Category Archives: Uncategorized

Johnny Connors’ Empire Hotel, 416-24 E. Jefferson St., was a regular stop for nationally known boxers and other athletes in the early 20th century. See Johnny Connors (boxer, saloon-keeper).

Grover Cleveland Alexander, one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, was living at Springfield’s Empire Hotel when he was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame. See Johnny Connors (boxer, saloon-keeper).

J. Emil Smith served in several city government positions, including as mayor from 1926 to 1930, but he is mainly known as editor of the Illinois State Journal from 1930 to 1955. He wrote an editorial page column, “Making Conversation,” … Continue reading →

William Lochridge was a merchant, banker and business promoter in Pawnee in the late 19th century. After losing his businesses in the financial panics of 1893 and 1896, he moved to Springfield, where he became an innkeeper. See Hotel Normandie. 

The Hotel Delmar was at 313 S. Fourth St. from about 1927 until 1946. Its predecessor at that address was the Hotel Normandie. 

Cherry Grove is an earlier name for what became known as Irwin’s Grove/Irwin’s Park near Auburn. See Irwin’s Park.

Harlan’s Grove was an earlier name for what became Irwin’s Grove/Irwin’s Park near Auburn. See Irwin’s Park.

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

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

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