HISTORICOHISTORICO Sangamon County Historical Society Newsletter Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9744, Springfield, IL 62791-9744, Phone: 217-525-1961, e-mail: [email protected] web: www.sangamonhistory.org

VOLUME 50 NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2013 Up, Up, and Away! Season Opener Will Put Eye on the Sky With Special Air Combat Museum Tour

The Sangamon County Historical but reservations are a must and can be tions must be made no later than Society kicks off its 2013-2014 meet- m a d e o n - l i n e a t Wednesday, September11. ing season on Tuesday, September 17 www.sangamonhistory.org or by call- “We’re delighted Mike is opening with a members-only tour of the spec- ing the Society at 525-1961. Reserva- the museum to our members as our tacular Air Combat Mu- season opener,” noted seum in Springfield led SCHS president Roger by its founder and Mu- Whitaker. “The museum seum president Mike has a magnificent col- George. lection of aircraft, many The program, part of found in private collec- the Society’s on-going tions and unable to be look at “jewel box” spe- viewed up-close by the cialty museums in Sanga- public.” George and his mon County, will provide staff will be rolling a look at historic air- some of the craft out to craft—each a flying an area outside the huge piece of history— and hangar adjacent to aviation artifacts includ- Springfield’s Abraham ing flight jackets and Lincoln Capital Airport. equipment used by pilots The Museum is located from Sangamon County. at 835 South Airport George will provide in- PLANE FACTS: Mike George, whose passion for the preser- Road. The program will sight on the collection begin at 5:30 p.m. vation of aviation history led to his creation of the Air Combat and the preservation of Museum in Springfield, will display and discuss his collection aviation history. (Continued on page 6) on September 17. Donna Catlin photo The meeting is free

INSIDE DIGGING IN: Society mem- Off to a Flying Start………………………………….....2 bersgoers sam- ple the fare at Anti-Vandalism Bill Signed into Law…………………....3 the annual din- Society Elects Officers, Board ...... …….…………...... 4 ner. More pho- New Journalism Prize to Honor Pokorski’s Memory…4 tos and story on History Happenings...………………………..……...….…7 pages 4 & 5.

From the President’s Desk……………….....Roger Whitaker We’re Off to a Flying Start! Really! With summer mostly behind us, we wel- ganizations with historic properties, but all come September and the start of our new victims of vandalism. The final version of meeting season. the bill upgraded an existing statute that re- And what a season it will be. quires those who commit vandalism to make This month, we’re delighted to continue complete restitution and face a fine, even our series of members-only visits to the substantial jail time if damage is excessive. area’s “jewel box” museums with a tour of That’s a plus for everyone who has ever been Mike George’s Air Combat collection of victimized by wanton vandalism, only to see planes and artifacts that are helping preserve the perpertrators walk away with little pen- this area’s aviation history. alty. Next month, we’ll be headed to Edwards In coming weeks, we will be again reach- Place where you’ll get a chance to see some ing out to our state counterparts to inform of the changes that have been made to this them of the change in the law so that they historic home and then settle in for an eve- can share the information with history or- ning of seasonal “Spooky Sangamon” tales ganizations and others in their area. We also spun by expert story tellers Garrett Moffet, plan to publicly thank those who made the Cathy Mosley, and Tara McCllelan McAn- effort to see this key piece of legislation be- drew. come part of the state’s legal code. Next month, you’ll be getting details Thanks are due, too, to the record number about our November program, focusing on of members who made donations to the Soci- how Sangamon County residents dealt with ety in addition to their dues and to everyone World War II and the Korean War and of who responded to the membership question- course, in December, it’s time for our annual naire we sent out in May. Your answers have Holiday Party. been tremendously helpful and will continue Speaking of the season, work is already to be so as we map our programs and special underway on our entry for the Festival of events over the coming months and also de- Trees. This year’s Festival theme is velop committees. “Rejoice,” at to that end, our ornaments will We’re also pleased that former board focus on the historic houses of worship members Bruce Beeman and Claire Eberle across the County. Drop me a line if you’d have agreed to continue on the board as like to help in the ornament-making process Presidential appointees. Beeman will head or decorating the tree during “set-up” week- the Legal Committee, Eberele, the Member- end at the Orr Building. Last year more than ship Committee. They join Marion Leach, 30,000 visitors saw our tree. who has served on the board as a Presidential As you will read on page 3, Governor Appointee responsible for Membership Rela- Quinn signed into law the anti-vandalism bill tions. your Society sought and successfully saw We have several new board members passed by the State Legislature this past joining our seasoned veterans this year too, a spring. It was a learning process for us and great team to work with! an educational process for our legislators who cut across party lines to support a meas- ure that will not just help individuals and or- Roger

Historico, published 10 times a year, is the official monthly bulletin for members of the San- gamon County Historical Society. Winner, 2013 Certificate of Excellence, Illinois State Histori- cal Society. You can download back issues of Historico in PDF format by going to our website, sangamon- history.org or sancohis.org.

