I get several emails every month asking me to cover specific locations. These spots are always the first I try to get to (if there’s a decent before shot available) because I know there’s at least one person who wants to see it. So if there’s anything in particular you would like to see on Springfield Rewind that hasn’t been covered yet, go ahead and leave your request in the comments section below. It can be almost anything – businesses, homes, streets, landmarks, whatever.
Here are a few of the things coming very soon…
- The Vachel Lindsay Home
- The Iles House
- Town & Country Shopping Center
- Downtown Alleys
- Horace Mann
- The Pasfield House
- The Senate Theater
- YMCA
Hey just wanted to comment that your site is Great! Its so nice to be able to come here and reminisce about the old days and growing up in Springfield in the 60′s and 70′s!
Thanks again!
Giuseppe
Giuseppe | Feb 7, 2008 | Reply
Russ…Will you contact me at your convenience? A good friend of mine, Don Duffy, has a remarkable collection of historical (Springfield)negatives and photos (he has his own darkroom, too). He’s interested in sharing some with you. If you’re interested in talking with him, let me know and I’ll put you two together (he doesn’t have e-mail).
I’m Pat McLaughlin — you did our first website for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association. Hope to hear from you. (weekday phone 585-2470). Thanks!
Pat McLaughlin | Feb 9, 2008 | Reply
I grew up a block from Douglas Community Center on 15th and Monroe (in the 40′s). The Boy’s & Girl’s Club is now in that location. We all remember the big “mansion”. Check it out.
Joyce | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
I would really like to see a rewind of Butler Elementary School. I know of one picture from the 50s that would be interesting to see again. It was featured in one of the Springfield-themed picture books that came out a few years back.
Butler School was built in 1926. Surely there must be some more pictures out there of it.
Dave Curry | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
I would love to see more interior pictures of White Oaks Mall from the 80′s & early 90′s!! Brings back alot of memories!!
Dan | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Love the site!!! I grew up in Springfield in the 70s-early 80s near the lake. I’m living St. Louis now, and I was wondering if you had way of finding picture of things like
- The old Top Boy hamburger place on Stevenson Drive. (I think it’s a Domino’s Pizza now.)
- Capital City Shopping Center before its 80s era “makeover”. It had Kroger/SuperX at the south end, and Zayre at the northend. The exterior decor had a neally cool early 60s color scheme.
- The old Frisina Cinema before its transition to a strip joint.
- I worked at the Denny’s on Stevenson in high school, and it’s undergone several remodels. I don’t know if there are any interior shots of the original ugly pink and orange color scheme around, but that might be interesting.
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
John P. | Feb 21, 2008 | Reply
Great website!! I lived in Springfield from 1966-until 1975. I now live in Phoenix. I like the old photos. remember a few places too!!!
Keep up the great work!!!!
Jake
Jake | Feb 23, 2008 | Reply
I am trying to find pictures of the old John Rabbitt house on the corner of Cornell and Randall Ct. It was the original house that Southeast High School was purchased from this property.
Ann | Feb 27, 2008 | Reply
Love your website, I am amazed at how well you match the photos.
Any chance of seeing some done for the State Fairgrounds area?
Would also enjoy more from the west end/wabash
Scott | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
I would like to see some pictures of the Blessed Sacrament School and area. Pease’s Candy, DJ’s Cafe and the corner of Laurel and MacArthur.
Matt | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
Heres a good list. How bout the Kroger at 2nd and South Grand which has now been replaced by what was Public aid building.
Of course town and country shopping center how bout the kmart/venture/woolco or was it woolworth building.
The building that was walgreens at macarthur and ash until it was replaced.
the Mcdonalds on Macathur-it is a landmark in my mind its on of the original ones.
Anything along the Macarthur/wabash corridor would be awesome even the Kroger at wabash and chatham Howbout capital city shopping center including the A&P
Ok i’ll stop now soooo much springfield past.
Jay | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
Totally agree, it’s amazing how you do the photos before and after! What a talent!
As some have mentioned the old Kroger store 2nd and South Grand, everyday places we went to like that, Melocream doughnut shop, The movie theaters downtown, more old home sites! Christmas / Holiday scenes, just life in Springfield photos!
This is sounding more like my Christmas list! LoL
Thanks so much for the great website!
Giuseppe | Mar 4, 2008 | Reply
Hey Russ,
What about those arches that use to crisscross from I think 5th where Myers was across that corner and the next one South too I believe. Does anyone know what they were actually for, maybe something with the street cars? I’ve seen pictures on old post cards before.
Thanks!
Giuseppe
Giuseppe | Mar 18, 2008 | Reply
I wonder if anybody has any pictures of the North Grand Icy on North Grand and Rutledge where all the north enders hung out?
Vern clanton | Apr 19, 2008 | Reply
How about some of the old movie theaters. I see you have one of the Senate. I remember one called the Roxy. The Frisina also sticks in my mind.
Add some photos of the interior of the buildings too.
That would be cool.
Paul H | May 17, 2008 | Reply
Hey Paul I found some if you click the 5th link on the right of the main page and scroll down just a bit 5th and jackson has a great pic of the Roxy and the Orpheum is a little further down on the same page!
Giuseppe | May 19, 2008 | Reply
Hey Russ what about a page for posting Springfield stories? Just short stories about our memories of what makes Springfield special to us even if there’s not a photo to go along with the story? Would anyone else be interested in this?
Giuseppe | May 19, 2008 | Reply
Do you have a pic of the Hub clothiers? The sporting goods store ( I think it was Blacks )?
Paul H | May 22, 2008 | Reply
Was wondering if you have anything on the old armory building – which was later Metal Air Co.
TP | May 22, 2008 | Reply
I’m positive you are right Paul, Blacks! Can remember starting middle school and needing some uhhh supportive type equipment and Mr G telling us to go to Blacks!
Giuseppe | May 24, 2008 | Reply
I should probably address some of these requests!
* I’ll be doing a special section for the old theaters in town, including a lot of interior shots from the Orpheum.
* I will try to track down some old shots of Capital City Shopping Center. I haven’t seen too many so far, but I’ll keep looking. I do have some of Town and Country that will be in the next round of updates.
* I do have a shot or two of The Hub – and I did some retakes today. If I can find a match, I’ll post it soon.
* Giuseppe – I will add a forum for readers to share stories. Sometimes I will have an old photo that can’t be updated because of a weird angle or something, and it might be nice to include those when they can go along with a story. I have several shots that include the arches you’re thinking of. I have heard that those were strictly decorative.
Russ | May 31, 2008 | Reply
Hey Russ! Whatever you come up with will be Great! It can’t be easy keeping up with a site like this but I sure do appreciate you doing it! I really love this site and Thank you for making it possible!
Giuseppe | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
Would like to see the Lake Club on Fox Bridge Road in its heyday and how the propery looks now; businesses in mid 1960′s along Monroe up to railroad tracks & along 2nd Street where Sec of State Library is now; Thompson’s Restaurant in 1965 (or around then) where Stella Blue & other restaurant our now on Fifth Street; Pixie Pantry Restaurant on Edwards and College Corner in the 1960′s until closing; Restaurant that used to be about where Mochino’s (spelling ?) Tavern is on Adams in the late 1960′s (used to eat there when I first started working in Springfield); and what used to be on the diagonal street where “On Broadway” is. Really like Springfield Rewing. It’s fun to remember when I first came to work in Springfield. Thanks.
