Diagonally across from the Lincoln Home stands another important home in Springfield’s history – the home of Julius Rosenwald, who was born in Springfield in 1862. Rosenwald may not be a name that is immediately recognizable; he insisted on little acknowledgement for his many philanthropic efforts. Others may know he was the president of Sears, […]
Cinda Ackerman Klickna
Cinda Klickna is a former teacher from Springfield and past president of the Illinois Education Association.
Posted inSpecial Issues
MARILYN PILAND Feb. 25, 1930-Sept. 6, 2019
Marilyn Piland was known for her work in many areas: the Enos Park Neig hborhood Improvement Association, serving as its executive director for 17 years; the Democratic Party as a precinct committeewoman and secretary; Elliott Avenue Baptist Church and Kumler Food Pantry. She had a huge personality. A word for each letter in the alphabet […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
WILLIAM FEURER Aug. 5, 1934-June 23, 2019
Bill Feurer was called “that tall guy” when he worked in the office of the Illinois Senate president, Cecil Partee, and later when he served as liaison to the press and speechwriter for Gov. Otto Kerner in 1962. His height (6 feet 2 inches) was useful when playing basketball, something he started at the age […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Guy Fawkes and you guys
Four hundred years ago “guy” referred to an arch-villain; today the word has come into common usage: “hey, guy,” “that guy” and “you guys.” Allan Metcalf, retired professor of English at MacMurray College, traces the story of Guy Fawkes and the evolution of the word “guy” through the centuries to its use as a second-person […]
Posted inOpinion
Students are more than their ACT scores
Finally! Finally, some colleges and universities are forgoing the reliance on the ACT or SAT in selecting candidates for admission. In Illinois, Knox College led the way in 2005; next fall Monmouth College and Western Illinois University (WIU) will be adopting a “test optional” policy, the second Illinois public university to move to this practice […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A gift guide for book lovers
Books, old and new, in all genres, from local writers and famous established authors, provide great holiday gifts. You can find many selections at Springfield historic site gift shops, including the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Dana-Thomas House or at a bookstore such as Books on the Square in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
History of a hidden neighborhood
Springfield author Kenneth C. Mitchell in The Little Village that Could – the Untold Story of Devereux Heights, calls this section of north Springfield “a rare jewel of a community.” His book showcases people and events of Devereux Heights that he says is “about as ordinary a community as there is. Every one of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Dana-Thomas House Foundation
Susan Lawrence Dana (portrayed by Linda Schneider) invites you to her 157th birthday. Held at Maldaner’s Restaurant, Springfield’s oldest restaurant where Susan often dined, you can enjoy a gourmet dinner, music by the Virgil Rhodes Trio, a tour of the rooftop garden and readings from Susan’s letters. Tickets are $125 and include beer and wine. […]
Posted inNews
Listen to the dead
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cemeteries were the first public parks. Women strolling with parasols and families spread out on blankets enjoying a picnic would be a common site. The living paid respect to their loved ones and celebrated their own lives. Oak Ridge Cemetery, no doubt, would have been a popular […]
Posted inNews
Rochester turns 150. Let’s party.
The Rochester Park and adjacent Stone House historic park will be a sea of activity and celebration during the weekend of Sept. 13-15 as the town commemorates its sesquicentennial, 150 years since it was incorporated in 1869. There will be a 5K/10K walk/run, pancake breakfast, carnival, car cruise, vendors, speakers, reenactors and music. Carolyn Moore […]
Posted inArts & Culture
An annual evening garden party
The courtyard of the Dana-Thomas House will once again be alive with jazz, food and drinks for the annual evening garden party. Music by Sharpen Up with Damien Kaplan (piano and vocals), Tim Niemeyer (guitar) and Brandt Sitze (percussion) will entertain guests. This is the second event of three hosted by the Dana-Thomas House Foundation. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The facts about active shooter drills
For decades, students have participated in fire and tornado drills. Many of us remember the sudden wailing of a fire alarm, then lining up and traipsing out of the building, waiting for the all clear from the fire department. Or we remember crouching in a hall, hands over our heads as practice for a tornado. […]
