Just a few years ago, when our kids were still quite little, our family was watching an old black-and-white television program when my daughter allowed that she wasn’t altogether enjoying the show. When we asked her why, she innocently asked whether the whole world was black and white “back then.” She was disturbed by the […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
Back in the ’30s, they played for keeps
Fans of such insipid pop-culture TV fare as Fear Factor, Survivor, American Idol and other staged, stultifying and overly orchestrated pabulum so mind-numbingly vacuous that you can actually feel your IQ score tumbling as you watch, know this: There was a time when they played for keeps. Remember the 1969 movie They Shoot Horses, Don’t […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 of resources upon which to call when she sought information so vital to her occupation: the business of cooking, cleaning, and household […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“For the Darlingest Little Girl”
Susan Lawrence Dana is best remembered for her Springfield home, designed by the young Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1883, the young Susan Lawrence married Edwin Dana, who worked with Susan’s father on mining interests in the West. Six years later, Susan wrote a poem to Edwin, recounting how he first sent her a valentine and […]
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From the junior leagues to the majors
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 representative of the Springfield Junior Baseball League, was there to promote the Old Time Baseball Players Association’s “Baseball Day” at Lanphier Park. The program for “Baseball […]
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With help from her friends, a young widow made a life for her girls
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 the Orpheum Recreation Palace. They had been specially outfitted for a party at the Leland Hotel to honor their […]
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Plan ahead and select garden catalogs
As temperatures get colder, most gardeners are starting to have dreams of the first juicy-ripe tomato or heavenly fragrance of a garden-fresh rose. While we may not be able to garden, it is not too early to plan what to grow. Plants and seeds are available from many sources, including local garden centers, hardware stores, […]
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Chase away the winter gardening blues
While you won’t be able to do many outdoor gardening activities, winter’s a great time to learn. University of Illinois Extension is offering several programs for gardeners to learn more about their favorite hobby. • The U. of I. Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit and the Springfield Civic Garden Club will sponsor “Garden Basics” seminars. This series […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Recycle that tree
You enjoyed the beauty and aroma of real Christmas tree this holiday season. Now what do you do with it? Springfield and other communities will have special pick-up services for discarded trees after the holidays. But, before placing the tree on the curb, think of alternatives. Consider using the tree in your garden. Discarded Christmas […]
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Skating club celebrates the holidays on, um, ice
For almost a decade, the Springfield Figure Skating Club has been ringing in the holidays with an evening of skating set to seasonal songs. Skaters of all ages and skill levels don their best Christmas spandex and choreograph moves to music that matches their festive mood. For the skaters, it’s a chance to let their […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Last minute gift ideas
Many of us have at least one person who is hard to buy for on our holiday gift list. I know, because I’ve been told that I fit into this category. Gardening items could be your rescue. Most of us don’t think about gardening during the winter, but with gardening being America’s No. 1 hobby, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
At home with the dean of Springfield physicians, nearly a century ago
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 whose 54-year medical career was marked by several notable “firsts.” Dr. Armstrong, pictured here today celebrating Christmas with his family in high […]
