Try Out Try-It Illinois, October 1 through November 30, 2015
Try-It! Illinois 2015, the fifteenth annual statewide database trial sponsored by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and the Illinois State Library, is now available. Come visit or call the Archives and get your password!
A New Look for the Archives Desk
Visit the Champaign County Historical Archives and check out our newly-arranged reference area, complete with a handy stand-up table for spreading out atlases, and a great view of the courthouse painting.
Marnie, Archives Assistant
Relaxing View of Church Street
The full trees and sunlight dappled across the pavement are what give this circa 1940 photograph of Church Street (Champaign) a serene, summer feel. Photographer Harold Holmes shot this photograph looking east from in front of Cole Hospital, 800 W. Church St.
Champaign County Yearbooks
Did you know the town of Sidney used to have its own high school? What about Sadorus? Or Ogden? Or Thomasboro?
#TBT Lincoln Hotel's Sidewalk Cafe Dining
Does this look familiar? This is the indoor patio dining area of the Lincoln Hotel located in Lincoln Square Mall from September 17, 1964.
The Great Urbana Fire of 1871
During the same year as the Great Chicago Fire, Urbana also experienced its own tragic blaze.
A Dollop of Sunshine
Sunflowers say "summer" like no other plant, so as we start the transition into fall here is one more look at summer in all her glory.
Urbana-Champaign Reads
September 8th is International Literacy Day. First celebrated in 1966, this annual day of action highlights the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies.
Camera Crew from KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh focuses on Garden Hills Elementary School Reading Club, April 5, 1986
#TBT 30 Years Ago at the Wilbur Mansion
Historical wedding dresses from 1860-1920s on display at the Champaign County Historical Museum located in the Wilber Mansion. Pictured left to right are Judy Kaufman (in her 1957 wedding gown), Susan Chalifoux (in an 1890 wedding gown from the museum's collection), and Laurie McCarthy (in her 1980 wedding gown).
Are You A Musician?
The caption under the photo claims what science has proven to be true - "Music helps wonderfully!" These Aviation Mechanics Band members were photographed at Chanute Field, Rantoul, IL, sometime around 1917. Visit the Champaign County Historical Archives to view the original and many more historic photos of Chanute Field.
The Summertime Staple: The Urbana Sweetcorn Festival!
This weekend is the 40th Annual Urbana Sweetcorn Festival. In honor of that occasion the Archives wants to share a few pictures of the Midwest delicacy.
Love is in the August Air
August is Romance Awareness month, so show your love of local history by stopping by the Champaign County Historical Archives. We have an array of books, LP’s, vertical files and much more to smitten all history lovers!
#TBT Broom Corn Factory, Arcola, Ill.
Central Illinois' annual Broom Corn Festival will be held in downtown Arcola, Illinois this year September 11-13.
Cooking with Local Flavor: Community Cookbooks in the Archives
The Urbana Free Library has a very popular cookbook collection, but did you know the Champaign County Historical Archives has its own collection of over 100 local cookbooks compiled by local organizations, schools, libraries, churches, and various societies? If you would like access to these fantastic cookbooks with local flavor, just ask our staff at the Archives front desk!
Meet Bing - Chanute Field's Parachuting Dog
Meet Bing the official mascot of the Air Service Mechanic's School at Chanute Field dated November 3, 1921.
Flag of Earth
Flags have been in the news lately, and the nation has been contemplating the power of symbols to unite and divide. One Champaign County resident, James Cadle, understood this dichotomy perfectly and in 1970 created a flag for the Earth, free from all “political, cultural, or geographical commitments,” truly a flag for all humankind.
The Flag of Earth depicts very simply the yellow Sun, the blue Earth, the white Moon, and the blackness of Space.
Smiley Burnett in a Garage Band?
I thought I had discovered the predecessors to the 1960’s “garage bands” when I came across this photo, undated but probably from the late 1920’s or early 1930’s, of the J.F. Lorch Garage Entertainers.
Cancer Positively Cured; No Knife Used; Safety and Permanency Assured
Sometimes, ideas for blog posts are sitting on the desk just waiting to be written about! This tiny, 8-page pamphlet advertising Dr. M. Brandom was found among photos and ephemera in a box being processed by Norma B.