Horseshoe Lake, 2016

Browse Items (1532 total)

Thumbnail Title Description Date Date Added
Michael Torosian Oral History Interview This oral history interview with Michael Torosian was part of oral histories conducted in the fall 2001 semester of History 447: Oral History.

Mr. Torosian is a first-generation American. His father emigrated from Armenia in 1913. His mother was a refugee; she emigrated sometime after the genocide of the Armenians in 1915. Mr. Torosian was born in Lincoln Place and describes growing up there as the most wonderful childhood anyone could have. He lived there for the first twenty-nine years of his life, excluding the time he was in the service. Mr. Torosian indicated that the community center played a major part in his life as a child. He states that from the age of eight or nine, he was there almost every night. He stated that the Community Center was the envy of the surrounding area. The combination of caring people, citizenship classes, sewing classes and a beautiful basketball gymnasium made the center a wonderful place. Additionally, the fact that it was paid for by Mr. Howard and constructed with local labor provided employment for many families in Lincoln Place during the depression. Mr. Torosian described the mix of different ethnic groups as educational. Lincoln Place provided the structure for education about many different cultures. Everyone learned from each other. The sense of community was very evident in Lincoln Place. Mr. Torosian and I also discussed the Armenian Genocide and issues surrounding its lack of acknowledgment and publicity. He graciously states that genocide was the responsibility of the regime in charge at the time, and not all the Turks.
November 15, 2001 March 18, 2018
Michelle Fenwick Oral Interview In this oral history interview, Earnest Davenport discusses community involvement and educational expectations with a Madison High School educator. February 27, 2023 April 26, 2023
Mike McNamara Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Mike McNamara describes his life and career in Alton. McNamara describes his childhood and school years. He then goes into detail about his career with the Alton police department, including his promotions through the ranks and various high-profile crimes in Alton. McNamara also talks about his experience owning rental properties in Alton and reflects on how Alton changed over time. October 11, 2018 December 6, 2018
Mike Picchioldi Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Mike Picchioldi describes his experiences as a firefighter in Maryville and Edwardsville. He highlights his involvement with the Maryville historical society and his role in helping to preserve its history. He highlights the histories of Chinatown, the Donk Brothers Mine, the Homecoming Parade, as well as his grandparents mercantile business. July 10, 2017 October 9, 2017
Military Police Arm Band from World War II This arm band was worn by a member of the military police during World War II. It is black and marked with the gold letters "MP."

This arm band was photographed as part of a Madison Historical class visit to Civic Memorial High School in spring 2018. It was brought to class by Georgeoff Brayden.
1941 - 1945 September 7, 2018
Millie Chandler Oral History Interview This oral history interview with Millie Chandler was part of oral histories conducted in the fall 2001 semester of History 447: Oral History.

Millie Chandler was born and raised in Lincoln Place until she moved in 1951. In this interview, she describes her childhood, the diversity of the community, playing music in the community center, and how she felt outside communities viewed those that resided within Lincoln Place.
October 29, 2001 February 20, 2018
Miner working inside the engine room at the coal mine This photograph shows Joe Mateyka operating the cage inside the engine room in at the coal mine. Unknown December 8, 2016
Miners entering into the mines Miners entering into the mines Unknown December 8, 2016
Miners working inside the coal mine in Glen Carbon, Illinois. Coal miners working inside the coal mines with lights on their heads illuminating the mine shaft. Unknown December 8, 2016
Miss Mary Morris' Class at McKinley School in Collinsville, circa 1911 This is a photo shows Mary Morris' class at McKinley School in Collinsville around the year 1911. Circa 1911 October 26, 2017