Evan Massey is a retired Galesburg High School girls basketball coach, one of the most successful in Illinois history. He writes local history features and a weekly Time Capsule column for WGIL.
This week in Galesburg history, there was a great Amtrak special, a great golf performance in the City Championship, and some great food at Taste of Galesburg.
This is a look back at the history of Galesburg (and the world). What was going on 100 years ago, 75 years ago, 50 years ago, 25 years ago, and 10 years ago this week?
“This Week in Galesburg History” appears each Monday on the WGIL website and Massey Basketball Blog.
100 Years Ago – 1926
Al Capone took over the Chicago mob in 1925 when the former boss retired after nearly being assassinated. Capone was only 26 years old when he took over. After Capone was temporarily held by authorities, and then released in 1926, he feared for his life.
Capone went on to run bootlegging in Chicago from 1925-1931. He was responsible for the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, which caused the public to put pressure on authorities to arrest him.
Capone was eventually convicted of tax evasion and served eight years. While in prison he was diagnosed with syphilis. He died in 1947.
75 Years Ago – 1951
Abingdon was hosting a softball tourney. There were teams from Abingdon, Macomb, Peoria, and two from Galesburg.
Title IX was passed in 1972. Galesburg High School had their first sports teams, including softball, in the 1972-73 school year.
50 Years Ago – 1976
Amtrak offered a special rate for the round trip to Chicago plus a ticket to Drury Lane Theatre. The cost of the trip and the play was only $22. Amtrak appropriately named the special the Chicago Stage Coach.
25 Years Ago – 2001
Cheri Hosteng won her fourth Galesburg City Golf Championship. She had previously won in 1993, 1997, and 1999.
This year she edged out Gail Hannam, Lynzee Gumm, and Mary Robson.
The championship in 2001 was Hosteng’s first of eight in a row.
10 Years Ago – 2016
The 30th Taste of Galesburg had 24 vendors, so it was a success as it always is.
Winners:
- Best Appetizer – Spinach Bisque from the Landmark
- Best Seafood – Shrimp Crab Ceviche Bowl from Acapulco’s
- Best Chicken – Chicken Quesadilla from Lake Bracken
- Best Beef – Short Rib Tacos from Landmark
- Best Pork – Ribs from Carp’s Rail City Ribs
- Best Sandwich – Reuben Wrap from Kensington
- Best Pizza – Pizza House
- Best Wings – Watering Hole
- Best Dessert – Brownies from Q’s Cafe
- Best Beverage – Arnold Palmer from Watering Hole
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