Great River Road, 2016

Browse Items (47 total)

  • Tags: Alton
Thumbnail Title Description Date Date Added
Ruben Mendoza Oral History Interview This oral history interview with Ruben Mendoza was part of oral histories conducted in the fall 2001 semester of History 447: Oral History.

In this oral history interview, Ruben Mendoza discusses his career as a soccer player and coach. He describes growing up in Lincoln Place and moving to Mexico at the age of eight in the late 1930s, where he discovered soccer. After moving back to Lincoln Place, he played soccer for St. Louis teams and played for the United States in the 1958 World Cup and in the 1952, '56, and '60 Olympics. He also discusses how he expanded soccer programs in Lincoln Place, Granite City, and the larger Metro East region as a coach starting in the 1960s. This interview had no transcript in the original archive. It was transcribed by Madison Historical staff.

There were two interviews conducted with Ruben Mendoza as part of the course. The other interview was conducted by Lisa Smithe.
October 30, 2001 September 2, 2018
1969 Better Homes and Gardens: New Cook Book This Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book published in 1969 belonged to Alton resident Christina Hall. Four of the book's pages were digitized, with some recipes designated for "Ladies Only" and "Men Only." The "Ladies Only" meal contains a crab-artichoke bake, assorted relishes, rolls, and orange soufflé. The "Men Only" meal contains cheese stuffed apples, assorted crackers, shrimp cocktail, Hasenpfeffer, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas, carrots, "Men’s Favorite Salad," rolls, and red cherry pie. The smaller and lighter ladies meal demonstrates gender notions prevalent in the 1960s.

This cook book was photographed as part of a Madison Historical class visit to Civic Memorial High School in spring 2018. It was brought to class by Erin Griffith.
1969 September 7, 2018
Sam Stemm Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Sam Stemm discusses his career with the local Alton station WBGZ. He also describes growing up in Alton, going to SIUE as a mass communications major, national conservative radio stations, and the history of WBGZ. June 12, 2018 September 12, 2018
1895 Treasurer’s Annual Report for the Church of the Redeemer in Alton This three-page typed document is the annual financial report of the treasurer of Church of the Redeemer in Alton, Illinois in 1895. The report covers the fiscal year starting October 1, 1894 and ending October 1, 1895. The Church of the Redeemer was built in 1870, changed its name to First Congregational Church in the middle of the twentieth century, and closed its doors in the latter half of the century. The building still stands at the intersection of Sixth and Henry Streets (600 Henry Street) in Alton. As of September 2018, it is the site of the Whole Truth Church of Christ.

This newsletter was digitized by Phillip Schneider as part of History 400: Community-Engaged Digital History.
1895-10-01 September 16, 2018
1921 Year Book and Directory for The Church of the Redeemer in Alton This yearbook and directory were printed for Church of the Redeemer in Alton, Illinois in 1921. The book offers a detailed history of their building and the congregation. Also contained in the booklet is the church’s constitution, standing rules (bylaws), and explanations of their denomination (Congregationalism) and church membership. The rest of the booklet is dedicated to listing the names and address of the church’s members. The Church of the Redeemer changed its name to First Congregational Church in the middle of the twentieth century and closed its doors in the later half of the century. The building still stands at the intersection of Sixth and Henry Streets (600 Henry Street) in Alton, Illinois. As of September 2018, it is the site of the Whole Truth Church of Christ. This booklet also contains numerous advertisements for area businesses who sponsored the printing of the booklet.

This booklet was digitized by Phillip Schneider as part of History 400: Community-Engaged Digital History.
1921-2-21 September 16, 2018
Betty J. Vaughn Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Betty J. Vaughn discusses her role as the first female supervisor of Olin Brass in East Alton. She also describes her childhood growing up on a farm in Bethalto and changes in Madison County throughout her life. 2018-07-10 September 16, 2018
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
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
Martha Roberts Oral History In this oral history interview, Martha Roberts describes her experiences with the Alton Municipal (Muny) Band since the 1980s. She discusses the band's history and her role as the band manager for the past five years.

Please note: Initial audio recording on October 11 malfunctioned and recorded only the last portion of the interview. The interviewer recorded the first portion of the interview again on October 17.
October 11, 2018 to October 17, 2018 December 6, 2018
Norma Glazebrook Oral History Interview In this oral history, Norma Galzebrook of Alton, Illinois discusses her childhood from the 1940s in Godfrey, Illinois and her early baton twirling career. She mentions seeing Robert Wadlow in her youth as well as her days at the Alton Telegraph during the 1950s. Also discussed is the creation Glazebrook Park, established in honor of her late husband, as well as her extensive work with the St. Louis chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation. December 2, 2018 February 15, 2019