Illinois changed dramatically during World War II
By Andy Kravetz Of the Journal Star World War II caused dramatic changes to Illinois’ way of life and economy. Washington, Illinois, resident Mary Kerr said the war caused everyone […]
Walgreens, America’s pharmacist, got its start in Illinois
By Christopher Placek Of the Daily Herald A pharmacist at Walgreens for 37 years, Joel Karlinsky might often see people on their worst days, coming to him for antidotes to […]
Reagan’s Illinois: A place of honor, integrity, kindness that inspired a president
By Jim Dunn Of Sauk Valley Media On Feb. 6, 1984, President Ronald Reagan was riding high as he celebrated his 73rd birthday in Dixon, Illinois, the county seat of […]
The Great Migration brought more than 500,000 blacks to Illinois
By Chuck Sweeny Of the Rockford Register Star Victory Bell can still remember the night when he boarded the Illinois Central Railroad’s City of New Orleans in Durant, Mississippi, bound […]
Illinois rivers helped feed economic growth in state
By Joseph Bustos Of the Belleville News-Democrat During the first century of the state’s history, the natural habitats along the Illinois River helped spur fishing industries and had places for […]
Lincoln’s Tomb a place to honor revered 16th president
By The State Journal-Register Staff The final resting place of Abraham Lincoln attracts everyone from schoolchildren to tourists to prayer groups. While children in particular may be attracted to the […]
Whisky thwarted plan to steal Lincoln’s body
By Tara McClellan McAndrew For The State Journal-Register It was July 3, 1876 — the eve of our country’s first centennial. Everyone in Springfield would be celebrating downtown. No one […]
John Looney was the prototype for gangsters who would follow
By Roger Ruthhart Of the Rock Island Argus John Looney was the original Quad-Cities vice lord and also one of the nation’s earliest organized crime leaders. Looney was a thin, […]
Bicentennial STEM Fusion campaign to award 25 Illinois schools unique technology curriculum
CHICAGO — The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial is awarding 25 schools across the state a three-year technology program as a signature legacy project of the Bicentennial Celebration. The IMSA […]
Illinois native Bill Veeck was champion for game of baseball
By Dennis Anderson Of the Peoria Journal Star Bill Veeck wasn’t your typical baseball team owner. He was listed in the Chicago phonebook. He often walked the Comiskey Park concourse […]