Category Archives: Social services

Home for the Friendless

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

The Home for the Friendless assisted indigent women and children of Springfield from 1863 to 1928, when it was merged into the Children’s Service League. The gradual addition of other social service agencies ultimately led to formation of the Family … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Children, Social services, Springfield Survey, Women | 15 Comments

Colored Children’s Service Bureau

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

The Colored Children’s Service Bureau was formed to care for destitute black children in 1933, following the failure of Eva Carroll Monroe’s Lincoln Colored Home. Also see Home for the Friendless in this index and the Family Service Center’s online history.

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Family Welfare Association

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

The Family Welfare Association was first formed in the 1880s in order to coordinate the efforts of church groups and other charitable organizations in Springfield. After several reorganizations under a variety of names, the Family Welfare Association was reborn under … Continue reading →

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Illinois State Library, circa 1900 (photo)

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

The Illinois State Library was founded in 1839 by then-Secretary of State Stephen Douglas, who reserved space for it next to his new office in what is now the Old Capitol State Historic Site. Abraham Lincoln, who used the library … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Illinois capital, Social services, State government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

International Shoe Company

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

Springfield had a major shoe factory at Tenth Street and Enos Avenue from 1903 to 1964. The plant, built in the late 19th century, originally was the Springfield Furniture Co., but became a shoe factory when it was taken over … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Industry, Social services, Women | Tagged | 11 Comments

John Hay Homes

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

The John Hay Homes was a 599-unit public housing complex built in 1940 in Springfield and demolished in 1997. When built, the Hay Homes replaced a slum neighhborhood known as the Badlands, and the townhouse-style complex was designed for middle-class … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Local government, Parks, Prominent figures, Social services, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Harriet Knudson (First Citizen)

Posted on October 21, 2013 by editor

Harriett Knudson (1883-1969) is best known as the driving force behind creation of the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center at Lake Springfield. She also organized the Springfield Civic Garden Club (Knudson was the first person elected to honorary life … Continue reading →

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Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Envisioned by Harriet Knudson in 1936, Lincoln Memorial Garden was created as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln, representing “the landscape … Lincoln would have known growing up and living in the Midwest.” The 100-acre garden on the banks of … Continue reading →

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Rabbi Barry Marks (First Citizen)

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Barry Marks, rabbi at Temple Israel in Springfield, was named Springfield’s First Citizen in 2011. (Image from award plaque, left) Marks was honored for more than 30 years of community involvement, including helping to found the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association … Continue reading →

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Albert Myers Jr. (First Citizen)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Albert Myers Jr. (1917-2005), part of the second-generation family management of the Myers Brothers Department Store, was named Springfield’s First Citizen in 1973. His award citation noted Myers’ leadership in both business and charitable activity. Myers served as president of … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Department stores, First Citizens, Prominent figures, Social services | Tagged | Leave a comment