Category Archives: Disasters

Shot-firers, ‘windy shots’ and coal mine safety

Posted on May 7, 2023 by editor

The Illinois General Assemply approved a law in 1905 designed to safeguard coal miners from black-powder explosions. It didn’t work that way for John Stratton, Thomas Hiscock, William Wilson, Herman Kownatzky, Robinson Ridley and Loren Dunbar. The six men, all … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Coal mines and mining, Disasters, Industry, Labor unions | Leave a comment

Machinery Hall collapse, 1895

Posted on April 24, 2023 by editor

Two workmen died in the state’s rush to develop the new home of the Illinois State Fair in 1895. Springfield was named the permanent site of the fair in 1894, and the Exposition Building was constructed by September of that … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Architecture, Buildings, Disasters, Illinois State Fair | Leave a comment

COVID-19 in Sangamon County: The first year

Posted on March 19, 2023 by editor

Sangamon County recorded its first COVID-19 death on March 19, 2020. A 71-year-old woman travelling from Florida to Springfield passed away from virus complications at Memorial Medical Center. The death occurred during a period of national uncertainty about the COVID-19 … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Local government, Medicine, Public health, Sangamon County, Science | Leave a comment

First snowplow (1918)

Posted on December 30, 2022 by editor

Springfield’s first motorized snowplow arrived five days late. A massive blizzard, carrying heavy snow, powerful winds and temperatures as low as 20 below, struck the city on Friday, Jan. 11, 1918. Springfield already was under a blanket of snow, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Local government, Transportation, Weather | Leave a comment

Dick Sullivan, political ‘boss’

Posted on September 8, 2022 by editor

Dick Sullivan, reputed to be Sangamon County’s behind-the-scenes political master for the first two decades of the 20th century, died in a violent train collision in New York state in 1923. Richard M. Sullivan (1874-1923), his wife Clara (1875-1923), their … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Sangamon County, Springfield, State government | Leave a comment

Covid-19: History in the making

Posted on May 19, 2022 by editor

At least three local institutions are documenting the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on individuals in Illinois as it happens. Representatives of all three gave presentations May 17, 2022, to the Sangamon County Historical Society. Results from two of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Medicine, Public health, Resources, Science | Leave a comment

Statehouse entrance revamped (1885-86)

Posted on December 31, 2021 by editor

For the first decade of its existence, people entering the east doors of the Illinois Statehouse had to stagger up a massive “grand staircase” to the building’s second floor. That changed in the 1880s, thanks to what was cutting-edge technology … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Disasters, Fires, Historic Sites, Illinois capital, Irish, John T. Stuart, Local government, Prominent figures, State government | Leave a comment

Hottest day in Springfield history

Posted on July 12, 2021 by editor

Blazing-hot weather killed two people, one an infant, in July 1954, and Springfield recorded its highest temperature ever – either 112 or 113.8 degrees, depending on which thermometer you followed  – on July 14, 1954. The heat was compounded by … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Local government, Public health, Sangamon River | Leave a comment

Mildred Park bridge collapse, 1905 (photos)

Posted on June 14, 2021 by editor

Somehow, no one was seriously injured when a crowded suspension bridge collapsed into the pond at Mildred Park (today’s Bunn Park) on Aug. 16, 1905. The lead on the Illinois State Journal story: Without the slightest warning, the suspension bridge … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Disasters, Social life, Sports and recreation, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Chatterton Opera House roof collapse, 1887

Posted on March 20, 2021 by editor

There was no audience inside when the roof of the Chatterton Opera House collapsed on Aug. 9, 1887. “The blue sky is now the only covering that shelters the auditorium of the once beautiful interior,” the Illinois State Journal reported. … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Architecture, Arts and letters, Buildings, Disasters, Theaters | Leave a comment