This really brings back memories! I saw the movies, “Halloween” and “The Exorcist” sitting in the balcony with my high school buddies. Progress can be depressing sometimes.
You’re right about that Brad! I remember seeing It’s Alive there then walking home afterward! It was scary trying to walk home in the dark after watching that movie!
Well Russ, that answered my previous question. Yes, Giuseppe, this is a pretty nice place to live, particularly if you work downtown… though I do often wish some of those old stores, restaurants, etc. were still around. I have lived in Spfld only since 2005 so all these old pictures are new to me
Elaine I would love living there with the whole downtown atmosphere and we’d go to all the old places that were still around! Is Bachman Keefner’s still open? I remember being 4 and getting my first chocolate soda there when my sister worked behind the counter back in the mid 60’s! Great memories…
Giuseppe – Bachman Keefner is no longer open; however, the building is still there. I walked by it the other day, but I can’t recall what the name of the place is now. I believe it’s still a cafe of some sort. It was still called Bachman Keefner up until a couple of years ago, and the name is still painted on the front window.
I also have memories of the Senate. My most interesting one is when I was working in the Leland Hotel up on the 8th or 9th floor. One day I looked out my window to see the Sentate in flames! I think this was in the late 1970s. I can’t recall whether the theatre ever re-opened prior to being demolished for Lincoln Square a few years later. Judging by the picture here, it must have been repaired. I can’t recall ever being in the Senate, but I’m sure I was.
That wasnt the Senate on fire it was a building off of 5th street I beleive it housed a portion of Tom & Sallys in it. it was in 1981 or 82 approx. I remember the building burning to the ground basically
Hey Scott!
Thanks for the info! Too bad about it not being Bachman Keefner’s but at least the building is still there with the name on it! I guess its progress and years from now our favorite current haunts will become, hopefully recycled too…
That photo brings back memories! A nephew of mine was born that year and the building in between the red brick building on the Senate’s right in photo, and the fox photo building, was a gift shop or flower shop, where we bought blue gum cigar’s with “its a boy” on them. Anybody remember the store’s name? I also remember Fox photo, Capital Q and Thrifty’s across the street, my brother and I used to bother our mom to buy us candy when we went in there. I saw King Kong, the Prophecy, Exorcist rerelease in 1978 and Halloween III there, maybe others but I no longer recall. I was 12 that year, and we lived on the 600 block of North 4th.
Hey John! I’m not real sure but I think I remember Springfield florist or Springfield flower shop in that area… I remember skipping school to see King Kong back then at the Senate! We were on the ten hundred block of North 6th from about 74 til around 80 or so… The Best old days!
The small white building was C Robert Fults Optometry for a long time.
Does anyone remember around 1974 when the Senate was used to screen a XXX movie accused of being pornographic? It was considered to be open court and anyone could attend. I didn’t, but the content was probably considered average today.
If I remember correctly, Roy Conn’s first venture, little more than a counter and grill with him as the only employee, was about 2 blocks west from the place in this picture, his 2nd location.
Wasn’t Capital Q on 5th street as well? I thought it was on the alley between Adams and Washington. I remember going in there to play pool or video games while waiting for buses.
Jason, yes there was a Capital Q Billiards on 5th street, just south of Washington. It was the building right next to Bergner’s, I believe. Or maybe it was the 2nd building south of Bergner’s. I shot pool there frequently as well. I don’t remember for sure, but I would guess it moved there after its Monroe location was razed for the Lincoln Square apartments.
Wow, the memories! I loved the Senate and I can remember my dad taking me there to see Halloween III, Masoleum, and Grease (I think). Gosh, I miss old downtown!
I believe there was an Osco’s in this block also back in the 50’s. I was born in Spfld. in 1949 and remember the good old downtown. Worked at both Thrifty drug stores on 5th and 6th and Monroe. Art Smith was my boss>
I’ve been gone for about 17 years now, so has downtown changed that much? It would be a dream to be able to move back home and live somewhere near downtown that seemed untouched by time… I don’t know why, there are so many great places to live but if Springfield is home to you than its the only place that will be “home” no matter where you end up! What do you guys think?
It wasn’t the Senate that burned down, it was Herbert George Photography Studio at 224 1/2
S. 5th. The building was on the east side of 5th St. close to Monroe.
That studio had tons of historical photos that they were in the process of donating to the Sangamon Valley Collection at the library.
All those photos and the negatives were lost in the fire. They had special cameras to take panoramic pictures of famous people and places in Springfield dating back to who knows when. All that history was lost in just minutes.
