|
|
|
Site Menu
The Capitol
News From The Past
Contact us: 06/20/2009 |
|
The creators of this website have co-authored a new book about the Illinois Statehouse showcasing many never-before published photos of the Capitol. The book will be available from Arcadia Publishing or your favorite on-line book retailer. The Illinois Statehouse can be purchased at bookstores beginning the week of June 8th. A Recently Acquired Photo On October 21, 1932 presidential candidate and Governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt, paid a campaign visit to Springfield. The future president laid a wreath at Lincoln's Tomb and spoke to a large gathering at the Illinois State Arsenal. Arriving in Springfield several hours early, the train carrying Roosevelt and his entourage spent the rest of the night under police protection while parked in the Springfield railroad yards northeast of Jefferson and 19th Streets. As seen in the accompanying photo, the train arrived at the 3rd Street train station at 10:30 a. m. The Statehouse dome is visible at the top of the image. Roosevelt’s visit to Lincoln's Tomb was brief and without ceremony, at his request. Among those present were Illinois Governor Louis Emmerson and future Governor, Judge Henry Horner, the Democratic nominee. Enthusiastic crowds greeted Roosevelt at the train station and at the State Arsenal, which was located across the street from the Statehouse. Roosevelt's cousin, Theodore, dedicated the Arsenal nearly thirty years prior to his younger relative's visit. Teddy also paid his respects at Lincoln's Tomb.
Our friend, William H. Perkins,
vividly recalled attending the FDR speech at the Arsenal with his father
and spoke of it on several occasions. Mr. Perkins passed away in
April. He will not be forgotten.
|
|
|
