McHenry Area Historical Society-- Part 2: Early Board Games

They now have a Facebook and Blog up and running.  There are 2100 followers on Facebook with 8-12,000 views per article.

Today's presenter, Pat Wirtz is a bit like me, or the beloved Bill Shea down in Springfield, Illinois, in that he pretty much collects everything.  And, like me, he is a White Sox fan, as is Double D.  Must be a good guy.

His topic today:  Board Games.

The first commercially-sold board game was The mansion of Happiness in 1843.  It was a children's board game based on Christian  morality.  Players raced around a 66-space spiral track depicting  virtues and vices.  Land on a vice square and you go back.

At one time, the two major board game companies were Milton-Bradley (Pat says 2/3 of his games are made by them) and Parker brothers.  Both are now owned by Hasbro.

The earliest board games were made by lithography companies.  But production unfortunately was only limited to a few hundred copies.  Then, they changed to using watercolors.

--Cooter

Looking Back to 1966: Mr. Lincoln's Whiskey

From the August 17, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1966, 50 Years Ago.

"An ancient bottle of whiskey presented by Abraham Lincoln more than a century ago was found when authorities opened the cornerstone of the Illinois Capitol."

Was It Still Drinkable?  --DaCoot

Looking Back to 1916: Building An Electrical Building in Springfield, Illinois

From the March 30, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1916, 100 Years Ago.

"Winfield Divine, formerly of Sycamore, has been employed to take charge of a large contract, the erection of an electrical building in Springfield, Illinois, for William McAlpine, contractor, of Dixon, formerly of Sycamore who erected the DeKalb County court house."

An Electrifying Performance.  --Cooter

A Tale of Two Capitols-- Part 4: The "New" One

Well, it is not so new anymore.

Ground was broken on the current Illinois statehouse in 1868, and the building's first general assembly was held there in 1877.  The highest elevation in Springfield was chosen for the capitol building, and to thsi day, no structure in Springfield is allowed to be taller than the zinc-covered dome.

It  is a majestic example of French renaissance style and serves as the center of Illinois politics and government (what there is of it with our current group).

Spectators can watch the House and Senate proceedings from public galleries, visit legislative offices and learn about the history and current use of the building on daily free guided tours.

Is There a Dome In Your Future?  --DaDomer

A Tale of Two State Capitols-- Part 3: Walk It or Guide It

From 1898-1899 it was raised and a third floor added under it.

From 1966-1969, it was completely dismantled and rebuilt.

Visitors to the Old State Capitol can take a 30-minute interpreter-conducted tour or view the rooms on their own.   Also available is a 15-minute orientation video on the building's history.

The building is fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

#1 Old State Capitol Plaza.

--CootCap

A Tale of Two Illinois State Capitols, the Old State Capitol-- Part 2 From State Capitol to Sangamon County Courthouse.

The Old State Capitol building in Springfield served as the center of government and Illinois political life from 1839-1836 and featured prominently in the lives of President Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas.  It is here where Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided" speech, pleaded cases before the Illinois Supreme Court (while a lawyer) 1840-1860 and announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

He used  the governors rooms as headquarters during his 1860 presidential campaign.  It was also the scene of his final laying-in-state on May 3-4, 1865 and from where his body was removed for burial.

The building soon was inadequate for government of the state and it was decided to build a new, larger one which was opened in 1876.  From 1876, the Old State Capitol served as the county courthouse of Sangamon County and over the years was extensively restructured.

--CootDivided

A Tale of Two Illinois State Capitols-- Part 1: Abe Lincoln Spoke Here

From Springfield, Illinois, 2016 Visitors Guide.

In Springfield there are two state Capitols, so if you ask for directions to the Capitol, make sure to say "new" or "old," even though the "new" one isn't all that "new" anymore.

Actually, the two Capitols in Springfield are the third and fourth ones.  Illinois became a state in 1818, and the first two capitals were at Kaskaskia and Vandalia.  Springfield became the third and final capital in 1837.

Springfield's first Capitol is a red-domed Greek Revival-style building made of local Sugar Creekmlimestone.  This is where Abraham Lincoln served in the state legislature and where he gave his famous "House Divided" speech.  It is open for tours.  (The annual Route 66 International Festival in Springfield takes place around it.)

--CootAbe

Dana-Thomas House Closed in Springfield

From the Dec. 13, 2010, Springfield (Il) State Journal-Register.

