Browse Items – Madison Historical

Browse Items (61 total)

Tags: Alton

Sort by:

Title	Description	Date	Date Added
Ken Conrady Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Ken Conrady describes his long career leading the Alton Youth Symphony. Conrady describes the symphony's early years, its relationship with local schools, and how it has changed over the decades.	October 11, 2018	December 4, 2018
June 7, 1944, letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Davis"	A two-page letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Dad Davis" written on June 7, 1944, discussing his disappointment at not being in the invasion. He talks about his short time in Naples in Italy and how they never had a bit of trouble. When he wrote this letter, he was en route to home. Note that this letter is a product of its time. It contains a racially offensive slur.	June 7, 1944	November 18, 2025
John Cunningham Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, John Cunningham describes his experiences as the president of the Edwardsville branch of the NAACP. He begins by discussing his youth in Missouri, Alabama, and East St. Louis, and going to college at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a young African American. He describes his career as a teacher in East St. Louis and as various administrative positions in Alton schools.	January 24, 2018	May 7, 2018
Jim Pennekamp Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Jim Pennekamp describes his role in various economic development organizations in the St. Louis metro area and Madison County, including the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, the Tri-Cities Area Chamber of Commerce (now called Southwest Madison County Chamber of Commerce), the Greater Alton Twin Rivers Growth Association (now called the Riverbend Growth Association), and University Park at SIUE. He also describes growing up in New Jersey and Brussels, Belgium, his participation in the anti-Vietnam War movement in the 1960s and 70s, and his early career as a deputy juvenile officer in Jefferson County. He also reflects on changes in Madison County and the broader region in the second half of the twentieth century, particularly related to globalization and the transition from an industrial to a service-based economy.	October 24, 2018	February 15, 2019
January 26, 1943, Letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Dad Davis"	A three-page letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Dad Davis" written on January 26, 1943, discussing daily life in the United States Navy during World War II. Alben discusses how he spent the holidays while in service.	January 26, 1943	November 18, 2025
Ione Gorham Oral History Interview	This oral history interview with Ione Gorham was part of oral histories conducted in the fall 2001 semester of History 447: Oral History.	November 17, 2001	June 13, 2018
Herman Shaw Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Herman Shaw describes his experiences with segregation and racial adversity throughout his life, both in his community and throughout his travels. He describes his experience as a young boy growing up in Missouri during the Great Depression and World War II. He then discusses his life after moving to Edwardsville in 1944 and how things have changed in that community over time. He describes how his education, his participation in sports, his service in the military, and key people in his life have influenced him. He also discusses his work at the Alton State Hospital, at University City High School, and his volunteer work with the Human Relations Commission in Edwardsville.	February 12, 2018	April 18, 2018
Hand Drawn Postcard of Illinois Glass Company	Hand Drawn Postcard of Illinois Glass Company	Unknown	November 15, 2016
Glass Mold Used By Owens-Illinois Glass Company	This metal glass mold was used by the Owens-Illinois Glass Company to create drinking glasses.	Unknown	March 28, 2017
Floor Plan for the New Lincoln School	This floor plan was drawn by the Alton architecture firm L. Pfeiffenberger & Son for the building of a new Lincoln School for African American children in Edwardsville. The school building opened in 1912. Today, the building is home to the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities.	Circa 1911	October 13, 2016