Monthly Archives: July 2016

Illinois State Fair fatal incidents

See Green Beret fatal accident, 1966 Illinois State Fair, for a list of all unnatural deaths at the Illinois State Fair.

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Green Beret accident, 1966 Illinois State Fair

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

Southern Air restaurant

The Southern Air restaurant operated from 1948 to 1984 at 3045 Clearlake Ave. See Chesapeake Seafood House.

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John McGredy (nurseryman)

John McGredy built the home, then more than a mile east of Springfield, that today is the Chesapeake Seafood House. See Chesapeake Seafood House.

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William Colby (probate judge)

William Colby was the second owner of the home on Clearlake Avenue that today is the Chesapeake Seafood House. See Chesapeake Seafood House.

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Chesapeake Seafood House

NOTE: This entry has been edited. See below. The home that makes up the core of the Chesapeake Seafood House, 3045 Clear Lake Ave., was built sometime after 1857 by John McGredy, a 19th-century Scottish immigrant turned nurseryman. McGredy apparently … Continue reading

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Villa Valencia

The Villa Valencia, operated by Nick Campo and Joe Bardi, was a nightclub that preceded the Lake Club at 2840 Fox Road. See The Lake Club.

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Peacock Inn

The Peacock Inn was a short-lived predecessor of the Lake Club at 2840 Fox Road. See The Lake Club.

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O’Joy Inn

The O’Joy Inn, operated by Gertrude Joy, was the first amusement venue to occupy the building best known as the Lake Club, 2840 Fox Road. Gertrude Joy built the club. See The Lake Club. 

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The Lake Club

NOTE: This entry has been edited. See below. The Lake Club, 2840 Fox Road, brought top national performers – Mickey Rooney, the Mills Brothers, Guy Lombardo, Pearl Bailey, Lawrence Welk and many more – to Springfield in the 1940s, ‘50s … Continue reading

Posted in Amusements, Buildings, Business, Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Law enforcement, Prominent figures, Social life | 22 Comments