Springfield: A Reflection in Photography

Images of America: Illinois

by Edward J. Russo, Curtis R. Mann &, Melinda L. Garvert

Springfield: A Reflection in Photography is a photo album of Springfield scenes from the late 19th through the mid 20th centuries-a nostalgic look back at everyday life in the capital city. Local people are seen at work, at play and socializing. Iron workers, construction crews and munitions makers show us the gritty, tiring work of a community and emphasize the man and animal power once common in industry. There are social changes as well, like the coming of women to the workplace. Shirtwaisted ladies at the Illinois Watch Company and "Rosie the Riveter" on the production line during the war make their appearance. Aerial views of the downtown area present a century of change in Springfield. The evolution of transportation in the community is chronicled, from horse and buggy to the railroad to the automobile. Images of ladies cooking at Temple and crews preparing community garden plots showcase the city's volunteer service heritage. Commonplace images of life in Springfield, such as children at play, shopping, parades, and the first day of school, are all presented here. But the less common events are included as well: fires, the race riot, even a baptism at Lake Springfield. Together, these images tell the story of who we were, and perhaps more importantly, who we have become as a result. This book shows a community readers may know intimately, yet have never seen.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2002

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books with pictures of various events, structures and people of a town or city are always interesting, even though the reader may know little about the subject. In this case, the featured city is Springfield, Illinois, the capitol of the state and the former residence of President Abraham Lincoln. His presidential library is also in Springfield.
Each image has explanatory text associated with it, giving the reader a sound explanation of what they are seeing. All types of activity and people are displayed, from parades to fires to business owners and their employees.
While the pictures are of course unique to Springfield, most of them show things that would be just as applicable to countless other towns and cities in the United States. This is a good book that is fun to flip through, for it is the history of the people and events in a city that contributed a great deal to the history of the nation.

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Capital City of Illinois!

I really enjoyed looking at the photos in this book on Springfield, Illinois, in the Land of Lincoln. I have certainly visited this city! The Lincoln Home and Lincoln Tomb are must-sees in Springfield! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this city!