Category Archives: Disasters

Carver Convalescent Center fire, 1972

Posted on January 15, 2017 by editor

Investigators never agreed on the cause of the fire that killed 10 residents of a shabby nursing home on May 6, 1972. The number of deaths make the fire at Carver Convalescent Center, 1527 E. Washington St., the worst single … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Disasters, Fires, Public health | Leave a comment

Boston Store fire, 1915

Posted on November 30, 2016 by editor

What was thought to be Springfield’s most disastrous fire ever, up to that point, demolished The Boston Store on the east side of the downtown square on Dec. 7, 1915. The Boston Store was part of a loosely affiliated chain … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Department stores, Disasters, Fires, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Most costly fires in Springfield, 1904-48

Posted on November 30, 2016 by editor

The following list of the most destructive fires in Springfield history was published in the May 3, 1948, Illinois State Journal. The list is based solely on the amount of property damage. Damage estimates are not adjusted for inflation. Preliminary … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Department stores, Disasters, Fires | 6 Comments

Stable fire, 1915

Posted on November 19, 2016 by editor

Fifty-one horses were “roasted and steamed to death” in a fire that destroyed a stable owned by Ira Dudley in the 900 block of East Washington Street on Sept. 15, 1915. The fire was discovered by two men walking along … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Disasters, Fires | Leave a comment

‘Boarding house horror’ fire, 1899

Posted on November 6, 2016 by editor

Three people died on Feb. 4, 1899, in a fire the Illinois State Journal called a “boarding house horror.” The victims – boarding house operator Martha “Mattie” Withey, retired grocer J.C. Hall and 67-year-old Helen Rose – were among 21 … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Disasters, Fires | Leave a comment

Western Cartridge Co. explosion, 1920

Posted on November 5, 2016 by editor

Four men were killed on June 24, 1920, when an explosion and fire wrecked part of a smokeless gunpowder plant northeast of Springfield. The Western Cartridge Co., based in East Alton, opened the plant in 1915. Powder manufactured in Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Disasters, Industry, Military | Leave a comment

Windstorm hits Auburn mine, 1911

Posted on October 31, 2016 by editor

A violent windstorm demolished the headworks of the Solomon Mine south of Auburn on July 11, 1911, killing one man and injuring several more. The Illinois State Register covered the devastation: The storm approached Auburn from the northeast and all … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal mines and mining, Disasters, Photos and photosets | Leave a comment

Chatham mine cave-in, 1910

Posted on October 27, 2016 by editor

The cave-in of an abandoned coal mine on Oct. 15, 1910, caused some nervous moments in Chatham, but turned out not to be a serious danger. The mine, originally opened by the Chatham-Virden Coal Co. about 1900, was closed a … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Coal mines and mining, Disasters, Industry | 2 Comments

Springfield High School explosions, 1932

Posted on October 24, 2016 by editor

Two firefighters and a janitor were killed when mystery explosions wrecked a storeroom at Springfield High School on March 20, 1932. A total of 13 people were injured by the blasts, which were never fully explained. The school’s night watchman … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Education, Schools and school districts | Leave a comment

Green Beret accident, 1966 Illinois State Fair

Posted on July 29, 2016 by editor

Three people died and 38 more were injured on Aug. 20, 1966, as Illinois State Fair workers were preparing a catwalk for a planned demonstration by U.S. Army Green Berets. The accident was the worst ever in state fair history. … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Disasters | 11 Comments