Category Archives: Prominent figures

Sam Willis, chef

Posted on April 30, 2023 by editor

Thousands of African-Americans fled Springfield in the wake of the 1908 race riot. The city’s best chef may have been one. Samuel Willis (1856-1920), a native of Virginia, moved to Springfield in the 1870s. He apparently learned the restaurant business … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Prominent figures, Restaurants, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

John Rinaker Jr., architect

Posted on April 20, 2023 by editor

The cornerstone was laid for the Exposition Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on July 4, 1894. The granite stone, hewn by the Springfield firm of Richter & Doland, was inserted in a corner nook of the building. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Illinois State Fair, Local government, Prominent figures, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Camp Tanner (Illinois State Fairgrounds, 1898)

Posted on April 17, 2023 by editor

Ten thousand Illinois militia flooded the Illinois State Fairgrounds less than a week after the start of the Spanish-American War. They left the fairgrounds – renamed “Camp Tanner” for the duration – almost as quickly as they arrived. The operation … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois State Fair, Military, Prominent figures, State government | Leave a comment

FBI bugs Frank Zito hangout, 1965

Posted on April 11, 2023 by editor

When FBI agents successfully planted a surveillance microphone in mobster Frank Zito’s hangout in 1965, their superiors nominated them for letters of commendation. Top brass in Washington, however, counseled patience. “(S)ince this is a newly established source,” Washington officials wrote, … Continue reading →

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Dreamland Park/Amos Duncan

Posted on April 6, 2023 by editor

“To my way of thinking, the colored people should at least have a place where they can congregate for the purpose of holding picnics, celebrations and public gatherings,” Sangamon County Republican Party chairman George Fish told the Illinois State Journal … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Amusements, Business, Law enforcement, Parks, Prominent figures, Social services, Sports and recreation, Theaters | 1 Comment

John D. Waters and Highland Farms

Posted on March 23, 2023 by editor

John D. Waters built a livestock empire in eastern Sangamon County. He also built a mansion south of Dawson that was known for, among other things, the large meteorite that adorned the front yard. “He was one of the best … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Business, Family life, Farming, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

First women lawyers

Posted on March 7, 2023 by editor

Erma Garrison Templeman was the first woman to practice law in Sangamon County. She wasn’t, however, the first to pass the bar exam; at least two other women beat her to that distinction. All three had noteworthy life stories, good … Continue reading →

Posted in Law enforcement, Prominent figures, Sangamon County, Women | 1 Comment

‘The Great Klaholt robbery’, 1883

Posted on February 28, 2023 by editor

One hundred-forty years ago this week, “adroit cracksmen” made away – briefly – with what probably is the most lucrative burglary haul in Springfield history. The theft was carefully planned. The getaway, apparently, was not. The theft took place in … Continue reading →

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Bell Miller, businesswoman

Posted on February 24, 2023 by editor

Bell Miller was only 22 in 1892, when she opened a small flower shop at her home on South Second Street. One greenhouse soon grew to seven, covering the area around First and Canedy Streets. The Illinois State Journal took … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Hotels & taverns, National Register, Prominent figures, Women | Leave a comment

Frank Zito’s Leavenworth prison record

Posted on February 14, 2023 by editor

Most photographs of Frank Zito, Springfield’s so-called “godfather” of the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s, show him as an older man, vaguely grandfather-ish in a homburg. The mug shots taken when Zito, then about 40, entered the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Prominent figures | 2 Comments