Category Archives: Local government

First motorized police & fire vehicles

Posted on January 26, 2026 by editor

Springfield city government entered the automobile age on July 30, 1913, when the police department’s first gasoline-powered vehicle went into service. The wagon collected its first prisoner and its nickname a few hours later. The arrestee was Arthur Luckey, a … Continue reading →

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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

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

Sparrow slaughter, 1891-1901

Posted on August 23, 2025 by editor

Illinois had a bounty on English sparrows from 1891 to 1901. The birds endured, but the bounty was a bonanza for young boys with BB guns. The English sparrow (also known as the house sparrow), was introduced in the U.S. … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Animals, Children, Farming, Local government, Science | 1 Comment

Springfield city charter brawl, 1840

Posted on January 19, 2025 by editor

A brawl between two of Springfield’s leading citizens enlivened the 1840 election that converted the community from a town to a city. The fight was over who should be allowed to vote in the referendum. The combatants were Dr. Alexander … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Springfield | Leave a comment

Springfield market house, 1832-1880

Posted on January 7, 2025 by editor

When residents of early Springfield wanted fresh meat or vegetables, the city market house was the place to go. But you had to get up early. City fathers decided in 1832 to build a market house, a central point where … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Business, Early residents, Grocery markets, Local government, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Sangamon County sheriffs, 1821-2024

Posted on September 20, 2024 by editor

This entry has been updated. Here is a list of people who have served as sheriff of Sangamon County since the county was established on Jan. 30, 1821. Dates indicate when the sheriffs were commissioned unless noted. John Taylor: 1821, … Continue reading →

Posted in Law enforcement, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

The Oak Ridge Park pagoda

Posted on January 12, 2024 by editor

In the 19th century, the Oak Ridge Pagoda drew merrymakers, thrill-seekers, and sometimes street gangs to what now is Lincoln Park. But the building’s last users were a few pitiful victims of what might have been smallpox. Oak Ridge Park, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Buildings, Crime and vice, Local government, Parks, Public health, Social life, Sports and recreation, Transportation | Leave a comment

Springfield, “The Flower City”

Posted on November 8, 2023 by editor

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

Firefighter deaths on duty

Posted on August 19, 2023 by editor

At least 13* Springfield firefighters have died in the line of duty since the city created a professional fire department in the late 1860s. In order, they were: George Schevers (1860-Jan. 11, 1905). Schevers, fire chief at the time, was … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Local government, Uncategorized | Leave a comment