Executive Plaza
Executive Plaza, 510 North Church Street under construction.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
circa 1974
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2012.66.108
Mulberry and North Church Streets
The southwest corner of Mulberry and North Church Streets showing Parthenio's Restaurant and Rock River Savings building. Also visible are The Book Stall, Kuhlmeier Hearing Aids, and Matranga Studio
City of Rockford Community Development Department
circa 1980
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2012.66.253
North Church Street
North Church Street looking south
City of Rockford Community Development Department
1984
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2012.66.297
West State and Church Streets
West State Street, looking east from Church Street, following construction of the Downtown Mall
City of Rockford Community Development Department
1984
Midway Village Museum
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2012.66.312
Nu-State Building
The Nu-State Building at West State and North Church Streets, looking north. Red emergency sirens are visible in the background.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
circa 1985
Midway Village Museum
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2012.66.395
100 Block of North Church Street
100 block of North Church Street -- building in foreground is Parthenio's at 132 North Church. Also visible are Rock River Savings Bank, Matranga Studio, Book Stall and Kuhlmeier Hearing Aids.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
circa 1980
Midway Village Museum
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2012.66.407
Osco Drugstore
Osco Drugstore at 325 North Church Street.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
circa 1985
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2012.66.418
West State and North Church Streets
Drugstore at Northeast corner of West State and North Church Streets.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
1984
Midway Village Museum
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2012.66.450
North Church Street and Mulberry Street
North Church Street, looking from Mulberry Street in September 1985.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
1985
Midway Village Museum
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2012.66.974
Church and Mulberry Streets
The corner of Church and Mulberry Streets under construction. The back of the Talcott Building is visible in the background.
City of Rockford Community Development Department
circa 1980s
Midway Village Museum
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2012.66.1202
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Rockford, Illinois.
Frontal photograph of the church, located at North Church Street and Park Avenue, with a person on the sidewalk looking up at the building. On the back: "One of the many beautiful churches of the city."
Jack Taylor
Rockford Photo Service, Rockford, Ill.
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.399
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Illinois.
A view looking southwest at the church with 1950s cars parked on two sides and people on the sidewalks. The church is located at North Church Street and Park Avenue. On back: "Original church founded 1849. Present church built 1891. Gordon Chapel addition completed 1950. Membership 3200, one of the largest in the country." This card is postmarked from Rockford IL on October 30, 1954 with a two cent postage stamp.
Jack Taylor
Dexter Press, Pearl River, New York
Postmarked 1954
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.464
Aftermath of Second Congregational Church Fire
The Second Congregational Church was founded in 1849. On February 20, 1894, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at the same location at 318 N. Church Street where it serves its congregation today. On December 19, 1979, fire again destroyed the church, requiring demolition and rebuilding for a second time at the same location. Also see additional depictions in photos 88.122.655, 88.122.656, 88.122.657, 88.122.658, and 90.5.59. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 213.)
circa 1894
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.654
Aftermath of Second Congregational Church Fire
The Second Congregational Church was founded in 1849. On February 20, 1894, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at the same location at 318 N. Church Street where it serves its congregation today. On December 19, 1979, fire again destroyed the church, requiring demolition and rebuilding for a second time at the same location. Additional depictions can be seen in photos 88.122.654, 88.122.656, 88.122.657, 88.122.658, and 90.5.59. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 213.)
circa 1894
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.655
Second Congregational Church Fire
The Second Congregational Church was founded in 1849. On February 20, 1894, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at the same location at 318 N. Church Street where it serves its congregation today. On December 19, 1979, fire again destroyed the church, requiring demolition and rebuilding for a second time at the same location. Additional depictions can be found in photographs 88.122.654, 88.122.655, 88.122.657, 88.122.658, and 90.5.59. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 213.)
circa 1894
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.656
Aftermath of Second Congregational Church Fire
The Second Congregational Church was founded in 1849. On February 20, 1894, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at the same location at 318 N. Church Street where it serves its congregation today. On December 19, 1979, fire again destroyed the church, requiring demolition and rebuilding for a second time at the same location. This photograph shows some of the post-fire work in preparation to rebuild the church. Also see additional photos at 88.122.654, 88.122.655, 88.122.656, 88.122.658, and 90.5.59. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 213.)
circa 1894
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.657
Aftermath of Second Congregational Church Fire
The Second Congregational Church was founded in 1849. On February 20, 1894, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at the same location at 318 N. Church Street where it serves its congregation today. On December 19, 1979, fire again destroyed the church, requiring demolition and rebuilding for a second time at the same location. Also see additional photos at 88.122.654, 88.122.655, 88.122.656, 88.122.657, and 90.5.59. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 213.)