Sonya | Jun 10, 2008 | Reply
I love this site. I was born and raised in a farming town NW of Springfield. We doctored at the Springfield Clinic. I would like to see some rewinds of that area. There was a Mel-O-Cream doughnut shop over on seventh or ninth st near there. We stopped at the Maid-Rite shop on the way out of town and I would like to see some old photos of that place too.
Thanks.
Paul H | Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
This site is simply amazing! My request would be for some pics of the South 5th & 6th Street corridor where Fiat Allis was, now Park South and the area where Country Market is. If memory serves me correct there used to be a huge flower shop on that land. And further south the old Dairy Queen/Cozy Dog, Abe Lincoln Motel etc.
Seth | Jun 22, 2008 | Reply
to John P on the possibility of finding a picture of the old Top Boy restaurant on Stevenson Drive.I can’t help you there,but just an aside to the request.My wife grew up on Yacht Club Road at the lake and used to ride her pony into the drive thru and trained him to step on the little hose that ran across the drive to get the attention of whomever was working the window that particular night.He was usually rewarded at the window with a treat for his good behavior.
Rob V | Jun 22, 2008 | Reply
Very Cool – I just found the site and loved looking at the pics – esp as you have before and now. Please continue to add more.
There used to be a restaurant on Clearlake and Dirksen Pkwy (before Hardees) that my parents would take us for birthday celebrations – would love pics of that as well as the old Shahanes Raceway.
Keep up the great job!
RK | Jul 5, 2008 | Reply
How about the Vachel Lindsay Bridge or other Lake Springfield locations. Lakeside powerplant or Spaulding Dam. Old coal mines on the west side of town. Fiat-Allis, the old grain elevator by Bunn on Stevenson. The old Friendly Chevrolet.
TH | Jul 14, 2008 | Reply
I hope this site will stay active. As an expatriate of central Illinois, this site is a salve for my homesick blues, and keeps me apprised of the changes in Springfield. I was back in June and enjoyed a turn around town. With the fair getting started it would be nice to see some old and new pics of the fairgrounds.
Paul H | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
There are no plans to shut down the site, but updates may be a bit more infrequent while I’m working on Volume One of the book version (which will hopefully be ready by Christmas).
Russ | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Russ-
Love the site, your work is very impressive. Look forward to purchasing the book.
Any chance of getting some from the state fairgrounds?
Looking forward to seeing new shots….
Scott
Scott | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Will the book be available locally or nationally?
Paul H. | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Both. It will also be available for ordering online.
Russ | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
Cool. I will be looking forward to it.
Paul H | Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
Great site!
I was wondering if you had any pictures of the old Town and Country shopping center on South MacArthur, or any out around the lake?
Also, if you knew of any theater that had ocean murals with King Triton and a blue whale? in Springfield…
Thank you!
John K | Aug 27, 2008 | Reply
do you have photos of the Bunn-Sankey house, 1001 south Sixth Street. I would very much like to see them if you do.
bruce beeman | Sep 27, 2008 | Reply
Hi, would love to see more on the North End of Springfield, i.e., Sangamon Ave, N. Grand Ave., Fairgrounds, etc. I had a Mr. Volkmann as a teacher in Jr. High at Tri-City, did Carl ever teach there or his family?
Sandy | Oct 17, 2008 | Reply
I lived in Springfield from 1970 to 1974, but patents and their families grew up there, I have been doing research on my family and am looking for a photo of the Mecca Tavern. It was run by my grandfather and I have been told that it was open from the repeal of prohibition until the late 60′s
Marty | Oct 18, 2008 | Reply
John K, regarding your question about the theater that had ocean murals with King Triton and a blue whale, could it have been the Pantheon on N. Grand? I think it was near the intersection of 8th and N. Grand. Just a guess.
Scott | Oct 21, 2008 | Reply
I would like more pics of downtown in the fifties and sixties. Also interested in old Spfld. grocery stores. Do you have and pics of Millers Market on W. Jefferson, Tollys Market at Jefferson & Walnut, Union Market On Mason & Rutledge, Lortons Grocery, there were so many neighborhood markets. Also old school photos.
Don | Oct 21, 2008 | Reply
fiat allis
Anonymous | Oct 23, 2008 | Reply
Iam a Springfield native and have retired to Florida. In 1957 while going to college I worked at Southwest Airport as a line boy for the Brandis Brothers (Bob and John) In June of that year Iwas in the shop area (the brick building with the old control tower) Chuck Vaughn the flight instructer said the weather was looking bad in the West and we should close the big hanger which was full of airplanes. We made it to the hanger and could only close 2 of the five doors when we saw the Tornado coming at us. Looking in the hanger the roof left and all the airplanes wereup against the girders and then fell down. We were not hurt and the airport had one plane which was flyable a Piper Tripacer whigh was on a trip.
Raymond J. Quick | Oct 25, 2008 | Reply
how about anything????? no new pics in 7 months!?!?!?!?! What’s up with that
Dave | Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
i lived in springfield from 1947 – 1976. i lived on west reynolds. across from douglas school. i was in the first class to go to grant jr high and i graduated from springfield high in 1966. i have been trying to remember names of the grocery stores that were in diffrent corners in my area. the only one i cant remember is the one on the corner of west carpenter and rutledge. it was catty corner from metzgers druge store. i hope you can help me thank you carol evans
carol evans | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
The place was called Babe and Jims. Jim Miller ran it and my grandparents owned it. Is the one you are thinking of?
kim | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
To RK – The name of the restuarant on clear lake and (by pass 66) now called dirksen (before Hardees) was Babe and Jims. Our home was one of the three across from the speedway. Those homes were my grandparents, my uncle’s and ours. When my grandparents ran the place (prior to Babe and Jim Miller) it was called Maple Corners. That land belonged to the Johnstone’s. Thanks for asking about it. It makes me sad to think my front yard is now a parking lot, ah yes progress.
kim | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
I have vague memories of being with my parents in the basement of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, as they played Bingo back in the 1940′s. The Church was located on the North East Corner of 7th and Monroe where a Municipal Parking Ramp now stands. If memory serves me correctly, it was on this site that the original Cathedral Boy’s High School started prior to their move to 8th and Converse. As everyone knows, Cathedral became Griffin High School about 1959-60. Does anyone have an old photo of Saint Mary’s? Thanks.
Jack | Dec 30, 2008 | Reply
Love this site the old photos are awsome.
Would like to see some pix of (The island at Macarthur/South Grand) the Tom Thumb grocery, the barbre shop etc.
Thanks
Keep up the great work!
Brian Young | Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
This sight is wonderful and brings back so many memories. Would you happen to have anything on the old Memorial Pool at 9th and Converse across from Sangamo Electric? Many happy summers spent there. Thanks and keep up the good work
Marcia Ramsey – mramsey680@aol.com
Marcia Ramsey | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
I worked out there when Gelder Lockwood owned it and instructor was a State Trooper named Norm Halliday…he told that hangar story all the time. Great place..lots of fun..it is now Westchester Subdivision whatever phase they are in.
