top of page
A History of Founders' Grove in Maps
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Past posts
One Hundred Years Ago Today in McLean County
Grit and Persistence
In the past few years, education researchers have started talking about "grit and persistence" as being two necessary character traits...
A Thimble Party
The Pantagraph seemingly announced every event that occurred within a 75 mile radius of Bloomington. One event that was reported...
Nothing New Under the Sun
It was a slow news day at the Pantagraph but one curious advertisement caught my eye: When no-line bifocals came to my attention I...
Labor Day Parade
The Labor Day Parade was a huge success in Bloomington in 1915. Representatives of the unions of the city all marched in the parade and...
Law & Order: Bootleggers Beware
Much of the court's time was taken up with illegal alcohol activities once Bloomington illegalized alcohol under the local option. The...
Hobo Girl in McLean County Jail
On this date 100 years ago a young woman threw herself upon the mercy of the County Sheriff for a place to stay. Gertie St. Leece was...
Vaudeville in Bloomington
While the Irvin was tempting the public with their brand new theatre, other theatres had to step up their games to bring in the public....
Railroad Innovates at Employee Expense
Innovations in railroad lanterns, meant for the safety of the railroad company's property and the life and limbs of the company's...
Movie Palace Opens
On this date 100 years ago the Irvin Theatre opened at 204 East Jefferson. (It was pulled down to make a parking lot for 2nd Pres...
Diamond Ring Disappears
A farm wife, Mrs. Burroughs, living near Mossville, was making bread in her home and after completing this chore, could not find her...
bottom of page