What’s Playing at the Drive-In?
Drive-In movie theaters hold a special place in American history and hold very fond memories for teenagers growing up in the 1950’s. With the novelty of being able to drive up to a movie, struggling to fit all your friends into the back seat of your car and watch the latest hit out of Hollywood, the Drive-In was pure magic.
Champaign and Urbana have been home to several wonderful theaters and by the 1950’s could boast to having two Drive-Ins.
New Exhibit: Champaign County and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918
Stop by the second floor of the Urbana Free Library to see the new Champaign County Historical Archives exhibit called "Champaign County and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918" on display now!
The H1N1 virus (above) was behind the flu pandemic of 1918.
What Does That Say? The Obstacles of Reading and Understanding Early American Writings
It’s easy to forget in this day and age when everything is typed and delivered electronically that handwriting was once considered an art. However, in the Archives we are fortunate enough to possess thousands of records written in longhand.
Pickin' & Grinnin'
Sometimes you stumble upon a photograph that brightens your entire day. This one was mine a few weeks ago.
So infectious are those grins.
Champaign Fire Department Turns 150!
This month the Champaign Fire Department is celebrating its 150th Anniversary (1865-2015) and they will be observing the occasion with a parade and a Fire Muster this coming Sunday, July 19, 2015.
Part of the activities that day will be a mobile history museum of the Champaign Fire Department. Here at the Archives we thought we would get the commemorative ball rolling with some historical pictures from our collection.
Archives Visitors
We have a saying in the Archives that you never know who will walk in the door on any given day, and that’s one of the many reasons we love our jobs. It is especially interesting when we can put our hands on documents relating to our patrons’ pasts.
Fourth of July Celebrations
#TBT Fourth of July celebrations in Champaign-Urbana
The kids in southwest Champaign were not to be outdone on the Fourth. They decorated bikes, wagons, tricycles, and themselves and had their own parade near James and Charles streets. July 4, 1969.
The Circus is Coming to Town!
Scenes from the Circus Parade in downtown Champaign from 1909! #TBT!
Photographs courtesy of the Champaign County Historical Archives Circus photograph envelope.
Lara, Archives Assistant
Love Family History, Love Reading Fiction? Here are Titles that Combine Both!
Just in time for the Urbana Free Library’s Summer Reading Program, the Archives has created a list of twenty fiction titles with themes of family history and genealogy. All of these books are available at the Urbana Free Library and include books for both adults and kids. Of course if you’re interested in non-fiction books, the Champaign County Historical Archives has a wide array of genealogical titles too. Happy Summer Reading!
Rising Sun School
In honor of the upcoming summer solstice (June 21st) we present you with an interior picture of Rising Sun School for this installation of #TBT.
Rising Sun School was a one-room school house in Condit Township. Teacher Hattie McBrian oversees lessons in this photo dated circa 1938.
Summer Time, Travel Time
How do you plan to travel to your vacation spot this summer? We have some suggestions.
Fan of the slow movement. Horse and wagon should be just your speed.
Your Pedigree on Paper
With the overwhelming availability of online genealogical websites and family tree software, folks interested in their roots may have been overlooking a traditional method of recording their ancestors: the 15-Generation (paper) pedigree chart.
‘Gamblers’ Row’ aka Champaign’s North Market Street
During the spring of 1937, one intrepid Courier reporter took the citizens of Champaign-Urbana on a 6 part series tour of Champaign’s gambling dens. For this week’s #TBT we bring you pictures from North Market Street aka ‘Gamblers’ Row.’
“It’s a dull job Patrolman Charles Cole of the Champaign police force has been assigned to by Chief Roy Argo. His beat is confirmed to “Gamblers’ Row,” North Market Street. When this picture was taken it appears that Patrolman Cole was watching the entrances to 103 and 105 North Market street out of the corner of his eye.”
Throwback Thursday: The Self Portrait
Selfies are a new trend, right? But, wait! Look at what we discovered. A self-portrait (selfie) of Ella Porter dated 1915! Maybe selfies aren’t as new as we thought.
Women and the Process of Naturalization
For those who don’t know, naturalization is the process where an immigrant, or non-citizen can legally apply for citizenship.
Happy and safe Memorial Day everyone.
#TBT "Dick Stillwell, 58, of American Legion Post 24 in Champaign, has been helping decorate graves of veterans with American flags since he was a junior in high school helping his father, who was a veteran of World War I and II."
Here he is decorating graves in Mount Hope Cemetery, Champaign, IL for Memorial Day in 1993. News-Gazette, 30 May 1993 page D-1, photographer Curt Beamer.