Reflecting on JFK’s Impact on Rockford

Source: Rockford Morning Star. October 25, 1960. Front Page.

Sixty years have passed since that fateful day in Dallas, Texas, when the nation mourned the loss of its 35th President, John F. Kennedy. Lee Harvey Oswald’s act of violence shattered the sunny optimism that Kennedy had come to symbolize, leaving a void that some argue has never truly been filled.

Rockford, Illinois, holds a poignant connection to this tragedy. In October 1960, JFK graced the Forest City with his presence, delivering a speech at the historic Coronado Theatre. The charisma and hope he exuded left an indelible impression, as he acknowledged the warmth and enthusiasm of the crowds in Rockford, even though Illinois was known as a red state at that time. He remarked, “I believe that the reception you have given to all of us that are running this year indicates that it is time that the Vice President came back to Illinois and started to look after it because I think Illinois will go Democratic on November 8, and so will the United States. And I think it would be good for the local paper to report that Rockford went Democratic.”

In the 1960 Presidential Election, JFK secured a victory in Illinois, albeit by a narrow margin. Winnebago County, home to Rockford, overwhelmingly supported the Republican candidate, Richard M. Nixon. Despite political differences, the bond between Kennedy and Rockford had been forged.

Fast forward to November 22nd, 1963, the day the nation stood still. Upon learning of the President’s assassination, Rockford residents, irrespective of their political affiliations, were united in sorrow. The tragic event transcended party lines, and the communal heart of Rockford mourned the loss of a leader who had once graced their city with promises of a brighter future.

As we mark the anniversary of the assassination, let us honor the memory of President Kennedy and the enduring spirit of hope that he enthused. In our collective reflection, let us find solace in the indomitable human capacity to aspire for a better tomorrow, even in the face of adversity. The impact of JFK on Rockford and the nation echoes through time, with the lingering memory of his visit as a testament to the hope he inspired.

Watch a snippet of JFK’s speech in Rockford here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcIOd4Cn2s0

Source: Rockford Morning Star. November 23, 1963. Page A5.

Source: Rockford Morning Star. October 25, 1960. Page A6.

Author: Jawuan – RPL Librarian

Former Rockford Peach, Margaret Jurgensmeier Carroll dies at 85

 

Source:  Alex Gary, Rockford Register Star, June 30,2020.

WWII – Marines Istad, Cpl. Lloyd

cpl-lloyd-istad

son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Istad, 1237 Charles St. Former carrier and salesman for Rockford Morning Star. He is now stationed in Hawaii after serving more than 18 months in the South Pacific. He enlisted in November 1942 received boot training in San Diego. Cpl. Istad was a member of the Mendelssohn Club, he is  brother of Leonard Istad, Navy fireman, first class, brother of Pvt. William Istad, Marine

Source: Rockford Morning Star 12/10/1944

Wyman St., No., 127

127 N. Wyman St.

Source: Rockford Register Star 8/2/2013

 

 

127 N. Wyman St.

Source: Rockford Register Star 8/2/2013

War Effort Publicity – 1943

War Effort Publicity

Source:  Rockford Morning Star Sept. 5, 1943

Main St., South, 119

Boner, John, res. over 119 S. Main, W.R.

Source: 1876 Rockford City Directory

Harry S. Hezlep, engineer Rockford Oat Meal Co., bds. Chick House

Hogan, Wm. L., solicitor Philippi’s, Rockford City Directory, bds. Chick House

Jacobus, Wm. A., billing clerk C and I Railway

Fred W. Huber, waybill clk, Am Ex Co. bds. Chick House

Jones, Geo O., engraver Rockford Engraving Co., Bds. Chick House

Joyce, Edward P., (Joyce Bros.) bds. Chick House

Joyce, Henry M. (Joyce Bros.) Chick House

Kennedy, Miss Marie, bds. Chick House

Lawrence, Chas. T., bkpr. John McDermaid, bds. Chick House

Sillick, Eugene, burnisher Rockford Silver Plate Co., bds Chick House

Smallwood, Charles H., artistic carriage painting, bds Chick House

Spellman, Miss Sarah, waitress Chick House, bds. same

Will & Tracy (W.H. Will and T.W. Tracy) Sample Rooms, Dealers in Wines, Kentucky Whiskies, gins, ale, porter, barreled and bottled beer, soft drinks, etc. If you want something rich, ask for their 10 year old bourbon. 119 S. Main

Chick House

Source: 1889-1890 Rockford City Directory

Jerome J. Blewfield, saloon; Mrs. Margaret Sadewater, residence

Source: 1911 Rockford City Directory
Chick Hotel Sign
Source: Chick Hotel sign in photo above from Rockford 1912 R917.7331 R682r Published by The Rockford Morning Star
Rockford Office Supply House

Source: 1921 Rockford City Directory

Rockford Office Supply, Mrs. Margaret Sadewater

Source: 1926 Rockford City Directory

Rockford Office Supply House

Source: 1930 Rockford City Directory

The Soda Bar

Soda Bar

Source: Rockford Register Star 2/21/1980

Rockford Office Supply House street view

Rockford Office Supply House street View