Marcia Ramsey | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
My grandparents owned a home on Lawrence Street directly across the street from the Theature and next to the church. I have been looking for years for a picture of that house. The address was 100 E Lawrence Street. I am also looking for a picture of the Ideal Drug Store on the corner of Spring and Cook and Hay Edwards Grade School on Lawnrence from the 60-70′s era.
I love your website by the way – lots of memories here.
Terri Spann | Jan 25, 2009 | Reply
Sandy’s resturant…anyone remember it from the 1970′s? It was where the Hardees on west Jefferson is now. I was very young but remember going there with my older sister and hanging out.
shelley | Feb 18, 2009 | Reply
Yo Russ, how about some pics of the Reisch Brewery then and SIU now? I know someone who could hook you up with pics of the brewery…
Casey | Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
I remember Sandy’s! Wasn’t there one on…. seems like Peoria Road or 9th? I remember it was like a fast food restaurant like Hardees…
Giuseppe | Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
Hello Russ,
I add my praise and appreciation for your very professional website that brings back many memories. I second the request for some inside shots of The Orpheum as well as a then and now set for the old Sacred Heart Academy. I was shocked to see on Google Earth what it looks like now compared to how beautiful that site once was. Perhaps someday I could send you some interior shots of The Leland if you are interested in having them.
Jim Bolinger | Mar 8, 2009 | Reply
My great aunt and uncle owned a small grocery store that was at Carpenter and Rutledge. I think it was called Howard’s. Do you have any information on that?
Janet | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
I’ve lived here over 80 years and this is really a memory lane treat. So many changes, we used to direct people by landmarks. Now they are no longer there. I have a note book of pictures I started when you first came on to share with people who don’t have a computer, but somehow I got away from it but I expect to be on line more often. Keep up your fine work, so people can know what Springfield looked like years ago
Heidi | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
I would like to see pic’s of Palmer and Bunn School’s. I attended them many years ago and they have since been torn down. Most people have never heard of them.
Love the web site!
Debi S.
Debi | Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Would love to see pictures of railroad related buildings: Union Station, C&A Depot, freight houses, etc. Also very interested in various Springfield industries. Thanks.
Todd | May 17, 2009 | Reply
Old pics of Springfield High would be nice.
Lynn Horrighs-Hatcher | May 21, 2009 | Reply
I am putting together a video/slide show for my parents’ 60th anniversary and am desperate to find a picture of Sikking’s Co – the appliance store. My dad worked there while going to college and bought my mom’s engagement ring with the money he earned there. I can’t even find an ADDRESS. I remember the sign – can anybody help? Russ? The big day is June 12, 2009 (any pix of Maid-Rite? – they went there on casual dates. Sure miss those steamed buns!)
Thanks for an amazing site. Wow!
Linda Roggli | May 23, 2009 | Reply
Looking for early photgraphs of Monroe north side at the railroad tracks west towards second.
Thank you and have a great day. Rick
Rick Lawrence | Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Does anyone have any information on the old sales barn at 11th and Ridgely. I think it burned down in the late 1940′s or early 1950′s.
Carl Arnold | Jun 13, 2009 | Reply
To RK & Kim
Babe & Jim were my aunt & uncle. I learned to ride a bicycle on the hill behind the restuarant.I can remember a large portrait of my aunt Babe hanging in the place. I also recall going to the races across the street.
They also ran another establishment down the street. The Park View Club. My mother managed that for them and we lived up stairs from the place, as did they at Babe & Jims.
We moved to California in the early sixties when I was a young child, and I have lost track of all of my relatives from back then.
Great site. If anyone has any pictures or memorobilia of either place it would be great to see.You can contact me at popeyecon@budweiser.com
Please use “Springfield” as the subject.
Marty Poteet | Jul 7, 2009 | Reply
Fantastic site — just discovered it today (7/13/09). What I’d love to see: South MacArthur would be great. I know lots of people have asked for T&C Shopping Center (& for me, especially Hobby House Toyland and The Record Room; but also Goldblatts and Kresge’s and Walgreens and Fannie May and Labonte’s). And I’d REALLY love to see photos south of the shopping center. Like, before MacArthur Park apartments was built, when it was Spencer’s Nursery. And even down further on MacArthur, when I was a kid, Mom got her groceries at Tolly’s Market (N.E. corner of MacArthur & Maple). Then, swing on around the old curve and catch Gundy’s Market, the Harness House, Gillituck’s Mobile, West Grand Grade School… I’ll stop now ’cause I’m probably making you dizzy. That’s my old stomping ground. We never thought to take pictures back then — that’s just the way things looked and we figured things would stay that way forever. Oh well…
Mary B | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
Ive been asking everyone I know about the 5& dime on north grand. It was in the area of Sams Pizza and the Lincoln Library. I would love to see that store again! Lots of good memories!
Debi | Jul 16, 2009 | Reply
A friend used to live in that building on the
SE corner of 7th and Capital, but I can’t remember what it looked like.
Bill | Aug 8, 2009 | Reply
The Bel Arms Hotel between 4th and 5th on Monroe.
I lived there for a short time in the early 70s and met a few interesting characters there.
Bill | Aug 8, 2009 | Reply
… The Mill Restaurant – 15th & Matheny
… Avenue Food Mart – MacArthur & So Grand
… Stevie’s Latin Village – No. 9th St
… Pasoni’s Restaurant & Bar at The Lake
… The Lake Club – Night CLub
… Toddle House
… Jackie Robinson Hamburgers
… The Den Chili Parlor
KC Schneider | Sep 19, 2009 | Reply
… Pixie Pantry
… Stock Car Racetrack
… Zesto’s
… Dew Chili Parlor
… Georgian Restaurant
… Southtown Grill
… Norb Andy’s
… Pantheon Theater – No. Grand
… Cardinals AAA Ball Park
KC Schneider | Sep 19, 2009 | Reply
I would like to see all along North Grand!
great site you have here. Hours of fun!
Chris Bruce | Sep 24, 2009 | Reply
I sure like this site. I lived in or near Springfield from 1946 until my retirement in 1993. One of my fond memories was working at Southwest Airport as a line boy. I was trying to close the big hanger doors when the tornado hit and blew the top off. It must have been in 1955 or 1856. Brandis brothers (John and Bob ran the airport and the property was owned by Gelder Lockwood who maintained an office there.
Ray Quick | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
I was wondering if there are any pictures of the area known as “Cabbage Patch” and/or Fiat Allis, south 11th street through Fox Bridge road. I am very curious about this area; having just moved into it about 2 years ago. My neighbor tells me she has lived on our street her entire life; she’s in her 70s. I am very interested in finding any info. Thank you!
Matt Hobrock | Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
I was wondering if anyone has any pictures of a hair salon named “Frills” or Ceramics by Frills. Both of these were my uncle’s businesses, and I would really like to see if any knowledge, history or photos are available. Thanks! – Matt Hobrock
Matt Hobrock | Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
looking for pictures of the ICY Root Beer stand on Rutledge and North Grand… I worked there through High School
John | Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
My mother worked at the old Springfield drive-in every summer in the late 50′s-early 60′s. That’s where i spent my summers. Are there ant pictures available of that area? Dirksen & So. Grand, including auto row and the old Knight’s Recreation on So. Grand where Shop & Save is now.
