Category Archives: Amusements

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

Santa surrenders sleigh to snowballs (1950 Christmas parade)

Posted on December 3, 2025 by editor

Santa Claus, of all people, should have felt right at home when a four-inch snowfall greeted Springfield’s 1950 Christmas parade. But Santa couldn’t overcome a barrage of snowballs. The parade, which stepped off from Fifth Street and Lawrence Avenue the … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving menu at the Oriental Café, 1925

Posted on November 23, 2025 by editor

Cream of oyster soup and Lobster Newburg joined Vermont turkey on the Oriental Café’s holiday menu for Thanksgiving Day 1925. The price? $1.25. The Lum family served Chinese and American dishes at the Oriental, “Springfield’s finest café,” from 1924 to … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Celebrations, Chinese, Ethnic groups, Medicine, Prominent figures, Restaurants | 1 Comment

Beauty ban, 1911 Illinois State Fair

Posted on November 11, 2025 by editor

The “lady managers” of the 1911 Illinois State Fair’s domestic science school were appalled when they learned one of their instructors was giving young women advice on cosmetics well as hygiene. The 102 young women in attendance “need not trouble … Continue reading →

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Krous Park

Posted on November 7, 2025 by editor

Beer was the lifeblood of Krous Park, which operated west of Amos Avenue in Springfield from about 1878 until the early 1910s. John G. Krous (1847-94), who owned a saloon on the northwest corner of Edwards and Baker streets (today’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Celebrations, Germans, Hotels & taverns, Local government, Markers, Prominent figures, Social life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Kiddie Land amusement park

Posted on August 7, 2025 by editor

Kiddie Land was Springfield’s home-grown amusement park in the 1950s and ‘60s. On opening day, May 27, 1950, every child received a balloon, and rides – on the merry-go-round, ponies, boats and a fire engine – cost 13 cents each, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Children, Parks, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Illinois State Fair beer ban, 1953-74

Posted on August 5, 2025 by editor

Acting on complaints from church groups and parents, the administration of Gov. William G. Stratton prohibited the sale of beer at the 1953 Illinois State Fair. The ban on beer, as well as on any other alcoholic beverage, remained in … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Illinois capital, Illinois State Fair, Social life, State government | Leave a comment

First game at Reservoir Park/Robin Roberts Stadium, 1925

Posted on May 26, 2025 by editor

On May 12, 1925, 9,000 people watched the very first baseball game ever played at what today is Robin Roberts Stadium. They filled the grandstand, crowded the foul lines and jammed temporary bleachers erected around the outfield. “Not even on … Continue reading →

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Buraldine Crumly, Miss Illinois 1929

Posted on April 6, 2025 by editor

Buraldine Crumly was the toast of Springfield in 1929. Crumly, 19, a telephone operator, won the title of Miss Springfield in a hastily arranged beauty pageant on May 24, 1929. In Chicago the next day, she was named Miss Illinois. … Continue reading →

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Philemon Stout’s big party (1898)

Posted on July 15, 2024 by editor

Philemon Stout knew how to throw a party. It was 1898, and Stout (1822-1910) had had a good life. He owned nearly 2,000 acres of prime farmland near Cotton Hill. He had served as school trustee, highway commissioner, and justice … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Celebrations, Early residents, Farming, Prominent figures, Social life, Spectacles | 1 Comment