Comments on: 500 Block of Monroe (1983)

By: Jim Barrett

Jim Barrett — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:29:17 +0000

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.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:57:27 +0000

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?

By: Sandra (Wilson) Sanders

Sandra (Wilson) Sanders — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:12:55 +0000

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.

By: Diane

Diane — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:32:07 +0000

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

By: Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:53:59 +0000

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

By: Janet

Janet — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:46:22 +0000

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.

By: Giuseppe

Giuseppe — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:33:59 +0000

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!

By: Tonya

Tonya — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:21:13 +0000

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.

By: Bloaty

Bloaty — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:20:21 +0000

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.

By: Giuseppe

Giuseppe — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:55:08 +0000

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!