Dave Houston | Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
I am part of a group working with Trinity Lutheran School’s 150th Anniversary to be celebrated in 2010. We are looking for historical photos of Trinity Church, school buildings, anything to be used in a pictoral retrospective that we are planning to have on display to the public. Any advice you could give us would be greatly appreciated as well!
Thanks! Diane Williams
Diane Williams | Nov 16, 2009 | Reply
how about pics from the old pool and reservoir that was located around the lanhphier area. that would be very interesting to see. great site by the way.
randy feril | Nov 20, 2009 | Reply
I would love to see pics of the 6th Street area between the old Heritage House, the Fiat-Allis area up to the Bel Aire (before it became what it is). This area has changed dramatically in the last 20-30 years.
Also how about a section dedicated to all the schools in the city. That would defintely be a trip down memory lane for a lot of us!
Awesome website Russ, keep up the work!
Seth
Seth Dunas | Nov 26, 2009 | Reply
(I posted this on the FB site too – if you saw it there, just ignore. Thanks for creating these sites.)
Love the photo of the Esquire and wonder if you have about photos of all the downtown movie theaters. I see a photo of The Lincoln (right? Next to the YWCA) every time I see the SHS 1974 yearbook cover, but I’d love to see the others.
And, while I’m at it – how about the 100′s of small grocery/butchers all over town. I recall four within a five block radius in my neighborhood alone. They each had their own personality and specialty. Mrs. So-and-So hands out lollipops and carries Butternut Bread. Mr. So and So is a grump but he’s the best butcher.
Jo Howarth Noonan | Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Love the page! Thank you for the memories.
I would like to see a street shot of Conn’s Cafeteria. Not sure what street it was on, I seem to recall it being Capitol or Monroe…? 70s….
ric major | Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
To clarify, a pic of the Senate/Conn’s block from to 60s- 70s, 500 Monroe, before the sign was replaced by an awning….
Thanks!
ric major | Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Does anyone remember the name of the ice skating rink that was on south Fifth Street right by where the old drive-in was? It is driving me crazy? Thanks!
Linda Harris | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Who attended SHS in the 60′s and didn’t spend time at that Sandy’s? There was also one downtown just south of the 1st National bank on 5th Street.It’s now called Sammy’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Bill Thompson | Dec 24, 2009 | Reply
Bunn Elementary School.
There seems to be nothing on the entire internet about Bunn. Kind of surprising, as it would seem to be a historical school, built around 1900. I realize its gone now but I did spend 6 years there.
M FitzPatrick | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
Would love to see something on Fishman’s Sporting Goods when they were downtown. I recall getting a basketball there when I was a kid in the 60′s, and the proprietor (Joe Fishman?) found one WAY up on a shelf over tons of other miscellaneous sporting goods of every type. Somehow he got it down for me. Your site has rekindled all sorts of memories long forgotten of my days growing up in Springfield.
Tom | Dec 27, 2009 | Reply
The “old” Springfield High School which was on,I think, West Adams between Washington and Adams. It was torn down in the 50′s and a new IRS was built. Also, MoonLight Gardens skating rink on corner of Wabash and Chatham Road.
Dick Binetsch | Dec 30, 2009 | Reply
In 73 and 74, I use to work at The Platter record and stereo store. I once saw a picture here with The Platter. Many people must remember Charlie Salvo yelling, “Hey CARLA!!!,” over the store loudspeaker. Carla Salvo’s head and eyes would always drop, and her face would turn red. I loved them. Is that picture gone, or is it coming back? Thanks! Meredith Rhule
Meredith Rhule | Dec 31, 2009 | Reply
I would love to see a picture of Lanphier park from 1974 or 1975. I love your website.
Ronald | Jan 3, 2010 | Reply
How about Land of Lincoln Bank, Watt Bros. Pharmacy, Springfield Drive In (off Dirksen Parkway), Cozy Dog Drive In, Maid Rite, or just about anything located along historic Route 66. Your 2010 calendar is great, I got it for Christmas. Keep up the good work.
Josh | Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I grew up in the northend during the mid 50′s to early 70s. Would love to have pics of Fairview School and that area. All the homes were new when I was growing up and the neighborhoods were great. My mother was in charge of swimming lessons for the Red Cross for many years at Memorial Pool. Would love pics of that too! Sadly I know the north end isn’t what it used to be but it has great memories for me.
Jan | Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
Any chance you could find a photo of Roberts Brothers (pre- and post- 70s) by the old state capital?
mike roberts | Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Funny you should ask, Mike. I just picked out a few old Roberts Bros. photos yesterday at the Sangamon Valley Collection. As soon as they’re scanned, I’ll post them here.
Russ | Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Have you seen any early photos of the Hickox Apartments?
Kath | Mar 13, 2010 | Reply
It was called Hudsons.
Diane K Seiz-Davis | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
i would like to see pictures and info on memorial pool at 9th and converse
Diane K Seiz-Davis | Mar 20, 2010 | Reply
Hi, I love this site – great work! Do you have any photos of an old little neighborhood grocery store on North 8th Street on the west side of the street – it was called Maskey’s? Also, any photos of the Dari-Ette that was at 9th and Sangamon next to the Sky Rocket tavern? What about pictures of the Dairy which was at 8th and Black? This is so neat!!!!!
Joyce Anderson Wheeler | Mar 21, 2010 | Reply
Do you have any photos of 2501 South 11th Street, Harvard Park Elementary School?
Mrs. Lewis | Mar 21, 2010 | Reply
Great site and I enjoy the way you have overlaid old/new images.
I left Springfield when I was eight but visited relatives there many times over the past years and can relate more to streets, relative to where I was staying.
Have you looked into the possibility of having a Springfield map and then the image markers link to the map. You could bring up the map and then click on the image marker to display the same images by location. Apologies if this has been suggested many times before.
This would be in addition to the way you currently present the images. I see a lot of questions or responses based on locations and this feature may help other navigate their stroll back in time.
Mike Reed | Mar 31, 2010 | Reply
I wanted to order a calendar for me and send one to my brother, but PayPal won’t let the second address go thru. Can you help me thru this?
Thanks ————-LOVE THE SITE!
Nancy Flint | Apr 27, 2010 | Reply
Did I see the Orpheum Theater anywhere?? ‘would LOVE to!
Nancy Flint | Apr 27, 2010 | Reply
I would like to see pics of the front on Myers Bros. I would also like to see a pic of the Taft Drive In Dairy that was out on Cook Street.
Thanks.
Sherry Johnson | Apr 30, 2010 | Reply
I wonder if you can find pics of the F4 tornado that hit Springfield in 1957 in the Wabash-MacArthur Blvd. area. I lived in the trailer park there at Dead Man’s Curve. Again thanks. This site is great.
Sherry Johnson | Apr 30, 2010 | Reply
Good post. Thank you for sharing through this blog.
Sporting Goods Shop | May 13, 2010 | Reply
Would like to see pics of old Springfield neighborhood grocery stores such as Miller’s Market on West Jefferson St., Union Market (Rutledge and Mason Sts.) Lorton’s Grocery (On West Carpenter near Walnut), Tolly’s Grocery Store (Walnut and Jefferson). Also pictures of Douglas School (444 West Reynolds). Thanks!
Don | May 14, 2010 | Reply
Great site!
Any rewinds of Springfield Art Association (old Edwards Place)? 700 N Fourth.
Thanks!
