Category Archives: Business

Frank Godley’s Shoddy Manufactory

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Frank Godley (1841-1922), proprietor of the Springfield Shoddy Mills, was born in Yorkshire, England, where he became involved in woolen manufacture starting at 10 years old. He emigrated to the United States in 1864 and reached Springfield in 1867. Godley … Continue reading →

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Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce can trace its origins through a web of predecessor groups, starting in 1869 with formation of the city’s first commercial organization, the Springfield Board of Trade. That group lasted only a few years, but … Continue reading →

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‘The Old Hay Market’ (photo)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Springfield’s hay market once was on the northwest corner of Seventh and Jefferson streets. In the background is the pre-1927 Springfield Police Station. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, reprinted in Fever River Research’s study of the proposed site of the Abraham … Continue reading →

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Gen. James Henry

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

James D. Henry (1797-1834), gained the title of “General” via his acknowledged exceptional leadership during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Henry, who arrived in Springfield in 1826, was elected sheriff in 1827 and was operating a store on the … Continue reading →

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Herman-Laubheimer Brewery

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

The Herman-Laubheimer Brewery lasted only a few years in the 1860s and ’70s at the southwest corner of Amos and Jefferson streets, but a last few vestiges resurfaced — literally — in the 1990s. The operation began after Frank A. … Continue reading →

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Herndon & Co.

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Founded in 1866, R.F. Herndon & Co. sold dry goods and women’s and children’s clothing, specializing for many years in gloves. Herndon’s was on Fifth Street until 1964, when it moved to 206 S. Sixth St.  A Herndon’s opened in … Continue reading →

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Archer Herndon (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Archer G. Herndon Sr. (1795-1867) was one of the “Long Nine,” including Abraham Lincoln, who are credited with persuading the Illinois legislature to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. Archer Herndon also was the father of William … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Maps, Politics, Prominent figures, State government | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Carrol Hall (First Citizen)

Posted on October 24, 2013 by editor

Carrol Hall (1905-95) was a co-founder and first president of Springfield-based Horace Mann Insurance Co. In 1945, Hall joined with fellow teacher Les Nimmo to create Horace Mann (originally named the IEA Mutual Insurance Co.). The firm at first offered … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Education, First Citizens, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

Horace Mann insurance

Posted on October 24, 2013 by editor

Two Springfield public school teachers, Carrol Hall and Les Nimmo, founded the Illinois Education Association Mutual Assurance Co. in 1945 to market auto insurance to Illinois teachers. The company, later named Horace Mann Educators Corp. to honor the pioneering educator, soon … Continue reading →

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Ice harvesting

Posted on October 23, 2013 by editor

Before artificial refrigeration was invented, ice was cut from rivers, ponds, and lakes during the winter and sent to storehouses, businesses, and homes. Bigger customers included produce shippers, grocery stores, and breweries, which needed huge quantities of ice. Springfield’s old … Continue reading →

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