History Minded

History of Halloween's Jack O' Lantern

The deadly history of the color green

Illinois' oldest civil record (1737-1769) was discovered by Nick Perrin in St. Clair county archives in 1890.

Boards creak beneath the feet of a Viking warrior as the ship bobs in the water. Waves crash against the bow sending ocean spray into...

Fireworks are a time honnored tradition in celebrations around the world and can trace their origins back to the Han Dynasty in China

In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation.

Scientist, historians, and craftsmen gather every year to construct a 13th century castle using period knowledge.

A fire started by a 10 year old boy caused $900,000 in damages and destroyed an estimated 73% of Illinois WWI documents.

Architect Alfred Piquenard brought to the police's attention a string of thefts from the construction site of the new Illinois State Capitol

John Cochrane explains to the New State Capitol construction board why the construction is over budget.

Sigrid Nelson, an immigrant from Sweden worked 25 years as a maid in the Ferguson Mansion.

A look at how the surgical and N95 mask evolved through history.

When you visit the local sites around Springfield IL you may find yourself passing through the intersection of Spring and Allen. It might...

Wilbur Condell, born the second son of John Shepperd and Arabella Rice Condell in 1849, grew up with one older brother John S. Jr. 1847...

The biography below was compiled through genealogical and historical research. To learn more about John S. Condell Sr and his career see...