Best, Jeff
jeff javid | Jun 6, 2010 | Reply
Russ,
I lived in Springfield 1955-74 and I am currently building a blog called My Springfield, Illinois
My question is: are your photos public domain? Who do I ask to use a few of these fantastic photos on my non profit blog just for illustrative purposes (just to get my readers to recall certain places and therefore their memories to share on the blog)
I love your site and would do nothing to violate the copyright laws. Let me know if you can. Thanks, Bob
Bob | Jun 25, 2010 | Reply
I just found out about this fantastic site! I really enjoyed looking through your photos; incredible job.
Some things I’d love to see that haven’t been featured yet:
Washington Park (especially the old trolley stop on South Grand between Lincoln and Park)
Springfield High School
Grant Middle School (they added those ugly metal panels when I was there in the late 80s)
The Governor’s mansion
Fairhills Mall (back when it had an enclosed part)
Keep up the great work!
Scott | Jun 29, 2010 | Reply
I too would like to see Bunn School. I also went there for 6 years, mid to late 50′s. Had Mr. Lanterman for 5th & 6th grade.
Bud | Jul 16, 2010 | Reply
Howard’s Market was the name of the gorcery store on Carpenter and Rutledge. My great Aunt Ann Howard was the owner. Back then we did not have a car and we would call our order in by phone and they would deliver our groceries to us.
Janet | Jul 22, 2010 | Reply
I’m looking for anything on the Mainliner bar and resturant on Washington Street in Springfield, il. back in the late forties and early fifties. It was owned by Robert Bianchi and William Cellini. Robert was my Grandfather.
James Bianchi | Jul 24, 2010 | Reply
i worked at dennys 84-89,bil bole, janet hayes was managers
deryl | Aug 15, 2010 | Reply
I’d love to see rewinds of Stevenson drive / 6th streets… the corner where McDonalds is now used to be a plant nursery, the area where Cozy Dog is now used to have the original ‘apple orchard’ house/farm, the original Cozy Dog, Dairy Queen, etc. The area of Lake Victoria, IGA / Danes Discount, Strike n Spare, Coast to Coast / True Value would be interesting too.
Stephen Parfitt | Aug 26, 2010 | Reply
Your site is wonderful. So much effort; very impressive and a great trip down memory lane. I would love to see a photo of Stuart School at 7th & South Grand. I recall a large public swimming pool and I believe it was mentioned in a post above, that it was off 9th Street. Is the Strike & Spare still there? Would love an old photo of the A&P which was also at 7th & So Grand and the Steak n Shake across the street. Is there a photo of Ben Franklin Jr High when it first opened? Again, thanks for your hard work with this amazing site.
Nancy | Sep 5, 2010 | Reply
What a blast from the past….looking at all these old photos and reading comments from others, which just triggers more memories of other places. As a native of Springfield (born there, in the first wave of baby boomers, but left in 1967) can’t get enough of it. My parents, gr’parents, aunts/uncles, and my husband’s family also were all from Springfield. So many of the photos & names of businesses remind me of their reminiscences. Luv it!! Great job.
Sue Harkins Elmore | Sep 8, 2010 | Reply
This is such a blast! Just got it from my old neighbor from 2nd grade who’s still a friend. I’ve alerted my older brothers who could surely add some facts. We moved to Springfield from Ashland in 1955 and some of us still live there. A GREAT place to grow up.
Places that should be included (if possible) that would bring back memories to many:
Westenberger’s (6th St downtown)
Pease’s (still at Ash@State St)
Don’s Drive-In (Macarthur @ Cherry Rd)
Nancy Tinsley Frazier | Sep 14, 2010 | Reply
Help…I need to know if anyone remembers a Buffet restaurant that was located on Stevenson around 1970 – 1980? It was on the north side by where Victoria Falls was located. The buffet was in a circle that turned. I always felt like we were cattle waiting in line to eat ! If someone has a name I would greatly appreciate it.
Rose Marie | Sep 19, 2010 | Reply
I love this site… but for different reasons that many other “fans” do. I’m not “from here” but moved here 5 years ago. However, I enjoy seeing what the places I am familiar with used to look like; plus, it helps me understand what long-time residents are talking about when they refer to certain landmarks.
I personally would like to see a picture of an old Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge on Stevenson Drive. That’s where my parents and I stayed in 1975 when we visited Springfield for the first time. I don’t know the exact address and I wonder what’s there now.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Elaine | Sep 19, 2010 | Reply
This site is awesome! Does anyone remember, let alone have pics, of the skating rink that was on the west side of 4th St., across from the car lot (Guiffre Buick?) that was behind the YWCA? Car lot was on corner of 4th & Edwards – skating rink was also teen club in the front, rink was small, oval, and had a slight incline & was in the rear. Used to go there back in early ’60′s. Also, don’t know if I’m crazy, but I also seem to remember a roller rink somewhere around the Levee??
Thanks for the wonderful memories! Keep it up.
Beth (Denison) Campbell | Sep 30, 2010 | Reply
The Shack!
Amy Lambert | Oct 11, 2010 | Reply
Do you have and pictures of a gas station with a cab company named Checkered Cab on 4th and Madison around the 1930 – 1940 area, Thank you
george | Oct 22, 2010 | Reply
Do you have any photos of a cab co. at 4th & Madison around 1940-1970 era, Thank You.
David | Oct 25, 2010 | Reply
The restaurant was called Duff’s Smorgasbord
Regina | Oct 25, 2010 | Reply
That was an answer for Rose Marie regarding the restaurant on Stevenson.
Regina | Oct 25, 2010 | Reply
Was it Duff’s smorgasbord?
Mike | Oct 28, 2010 | Reply
Hey Russ, I love your site. I hope I didn’t get carried away this morning with my entries. I got up to early to celebrate the rapid aging process and went down memory lane. Spent most of the first 20 yrs of my life downtown thanks to my grandparents who owned the Grand Hotel. Anyway thinking back to some old downtown haunts. Anyone remember Sangamon County Dry goods?Interior pictures of the Sazerac? The Roxy Theater and the Lincoln Theater? Here’s a good one. Anyone have any pictures of The Aloha?! The Lake Club?
Jeff Kornfeld | Nov 11, 2010 | Reply
Any plans to do various neighborhoods.I would love to see some of the north side near Oak Ridge, Lanphier High, etc
Mike Unthank | Dec 10, 2010 | Reply
Isn’t that also the same vicinity as Metzkers Drugs. Hey that brings up another spot, Watss Brothers Pharmacy at 9th & North Grand. I’ll never forget the old walk in phone booth they had.
Mike Unthank | Dec 10, 2010 | Reply
Oh such sweet memories!
Thanks for sharing – you made my day. I grew up in Springfield and have been gone for a longggg time now, but I still love my hometown.
francie
Francine | Dec 22, 2010 | Reply
Stevie’s Latn Village ten changed into The China Inn. My Mom & I worked there. She also worked for Stevie Kirfacci.
Bill Wilder | Jan 1, 2011 | Reply
I would liike to know more about my area. Sangamon Avenue. I recently found out my home was built in 1894. I am at 2841 Sangamon Ave. The corner of Sangamon and peerless mine road.
Gary Gorsich | Jan 31, 2011 | Reply
This is a wonderful resource. Thank you. Do you photos of Marine, 1st National, and I think the other was Springfield Bank, all of which were downtown Springfield?
