Category Archives: Social life

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

Springfield Zouave Grays go to war, 1861

Posted on September 29, 2025 by editor

“The city yesterday (wore) a camp like appearance,” the Illinois State Journal reported April 18, 1861, three days after President Lincoln called for volunteers to defend the Union from southern rebellion. From many a housetop the grand old flag of … Continue reading →

Posted in Markers, Military, Social life | 1 Comment

Illinois State Fair beer ban, 1953-74

Posted on August 5, 2025 by editor

Acting on complaints from church groups and parents, the administration of Gov. William G. Stratton prohibited the sale of beer at the 1953 Illinois State Fair. The ban on beer, as well as on any other alcoholic beverage, remained in … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Illinois capital, Illinois State Fair, Social life, State government | Leave a comment

Buraldine Crumly, Miss Illinois 1929

Posted on April 6, 2025 by editor

Buraldine Crumly was the toast of Springfield in 1929. Crumly, 19, a telephone operator, won the title of Miss Springfield in a hastily arranged beauty pageant on May 24, 1929. In Chicago the next day, she was named Miss Illinois. … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Journalism, Media, Prominent figures, Social life, Spectacles, Women | Leave a comment

The governor takes a wife (1896)

Posted on November 2, 2024 by editor

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 →

Posted in African Americans, Celebrations, Coal mines and mining, Illinois capital, Labor unions, Military, Oak Ridge signs, Politics, Prominent figures, Social life, Spectacles, State government | Leave a comment

Philemon Stout’s big party (1898)

Posted on July 15, 2024 by editor

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 | 1 Comment

‘Hammock parties,’ 1890s

Posted on June 7, 2024 by editor

“Hammock parties” were a way for young people to get together in the 1890s. The problem was how to prevent hammock hanky-panky. The Illinois State Journal outlined the rules in July 1890. The equipment was simple: enough hammocks to hold … Continue reading →

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First wedding (1820)

Posted on April 30, 2024 by editor

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 →

Posted in Celebrations, Early residents, Family life, Social life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

‘Bock Beer Day’, 1870s-’80s

Posted on April 12, 2024 by editor

“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 →

Posted in Breweries, Business, Celebrations, Crime and vice, Hotels & taverns, Law enforcement, Social life | 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