circa 1894
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.658
Architectural Rendering of Emmanuel Church and Parish House, Rockford, Illinois
Architect Alfred Smith from Chicago produced this drawing to demonstrate how a new and larger sanctuary might be connected to the Fairfield Memorial Parish House. This particular concept was not used in the final approved project. The new church was eventually constructed in 1957 and was attached to the Fairfield Memorial Parish House. Also see photo 88.122.775.
circa 1924
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.760
Spanish-American War Enlistees Parade
This parade of military enlistees marches west on West State Street approaching the N. Church Street intersection. The Spanish-American War lasted from April to August 1898. Note the Golden Eagle Clothing Company owned by C. F. Henry on the right. A similar photograph taken one block earlier appears in Sinnissippi Saga. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 409.)
circa 1898
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88.122.761
Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Fairfield Memorial Parish House
This photograph shows the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the right and Fairfield Memorial Parish House on the left. The church was orgainized on May 1, 1849, and the church building at 412 N. Church Street opened in 1857. The Fairfield Memorial Parish House was a gift from Eleanor Fairfield in memory of her husband W. W. Fairfield in 1891. The old church was demolished in 1892 after the Fairfield Memorial Parish House was dedicated.
circa 1892
Midway Village Museum
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88.122.775
Aftermath of Second Congregational Church Fire
The Second Congregational Church was founded in 1849. On February 20, 1894, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at the same location at 318 N. Church Street where it serves its congregation today. On December 19, 1979, fire again destroyed the church, requiring demolition and rebuilding for a second time at the same location. Additional depictions can be found in photos 88.122.654, 88.122.655, 88.122.656, 88.122.657, and 88.122.658. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 213.)
circa 1894
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90.5.59
[Emmanuel] Episcopal Church, Rockford, Ill.
This postcard displays the church's green roof atop the heavy brick building with spaces at the top of its four-sided tower that resemble a castle's battlement crenellations. The church is located at North Church Street and Park Avenue.
Postmarked 1910
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85.109.400
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
A color rendering depicting the church's massive, angular white structure with a large tower, parapets, and varying roof heights, all within a large lot at North Church Street and Park Avenue surrounded by trees. This card is postmarked from Kenosha WI in May 1928 with a two cent postage stamp.
E. C. Kropp Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Postmarked 1928
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.452
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
This color rendering (the same view as photo 85.109.452) shows the sprawling church building situated at North Church Street and Park Avenue. This card is postmarked from Rockford IL on October 8, 1915 with a one cent postage stamp.
F. W. Woolworth Company
Postmarked 1915
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.461
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
Greenish-tinted depiction of the church's formidable castle-like structure located at North Church Street and Park Avenue. This card is postmarked from Rockford IL on October 12, 1909 with a one cent postage stamp.
Issued monthly by D. R. Mead & Co., Rockford, Ill. Largest House Furnishers in Northern Illinois.
Postmarked 1909
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.453
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
Color graphic presentation of this large church structure at North Church Street and Park Avenue in downtown Rockford.
Penfield's Book Store, Rockford, Ill. Made in Germany.
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.457
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
Black and white depiction looking southwest at the church on tree-lined North Church Street and Park Avenue.
Chas. E. Axt Jeweler & Optician (Printed in Germany)
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.460
2nd Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
Frontal colorized rendering of the church with three distinct sets of steps ascending from the North Church Street side. The church is located at North Church Street and Park Avenue (out of sight to the right, which is north in this depiction).
S. H. Knox & Co. Printed in Germany.
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.463
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
This color photograph looks northwest at the church's massive structure and red roof from the North Church Street side. The building is located in downtown Rockford on North Church Street and Park Avenue. This card is postmarked April 11, 1913 with a one cent postage stamp.
F. W. Woolworth Co.
Postmarked 1913
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.456
Second Congregational Church, 4-194, Rockford, Ill.
Black and white photograph looking southwest at the church, which is located in downtown Rockford at North Church Street and Park Avenue.
Paul R. Vogel Co., Chicago, Illinois
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.450
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
Black and white photograph looking northwest at the building from the North Church Street side. The church is located at North Church Street and Park Avenue.
Circa pre-1907
Midway Village Museum
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85.109.462
Second Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.
Black and white photograph looking northwest at the building from the North Church Street side. The church is located at North Church Street and Park Avenue. The message on this postcard, written sideways in pencil on the front side right portion of the card, is dated October 1, 1906, and was mailed with a one cent postage stamp.