Adalma | Feb 10, 2011 | Reply
I don’t have a picture of the Lake Club, but I have a menu with Julius LaRosa’s autograph on the front of it.
Sharon | Feb 12, 2011 | Reply
I was born and raised in the 200 block of North Fifth Street bounded by Madison Street on the north and Jefferson Street on the south from the early 1940′s thru the early 70′s. I also lived on the 400 block of East Jefferson which was bounded by 4th street on the west and 5th street on the east. I would like to see some photos of the 200 block on North Street both the east and west sides of the street and also the 400 block of East Jefferson Street, both the north and south sides of the street. My whole family lived and worked in this area for many years and my mother and step father had at least four businesses in this area for a number of years.
Dennis
Dennis Rector | Feb 14, 2011 | Reply
In response to Carol who was asking about the grocery store on the corner of West Carpenter and Rutledge, it was Howard’s Grocery. I grew up on West Carpenter and hung out at Metzger’s. Shirley White owned Metzger’s kitty corner from the grocery store (where we shopped ’til it closed) and my brothers and I were friends with Chrissy and Tony White. Their Grandmother was a Reisch and we used to ride our bikes around the brewery, just down Rutledge.
Barbara Wyeth | Feb 17, 2011 | Reply
And how about Harm’s Market? On 2nd Street, I think, past The Bar on the corner and the barber (on West Carpenter and 2nd Street). I would go with my dad and get my bangs trimmed at the barber shop. There was a walkway between the tavern and the barber shop…the barber would go over there and call out his next customer who was having a beer…Any help with the names of the Tavern and the barber shop? I think Norman Beisch (?) took over the barber shop. Once our parakeet escaped and my older brother rescued him from Norman Beisch’s cherry tree…
Barbara Wyeth | Feb 17, 2011 | Reply
I have a friend that would like to know the name of the resturant that was next door to the Avenue Foods on South Grand back in the 30′s. She ate there for her high school graduation. She has asked several people but no one can remember. If anyone could help I know she would appreciate it. She is 92 years young. Thanks for your help. I love the interesting articles on this web-site and remember so many. Expecially the North Grand places.
Marcia Musick | Feb 20, 2011 | Reply
Great site and thank you for your wonderful work. A possible subject would be all four Watt Bros. Pharmacy stores. My neighborhood store was 5th & Laurel; others were 11th & Ash, So. Grand & Pasfield, and I believe 8th and No. Grand. All 4 sites were popular neighborhood gathering spots with real soda fountains and soda jerks to boot!
Dave Kennedy | Feb 22, 2011 | Reply
I’m replying to my own question – Charlie Miller’s Tavern?
Barbara Wyeth | Feb 26, 2011 | Reply
Marcia, My brothers and I went to the dentist, Dr Gerster on North Grand Ave. Mom bought us clothes at Adalof’s (not at all sure of the spelling)and since we were and are all near-sighted, we went to optometrist Dr Gard. We rarely went out to eat but I do remember the roast beef sandwiches at the North Side Restaurant. These were all on North Grand Avenue. My dad was plant engineer at Sangamo Electric and we lived on West Carpenter, went to St Joseph’s and the SS Peter and Paul, so it makes sense that we utilized North Grand. There was a hardware store on that strip, too. Noonan’s?
Loving this site.
Barbara Wyeth | Feb 26, 2011 | Reply
Janet, we lived just half a block down and shopped at Howard’s until we moved to Leland Grove… actually Mr. Howard delivered to us for a while I think before he retired. Some of my very earliest memories are of that store, the soft worn wood floors, the candy behind the front counter, and Mr. Howard in back at the meat counter. Metzger’s on the other corner, the brewery down Rutledge, Diller’s “Private Property” on West Carpenter and Walnut, and the alleys (!) – it was a wonderful to be a kid in that neighborhood!
Barbara Wyeth | Feb 26, 2011 | Reply
Scared Heart Academy before the big remodle. Graduate from there in 1963
Barbara Brunk Harris | Feb 27, 2011 | Reply
I lived a bit further north, but remember that neighborhood since my grandmother lived on Rutledge. Her house is actually still there.
Barbara Brunk Harris | Feb 27, 2011 | Reply
So since we graduated at the same time from SH we must have been in the early grades of St. Joe’s together, because I graduated from there. Who knew, we would end up in high school together.
Barbara Brunk Harris | Feb 27, 2011 | Reply
Just wanted congratulate you on a great photo project. If you come across any photos of the Reisch Brewery in the early 1900s, that would be very interesting. Here is a link to a site that has the history of the place.
http://www.reischbrewing.com/
There are a few old photos on that site.
Thanks,
Judy
Judith Black | Feb 27, 2011 | Reply
Would like to see more pictures of the north end (theaters, restaurants, Illinois Watch Co., fair grounds, etc.). Great site. Brings back a lot of memories. Keep it going.
Jim Cox | Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
I am interested in the Dew Chili Parlor and the Den Chili Parlors of Spfld. in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. There is only the one chili place in Spfld. now, as you know. It claims to be related to the old one(s).
The Chgo. Daily News proclaimed Spfld. to be the Chili Capital years ago.
Chili is my comfort food: no grn. peppers, no onion, no nonsense — plenty of cumin. Hormel is the only brand that is like the Spfld. kind. But of course not with the orange grease on top — that grease is illegal now. Delish!
Thanks for your efforts!
Ann Hembreiker Funck (no "e" & no middle name -- just 2 goofy last ones. | Mar 5, 2011 | Reply
Dave, thanks for reminding me of the name of those drugstores. I have been trying to recall what it was. My brother, Mike Harkins, was a soda jerk at the one at 5th and Laurel. It was his first job – probably during the mid-50′s
Sue Harkins Elmore | Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
Gabby’s TopBoy , I used to work there with all three of my brothers. Also Ron Spencer, Bob Fay, Sue Lex and I believe Bob Lex (late 60′s, early 70′s)
M Nation | Mar 8, 2011 | Reply
Noonan’s is still at 8th and North Grand. The Sangamo building is now housing some Department of the State of Illinois. Pease’s Candy I believe now has 5 stores. Wondering if anyone can find old pictures of the area that Southeast High School is at. Would love to see old /new pics of the Airport.
M Nation | Mar 8, 2011 | Reply
Hello, I love this wonderful website – seeing all these old landmarks (Then and Now) photos. Just wonderful!!!
I’d like to know if you or anyone would have old photographs of the current Hay-Edwards School building. And also any old photos of the former Hay School built in 1887 and the former Edwards School (Third Ward School) built in 1856, formerly located on the corner of Spring & Edwards Streets. I would very much like to find photographs of those old school buildings and the current Hay-Edwards structure, now a State Office Building.
A friend and I are organizing a reunion for Hay-Edwards Deaf/HoH “Special Ed” students/teachers this summer. Hope someone out there can help!! Sangamon Valley Collection may have those but wanted to “shout out” here on Springfield Rewind.
Thanks!! Sincerely, Jim Casson
Jim Casson | Mar 9, 2011 | Reply
Hi Jim,
I do have a few of Hay-Edwards. In fact, a shot of the school from 1910 made this year’s calendar. I’ll email you a shot of what that looks like.
