Horseshoe Lake, 2016

Browse Items (49 total)

  • Tags: Alton
Thumbnail Title Description Date Date Added
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
Certificate of Baptism for Anne Louise Gregory, December 1, 1898 in Alton This is a certificate of baptism for Anne Louise Gregory (b. 1893) on December 1, 1898 in Alton. She was the daughter of Samuel Henry Gregory and Mary Martha Gregory and was baptized by Pastor Henry K. Sawborne. 1898 March 15, 2019
Letter to the Officers and Directors of the Illinois State Historical Society concerning the restoration and preservation of barns in Illinois, 1973 This is a letter to the Officers and Directors of the Illinois State Historical Society concerning the restoration and preservation of barns in Illinois from January 11, 1973. It is signed by the president of the society Donald F. Lewis. 1973 March 15, 2019
Alt-Wood Merchants Softball Team, 1963 State Champions This clipping from the Alton Telegraph includes a photo of the local Alt-Wood Merchants Softball Team, which won the state championship in 1963. The local softball team was composed of men from the Alton-Wood River area. The photogrpah was included with the Telegraph's series, Our Past, and was submitted to the Telegraph by team member Noel "Butch" Rister, who is photographhed.

This clipping was scanned as part of a Madison Historical class visit to Civic Memorial High School in spring 2019. It was brought to class by Alexis Boverie.

From right to left:

Sitting front row: Bat Boy Bobby Wilson
Kneeling second row: Butch Rister, Buddy Noll, John Godar, Glenn Wintzen, manager Cal Johns, John Boverie, Wayne Simpson, Bob Cunningham.
Standing back row: Russ Davis, Bob Johnson, Denny Bruckert, Ron West, Rip Rappe, Leto Metz, Stan Fincher, Bob Garner, and Ken Zumwait.
1963 May 21, 2019
The Rational Spelling Book, 1898, owned by Alton Resident Viola Thompson This 1898 spelling book, "The Rational Spelling Book, Part II" was owned by Alton resident Viola Thompson, whose name is handwritten on the book's front pastedown. The book is intended for fourth grade students and older and may have been used in an Alton classroom. The book includes numerous words for spelling practice and spelling rules from the late 19th century.

This book was scanned as part of a Madison Historical class visit to Civic Memorial High School in spring 2019. It was brought to class by Hana Harlan.
1898 May 21, 2019
Mary Huntley Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Mary Huntley describes her career as the director of the Hayner Public Library system in Alton, as well as her and her husband's involvement in the Civil Rights movement when they lived in Alabama. She also discusses her involvement with the local Democratic Party, her husband's role as director of the SIUE University Museum, and her childhood in North Carolina. May 27, 2019 August 29, 2019
1878 Death Certificate for Gillian Austermell This death certificate is the oldest death certificate on file at the Madison County Clerk's Office in Edwardsville. Gillian Austermell died January 7, 1878 at the age of five days old in Alton.

This certificate was scanned by the Keith Sternberg as a part of History 400: Community-Engaged Digital History.
January 10, 1878 September 16, 2019
Arthur Vambaketes Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Brian K. Weaver, Sr. describes the Greek American heritage of the Alton-Godfrey region. Brian Weaver also discusses immigration and entrepreneurship concerning the Greek community, as well as community change of the region from the 1960s to the 2020s. Arthur Vambaketes, part of the Vambaketes family owners of Tony's Ranch House Restaurant and Lounge, describes the Greek American experience in Madison County. May 28, 2024 July 30, 2024
Arthur Vambaketes Follow Up Oral History Interview In this interview Brian K. Weaver, Sr. follows up a previous discussion with Arthur Vambaketes concerning the immigration process of his family from Greece at the turn of the 20th century. The interview delves deeper into the Greek heritage cultural patterns in Madison County and the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. Special attention is given to the role that their family business, Tony's Ranch House Restaurant and Lounge in Godfrey, Illinois, plays in the social structure of northeastern Madison County and environs. June 10, 2024 July 30, 2024