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President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Governor William Stratton depart the Governor’s Mansion to go to the Illinois State Fair in 1954. In his career, Helm took photos of at least six current or future presidents. -
U.S. Senator Joseph Biden (D-Delaware) came to Springfield in 1974 to attend a State Senate Democratic fundraiser. Biden, who had been elected to the Senate less than two years earlier, is pictured at Capitol Airport with state Senators Charlie Chew and Phil Rock. -
President Harry Truman campaigning in Springfield in 1948. -
In 1945, Governor Dwight Green signs legislation calling for the teaching of African American history in Illinois schools as State Representatives Corneal Davis and Fred Smith look on. -
In 1950, actors playing Abraham Lincoln and Ann Rutledge rehearse for the play Forever This Land at New Salem State Park. -
Entertainer Bob Hope received the key to the city shortly after arriving at Springfield airport in 1952.During his career, Helm photographed many famous celebrities as they passed through Springfield. -
State Senator Fred Smith of Chicago poses with his family on the Senate floor during the first day of session 1959. -
In 1963, during the height of the Civil Rights movement, demonstrators gather at the Lincoln statue in front of the state Capitol to call for fair employment opportunities. -
Gloria Green, the daughter of Governor Dwight Green, races her sled down the driveway at the Governor’s Mansion in December 1943. Helm often took pictures of the families of high-ranking officials. -
The Illinois Secretary of State’s duplicating department in 1956. -
The Christmas display in the rotunda of the state Capitol in 1955. Through the years, the display has changed, but the tradition of December holiday decorations in the rotunda continues.
Karen Ackerman Witter started freelance writing after a 35-year career in state government holding various senior leadership positions. Prior to retiring she was associate director of the Illinois State... More by Karen Ackerman Witter
