Champaign Fire Company's hose team, September 27, 1888

On September 27, 1888 the Champaign Fire Company sent representatives to a hose race in Lincoln, IL. 

The Champaign County Herald (October 3, 1888) described the news item as thus: "The Champaign fire company attended the Lincoln tournament last Thursday, and carried off the second prize in the principle race. The Effinghams took first with a record of 40 seconds and beat our boys only one second. Quite a number of people from here were present. The boys returned Saturday, and were escorted up and down Main street by the ninth regiment band, after which they had a photo taken. Their uniforms are quite neat and attractive in appearance." 

#TBT St. Patrick Catholic Church

St. Patrick's Day ThrowBackThursday Edition 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 708 W Main Street, Urbana, circa 1978

 

Lara, Archives Assistant

Where in the World is Your Last Name?

 

Have you ever wondered if people around the world share your surname? With billions of people living around the globe, where does that leave your name? Where could the highest population of individuals with your surname live today?

Extra, extra! Read all about it!

This photograph was taken in the basement pressroom of the Courier Herald in 1909. The photograph includes most of the paper's staff; even the newspaper boys are featured standing atop a table to the left.

Dr. Ellen Miner and Women’s Medical History in Champaign County

The Champaign County Historical Archives recently processed the papers of Dr. Ellen Miner, a Champaign County native who practiced gynecological and obstetrical medicine starting in 1896. Dr. Miner graduated from the Medical Department for Women at Northwestern University in 1893 and returned to Champaign to practice medicine in 1896. Her well-respected practice operated out of her home, and she was an active member of the medical community in Champaign until her retirement. 

Upcoming Event: Medieval Missionaries: East-Central Illinois and its Cahokia Connection

This Thursday evening, February 25th, the library will host archaeologist Amanda Butler. Her presentation "Medieval Missionaries: East-Central Illinois and its Cahokia Connection" will discuss the Collins Archaeological Complex located along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, northwest of Danville, and its relationship to the Mississippian civilization who built the city of Cahokia near East St. Louis, Illinois. As a preview for the event please enjoy this repost from last April on "Digginig Up Illinois' Past." 

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Have you ever found a rock that you knew must be a genuine arrowhead?

Have you ever dug a hole in your backyard hoping to discover the ruins of a lost civilization?

Have you ever wondered what life was like for the people that first settled Champaign County?

 

#ThrowBackThursday: Philo Boys Basketball

 

Tonight is the latest event in the Town and Gown Speaker Series, CU Hoops: Playing, Coaching and Reporting Basketball. Being held at the Bielfeldt Athletic Administrative Building, this event highlights men's and boys' basketball through the years from various perspectives. So on this Throw Back Thursday, the Archives would like to share a photo of the 1934 Philo Boys' Basketball team. 

 

Finding African-American Ancestors in Champaign County: A Resource Guide

The history of Champaign County’s African-American community began in the pioneer days of Champaign, Urbana, and the surrounding towns and villages. The easiest way to get started searching for African-American history in Champaign County, as with any subject pertaining to local history in Champaign County, is to search the Local History Online database. You can begin with a quick search from the homepage, which leads to an alphabetical list of results from the Local History Online index. You may find it useful to click “More Searches” and choose a keyword search of our holdings as well. What types of results will you see while searching Local History Online? Below is a list of several types of resources that you can search at the Champaign County Historical Archives. Included are references to several resources specific to Champaign County’s local African-American history and individuals.

Cemetery Haunts

Genealogists and local history buffs aren't the only ones who appreciate a good cemetery.

 

These lovely creatures were captured by our own resident cemetery aficionado, Karla.

If you don't mind spending an afternoon in a cemetery you may be interested in our upcoming workshop: Basic Cemetery Restoration. John Heider, a professional gravestone conservator, will offer a hands on class on how to properly care for Illinois cemeteries and their historic grave markers on June 4th. The class will meet at The Urbana Free Library and Roselawn Cemetery.  

Cemeteries not your thing? 

#tbt Original Boy Band, Circa 1913

Professor Wallace M. Ewing was the director of the Ewing's Zouave Boys' Band for over 15 years during the early 20th century. 

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today America honors the contributions and incredible life of Martin Luther King Jr. On this date we especially pause to remember his passion, bravery and hope for the future. Yet, it is important to note that reminders of his life and teachings surround us every day. From memorials and streets to movies and documentaries, Dr. King’s message of love can easily be recalled. Below are a couple of every day reminders of Martin Luther King’s philosophies. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Urbana 

Formerly Hays School, the elementary school was renamed for Dr. King in the 1970’s. 

Walter C. Glines: Business Owner, Circus Performer

Walter C. Glines was the well-known proprietor of Gline’s Penny Store in Champaign, which he opened during World War I and managed until his retirement in 1956. However, before moving to Champaign and becoming a business owner, Mr. Glines had a successful career as a circus performer.