History of Springfield, Illinois, its attractions as a home and advantages for business, manufacturing, etc. Pub. under the auspices of the Springfield board of trade, by J. C. Power.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
In laying the result of my labors, for several weeks past, before the people of
Springfield, I wish to correct an impression, which prevails to some extent, that
this is a directory, or gazetteer, or business mirror of the city. It was not intended.for anything of the kind, but just what its title indicates.
The notices of business houses, with but few exceptions, are simply courtesies
-due to those who assisted me in placing in this form the attractions and advantages of the capital city. It is to these, less than two hundred, business men and
firms that the whole 18,000 citizens are under obligations for any good that may
accrue to Springfield from this publication. There is a large number of mercantile
-houses in the city who are not mentioned.
In the business of manufacturing I have endeavored to present the names of all,
in order to give every manufacturer living at a distance, an opportunity of knowing whether his particular branch of business is represented or not. A manufacturer, who does not find his business mentioned under the head of ",Manufacturing
Establishments," may know that this is a clear field.
I must make this an occasion for tendering my thanks to those business men in
general, including the Mayor and City Council of Springfield, who have given me
their support. To Messrs. Melvin, Miller and Cowgill for their co-operation, advice and assistance. And to the venerable James L. Lamb and Hon. J. S. Brad-ford, for repeated courtesies. To one and all, individually and collectively, I
hereby tender my sincere thanks.
To Mr. Harry C. Watson I am under special obligations, for the articles that
bear his name; also for assisting me in collecting and writing up the business notices in these pages. I very much regret being compelled to omit an excellent ar.
tide written by him, on the State Arsenal. I can only recommend that every
visitor to Springfield call on Gen. Dilger, and see for themselves how harmless
the implements of war look in time of peace.
It was my intention to present a description of the magnificent, new, fire-proof
United States Court and Post Office building. But of course every visitor to
Springfield will visit and examine that also. In fact I find that I have scarcely
commenced describing the Attractions and Advantages of the Capital City. If its
citizens will use what I have written to the best advantage, I entertain sorae hopes
that it will do good. If, however, they do not heartily co-operate in the work, I
have already written too much.
Springfield, May 23, 1871. J. C. P.