PAGE 2 HISTORICO www.sangamonhistory.org SEPTEMBER 2013 HISTORY NEWS YOU CAN USE...HISTORY NEWS YOU CAN USE...HISTORY NEWS YOU CAN USE...

Anti-Vandalism Bill Advanced by SCHS Signed into Law By Governor Quinn A bill to provide stronger penalties Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), won against and restitution from those who unanimous approval from both the House would damage or destroy privately owned and Senate where it was co-sponsored by and operated historic properties became Senator Andy Manar (D-Staunton) Pam- effective August 16 when Governor Pat- ela Althoff (R-McHenry), William Sam rick Quinn signed it into law. The bill. McCann (R-Jacksonville) and Kirk Dil- Public Act 098-0466, is an upgrade of an lard (R-Westmont) existing anti-vandalism bill and extends to In its efforts to see the legislation schools and houses of worship as well. passed, the Sangamon County Historical “While the bill we proposed and cam- Society reached out to its county counter- paigned for specifically dealt with historic parts around the state, drawing a signifi- OFFICERS sites, noted SCHS, it was broadened to cant number of letters of support and ac- include the wider community , noted tion by the other organizations, some of President…….…...... Roger Whitaker Ruth Slottag president Roger Whitaker, “and while whom buttonholed their representatives to Vice-President……....… Secretary……….……..….Elaine Hoff specific mention of historic sites was support the bill. Treasurer…………..Richard Herndon dropped in the final language in order to Sangamon Society president Whitaker conform to existing statutes, the end result testified on behalf of the legislation at DIRECTORS is the same. For the first time, non-public both the Senate and House Judiciary Com- organizations and individuals who own or mittees, joined by Dan Usherwood, presi- Term Ending 2014 operate historic sites will have recourse dent of the Pleasant Plains Historical Soci- Patricia Davis through the courts to see that those who ety (which owns and operates the Clay- Kathy Hoffmann Brenda Holmes vandalize such sites will be appropriately ville Historic site that has experienced Doug Polite punished and ordered to make restitution.” vandalism in the past), Pasfield House Vicky Whitaker State and federal sites are already covered owner Tony Leone, whose site was dam- by law. aged last fall by vandals, and Pat McDan- Term Ending 2015 The Society proposed the legislation iel, executive director of the Macon Donna Catlin last spring after a series of incidents in County History Museum and Prairie Vil- Les Eastep which vandals caused thousands of dollars lage in Decatur. David Grimm worth of damage to privately operated “We have stayed in contact with our Mary Alice Davis Francie Staggs historic properties in Sangamon County. county counterparts throughout the past The bill, introduced by Representative several months, even creating a website Term Ending 2016 David Harris (R-Mt. Prospect) and co- where we can exchange information. Now Rebecca Cisco sponsored by fellow House members John that the bill has become law, we will be Kathy Dehen Cabello (R-Loves Park), Michael Zleski reaching out once more to alert them to Sue Massie (D-Riverside), Dennis Reboletti (R- the change in the law so that they will be Cathy Mosley David Scott Addison), Lawrence Walsh Jr. (D-Joliet), able to notify local historical organizations Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Dwight Kay (R- and historic sites in their county of the Presidential Appointees To Board Edwardsville), Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), Greg new provision. We are currently conduct- Marion Leach, Membership Relations Chair Harris (D-Chicago), John Cavaletto (R- ing a survey of such sites in Sangamon Bruce Beeman Salem), Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago), County so that we can do the same here, Legal Chair Rich Brauer (R-Springfield) and C.D. Whitaker said. Claire Eberle Membership Chair

SEPTEMBER DONOR REPORT SCHS Executive Coordinator The Society gives special thanks to the following donors: Dr. Samuel Wheeler

R-Lou Barker, Byron A. Bartlett, Bruce & Joan Beeman, Sherri Boner, Please make note of our new Chris & Val Butler, Donna & Carl Catlin, Job C. Conger IV, Denis Con- mailing address: lon, Barbara Dickerman, Nadine Ferguson, Jackie & Mark Hansen (in SCHS memory of Floyd Barringer), Richard E. Hart, Ken & Judith Lazar, Kent Box 9744 & Sue Massie, Frank & Ruthann Mazrin, Richard McLane, Vicki & Norm Megginson, John & Pinky Noll, Steven & Paula Peddicord, Dana Springfield, Illinois, & Richard Saal, and Dr. Elvin & Mrs. Zook. 62791-9744