Russ | Mar 9, 2011 | Reply
Dear Matt, March 12, 2011 I also lived forever on the south side. The original name of your sub-division is Mildred Belmont Park Gardens. It became Cabbage Patch because of the inflatulance or influx of all of us ethnicity, We are called bohunks or bohemian-Hungarians after a european region that has not existed for many hundreds years. I attended Concordia Lutheran Private school until they left the neighborhood for the more prestiguise Lake area then was turn out to Staley public school on cottonwood St. On to Thomas Jefferson Jr. hgh and I should have attended Feighians High school but it was closed and we were directed to South East High. I probably know your neighbor as I was named after Lynn St. the short St. at the end of Woodward to the south and am older than dirt. This is a blast from the past as I just found Russ’ site and am over the moon about it. Cool Beans & of course cabbage!
Janice Huhtala | Mar 13, 2011 | Reply
Dear Russ, Happy to hear you are writing a book. I hope it is about Springfield. Cant Wait. Your site is wonderful, I haven’t been home for a couple years. I live ten hours away and am Jonesing to be in springfield in the spring. Hey Russ, How about the dark side of Springding, The old railroad round House on Walbash Ave, the tavern called Penny Lane where there was liquor in the front, poker in the rear and lay me down and do me elsewhere.
Toni | Mar 13, 2011 | Reply
Pantheon Theatre? I found 15 old tickets to the Panteon Theatre. Where was it located? Where On North Grand? When did it close?
jan S | Mar 13, 2011 | Reply
the pantheon closed it’s doors in 1963 and is where the parking lot for noonan’s is now
hey can some find me a picture or story about flaherty’s (sic) drug store at fifth and north grand a new neighbor would like to have a copy of a picture since he has a medicine bottle with the drug store name on it
ed kienzler | Mar 21, 2011 | Reply
The name of the restaurant next to the Avenue Food Shop was the Sugar Bowl.
Judy | Mar 22, 2011 | Reply
Russ, do you have any pictures of Southside from
11th & Cook to 18th Street. I grew up on 11th St & 15th St. Went to Sacred Heart Grade School and Feitshans High. I enjoyed the pictures you have of Reisch Brewery. My great grandfather and my father both worked there. My mother worked at Sangamon Dairy on 11th Street and at CWL&P. My mother and I both worked at the Sazarac. She work for the father and I worked for Harold & Larry.
Your site has brought back many wonderful memories. I haven’t been back to Springfield since 2001. Thank you.
Fleta Forthman Moore | Mar 23, 2011 | Reply
Love this site. Looking for the Icy Root Beer pictures on Rutledge & North Grand. My parents met there in 1960. My dad cooked and made root beer in the basement, and my mom was a waitress and carhop. They are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. I think my Mom has a picture of my Dad and others hanging out outside, but not a full view. My Mom and Dad loved working for Katy.
Robin Patrick Nadalini | Mar 24, 2011 | Reply
Would love to see some pics of the old gas station at 2nd and Capitol and, also, a picture of the south side of Monroe just off of 2nd St. My hushand’s Grandparent’s owned the Capitol Way restaurant a few doors down from that corner! Thanks, great oics!
Susan Ketchum Kilby | Mar 25, 2011 | Reply
Would like any information on the Par a Dice restaurant that was on McArthur Blvd., Springfield, Illinois.
Chellie | Mar 29, 2011 | Reply
Great website. I grew up in Springfield during the ’70′s and it’s great seeing the old pictures. Any chance of seeing the old Laketown shopping plaza from that era?
Scott | Apr 3, 2011 | Reply
From Giuseppe | Feb 20, 2009
I remember Sandy’s! Wasn’t there one on…. seems like Peoria Road or 9th? I remember it was like a fast food restaurant like Hardees…
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
It was on the 1100 Block of North 9th between Kentucky Fried Chicken and Watt Brothers Pharmacy..
I know. I lived next door to it and though I wasn’t much older than they were, I grew to dislike high school age students who were LOUD until late in the parking lot on Friday and Saturday nights.
My sister came from Seattle to stay with us for the summer of 1971 and got hired to work there…
It became a Hardees sometime in early 1972…
Our house has apparently been replaced by a boarded up auto store and it looks like Sandy’s is gone too…
Tempus fugit
Rick Green | May 9, 2011 | Reply
JOHN, WHEN DID YOU WORK AT ICY ROOTBEER? I WORKED THERE ASA CARHOP IN SPRING OF ’69 TILL SCHOOL GOT OUT. BOSS’ NAME WAS KATIE & ASST MGR WAS LUCILLE PORTER. SECURITY COP WAS SIMON CORY
Bill Thompson | May 11, 2011 | Reply
ROBIN: SEE PREVIOUS MESSAGE ABOUT MY WORKING AT ICY ROOTBEER, I TOO MADE ROOTBEER IN THE BASEMENT. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT KATY WAS THE MGR THERE FOR SO LONG.I REMEMBER HER KICKING A GIRL OUT OF THE INSIDE RESTAURANT FOR ANNOUNCING SHE WAS LOOKING FOR A ROOMMATE AND DIDN’T CARE WHAT THE SEX WAS. TOUGH COOKIE THAT WOMAN!LOL
Bill Thompson | May 11, 2011 | Reply
Butler School: Many memories of activities there in Summers;walked by it daily during school years on way to Blessed Sacrament. (Late 30s to 40) Paradice originally owned by John Horn , then Joe Gopple,then by Buster Sowle; I think John Stanton owned it and then I lost track. Great food and a cube steak sandwich when I was a kid.Henry Solomon was chef at both St Nick and Leland, I think; he then owned a couple of frostie freeze’ in Lincoln or Taylorville.I recall Roxy movie house and was there when Japan hit Pearl.(’41freshman at SHS).Thanks again fro jarring loose a few memories.jggclms@aol.com
Jack Gaffigan | May 27, 2011 | Reply
Anybody remember the old Shack sandwich shop/ restaurant on 5th street, previously on Jefferson?
John | May 28, 2011 | Reply
can somebody find a picture of flaherty’s drugstore at the corner of 5th and north grand from anytime in its existence? it’s for a friend who found a bottle in his house with their name on it…
ed | May 30, 2011 | Reply
I think it was called Duffy’s
Tonya | Jul 6, 2011 | Reply
I have many from the north side, mainly N. Grand Avenue. My family owned Dockum & Dawson. I also have old pictures of Ford’s Grocery on Peoria Rd.
Barbara | Jul 10, 2011 | Reply
My ancestors had a grocery store here in Springfield back in the 40′s, owned by J.E. Dressendorfer, I think they called it “Burts” (?) I found the information thru census records and family history, but I can’t find the legalities in the records here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Theresa Buecker | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
I remember leaving Butler elementary on my lunch hour to go to pease’s candy store.McDonalds had just moved in next door to the school..I would go spend my dollar for lunch and spend the rest on candy.Green candy Grasshoppers were the best. I lived on wiggins avenue and remember the walk to school..good memories..The carrillon in the park over by my house was magical…have never forgotten the bells and ice skating in the park..
Tamara Johnston | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
I haven’t heard of this store but I’ll ask my elderly aunt whose dad owned Ford’s.
Barbara | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
Does anyone have pictures of Memorial Pool???
