Category Archives: Uncategorized

George S. Connelly (grocer)

Posted on August 27, 2017 by editor

George S. Connelly (1849-1918) built a retail and wholesale grocery company from a one-room store on East Monroe Street. See Butternut Bakery.

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Melanie Bryant, first woman firefighter

Posted on August 21, 2017 by editor

Melanie Bryant, hired in 1994, was Springfield’s first woman firefighter. See Harry Taylor, first black firefighter, police detective.

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Bel-Aire Manor Motel

Posted on August 13, 2017 by editor

The Bel-Aire Manor Motel, 2636 S. Sixth St., opened about 1953 and was demolished in 2015. See Carl Rinnus, popular sculpture.

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Lincoln sculpture, Illinois State Fairgrounds

Posted on August 13, 2017 by editor

The 30-foot-tall fiberglass statue of Abraham Lincoln inside the Main Gate of the Illinois State Fairgrounds was created in 1967 by department store window designer Carl Rinnus. See Carl Rinnus, popular sculpture.

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Sarah Smith Woodruff, first woman bicyclist

Posted on July 25, 2017 by editor

Sarah “Sadie” Smith Woodruff is considered the first woman to ride a bicycle, in 1888, in Springfield. See Brainerd Hill (West Lawrence Avenue).

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Capital City Cycling Club

Posted on July 25, 2017 by editor

The Capital City Cycling Club sponsored bicycle competitions, recreational rides and other activities from 1887 until the early 1920s. See Brainerd Hill (West Lawrence Avenue).

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The Mill, tavern and restaurant

Posted on July 12, 2017 by editor

The Mill, 906 N. 15th St., was one of Springfield’s most popular dining spots for nearly 40 years. Brothers Herman (1897-1980) and Louis Cohen (1893-1962) opened the tavern and restaurant in May 1933 on the same corner where they had … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Fires, Hotels & taverns, Restaurants, Social life, Uncategorized | 23 Comments

‘The rink,’ 1868-71

Posted on June 29, 2017 by editor

This entry has been revised — ed. Springfield’s first ice rink hosted skating contests, floral exhibits, masked balls and the “Knights of the Skate” during its brief existence at Walnut and Monroe streets. “The rink,” as it was simply known, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Buildings, Social life, Sports and recreation, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The whipping post, 1828-37

Posted on June 21, 2017 by editor

A whipping post stood permanently on the northeast corner of Springfield’s public square from 1828 to 1837. It apparently was used infrequently, but often enough that whippings stuck in the minds of those who saw them. The post – which … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Early residents, Illinois capital, Law enforcement, Local government, Prominent figures, Sangamon County, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Sangamon College (Pleasant Plains)

Posted on June 13, 2017 by editor

Sangamon College was a short-lived venture created in Pleasant Plains by educators John L. Scott and Hugh M. Curry with the help of a dozen local investors. Most of the financial backers were from the Pleasant Plains area, but they … Continue reading →

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