Publisher's Synopsis
Springfield was once a pinnacle city, coined the "Champion City" and "City at the End of the Road," among its many monikers. Today it retains a great portion of quintessential Americana, and though no longer a major player in commerce as in its early days, the congenial familiarity of its streets and residents remains. This book lightly touches upon the well-known history of Clark County's seat and delves more deeply into stories told by several of Springfield's most colorful and popular citizens--most of whom grew up in the 1920s through the 1960s. Springfield families who share their stories herein include those from the famed Heaume Hotel, the once-popular retail outlet Meek's Sporting Goods, a Lagonda neighborhood resident, one of Springfield's finest restaurant entrepreneurs, a "Blizzard Bowl" participant, and the more-modern success story of agricultural industry giant Sweet Manufacturing. Numerous sports figures, artists, musicians and the uber-famous Jonathan Winters are also spotlighted, as well as noted gangster John Dillinger and banker John L. Bushnell--all of whom have clear ties to the Springfield community.
