This Week in Illinois History

This Week in Illinois History

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This Week In Illinois History: The Pinball Prohibition (March 17, 1939)

March 17, 1937. Illinois’ Attorney General John E. Cassidy declared that all pinball machines were to be outlawed as gambling devices. He called them “pernicious and dangerous to the public welfare.” Law enforcement officers around the state pledged their support, ready to seize ...  Show more

This Week In Illinois History: Bobby Hull Breaks NHL Record (March 12, 1966)

On March 12, 1966, just five minutes into the third period against the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawk Bobby Hull scored his 50th goal of the season. The Chicago Stadium crowd roared as their hometown hero tied a league record that he already shared with two others. The Black ...  Show more

This Week In Illinois History: Salt In Our State’s Wounds (March 3, 1803)

Before coal, before oil, even before corn, the biggest and busiest industry in Illinois was salt. 

This Week in Illinois History: Carl Sandburg named state Poet Laureate (February 28, 1962)

Carl Sandburg, author, journalist, folk singer, and poet of the people, appointed Poet Laureate of Illinois. 

This Week in Illinois History: Birth of Wyatt Earp, the Peoria Bummer (March 19, 1848)

Brave. Courageous. Bold. All words used to describe legendary Western lawman Wyatt Earp. But novels, films and TV shows often overlook his reckless youth in Illinois, where he earned a reputation as a thief, swindler and pimp.