SEPTEMBER 2013 HISTORICO www.sangamonhistory.org PAGE 3 Annual Dinner: Looking Back, Looking Ahead Elections, Tribute and A Future Award, Fundraising Fun

The Sangamon County Historical Society wrapped tial term. up one of its most successful seasons in its 53-year At this year’s dinner, Society leaders, a fellow history on June 25 with an annual dinner, elections, a journalist and a close family friend reminisced about silent and live auction and a special tribute to the late the popular president, sharing often touching stories Doug Pokorski, a veteran reporter for the State Jour- and impressions of Pokorski with the sell-out dinner nal-Register, who led the Society from 2002-2003. crowd. The creation of a new journalism prize for the cov- The presentation was coordinated by Kathryn Har- erage of Illinois history was announced at the dinner ris, director of Library Services for the Abraham Lin- and will be awarded at next year’s event. coln Presidential Library, who succeeded Pokorski as To be known as the Pokorski Award, guidelines president of the Society. Harris will be next year’s for the honor will be developed by a blue-ribbon keynoter. committee of nationally prominent journalists and Other presenters were SCHS past president Rich- historians and will be promoted nationwide, SCHS ard Hart; SCHS member Mike Kienzler, retired State president Roger Whitaker told the gathering. The Journal-Register night metro editor; SCHS past presi- award was approved by the Society’s board at its last dent Dr. Virgilio Pilapil; City of Springfield historian meeting. and SCHS past president Curtis Mann, head of the Pokorski won a number of awards for his educa- Sangamon Valley Collection at the City of Spring- tion coverage, including a first-place national award field’s Lincoln Library; and Jane Ford, a close from the Education Writers Association for a five- Pokorski family friend. part series on school finance credited with helping The annual dinner was held at historic Westmin- spur passage of a temporary tax increase for educa- ster Presbyterian Church in Springfield. The evening tion. also included the Society’s annual election and its But it was for reporting on Abraham Lincoln and traditional auction, this time both silent and live. The other historical topics that Pokorski came to be recog- auctions raised over $1,400. nized well beyond Central Illinois. His thorough Nominating Committee chair Brenda Holmes pre- and zealous historical reporting not only made sided over the elections that included the re-election him popular with readers here, but it also made of Whitaker as president and Richard Herndon as him a nationally recognized historian. treasurer. Also elected to the Society’s executive Traditionally, the Society invites the president of board were Ruth Slottag as vice-president and Elaine the organization from decade earlier to give the key- Hoff, secretary. note address. That honor would have gone to Pokor- Elected to the board seats were Rebecca Cisco, ski, who died from a heart attack in April, 2003, at Cathy S. Mosley, Kathy Dehen, Sue Massie, David age 53, two months short of the end of his presiden- Scott, and Mary Alice Davis.

WORDS OF WELCOME: Society president Roger Whitaker welcomes attendees at the Society’s annual dinner held at the historic West- minster Presbyterian Church in Springfield on June 25 that drew over 130 participants. The evening included a Power Point show high- lighting the year’s events, the annual election, silent and live auctions that raised over $1,400 and a special tribute to the late Doug Pokor- ski, who died in office a decade ago and would have traditionally been the keynote speaker. A moving tribute to Pokorski, a prize-winning State Journal Register journalist, was given by his associates in a program put together by Kathryn Harris, (from top, left) director of Li- brary Services for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, who succeeded Pokorski as president. Harris will also be next year’s key- noter. Other presenters were SCHS past president Richard Hart, Mike Kienzler, retired State Journal-Register night metro editor, SCHS past president Dr. Virgilio Pilapil, past president City of Springfield historian and past president Curtis Mann, head of the Sangamon Valley Collection at the City of Springfield’s Lincoln Library, and Jane Ford, a close Pokorski family friend. Donna Catlin photos.

PAGE 4 HISTORICO www.sangamonhistory.org SEPTEMBER 2013 HANDS UP: Bidding at the live-auction included wav- ing a numbered “hand” to outbid the competition for items such as weekend get- aways, historic publica- tions, vintage dolls, and signed, first edition books. More than 40 items were on the block for the Silent Auction. All were sold.

SPORTS FAN and SCHS Life Mem- ber Janine Toman is all smiles as she holds her live auc- tion prize, a well- preserved copy of a Chicago Tribune sports section from 1969.

