after Auburn residents voted … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Architecture, Celebrations, Communities, Historic Sites, Local government, Markers, Prominent figures, Route 66, Social life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Tuxhorn Mine

Posted on January 12, 2026 by editor

The Tuxhorn Coal Mine, which opened in 1903 in the Round Prairie/Rochester area, produced more than 3 million tons of coal before it closed two decades later. As many as 250 miners worked at the mine during its most productive … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Labor unions, Railroads, Uncategorized | 2 Comments