Category Archives: Amusements

‘Napkin social,’ First Methodist Church (1895)

Posted on October 4, 2017 by editor

The napkin above, printed in 1895, is a rare relic of a fundraising technique that was popular among women’s church groups in the late 19th century – “napkin socials.” The idea was that members of a group – in this … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Churches, Women | 1 Comment

The Sternaman brothers (football pioneers)

Posted on September 16, 2017 by editor

This article has been expanded twice. Added were: more information about Joey Sternaman; William Barry Furlong’s account of how Dutch Sternaman bowed out as co-owner of the Chicago Bears; Jeff  Davis’ account of the deterioration of the relationship between Dutch … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | Leave a comment

Brainerd Hill (West Lawrence Avenue)

Posted on July 23, 2017 by editor

Brainerd Hill, now Springfield’s favorite sledding spot, once was the ultimate challenge for the city’s competitive bicycle community. Springfield “wheelmen” organized the Capital City Cycling Club in the fall of 1887 to sponsor a variety of bicycling events, foster competition … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Parks, Prominent figures, Social life, Sports and recreation, Transportation, Women | 3 Comments

The Mill, tavern and restaurant

Posted on July 12, 2017 by editor

The Mill, 906 N. 15th St., was one of Springfield’s most popular dining spots for nearly 40 years. Brothers Herman (1897-1980) and Louis Cohen (1893-1962) opened the tavern and restaurant in May 1933 on the same corner where they had … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Fires, Hotels & taverns, Restaurants, Social life, Uncategorized | 23 Comments

‘The rink,’ 1868-71

Posted on June 29, 2017 by editor

This entry has been revised — ed. Springfield’s first ice rink hosted skating contests, floral exhibits, masked balls and the “Knights of the Skate” during its brief existence at Walnut and Monroe streets. “The rink,” as it was simply known, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Buildings, Social life, Sports and recreation, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Springfield park names

Posted on June 10, 2017 by editor

Parks in the Springfield Park District have taken their names from U.S. presidents, local pioneers, subdivisions, donors and others. Here is a list of parks and their name derivations as of summer 2017. Bergen. 2900 Clear Lake Ave. The Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Amusements, Early residents, Parks, Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | 1 Comment

Tree-sitting fad, 1930

Posted on April 3, 2017 by editor

Endurance tree-sitting – climbing trees and staying in them as long as possible – captivated Springfield youngsters, and amused newspaper readers, for several weeks in mid-1930. The local tree-sitters were part of a brief nationwide craze for the stunt. “Long … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Children, Spectacles | 3 Comments

Johnston-Hatcher fires, 1907 & 1913

Posted on March 4, 2017 by editor

The Johnston-Hatcher Co. sold home furnishings of all kinds from 1899 to 1949 in downtown Springfield. The store, however, fell victim to two of the city’s most devastating early 20th-century fires. Johnston-Hatcher was the creation of two sets of brothers … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Airport, Amusements, Auto dealers, Buildings, Business, Crime and vice, Disasters, Farming, Fires, Presidents, Prominent figures, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

‘The Bunion Derby’ (1928)

Posted on February 1, 2017 by editor

Football star Red Grange received an unfriendly welcome when he accompanied the 1928 Trans-American Foot Race to Springfield in 1928. The race, better known as the “Bunion Derby,” was the brainchild of Grange’s agent, C.C. “Cash and Carry” Pyle (1882-1939). … Continue reading →

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Women’s bathing suit controversy, 1916

Posted on January 23, 2017 by editor

Springfield women’s rights activist Harriett Reid made fun of the Springfield Park Board’s 1916 directive that women’s swimsuits at the new Bunn Park Beach include skirts. The park board had voted 5-1 to impose the restriction, which was sponsored by … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Amusements, Local government, Parks, Women | Leave a comment