Category Archives: Architecture

Price-Prather House, Williamsville (National Register)

Posted on February 16, 2017 by editor

Williamsville’s Price-Prather House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places partly for its architectural features, but the building’s early owners, especially J. Frank Prather (1859-1927), played major roles in development of the beef cattle industry in Sangamon County, … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Architecture, Buildings, Farming, Historic Sites, Prominent figures | 6 Comments

Ben F. Caldwell: politician, farmer, banker

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

Ben Franklin Caldwell (1848-1924) was a member of Congress and the Illinois legislature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also was a farmer, banker and civic leader whose donations helped build schools in both Chatham and Thayer. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Business, Fires, Historic Sites, Politics, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts | 9 Comments

Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum

Posted on December 29, 2016 by editor

The Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum was a huge hit when it first opened to fairgoers in 1901. But not huge enough, because the building had to be substantially expanded only two years later. The Coliseum was designed in 1901 by … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, National Register, State government | 8 Comments

Old Stone House, Rochester

Posted on September 7, 2016 by editor

The Old Stone House, a project of the Rochester Historical Preservation Society, is an 1830s dwelling moved from its original site east of town to near Rochester Community Park. It is open periodically as a living history demonstration. The house … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Communities, Historic Sites, Lincoln, Abraham, Markers, Museums | 1 Comment

Oak Ridge Abbey (mausoleum)

Posted on May 1, 2016 by editor

When Springfield’s first mausoleum was built, its builders played on people’s fears of disease, grave robbery, decomposition and neglect. What’s more, they promised, interment in the Oak Ridge Abbey would protect against the possibility of premature burial. The interior of … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Local government | Leave a comment

The Extraordinary Ordinary — 113 W. Mulberry St., Chatham

Posted on March 21, 2016 by editor

Note: This entry has been revised, thanks to information provided by Chatham-area Facebook users. Buildings customarily gain historic reputations from their age or because of their connections to a prominent person or event.  We also like them decorated in an … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Auto dealers, Buildings, Business, Prominent figures, Transportation | 2 Comments

Springfield square, 1859 (photos)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by editor

These photographs showing the four sides of the public square in 1859 are the most frequently viewed scenes of Springfield life during the years Abraham Lincoln lived in the city. They were taken by Preston Butler (1818-??), who had a … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Lincoln, Abraham | Leave a comment

Covered bridges (Genealogy Trails information)

Posted on November 17, 2015 by editor

At least 30 covered bridge sites have been identified in Sangamon County, more than anywhere else in Illinois, according to an article posted on a family history web site, Genealogy Trails. The writer – Genealogy Trails contributors appear to all … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Transportation | Leave a comment

Spring Creek Covered Bridge fire, 1977

Posted on November 17, 2015 by editor

A covered bridge spanning Spring Creek west of Springfield was destroyed in what was thought to be an arson fire on Dec. 26, 1977. The bridge – known as the Spring Creek Covered Bridge, the Riddle Hill Bridge or the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Historic Sites, Transportation | 2 Comments

The Muller blocks (Lenox Avenue from State to Price streets)

Posted on November 2, 2015 by editor

Construction contractor Lee Muller (1910-73) built the stone buildings that line the 700 and 800 blocks of West Lenox Avenue. The six buildings, all faced with Bedford stone, contain more than 30 rental units. The original showcase of the complex was … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Business | Leave a comment