When I was little, (early ’70’s) my Grandma would take all of us grandkids downtown. We’d dress in nice clothes, ride the bus downtown and spend the day. I remember playing in the water at the fountain located in between the Municiple Building, and the current SPR police department. We’d go to the K-mart and we’d go see a movie at the Senate. I can remember seeing Fantasia. Grandma would buy us each a box of popcorn, which I thought was totally cool. As a senior in high school in 1982/83, the last movie I saw at the Senate was the Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight. Also, as a high schooler, My friends and I would ride the bus downtown, to study at the library or goof off and then hit the McDonalds afterwards, before riding the bus back home. I actually like our downtown; it’s so quaint, and I love the restored buildings. It add’s so much personality.
Tonya You certainly paint a wonderfully vivid and sweet picture of your experience with your grandma and downtown! What great memories! We grew up about the same time… The Senate was great! I think one of the last movies I saw there was King Kong back in about 77… Of course for me it did not involve a sweet grandma but rather skipping school and needing something to do rather than going home early and coming up with an explanation of how I got out early! hahaaa Thank you Tonya for sharing such a beautiful memory, you’ve made my day!
Giuseppe, Your kind comments have made me smile. My Grandma always said it was important for us to know where we came from. She was always taking us to Lincoln’s Home, Lincoln’s Tomb, the Old State Capital or to the museum. And we loved it when we went to Clayville or New Salem. It seemed like the longest trips to drive there. Grandma would pack our lunch and we’d spend the whole day there. On the way back home from New Salem, we’d always stop in Salisbury for ice cream. I think my favorite ‘trips’ with Grandma were the ones in which we could ride the city bus. I loved riding the bus downtown. Grandma is terribly missed by us all, but she gave us the greatest gift of wonderful memories.
Tonya!
So were there about 3 kids going on the outings usually? Just curious…
I remember hearing once that the trip for Abraham Lincoln would have been an entire days journey from New Salem to Springfield! I Love all the places you mentioned! Going to them just made you feel like a part of history, almost in a spiritual sort of way… Its hard to explain without sounding like a nut haha, but I think you understand because you felt it too, didn’t you Tonya! On a personal note Tonya I don’t think your Grandma is too far away as she is still inspiring people with loving, warm memories and that spiritual feeling that comes with them!
Is that Conn’s Catering next door to the Senate? I saw “Heavy Metal” there too, I had forgotten that. I also saw “Tron” and a really bad 3D movie called “Comin’ at Ya” My first job was at Conn’s.
Giuseppe, When Grandma would take us downtown, two of my aunts would usually go too, along with about 8 or 9 of us grandkids! One of my cousins (who is my age) lived with Grandma when we were about 7 years old. So, I would spend the night over there alot. Grandma would take us downtown or just do something with just the two os us. She and Grandpa Herman used to take us to Rockhome Gardens in Arcola too. We’d usually stop at a gas station on the way home and get one of those little bottles of Pepsi out of the soda machine, by opening the little door and pulling the bottle out. Do you remember those pop machines? I’ve taken my girls downtown on the bus a few times. They thinks it’s pretty cool (Now that I’m older, I think it’s pretty scary!). And to Lincoln’s home, Old State Capital, Lincoln’s Tomb and to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Musuem. I think it’s important too, that they understand how historial this city is. Last Monday, President’s Day, my family and my sisters family went to Lincoln’s Home and Tomb. Her children are from Texas, so they’d never been there. It is still fascinating to me. Unfortunately, the Tomb was closed, but we got some great pictures rubbing Lincoln’s nose. Grandma always said we needed to rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck.
Hey Tonya!
See I was testing my psychic ability and its no wonder I haven’t hit the lottery yet! haha!
I do remember those soda machines where you’d pull out the bottle and as a kid I was always concerned that it was going to grab my hand back or that if I didn’t pull it hard enough it would take my money! Vending machines have certainly changed a lot too over the years!
It sounds like you guys had fun even though the tomb was closed… and how wonderful that you continue the tradition of taking your kids on the bus to visit the sites! I bet it is kind of scary now… things have changed a lot haven’t they Tonya… but still how great for your kids to experience it all! My fondest memories of Springfield are of the downtown area and all the Lincoln sites! I know how fortunate I am for living so much of my life there! Springfield will certainly always be “home” and people like you Tonya just epitomize that feeling of “home”! Thank you Tonya!
