Community News
Archives find solve mystery of Blackburn’s one-armed baseball player
Contributed article by Tom Emery
CARLINVILLE – A discovery of long-forgotten articles in the Blackburn College archives has solved a lingering, and surprisingly controversial, mystery of the school’s history.
The story involves a one-armed baseball player at Blackburn from a century ago, and in recent years, debates have erupted over his identity. One popular belief was that the player was Pete Gray, who played for the St. Louis Browns in 1945 and has since become a part of American sports lore.
However, the mystery was solved in early September when Lynn Armstrong, the reference librarian of Lumpkin Learning Commons, uncovered documents as part of her ongoing search of overlooked material in the College archives, located in Lumpkin. Armstrong found a scrapbook reference to Robert Allison, a Blackburn student in the late 1910s, who had lost his left arm in a coal mining accident in Pennsylvania.
Armstrong forwarded the information to Dr. John Comerford, the Blackburn President, who turned up an article in the December 1919 edition of American Magazine. That feature, entitled “My Empty Coat Sleeve,” was written by Allison, a 25-year-old baseball and football player at Blackburn who was studying to become a lawyer.
“All of this helps capture an important, and interesting, part of Blackburn history,” said Spencer Brayton, the Director of Lumpkin Learning Commons. “We keep searching our archives and finding new and unique material constantly, like what Lynn found with Allison. This discovery helps bring an end to a long-running mystery for us.”
Allison’s left arm was severed at age nineteen in his job as an electrician in Pennsylvania. Left with an uncertain future, he considered his options and decided to further his education. A friend told him of “a little prairie college out in…Illinois, where young men and women with plenty of grit and gumption, but not much ready cash, are given a chance to work for their education.”
That college was Blackburn, which had introduced its now-famous student Work Program in 1913. Allison wrote that “perhaps you’ve never heard of it, but it’s got the biggest heart…of any institution of learning in the country.” He added that Blackburn consisted only of “two old brick buildings, two retired Pullman sleeping cars used as dormitories, and a two-hundred-acre farm. Yet that little college is putting one hundred young men and women on their feet each year.”
Allison promptly joined the football and baseball teams, “getting my share of home runs.” A right fielder, Allison caught fly balls in his gloved right hand, tossing the ball in the air as he threw off the glove, then catching the ball before it dropped to the ground. He was then able to throw the ball back to the infield.
One fan remarked that “it’s worth a dollar to see Allison catch a fly. I have never seen anything like it. I have been watching him this season, and he hasn’t an error charged against him. His playing would be a credit to any two-handed amateur.”
Incredibly, Allison longed for a return to his old job, and landed a position with a local mine in Carlinville. He would rise at 1 a.m., work at the mine for several hours, then return to Blackburn to attend classes by mid-morning, spending his afternoons studying. He proudly noted that he earned $225 a month – three times his salary before his accident.
Allison later attended Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan, where he earned a law degree. He subsequently spent years as a member of the Illinois House from Pekin before retiring in 1954, the same year he was defeated in a Republican primary for Congress. Allison died in a duck blind while on vacation in Louisiana on Dec. 31, 1959.
The inspiring story of Allison brought an end to a topic that sparked friendly, though heated, debates at Blackburn for years. Some employees and alumni believed that Gray, who batted .218 in 77 games for the Browns in his lone season in the majors, had attended Blackburn, though there was no evidence to support that claim.
The Gray legend became an emotional issue in some circles at Blackburn, and spirited discussions sometimes arose between believers and non-believers. Past employees in Lumpkin reported that patrons became agitated, and argumentative, when told that Gray had not attended Blackburn.
Some believe the legend of Gray arose from a mural depicting the history of Blackburn that was painted in 1953. The mural, which formerly hung in Hudson Hall and later the College bookstore, shows an array of Blackburn historical figures, including what appears to be a one-armed baseball player. Undocumented research by Blackburn students in the early 1990s claimed the figure was Gray, apparently based on the legend.
Tom Emery of Carlinville, a historical researcher and Blackburn graduate, embarked on research to disprove Gray’s connection to the school, combing through Blackburn catalogs, academic and athletic records, newspapers, published material on Gray’s life and existing professional baseball records. He could hardly contain his excitement about the Allison find.
“Isn’t this great?” said Emery. “That finally puts it all to rest. It was clear that Pete Gray had never attended Blackburn, but we never knew the identity of the player with one arm. Thanks to the efforts of Lynn and John, we found the story of Allison, which is really something.”
Like others, Emery credits Armstrong for the new findings. Among her other recent discoveries are a collection of letters written by Rev. Gideon Blackburn, the College founder, from the late 1820s.
“Lynn does a tremendous job at Lumpkin,” he said. “She’s a great help to the patrons, and goes the extra mile in her position in so many ways. It’s also wonderful that we have a President like John Comerford, who has such an interest in College history and all things relating to Blackburn. They’re the reason this mystery was finally solved, after all these years.”
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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