Barbara | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
To Theresa Buecker
I am in Springfield for a Rock/Kohlrus reunion. (Mom is Catherine Rock) My dad was Ted (Thomas Edward) Dressendorfer, and his dad Bert (Ethelbert, E.B.), ran a store on Cook. They lived above it. Bert’s father William had the store before him, and John was his father. At home, in California, there are a couple of great photos of my grandfather and eldest daughter Eileen inside the store. Hope this helps. Today I am borrowing a computer looking for a Dressendorfer house that I saw once in a newspaper clipping – perhaps significant for its age? now a commercial building? I’m not a geneologist -just scouting around while I’m here. Any clues?
Rita Dressendorfer | Jul 19, 2011 | Reply
My aunt and uncle were Babe and Jim. I lived in Springfield from 1959 to 1963 when we then moved to California. I have fond memories of that restaurant. Some of the best food I have ever eaten. I went to High School at Sacred Heart Academy from 1960 to May 1963.
Jane Beukers (aka Poteet) | Aug 11, 2011 | Reply
How about an old picture of Moonlight Gardens roller skating rink on the corner of Wabash and Chatham Road approximately where the Shop ‘N Save is now, from the 50′s and early 60′s (is when I remember it).
Bonnie Richmond | Aug 12, 2011 | Reply
Island Bay Yacht Club
David | Aug 17, 2011 | Reply
I’m looking at Grandfather’s draft card and he says on it that he worked at the Springfield Ball Association at 15th (sic) N Grand Ave. Any ideas about how I could find out what the Springfield Ball Association was?
Victor Colin | Aug 17, 2011 | Reply
Hi, My Dad and my Uncle owned the Lincoln Square Tavern at 112 N 6th. I would love to see pictures of this and Coney Island it was next door.
thanks
Debbie | Aug 21, 2011 | Reply
Wondering if you know name of bakery on West Governor back in the 60′s maybe 70′s
mickey daniels | Aug 23, 2011 | Reply
My Mom managed the Speigel Catalog store in the 300 block of East Adams in the late 50′s/early 60′s. There was a restaurant next door and I remember that the storefronts were slanted and little tiles on the floor and the walls of the fronts of these buildings. Can you find a picture? Mom said that prior to that address, the Speigel store was on Jefferson, but something happened to it…maybe a fire??
Bonnie Richmond | Aug 28, 2011 | Reply
I do remember it was the WOOLCO that was there before Venture went in. Dont know how long WOolco was there but it was there in 1976 when I first moved to town. Been here ever since. SO many changes to this town is the last 35 years. I even got to hang out at White Oaks when it first opened up and everything surrounding it was cornfields or something. White Oaks has gone down hill in recent years but it used to be a great place to go and hang out at.
Diane | Aug 28, 2011 | Reply
I bought a mens suit at a mens store just east of k-mart on clear lake in 1970, I thought it was a Roberts Brothers mens clothing store. Am I right.
Thank You
Ray Brown
Ray Brown | Oct 5, 2011 | Reply
Was wanting pics of Kroger next to KMart on Clear Lake back in the 1970s if possible.
Thanks
K Mrozowski | Oct 17, 2011 | Reply
Culvers castle on the corner of Madison and 9th Street. It was originally Culver’s Marble and Granite Company before St. Johns Hospital.
Sue Sprague | Oct 23, 2011 | Reply
I traveled to Springfield from Lincoln in the 60′s many Saturday nights to enjoy the rock music groups at the T & C or Town and Country Bowling Lanes. On the other side of town, I did the same thing at Chuck Wyant’s (sp). He was a race car driver at the Springfield Speedway. He owned this place which was called, believe it or not, the Holiday Inn. I guess he started his place before the motel chain was around. We called it the Holiday. Had many good times at both places. Wonder if anybody else remembers these places?
Dan Gaydosh | Oct 27, 2011 | Reply
Great site! Can’t wait for Town & Country Shopping Center. I remember the Fox Theatre, Goldblatt’s, Book King and Woolco across the street.
Scott Edmonds | Nov 10, 2011 | Reply
Does anyone remember the name of the tavern that was at the corner of 2nd and Carpenter? And I remember that it was a grocery store before it was a bar.
Don | Nov 18, 2011 | Reply
I would like to know if you have any pics of the little store on the corner of Rutledge st and Mason st. It was across from the Sportsman’s Lounge and was run by a old friendly Italian man named Jake. I cant remember if his grocery store was called Jake’s or not. Also a pic of Sportsman’s Lounge would be great too.
All of the work you do for this site is greatly appreciated by me and many others. thanks so much.
Joe Gutierrez | Nov 23, 2011 | Reply
I remember the collapse of the Senate Theater on Monroe St. in 1947, but am incapatated. I would pay for the news story of the collapse in the State Journal Register.
Any takers – e-mail me.
Earl
Earl Belcher | Dec 3, 2011 | Reply
I would love to see an old picture of Harvard Park grade school. every christmas when I watch Christmas Story and see the school in the movie I swear it looks identical to the one in the movie. My son needs verification because I’ve told him every year that this movie is more like a documentary and the school sends me right back to those days.I know its not the same school but sure would be nice to visit through an old photo. Thanks,Jeff.
Jeff Cox | Dec 25, 2011 | Reply
Does anyone recall the blacksmith shop on Rutledge, across from what is now part of the Memorial Hospital complex? It was on Rutledge going north , a few blocks past Carpenter. I was really young but have wonderful memories of watching Lynn (??) shoe horses on the side of the shop, along an alley. I got to watch but my brothers were too disruptive, too much “horsing around” (sorry – I couldn’t resist that one!)
Barbara Wyeth | Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Don, that was Charlie Millers, I believe – right next to the barber shop. I would go with my dad and get my bangs trimmed at the barber shop. It was connected to the tavern and Al (I think that was his name) would call out to the men having a drink befor their hair cut. I loved going there with my dad and the smell of Vitalis and all that men’s cologne…
Barbara Wyeth | Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Bonnie, that was my favorite place for birthday parties. I specially loved being able to roll into the bathroom. Not sure why but I thought that was the coolest!
Barbara Wyeth | Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I love this website. I was a kid in the Laketown area back in the ’70s. I would love to see the Laketown Shopping Center, Allis Chalmers, Topps Big Boy on Stevenson Drive, and anything else from that era. Wasn’t there a Brown’s Chicken on Stevenson? Also, I think there was a hot dog place somewhere along there but I may be wrong. Anyway, thanks for the pictures!
Scott | Jan 8, 2012 | Reply
Scott:
On the corner of Tayloer and Stevenson there used to be a Brown’s Chicken back in the 80′s, as well as before that across the street was a hot dog place that didn’t last long. The gas station is there now, but the hot dog place was memorable because they sold foot long hot dogs and as a kid, I would get it loaded with chilli and cheese.
Mark Burgess | Jan 18, 2012 | Reply
Any memories of the buildings at 1133 through 1153 W. Governor?
Also 1149 W. Edwards – saw a picutre that says Zorns Drugs.
I’ve heard “maybe a bakery” “maybe a drug store or grocery” on Governor..
As I drive around Springfield all day(FedEx Express), I wonder about these old buildings and their histories.
fyi – after sitting empty for a while, 1133-1135 W. Gov is now home to an antique store. Nice to see the old places come back to life!!
Ilene | Feb 4, 2012 | Reply