In 1906, when it was no longer dangerous to talk about those who helped enslaved people seek freedom, Jacksonville resident Julia Carter, whose family were local abolitionists, gave a speech about the town’s extensive Underground Railroad (UGRR). This was the network of helpers and “safe houses” freedom seekers used to reach safe locations, such as […]
Tara McClellan McAndrew
Tara McClellan McAndrew is a freelance writer in Springfield.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Peoria’s America 250 Exhibition with Ken Burns
There are two stories about an exhibit at the Peoria Riverfront Museum (PRM), which honors America’s history from before Europeans arrived through the Civil Rights era. One is how a museum in central Illinois got renowned American history filmmaker Ken Burns to be a guest curator – his first time doing so anywhere. The other […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Mary Lincoln’s dress of defiance
In May 1861, Mary Lincoln posed for what was likely her first official portrait as first lady with the highly respected Washington, D.C., photographer Mathew Brady. He would become renowned for stark Civil War battlefield photos. Before that he was known for photographing America’s leaders and well-known figures. Mary chose a black silk dress embroidered […]
Posted inArts Features
The real story of A Christmas Carol
The well-loved tale of redemption popular this time of year, A Christmas Carol, wasn’t sparked by joy, but sorrow. When London journalist and author Charles Dickens wrote what became the most copied secular Christmas fiction, he was dejected, financially stressed and fighting for societal reform. To publish Scrooge’s trials in time for Christmas, he had […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Christmas 1975: Bell bottoms and the Boss
Fifty years ago was a rocky time for America. While then-President Gerald Ford dealt with fuel’s dwindling supplies and increasing prices (drivers waited hours at gas stations), he survived two assassination attempts, extended tax cuts and hailed the metric system. The latter fared as well as the Vietnam War. Former Teamster president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jacksonville turns 200
This weekend, Jacksonville’s year-long bicentennial commemoration culminates with the Budweiser Clydesdales, a drone show, parades, musical entertainment and other festivities. Jacksonville is celebrating a long and varied history. It has been a prairie town, an Underground Railroad stop and home to one of the state’s first colleges as well as state facilities for special needs […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Not just traditional diamonds
Diamonds had a monopoly on engagement rings for decades. Now, couples are considering other stones and three trends have emerged as a result. Today’s couples are prioritizing color, conscience and cost-effectiveness. Couples have a rainbow of options for stones. According to brides.com, some are choosing sapphires, opals, aquamarines or emeralds. Vogue.com cites other choices as […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Secondhand clothes help you and the planet
Here’s a conversation starter: How many pounds of clothing does the average American throw out annually? According to Material Circular Economy, a sustainable materials journal, it’s 82 pounds. In 2018 alone, 14.5 million tons of textiles in the U.S. were burned or added to landfills, mostly clothing, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
THERESA FAITH CUMMINGS Feb. 27, 1933-Sept. 8, 2024
Some call Theresa Faith Cummings “a force” in the best way. “Aunt Theresa always worked to serve others,” says her niece, Rev. Vanessa R. Cummings of Oxford, Ohio. “She always stood up and spoke up. She could work until two or three in the morning, then be up at six to keep working.” Cummings couldn’t […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A Christmas commutation
On Dec. 20, 1900, then-Illinois Gov. John Tanner granted clemency to seven prisoners. Five were boys; four had stolen chickens and one had “attempted criminal assault.” Two were adult male murderers. One was a cop who killed a colleague while arguing about the Spanish-American War over after-work drinks. The other was a laborer who admitted […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Big benefits for smaller weddings
Thank the pandemic for helping make weddings smaller. The current trend of micro weddings – 50 guests or less – started shortly after COVID began, according to Springfield wedding planner Corrine Mayfield, co-owner of Shawfield Events & Design. “We saw micro weddings really take off after the start of the pandemic, when people were forced […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Winter fun online
If it’s too cold to leave your house or your pajamas are glued on, you can still enjoy the season. Exercise, take a class, learn a craft, visit other locales and find new friends through your laptop or cellphone. While these activities are often better in person, the weather, illness and other conditions can make […]