Reading the posts here brought back so many memories of downtown Springfield. I grew up close to downtown and went to grade school at St. Peter and Paul on Mason St. We went downtown after school and every Saturday. Back then there were so many stores (no need for the “mall”) I can remember Bressmers, Rolands, Barkers, Myer’s Brothers, KMart, Kirlins, The Platter (a record store). I also went to Capitol Q, against my mother’s wishes. We would go to Thrifty’s cafeteria and eat or have a coke.
I go back a fewmore years than most f you. My father in laww used to have the pit orchestra at the Senate and played music for the silent movies there. I also remember Katsina Resturant in the location before the Osco Drug came in Also remember eating at Strongs Cafeteria in that Block and how about Davess Orange juice across the street where we would go and watch them squeeze it in the window and have those good salted peanuts while you were drinking it
I do believe the place next to conns was Marges little cafe or something. Used to go there all the time. I do miss the old downtown too. It’s not like it used to be. Those sure were the good old days
Does any one remember the Buck a Throw Picture Show there at the Senate in the early 70s.
It was shown at midnite. We all used to get stoned and try to watch the show. ha ha it was way too funny!! Does anyone remember Gary McCray?
Boy from the comments above, I will really show my age…I remember the Booty Shoe Store on the corner of 5th st and Nick’s Hat & shoe shine stand, then Roy Conn’s-the Senate-Strong’s Cafertia- Dr Fults Office- Gift Shop(can’t remember name)and then Ballwicks Lounge.
this is a fantastic photo.
allie | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
What was playing at the Senate?
Dan at BFS | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
“Closed: Soon to be a part of Lincoln Square”
Benno | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
It looks really nice and I think if I were back in Spfd I’d love to live there but man I sure do miss the old downtown!
Giuseppe | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
This really brings back memories! I saw the movies, “Halloween” and “The Exorcist” sitting in the balcony with my high school buddies. Progress can be depressing sometimes.
brad | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
You’re right about that Brad! I remember seeing It’s Alive there then walking home afterward! It was scary trying to walk home in the dark after watching that movie!
Giuseppe | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
I remember seeing Condorman, of all things, at the Senate. My brother got to see Heavy Metal there.
Steve | Jun 6, 2008 | Reply
Wow. I forgot about Capitol Q. Great place to kill time before or after a show at the Senate.
Paul H | Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
Does anyone remember Roy Conn’s it was right next door to the Senate. Also a good place to hang before and after show. Now we are telling our ages.
Donna C | Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
What is the little white building next to Conn’s catering.Great memories
Rob V | Jun 22, 2008 | Reply
Well Russ, that answered my previous question. Yes, Giuseppe, this is a pretty nice place to live, particularly if you work downtown… though I do often wish some of those old stores, restaurants, etc. were still around. I have lived in Spfld only since 2005 so all these old pictures are new to me
Elaine | Jun 22, 2008 | Reply
Elaine I would love living there with the whole downtown atmosphere and we’d go to all the old places that were still around! Is Bachman Keefner’s still open? I remember being 4 and getting my first chocolate soda there when my sister worked behind the counter back in the mid 60’s! Great memories…
Giuseppe | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
Giuseppe – Bachman Keefner is no longer open; however, the building is still there. I walked by it the other day, but I can’t recall what the name of the place is now. I believe it’s still a cafe of some sort. It was still called Bachman Keefner up until a couple of years ago, and the name is still painted on the front window.
I also have memories of the Senate. My most interesting one is when I was working in the Leland Hotel up on the 8th or 9th floor. One day I looked out my window to see the Sentate in flames! I think this was in the late 1970s. I can’t recall whether the theatre ever re-opened prior to being demolished for Lincoln Square a few years later. Judging by the picture here, it must have been repaired. I can’t recall ever being in the Senate, but I’m sure I was.
Scott | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
That wasnt the Senate on fire it was a building off of 5th street I beleive it housed a portion of Tom & Sallys in it. it was in 1981 or 82 approx. I remember the building burning to the ground basically
Jay | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
Hey Scott!
Thanks for the info! Too bad about it not being Bachman Keefner’s but at least the building is still there with the name on it! I guess its progress and years from now our favorite current haunts will become, hopefully recycled too…
Giuseppe | Jul 6, 2008 | Reply
That photo brings back memories! A nephew of mine was born that year and the building in between the red brick building on the Senate’s right in photo, and the fox photo building, was a gift shop or flower shop, where we bought blue gum cigar’s with “its a boy” on them. Anybody remember the store’s name? I also remember Fox photo, Capital Q and Thrifty’s across the street, my brother and I used to bother our mom to buy us candy when we went in there. I saw King Kong, the Prophecy, Exorcist rerelease in 1978 and Halloween III there, maybe others but I no longer recall. I was 12 that year, and we lived on the 600 block of North 4th.
