Category Archives: Uncategorized

First escalator

The first “electric stairway” in Sangamon County was installed when the John Bressmer Department Store was rebuilt following a spectacular fire in 1948. See Bressmer Department Store fire.

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I.A. Madden (first county soil adviser)

I.A. Madden was hired away from Illinois State University to become the Sangamon County Farm Bureau’s first soil adviser in 1918. See Sangamon County Farm Bureau.

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Samuel Lewis (first rural mail carrier)

Samuel Lewis of Auburn was the first person to contract with the U.S. Post Office to deliver mail to rural residents of Sangamon County. See Rural mail delivery begins, 1896.

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Frank Hatch Jones (politician, postmaster)

Frank Hatch Jones of Springfield (later Chicago) was U.S. first assistant postmaster general when mail delivery began to rural households. See Rural mail delivery begins, 1896. 

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Boston Store fire, 1915

What was thought to be Springfield’s most disastrous fire ever, up to that point, demolished The Boston Store on the east side of the downtown square on Dec. 7, 1915. The Boston Store was part of a loosely affiliated chain … Continue reading

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‘Wine to water’ mystery, 1923

Hauler Ira Dudley was accused of stealing wine in what became known as Springfield’s own wine-to-water miracle of 1923. See Stable fire, 1915.

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Gov. John Tanner Monument

Gov. John Tanner (1897-1901) is interred in one of the most visible monuments at Oak Ridge Cemetery. See “Battle of Virden”.

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Augusta Kellogg

Augusta Kellogg was the real name of the woman known as “Jessie Brownie” and “Madame Brownie” when she operated one of Springfield’s best-known houses of prostitution. See “Madame Brownie.” 

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Dr. Dominic Sterbini (vice consul)

Dr. Dominic Sterbini served as Italian vice consul (also referred to as “consular agent”) in Springfield from 1938 to 1941. See Italian immigration.

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Arturo Granata (Italian vice consul)

Arturo Granata served as Italian vice consul (also known as “consular agent”) in Springfield from 1907 to 1912. See Italian immigration.

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