The Era of Railroads
The Archives received a new donation this week. A beautiful map depicting the railroad lines in Illinois as they existed in 1892. Officially tilted “Railroad map of Illinois, 1892 prepared under the direction of and presented by, John R. Wheeler, Isaac N. Phillips, and J.C. Willis, Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners” the map was presented as part of the Illinois Railroad and Warehouse Commission’s 21st annual report in 1891.
At UIUC, Before There Was "Unofficial", There Was...Halloween!
This article "Officials ponder putting hex on UI Halloween" was printed in the October 15, 1989 News-Gazette. In a pumpkin shell, the article states that the celebration of Halloween on campus started about 1975 "with crowds spilling into the streets and challenging police in impromptu drunken revelry. Police responded with riot gear and dogs."
The Old Homer Park
It is always nice to visit local parks! Homer Park (now park of Homer Lake Forest Preserve) was a popular 14-acre destination park located on the Salt Fork River during the first half of the twentieth century. The park was popular for parties, reunions, weddings, and July 4th celebrations.
Above is the Homer Park Pedestrian Bridge/Illinois Traction System Railroad Bridge, photographed in 1907, with onlookers observing a water chute rider.
Autumn Shopping from 1900
Feeling nostalgic while flipping through newspaper advertisements? Sick of online shopping? Want to reconnect with times-gone-by? Then check out the Archives copy of the Sears, Roebuck and Company: Consumers Guide, Fall 1900.This 1970 reprint of the original catalog gives a firsthand glimpse into life and products from 1900. Some of the items on sale were “Acme Horse Fattening Powder”, “Princess Hair Restorer” and an entire department dedicated to headstones.
10 Million Pages of Historic Newspapers
Historical newspapers are a daily resource in my job. Obituaries, town happenings, world events, and pop culture all come together in your local newspaper. That’s why it is so exciting when the Library of Congress announces that the Chronicling America project, an online resource of historic U.S. newspapers published between 1836 and 1922, has posted its 10 millionth page!
Grain Elevators - Skyscrapers of the Prairie
Grain elevators, still dominate the rural Midwest skyline although they are not as prevalent today as they were in the late 19th – early 20th centuries.
Invented in 1842 by Joseph Dart and Robert Dunbar in Buffalo, New York, the grain elevator quickly migrated to the Midwest and the Plains where an expanding railroad made it possible to efficiently transport grain straight from the farmland.
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.