Robert Ide Collection
Title
Robert Ide Collection
Description
In 1943, the Illinois State Historical Library (precursor of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library) purchased over 1,000 glass negatives and prints from Robert Ide. His collection was the largest collection of the photographs of Guy Mathis, a Springfield photographer who captured life in the Illinois capital in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Collection Items
Springfield Race Riot, Fire
A house fire is being extinguished in an African American neighborhood, as a result of the Springfield Race Riot of 1908. On August 14, 1908, a white mob approached the Springfield city jail demanding two African American men who were reported to…
Springfield Race Riot, Court House Guards
Six men with rifles in hand guard the Springfield Court House grounds during the Springfield Race Riot of 1908. On August 14, 1908, a white mob approached the Springfield city jail demanding two African American men who were reported to have…
Springfield Race Riot, East Madison Street
Several Springfield citizens survey the damage of the African American business district on East Madison St. that was destroyed during the Springfield Race Riot of 1908. On August 14, 1908, a white mob approached the Springfield city jail demanding…
Airplane vs. Automobile Race at the Illinois State Fair
Spectators watch Lincoln Beachey in his Curtiss airplane racing Barney Oldfield in his Fiat automobile at the Illinois State Fair, Springfield. Both men, who were pioneers in their respective fields, put on more than 35 shows across the country in…
Aeronautics, Balloon Ascension
Balloon ascension spectacle taking place in Springfield near the fair grounds.
Ide Children
The children of H. C. Ide, "Robert," "Charlotte," and "[Daniele]," sit in a cart being pulled by a pony. On verso: "5th and Keys, Springfield."
Wiggins Family
Wiggins family group at the old Leland farm. On verso: "Among the older generations of society folk in Springfield there are vivid memories of Col. And Mrs. N. B. Wiggins of the Leland Hotel and their country place at the old Leland farm, where the…
August Kessberger
August Kessberger partnered with Springfield photographer Victor Georg before he opened his own studio on East Adams St. in 1902. Kessberger married Gussie Leona Hopkins on October 21, 1884, and had six children.
Governor John R. Tanner Funeral
John R. Tanner was the twenty-first Governor of Illinois, 1897-1901. He is best known for his neutrality in labor disputes involving Illinois coal mines. Tanner is buried in a large tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
Illinois State Fair, Coliseum Construction
Construction of the three-story Coliseum at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
New Year's Day Feast, Illinois National Guard
Illinois National Guard officers enjoy a New Year's Day feast at the Leland Hotel in Springfield. On verso: "In the old days there were many pleasant social affairs connected with the Illinois National Guard, particularly during the holidays. This…
Reisch Brewery
Franz Reisch established he Reisch Brewery in Springfield in 1849. The brewery existed for 117 years before the property was sold to a nearby hospital in 1966. Several horse drawn carts containing barrels can be seen in the front of the brewery. On…
Union Band at Leo Frey Funeral
The Union Band performing at the Leo Frey Funeral in Springfield. On verso: "This old picture by the late Guy Mathis is about the only one of its kind now extant showing the union band in such a turn-out. This great band, numbering about 150 players,…
Koke's Mill on Spring Creek
Koke's Mill on Spring Creek was located on the northwest side of what is now modern day Springfield. Spring creek, which extends south from the Sangamon River, and crosses Springfield's Koke Mill Rd on the west side of the city, is a likely location…
Springfield Paving Brick Co.
The Springfield Paving Brick Co., an area manufacturer, was built ca. 1893, and was located three miles due east, near B&O Railroad.
Illinois State Arsenal Construction
Construction of the Illinois State Arsenal, located at 2nd and Monroe streets in Springfield. After being destroyed by an act of arson in 1934, the building was rebuilt and renamed the Illinois State Armory in 1937.
John H. Freeman Funeral Procession
A retired fire marshal of the Springfield Fire Department at the time of his death, John H. Freeman's funeral procession includes several horse-drawn fire trucks and carriages with flowers and decorations.
John H. Freeman Funeral Procession
A retired fire marshal of the Springfield Fire Department at the time of his death, John H. Freeman's funeral procession includes several horse-drawn fire trucks and carriages with flowers and decorations.
Ide's Engine Works Fire
Ide's Engine Work, a firm founded by Albert E. Ide on Fifth and Madison streets in Springfield, was a manufacturer of many products, but was primarily known for their "Ideal" steam engines.
Ide's Engine Works Fire
Ide's Engine Work, a firm founded by Albert E. Ide on Fifth and Madison streets in Springfield, was a manufacturer of many products, but was primarily known for their "Ideal" steam engines.
Franklin Life Insurance Co. Ceremony
Charles E. Becker, president of Franklin Life Insurance Co., speaks to a crowd at a ceremony dedicating the building of a new addition of the firm to be located on South Sixth Street in Springfield.
Springfield Parade, Seal of Minnesota Flour Float
The Seal of Minnesota Flour is a high quality bakers flour that is currently being produced by ConAgra Mills.
Collection Tree
- Illinois Photographic Collection
- Robert Ide Collection