Category Archives: Uncategorized

Moran Market (also known as Moran’s Market) was the first self-service grocery store in Springfield. More here.

William Ide, who lived in Sangamon County for six years, traveled on to California in 1845 and became the leader of Americans who challenged Mexican rule in what was called the Bear Flag Rebellion. More information.

William Todd of Springfield emigrated to California in 1845 and later designed the flag of the short-lived California Republic. More information. 

William Fetzer & Co. was a farm equipment manufacturer in Springfield from 1908 to 1918. The firm’s move to Springfield from Ohio was a major boost for development of the Harvard Park subdivision. See Harvard Park.

Edna White was an elevator operator in the DeWitt Smith Building, Fourth and Monroe streets, when it caught fire March 12, 1918. She stayed at her post to ferry people from the top floors of the building to safety at … Continue reading →

Dr. Don West Deal performed the first blood transfusion ever done in Springfield. See First blood transfusion. 

Charles O. Stone was Springfield humane officer from 1903 to 1907. See Humane officer report, 1904.

See Widow’s letter, 1841.

In a 1922 column, Illinois State Journal writer John E. Vaughn explained why many saloons in 19th-century Springfield were located in alleys. See The Sazarac.