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Category Archives: Celebrations
The governor takes a wife (1896)
Gov. John Riley Tanner “was addicted to pomp and circumstance,” Robert P. Howard wrote in Mostly Good and Competent Men, Howard’s 1988 guide to Illinois’ chief executives. If so, Tanner lived his best life in December 1896 and January 1897. … Continue reading
Electioneering in early Springfield
As the 1930 political season got started, Illinois State Journal editor/columnist J. Emil Smith noted, with some regret, that Springfield probably wouldn’t see a classic torchlight parade, the kind he remembered from his youth. Here’s an excerpt from Smith’s “Making … Continue reading
Posted in Celebrations, Politics, Portuguese, Spectacles
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Philemon Stout’s big party (1898)
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
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First wedding (1820)
The first marriage ever performed in Sangamon County took place in a log cabin near Cantrall on Nov. 2, 1820. In a pioneer community, the event required some improvisation, including a legless piano and a fake wedding cake. The happy … Continue reading
‘Bock Beer Day’, 1870s-’80s
“Today is Bock Beer Day, and the boys will all imbibe freely of the foaming extract of hops,” the Illinois State Journal predicted the morning of May 1, 1882. It didn’t always end happily for “the boys.” Bock beer is … Continue reading
Springfield, “The Flower City”
Springfield’s sometime-nickname, “The Flower City,” apparently originated with a Chicago newspaper story published in 1857. But it didn’t catch on for another 20 years, at first mainly when local improvement advocates complained that the city – particularly its muddy streets … Continue reading
Posted in Amusements, Celebrations, Illinois State Fair, Local government, Spectacles, Women
2 Comments
“The Gay ’90s” in Springfield
In 1943, V.Y. Dallman, longtime editor and columnist for the Illinois State Register, published a three-part reminiscence of the “Gay ‘90s” – at least, as they were experienced by Springfield’s upper crust. The series was written by a certified member … Continue reading
Coney Island restaurant
On a sunny April day in 1989, hungry Springfieldians lined up to savor a hot dog from the Coney Island Restaurant at 114 N. Sixth St. The line, which wrapped around the block, included citizens from all walks of life, … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Celebrations, Ethnic groups, Greeks, Prominent figures, Restaurants
4 Comments
Grand Army of the Republic parade, 1932 (video)
Aging but still vital, more than 700 veterans of the Union Army marched through downtown Springfield as part of the 1932 national encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. Movie cameras captured part of parade, which was held on … Continue reading
Posted in Celebrations, Military, Videos
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Ethnic Festival (1974-2014)
Where could you go for a bowl of Polish biogs and a side of Irish soda bread, Lithuanian kugelis and a plate of nutty rugelach, some Greek spanakopita and then top it off with homemade German apfelstrudel? The Ethnic Festival … Continue reading
Posted in Amusements, Celebrations, Ethnic groups, Social life
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