John | Jul 11, 2008 | Reply
Hey John! I’m not real sure but I think I remember Springfield florist or Springfield flower shop in that area… I remember skipping school to see King Kong back then at the Senate! We were on the ten hundred block of North 6th from about 74 til around 80 or so… The Best old days!
Giuseppe | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
The small white building was C Robert Fults Optometry for a long time.
Does anyone remember around 1974 when the Senate was used to screen a XXX movie accused of being pornographic? It was considered to be open court and anyone could attend. I didn’t, but the content was probably considered average today.
If I remember correctly, Roy Conn’s first venture, little more than a counter and grill with him as the only employee, was about 2 blocks west from the place in this picture, his 2nd location.
Jerry Waters | Sep 6, 2008 | Reply
Cool picture. It brings back memories. I used to hang at Capital Q every day after school. Spent a lot of time and money there.
Mike | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
Wasn’t Capital Q on 5th street as well? I thought it was on the alley between Adams and Washington. I remember going in there to play pool or video games while waiting for buses.
Jason | Sep 25, 2008 | Reply
Jason, yes there was a Capital Q Billiards on 5th street, just south of Washington. It was the building right next to Bergner’s, I believe. Or maybe it was the 2nd building south of Bergner’s. I shot pool there frequently as well. I don’t remember for sure, but I would guess it moved there after its Monroe location was razed for the Lincoln Square apartments.
Anonymous | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Thanks! After they decided to renovate downtown while I was away from the city, I was wondering if I was remembering things correctly.
Jason | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Wow, the memories! I loved the Senate and I can remember my dad taking me there to see Halloween III, Masoleum, and Grease (I think). Gosh, I miss old downtown!
Kelly | Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
I believe there was an Osco’s in this block also back in the 50’s. I was born in Spfld. in 1949 and remember the good old downtown. Worked at both Thrifty drug stores on 5th and 6th and Monroe. Art Smith was my boss>
Jerry M. | Oct 29, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been gone for about 17 years now, so has downtown changed that much? It would be a dream to be able to move back home and live somewhere near downtown that seemed untouched by time… I don’t know why, there are so many great places to live but if Springfield is home to you than its the only place that will be “home” no matter where you end up! What do you guys think?
Giuseppe | Nov 3, 2008 | Reply
It wasn’t the Senate that burned down, it was Herbert George Photography Studio at 224 1/2
S. 5th. The building was on the east side of 5th St. close to Monroe.
That studio had tons of historical photos that they were in the process of donating to the Sangamon Valley Collection at the library.
All those photos and the negatives were lost in the fire. They had special cameras to take panoramic pictures of famous people and places in Springfield dating back to who knows when. All that history was lost in just minutes.
linda | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
When I was little, (early ’70’s) my Grandma would take all of us grandkids downtown. We’d dress in nice clothes, ride the bus downtown and spend the day. I remember playing in the water at the fountain located in between the Municiple Building, and the current SPR police department. We’d go to the K-mart and we’d go see a movie at the Senate. I can remember seeing Fantasia. Grandma would buy us each a box of popcorn, which I thought was totally cool. As a senior in high school in 1982/83, the last movie I saw at the Senate was the Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight. Also, as a high schooler, My friends and I would ride the bus downtown, to study at the library or goof off and then hit the McDonalds afterwards, before riding the bus back home. I actually like our downtown; it’s so quaint, and I love the restored buildings. It add’s so much personality.
Tonya | Jan 13, 2009 | Reply
Tonya You certainly paint a wonderfully vivid and sweet picture of your experience with your grandma and downtown! What great memories! We grew up about the same time… The Senate was great! I think one of the last movies I saw there was King Kong back in about 77… Of course for me it did not involve a sweet grandma but rather skipping school and needing something to do rather than going home early and coming up with an explanation of how I got out early! hahaaa Thank you Tonya for sharing such a beautiful memory, you’ve made my day!
Giuseppe | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Giuseppe, Your kind comments have made me smile. My Grandma always said it was important for us to know where we came from. She was always taking us to Lincoln’s Home, Lincoln’s Tomb, the Old State Capital or to the museum. And we loved it when we went to Clayville or New Salem. It seemed like the longest trips to drive there. Grandma would pack our lunch and we’d spend the whole day there. On the way back home from New Salem, we’d always stop in Salisbury for ice cream. I think my favorite ‘trips’ with Grandma were the ones in which we could ride the city bus. I loved riding the bus downtown. Grandma is terribly missed by us all, but she gave us the greatest gift of wonderful memories.
Tonya | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Tonya!
