History | Thursday, February 19,2004

The school for wives

In the days before television talk shows, cooking shows and HGTV -- indeed, in the days before television itself -- the American woman, who was almost always a housewife, had a limited network

History | Thursday, January 22,2004

From the junior leagues to the majors

By Bob Cavanagh

On June 18, 1945, Dick Schofield, a ten-year-old fourth grader from Harvard Park School, had the opportunity to meet the state's top elected official, Gov. Dwight Green. Schofield, a representa

History | Thursday, January 8,2004

With help from her friends, a young widow made a life for her girls

By Bob Cavanagh

On May 27, 1942, the Hunn sisters of Springfield were innocence and beauty incarnate as they modeled their new spring outfits at Aunt Hannah's Baby Shop, which was then located at 126 N. Fifth St. in

History | Thursday, December 18,2003

At home with the dean of Springfield physicians, nearly a century ago

By Bob Cavanagh

When Dr. Wilber Price Armstrong Sr. died on July 7, 1940, Springfield papers reported his death as the passing of "the Dean of City Physicians," an accurate and well-deserved appellation for the man w

History | Thursday, December 4,2003

H.C. Latham came to the prairies of Illinois, and saw opportunity

By Bob Cavanagh

Springfield's West Side Christian Church, home to a large and thriving community of faithful worshipers, has been located on Cider Mill Lane since 1996. The capacious multi-wing facility stands like a

History | Thursday, November 20,2003

Georg captured a time when soda salesmen went door-to-door

By Bob Cavanagh

Herbert Georg, one of the finest photographers Springfield has ever known, began his career in his father's studio, which had been established in Springfield around the turn of the last century. In 1

History | Thursday, November 6,2003

"The blood of noble patriots"

By Bob Cavanagh

Last October, I picked up Illinois Times and read Job Conger's article, "Dying Colors," about the disposition of the regimental flags that had been on display in the Hall of Flags in the Howlett Build

History | Thursday, October 30,2003

More than just ol' Abe

By Bob Cavanagh

When Illinois Times offered me a column to write about local and regional history, I leapt at the opportunity without so much as a nanosecond of thoughtful consideration. Though I now consider myself

Feature | Thursday, September 11,2003

Il Professore

The life and times of “Gentleman” Joe Bonefeste

By Bob Cavanagh

Joe Bonefeste's a true gentleman. The former Sangamon County treasurer is such a wellspring of enthusiasm, optimism, good humor, and goodwill--you can't help but feel ennobled by his presence. Though

Feature | Thursday, May 15,2003

Perfect Match

SWF find her prince in the personals.

By Bob Cavanagh

Patty Hoffman, a trim, 57-year-old redhead with sensible Aunt Bea shoes, a ready smile, and an encylopedic knowledge of the city's streets, has been driving a bus for the Springfield Mass Transit Dist