Category Archives: Transportation

Streetcar robberies, 1922

Posted on May 16, 2017 by editor

A rash of streetcar stickups culminated in 1922 with the shootings, one fatal, of two car operators. A.D. Mackie, general manager of the Springfield Consolidated Railway Co., responded to the first shooting by offering a reward for apprehension of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Transportation | Leave a comment

Seven children die in car/train accident, 1928

Posted on May 11, 2017 by editor

Seven young people – six siblings and a cousin – were killed on June 5, 1928, when the car they were in drove in front of a southbound Interurban train near Auburn. The car was traveling west on Divernon Road. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Disasters, Railroads, Transportation | 1 Comment

‘Deadman’s Crossing,’ 16th Street and Sangamon Avenue

Posted on May 10, 2017 by editor

The railroad intersection at 16th Street and Sangamon Avenue earned the nickname “Deadman’s Crossing” in the years before an underpass was built to route traffic below the train tracks. At least 16 people were killed at the crossing between 1903 … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Railroads, Transportation, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

First automobile in Springfield

Posted on October 20, 2016 by editor

The first automobile in Springfield was a Duryea purchased by shoe shop owners J.F. Miller and E.E. Staley. It hit Springfield streets in the spring of 1900. The Illinois State Register published a brief item on April 16, 1900: J.F. … Continue reading →

Posted in Transportation | 2 Comments

Springfield street name changes

Posted on October 1, 2016 by editor

One might think that names chosen for streets would remain the same indefinitely unless the name causes confusion or the street was physically removed.  Both circumstances have occurred over the years in Springfield. While the city of Springfield generally discouraged … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Springfield, Transportation | 13 Comments

Zoo Park

Posted on September 14, 2016 by editor

Zoo Park was an ambitious, but short-lived amusement park set on nearly 200 acres of land off Eighth Street Road north of the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Early ideas for the park included not only a zoo, but also a mile-long … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Business, Parks, Social life, Sports and recreation, Transportation | 2 Comments

Riddle Hill

Posted on June 20, 2016 by editor

Riddle Hill got its name in 1899, when farmers and other residents west of Springfield expected a proposed Springfield-to-Jacksonville electric railway to boost land prices in the area. The Illinois State Journal announced the creation of a new Riddle Hill … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Prominent figures, Transportation | 9 Comments

The Extraordinary Ordinary — 113 W. Mulberry St., Chatham

Posted on March 21, 2016 by editor

Note: This entry has been revised, thanks to information provided by Chatham-area Facebook users. Buildings customarily gain historic reputations from their age or because of their connections to a prominent person or event.  We also like them decorated in an … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Auto dealers, Buildings, Business, Prominent figures, Transportation | 2 Comments

Covered bridges (Genealogy Trails information)

Posted on November 17, 2015 by editor

At least 30 covered bridge sites have been identified in Sangamon County, more than anywhere else in Illinois, according to an article posted on a family history web site, Genealogy Trails. The writer – Genealogy Trails contributors appear to all … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Transportation | Leave a comment

Spring Creek Covered Bridge fire, 1977

Posted on November 17, 2015 by editor

A covered bridge spanning Spring Creek west of Springfield was destroyed in what was thought to be an arson fire on Dec. 26, 1977. The bridge – known as the Spring Creek Covered Bridge, the Riddle Hill Bridge or the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Historic Sites, Transportation | 3 Comments