Monthly Archives: October 2016

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

Augusta Kellogg

Posted on October 22, 2016 by editor

Augusta Kellogg was the real name of the woman known as “Jessie Brownie” and “Madame Brownie” when she operated one of Springfield’s best-known houses of prostitution. See “Madame Brownie.” 

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‘Madame Brownie’ (bordello operator)

Posted on October 21, 2016 by editor

“Madame Brownie” (real name Augusta Kellogg) operated one of Springfield’s best-known houses of prostitution for more than 35 years. She was 80 years old when she died in 1915, possibly following an altercation with an intoxicated customer. Her Illinois State … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Local government, Prominent figures, Women | 2 Comments

First automobile in Springfield

Posted on October 20, 2016 by editor

The first automobile in Springfield was a Duryea purchased by shoe shop owners J.F. Miller and E.E. Staley. It hit Springfield streets in the spring of 1900. The Illinois State Register published a brief item on April 16, 1900: J.F. … Continue reading →

Posted in Transportation | 2 Comments

Tramping in Springfield, 1882

Posted on October 14, 2016 by editor

On March 12, 1882, “a rather dull day for the gatherer of items,” an anonymous Illinois State Journal reporter visited the Sangamon County Jail seeking news. He was directed to “an old thoroughbred tramp being entertained at present in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Journalism, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Dr. Dominic Sterbini (vice consul)

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

Dr. Dominic Sterbini served as Italian vice consul (also referred to as “consular agent”) in Springfield from 1938 to 1941. See Italian immigration.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Arturo Granata (Italian vice consul)

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

Arturo Granata served as Italian vice consul (also known as “consular agent”) in Springfield from 1907 to 1912. See Italian immigration.

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Italian immigration

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

More than 1,000 people paraded through downtown Springfield on Oct. 12, 1920, to celebrate Columbus Day. Floats depicted the Statue of Liberty, Christopher Columbus himself and Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria. Italian fraternal societies from Springfield, Virden and Decatur turned … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Ethnic groups, Italians, Prominent figures | 12 Comments