It closed January 1st and was expected to be that way for a half year until some $2.5 million in repairs is spent.  It was built in 1904 by Frank Lloyd Wright.  The state acquired ownership in 1981 and it reopened in 1990 after a 3-year, $5 million restoration.  No significant work has been done on it since then.

There is a long list of needed repairs.

The house brings in about $85,000 a year in suggested donations.

Of course, it has since reopened and if you're ever in Springfield cruising Route 66, this makes a great, though often overlooked, stop.

See the House.  See It.  --  Cooter

A Whole Lot of History at the Fair

Yesterday, we went to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield for the first time ever and were impressed.  Sure a whole lot of history and food here.

We were very impressed with the architecture of the exhibition building and the Coliseum.  And, as far as food history, the Cozy Dog wasn't there on the grounds, but  at least four other Cozy Dog places were spotted and we ate at one and the dog, well...Cozy, was the same.

I had a good time looking at the grandstand headliners through the years, especially in the 60s when you'd have Bob Hope, Liberace and Iron Butterfly taking turns on the stage.

I'll Have Another Cozy, Thank You!  --Cooter

Get Your History Here in Springfield, Illinois

Sitting here in the capital of Illinois, Springfield (and some believe the "real site" of Homer Simpson's Springfield). Liz is sleeping so I'm taking the opportunity to get caught up on e-mails and blogs, especially since this is the first day of the month,

Of course, the city is known for all its Lincoln stuff, and rightfully so. But that's not all the history there is. Some other places:


ROUTE 66

Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum
Cozy Dog Drive In
Several Route 66 alignments through the city as well as the Dirksen and Stevenson Expressways, the Route 66 By pass.

Signage makes following the alignments easy.
Route 66 Hotel and Convention Center in the first Holiday Inn in Illinois.
Several bars dating back to the road including the Curve Inn and Lake Springfield Tap.


HOMES

Edwards Place built 1833
Elijah Iles House and Museum of Springfield History. Oldest surviving home belonged to Springfield's founder.
Executive Mansion-- Governor's house where Blago wouldn't stay.

Vachel Lindsay Home-- known for his poetry. Born and lived here all his life.
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Closed for repairs but open in the summer 2011.

John H. Lewis Home-- leader of United Mine Workers Labor Union.

And, That's Not All. --Cooter

Bill Shea at D-Day

Yesterday, while touring Bill Shea's automotive museum in Springfield, Illinois, two of the best dollars you'll ever spend, I was surprised to find out he was at Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge as well as three other actions during the World War II.

I never knew that. The museum has a pair of boots that were worn at the the landing as well as sand from the beach from two reunions at the site that he attended.

Also of interest, is the uniform Bill Shea wore when he got back home from the war. It was also worn by his son, Bill, before he went off to the Vietnam War, his grandson, and even great grandson.

That is some family military history.

Bill Shea operated a gas station, now turned into a museum for over 50 years in Springfield and is the original Mr. Texaco Man.

A Real Piece of History. --Cooter

Doing a Lincoln Thing Here in His Hometown

Well. it's his 200th birthday anniversary, you know.

Yesterday, we parked over by the Lincoln Museum and Library and took a walk around. Both buildings have striking architecture. There were a lot of people around, but not nearly as many as the year they opened.

Then there's that wonderful old 1900 train depot that has been restored to its former glory, even including the tower. As impressive as that structure is, the surrounding grounds have been landscaped beautifully.

We didn't have time to tour the museum, which is now $2 more expensive at $10 for adults. We wanted to see if buddy JJ was going to be at Capital City to play NTN and he is the security guard at the Lincoln Library, so we dropped in.

He was there and said he'd be at Capital City. He also had us take a look at the birthday cards and banners sent by people and students from all over the US. He said just a small number were on display with thousands more stored away. Quite impressive, especially the banners which are hanging in the main hall.

One person even sent a card made of tile.

Happy Birthday, Abe!! --Cooter

Lincoln Land Here in Springfield, Illinois

We've finished the Missouri Motor Tour and are in Springfield, Illinois, right now. Planning on spending a couple days here looking at Route 66 and Lincoln stuff. I've often wanted to visit the GAR museum.

Of course, there are horseshoe meals to enjoy, Charlie Parker's, Cozy Dog (1940s), the AUCE walleye at Capital City, and, of course, the Curve Inn (1930s) across from the hotel. Also, there is a new Golden Corral right down the road.

Hopin' There's Enough Time to Do All That Eating. --Cooter