Postmarked 1906
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85.109.459
3682, The Armory, Rockford, Ill.
The sign outside this theater touts the "Majestic," located at 123 North Church Street.
Late 20th century reproduction of a photo postcard
Midway Village Museum
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95.5.32a
The Armory, Rockford, Ill.
Similar to postcard 95.5.32a, this colorized scene shows the Armory, and the "Majestic" theater sign above the sidewalk at 123 North Church Street, where pedestrians in early twentieth century attire are strolling.
The Acmegraph Company, Chicago, Illinois
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).584
3705, Court House, Rockford, Ill.
The impressively ornate courthouse building bordered by West State, Elm, North Church, and North Court Streets. Notice the horse and buggies in the street.
The Acmegraph Company, Chicago, Illinois
Dated 1916 by sender
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).274
Court House, Rockford, Ill. - 56.
The imposing courthouse with beautiful grounds bounded by West State, Elm, North Church, and North Court Streets. Note the early automobiles parked at the curb. For a similar view, see postcard 85.109(I).295.
E. C. Kropp Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Circa 1907-1926
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).293
Wheat Photography.
Men and boys stand and sit in front of and on a decorated horse-drawn wagon in downtown Rockford at 107 N. Church Street. The banner seems to be touting a local newspaper. A sign reading "Wheat" is on the corner of the building in the background to the right. The wagon carries a printing press, perhaps promoting a printing and/or photography business.
circa 1894
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2001.15.41
Court House Square from the Air.
This aerial view of the Court House Square shows the majestically white and domed structure of the Court House flanked by (bottom then clockwise) W. State, N. Church, Elm, and N. Court Streets.
early 20th century
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2008.19.41b
First Baptist Church of Rockford, Illinois
The First Baptist Society was established in Rockford December 22, 1838. The congregation met in a hall of Dr. George Haskell's store building which was on the northwest corner of West State and North Main Streets. In 1840, a frame meeting house was built near Main Street facing east. The congregation grew in 1849 and a new stone church was built on the corner of Church and Mulberry streets, 126 North Church Street, where they worshipped 1850 - 1919. In 1919, the name changed to First Baptist Church of Rockford, Illinois. In 1920 a new church was built at North Court Street.
circa 1850
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90.44.2d
Churches Along North Church Street
Looking north along North Church Street. In 1908, J.B. Ralston & Son Hardware is located at 122 North Church Street, the First Baptist Church at 126 North Church Street and further north at 324 North Church Street is Second Congregational Church.
circa 1903-1910
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2007.32.4
Second Congregational Church
Second Congregational Church located at 318 North Church Street.
circa early 1900s
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2016.67.60
Helen Trahern
Helen Trahern sitting on the front steps of a home that is possibly the Trahern home circa 1900 - 1908 at 1128 North Church Street. Helen was age eight in 1902 when the family lived there.
circa 1900 - 1908
Midway Village Museum
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74.595.255
Haskell Park
Haskell Park fountain located at 400 North Church Street in Rockford, Illinois. Originally known as West Side Park, it was donated to the city in 1838 by Dr. George Haskell and his brother-in-law, John Edwards. It was later renamed Haskell Park.
circa 1913
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).905.149
Home of Adeline and Ralph Emerson, Sr.
The home of Adeline and Ralph Emerson, Sr. located at 427 North Church Street. The house was built in 1855 by Ralph's cousin, Reverend Joseph Emerson, and purchased by Ralph in 1858. The original modest home was expanded over time to accommodate Ralph's growing family. The house has a combination of roofs including flat, gable and a gable dormer extension. Decorative railings and porches repeat the railing design of the large front porch with a curved staircase.
circa 1890s - 1900s
Midway Village Museum
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2018.1.36
North Church Street
North Church Street in Rockford, Illinois. Interurban tracks indicate city wide transportation in residential neighborhoods.
circa 1910s
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).446
Private Homes Connect to Community
North Church Street as seen from Haskell Park in Rockford Illinois. Interurban tracks in the street provide a connection to the rest of the city and surrounding region.
circa 1910s
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).447
Ralph Emerson Residence
Ralph Emerson residence at 427 North Church Street, Rockford, Illinois
circa 1910s
Midway Village Museum
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85.109(I).427a
Ralph Emerson Residence
Ralph Emerson residence at night, located at 427 North Church Street.
circa 1910s
Midway Village Museum
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79.188.103d