GOOD FIXIN’S AND FUN: Dinner at- tendees dined on a delicious buffet pre- pared by Carol Jean Fraase. The after- dinner fun included the live auction. Here, SCHS auction committee member Roni Betts provides Katie Spindell with a close look at one of the live auction items, preserved original front pages from late 1800s Harper’s Weekly featuring cartoons by Thomas Nast. Donna Catlin photos

SEPTEMBER 2013 HISTORICO www.sangamonhistory.org PAGE 5

Members Only Air Museum Tour DIRECTIONS TO THE MUSEUM To Kick Off Fall Meeting Season

(Continued from page 1) George, president of Springfield-headquartered George Alarm, became fascinated with flight at an early age, progressing to obtaining many of the airplanes head read about and saw at air shows. His collection repre- sents a life-long commitment to aviation history and in- cludes Fleet Model 9, one of only two remaining of this

type of aircraft left in the world; the 1942 Ryan PT-22 Recruit, the first mono-plane used by the U.S. Army Air Address: 835 South Airport Road, Springfield. Corps for pilot training and manufactured by the same company who built Charles Lindbergh’s “The Spirit of The Museum is located a short distance from the St. Louis”; and the Galeb Seagull, the first jet airplane main entrance to Abraham Lincoln Capitol Air- designed and built in Yugoslavia to enter production in port off J. David Jones Parkway (IL 29). the 1960s. The museum’s aircraft is a movie star. If you saw the movie Iron Eagle III with Lou Gossett, you saw When you turn into the main airport entrance, this airplane! make the first left (onto South Airport Drive) and proceed to the Museum/hangar which will In addition to the presentation and the large collection be on your right. of planes, you’ll get a chance to see vintage memorabilia, models and more housed in display cases. Two armored The building is well marked. Parking is plenti- vehicles, a 1943 MC Half-track and a 1958 Alvis Saladin, ful. are also part of the Museum’s collection.

HISTORY HAPPENINGS AROUND SANGAMON COUNTY ber 12 by Erica Holst, curator of Edwards their dreams and the War of 1812. Hidden History Show & Series Place, who will talk about “Antebellum On September 11, the Black Hawk War Now at SAA’s Edwards Place Springfield Art.” and its Aftermath will be the focus of Dr. “Buy Local or by River: Furnishing Michael Wiant, archaeologist and Director With its Edwards Place headquarters as Springfield and the Midwest,” will be the of the Dixon Mounds State Archeological the springboard, the Springfield Art Asso- topic September 19 when Andrew Rich- site. Continuing the saga as tribes resettle ciation has opened a new exhibit and is mond of Garth’s Auction speaks. The se- near Peoria, Dr. Wiant will focus on the launching a lecture series this month that ries ends September 16 with “The Built action taken by Chief Black Hawk and the tells the story of Springfield during the Environment of Early Springfield,” with ensuing Black Hawk War. years before the Civil War as seen through Christopher Schnell of Saint Louis Univer- The series will conclude on September the lens of one of the few houses that sur- sity as the speaker. 18 when re-enactor Fritz Klein, as Presi- vived to tell about it. dent Lincoln, explains the desperate Indian “Hidden in Plain Sight: The Material Fireside Chats at Iles circumstances during his presidency, his Life of Early Springfield,” displays small To Focus on Black Hawk intense feelings, and national policy initi- but significant collection of artifacts sur- ated to improve conditions. viving from those early days, including Iles House kicks off its fall Fireside paintings, decorative arts and archaeologi- Chats series with a look at “The American Clayville Fall Fest Coming Up cal artifacts that are time travelers from Indian in the Old Northwest.” September 21 & 22 the early 19th century. The three-part series, free, runs on The exhibition, which runs until Octo- Wednesdays September 4, 11 & 18 at 7 The Pleasant Plains Historical Society ber 5, features highlights from the SAA's p.m. Reservations are required and can be holds its annual Clayville Fall Festival on collection of pre-1860 objects. A four-part made by calling 492-5929. Iles House is Saturday, September 21 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) lecture series in conjunction with the ex- located at 628 North 7th Street, Springfield. and Sunday, September 22 (10 a.m.-4 pm.) hibit begins Thursday, September 5 and Dale Phillips, military historian and at the restored historic site it operates off continues on successive Thursdays, at 7 Superintendent of the Lincoln Home Na- Route 125 east of Pleasant Plains. p.m. tional Historic site, launches the series Watch artisans and craftsmen at work, Archeologist Robert Mazrim will kick with a presentation entitled “Final Deci- tour Broadwell Tavern and Batterton Cab- off the lecture series with a discussion on sion for the Old Northwest, September- ins, hear music and see military reenact- “The Archaeology of Early 19th Century October 1813.” He will trace the confed- ments. For more details, go to Illinois.” He will be followed on Septem- eration efforts of the tribes, battles ending www.clayville.org