So were there about 3 kids going on the outings usually? Just curious…
I remember hearing once that the trip for Abraham Lincoln would have been an entire days journey from New Salem to Springfield! I Love all the places you mentioned! Going to them just made you feel like a part of history, almost in a spiritual sort of way… Its hard to explain without sounding like a nut haha, but I think you understand because you felt it too, didn’t you Tonya! On a personal note Tonya I don’t think your Grandma is too far away as she is still inspiring people with loving, warm memories and that spiritual feeling that comes with them!
Giuseppe | Feb 8, 2009 | Reply
Is that Conn’s Catering next door to the Senate? I saw “Heavy Metal” there too, I had forgotten that. I also saw “Tron” and a really bad 3D movie called “Comin’ at Ya” My first job was at Conn’s.
Bloaty | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Giuseppe, When Grandma would take us downtown, two of my aunts would usually go too, along with about 8 or 9 of us grandkids! One of my cousins (who is my age) lived with Grandma when we were about 7 years old. So, I would spend the night over there alot. Grandma would take us downtown or just do something with just the two os us. She and Grandpa Herman used to take us to Rockhome Gardens in Arcola too. We’d usually stop at a gas station on the way home and get one of those little bottles of Pepsi out of the soda machine, by opening the little door and pulling the bottle out. Do you remember those pop machines? I’ve taken my girls downtown on the bus a few times. They thinks it’s pretty cool (Now that I’m older, I think it’s pretty scary!). And to Lincoln’s home, Old State Capital, Lincoln’s Tomb and to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Musuem. I think it’s important too, that they understand how historial this city is. Last Monday, President’s Day, my family and my sisters family went to Lincoln’s Home and Tomb. Her children are from Texas, so they’d never been there. It is still fascinating to me. Unfortunately, the Tomb was closed, but we got some great pictures rubbing Lincoln’s nose. Grandma always said we needed to rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck.
Tonya | Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
Hey Tonya!
See I was testing my psychic ability and its no wonder I haven’t hit the lottery yet! haha!
I do remember those soda machines where you’d pull out the bottle and as a kid I was always concerned that it was going to grab my hand back or that if I didn’t pull it hard enough it would take my money! Vending machines have certainly changed a lot too over the years!
It sounds like you guys had fun even though the tomb was closed… and how wonderful that you continue the tradition of taking your kids on the bus to visit the sites! I bet it is kind of scary now… things have changed a lot haven’t they Tonya… but still how great for your kids to experience it all! My fondest memories of Springfield are of the downtown area and all the Lincoln sites! I know how fortunate I am for living so much of my life there! Springfield will certainly always be “home” and people like you Tonya just epitomize that feeling of “home”! Thank you Tonya!
Giuseppe | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Reading the posts here brought back so many memories of downtown Springfield. I grew up close to downtown and went to grade school at St. Peter and Paul on Mason St. We went downtown after school and every Saturday. Back then there were so many stores (no need for the “mall”) I can remember Bressmers, Rolands, Barkers, Myer’s Brothers, KMart, Kirlins, The Platter (a record store). I also went to Capitol Q, against my mother’s wishes. We would go to Thrifty’s cafeteria and eat or have a coke.
Janet | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
I go back a fewmore years than most f you. My father in laww used to have the pit orchestra at the Senate and played music for the silent movies there. I also remember Katsina Resturant in the location before the Osco Drug came in Also remember eating at Strongs Cafeteria in that Block and how about Davess Orange juice across the street where we would go and watch them squeeze it in the window and have those good salted peanuts while you were drinking it
Heidi | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
I do believe the place next to conns was Marges little cafe or something. Used to go there all the time. I do miss the old downtown too. It’s not like it used to be. Those sure were the good old days
Diane | Jun 28, 2009 | Reply
I remember Roy Conn’s. I worked there next door to the Senate and at the cafeteria on the other side of the Senate and I got to do some catering too.
Sandra (Wilson) Sanders | Jul 26, 2009 | Reply
Does any one remember the Buck a Throw Picture Show there at the Senate in the early 70s.
It was shown at midnite. We all used to get stoned and try to watch the show. ha ha it was way too funny!! Does anyone remember Gary McCray?
Bill | Aug 8, 2009 | Reply
Boy from the comments above, I will really show my age…I remember the Booty Shoe Store on the corner of 5th st and Nick’s Hat & shoe shine stand, then Roy Conn’s-the Senate-Strong’s Cafertia- Dr Fults Office- Gift Shop(can’t remember name)and then Ballwicks Lounge.
Jim Barrett | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply