Category Archives: Science

Earle Baker Perce, Antarctic explorer

Posted on February 24, 2020 by editor

Perce Point, a headland on an island on the west edge of Antarctica, commemorates a Williamsville man’s role in exploring some of the last unknown places on earth. Earle Baker Perce (1910-68) was a U.S. Navy radioman and pilot when … Continue reading →

Posted in Air travel, Military, Prominent figures, Science | Leave a comment

‘Alfalfa train,’ 1913

Posted on May 13, 2019 by editor

The alfalfa train was an automobile caravan that traveled to the ends of Sangamon County for five days in June 1913, carrying experts who preached the gospel of alfalfa hay. Over the five days, the half-dozen alfalfa advocates and dozens … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Farming, Science, Soil | Leave a comment

Daylight Saving Time, 1918

Posted on February 29, 2016 by editor

What now is known as Daylight Saving Time was first instituted on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1918, as a way to save fuel to support U.S. soldiers in World War I. In Sangamon County, the main inconvenience was to churches, … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Science | 2 Comments

Birds of Sangamon County

Posted on August 28, 2015 by editor

A 40-year study by Illinois State Museum ornithologist H. David Bohlen found 359 different species of birds in Sangamon County. However, Bohlen warns in his report, published online by the museum in 2013, that increasing human population has badly reduced … Continue reading →

Posted in Prehistory, Resources, Science | Leave a comment

First radio weather report (Illiopolis, 1915)

Posted on August 18, 2015 by editor

What apparently was the first weather report ever transmitted by radio was a test sent from an experimental station based in Illiopolis sometime in April 1915. Although the Illiopolis transmitter, operating on call letters 9ZK, reached most of Illinois, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Journalism, Media, Science | Leave a comment