PAGE 6 HISTORICO www.sangamonhistory.org SEPTEMBER 2013 2013 SANGAMON COUNTY Two-Day IHPA Conference on Illinois History HISTORICAL to be Held in Springfield September 26 & 27 SOCIETY MEETING SCHEDULE Members of the Sangamon County Historical Society are invited to sign-up for a Conference on Illinois His- tory that will be held in Springfield on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27 at the Prairie Capitol Wednesday, September Convention Center and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. This is the 15th year of the conference, spon- 11: Registration deadline for sored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. September 17 Members Only The event will include a two-part workshop on the National Register of Historic Places. The workshop will General Meeting, Air Com- focus on the origins of the program, what it means to be registered, examples of National Register properties in bat Museum, Springfield. Illinois, and the requirements are in order to become registered as well as the application process itself and the Call 525-1961 or sign-up at best practices for writing a nomination form. sangamonhistory.org. The conference includes 23 sessions on topics such as politics, Abraham Lincoln, Latino history, and the Saturday, September 14, Civil War, seven workshops, and two roundtable discussions. 6 p.m. Board Dinner meet- Veteran journalist and author Robert Hartley will be luncheon featured luncheon speaker on Thursday, his ing. talk focusing on “How a Rifle Shot Changed the Illinois Election Outcome.” Harley has written several books Tuesday, September 17: about significant Illinois political figures including Paul Powell, Charles Percy, and Paul Simon. His recent 5:30 p.m. General Meeting work, Battleground 1948: Truman, Stevenson, Douglas, and the Most Surprising Election in Illinois His- (Members only), Air Combat tory, examines the pivotal role Illinois played in the 1948 elections of Adlai Stevenson II as governor, Paul Museum (See details, page Douglas as senator, and Harry Truman as president of the United States. Suzanne Cooper Guasco, the Robert Haywood Morrison Associate Professor and Chair of History at Queens 1). University at Charlotte, North Carolina will be the guest speaker on Thursday night at a banquet to be held at Wednesday, October 9, 5 the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Her book Edward Coles and the Rise of Antislavery Politics in p.m. board meeting, Carne- Nineteenth-Century America examines the important role that Edward Coles—Illinois' second governor (1822– gie Room South, City of 26)—played in shaping the national debate against slavery. Springfield Library. Mark Pohlad, associate professor of Art History and associate dean of Liberal Studies at DePaul University, Tuesday, October 22, will discuss the Windy City's Lincoln connections using historic and modern-day images “Abraham Lincoln: general meeting, “Spooky Chicagoan?” when he addresses those attending the event’s Friday luncheon. Sangamon County,” Ed- Pohlad teaches courses in American and Modern European art, the history of photography, and Chicago top- wards Place ics. He frequently speaks on his research interests—photohistory, Abraham Lincoln, Chicago artists, and the Wednesday, December relationship between art and history. 11: SCHS board meeting, Fees for the event range from $90 for both days to $50 per day. Luncheons and banquet fees are separate. For Carnegie Room South. City registration information and the event program, go to www.illinoishistory.gov/conference.htm or call 558- of Springfield Library. 9014. Sangamon County Historical Society Friends and Sponsors

Our names are Jilly and Fergus And We Love History

SEPTEMBER 2013 HISTORICO www.sangamonhistory.org PAGE 7

Sangamon County Historical Society Non–profit Organization P.O. Box 9744, U.S. Postage Springfield, IL 62791-9744 PAID Return Service Requested Permit No. 777 Springfield, Illinois

Sangamon County Historical Society MEMBERSHIP/MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Form Mail this form with your check to the Sangamon County Historical Society, Box 9744, Springfield, IL 62791-9744. You may also join or renew on line by going to sangamonhistory.org.

Name ______

Address______

City, State, Zip ______

Phone: ______Cell: ______E-mail: ______

Status . Membership Levels

___ New Member 01 -- Regular Membership - $25

02 -- Not-For-Profit Membership - $20 (Must show proof of status). ___ Renewal 03 -- Student Membership - $10. (Must show proof of status). ___ Gift of Membership from: 04 -- Educator, $15. (Must show proof of status). 05 -- Pioneer Level Membership - $100. ______06 -- Settlers Level Membership - $250. 07 -- Trailblazer Level Membership - $500. Phone ______08 -- Lifetime Membership - $700

SEPTEMBER 2013 SEPTEMBER 2013 SEPTEMBER 2013