August 29 Illinois History Minute

It’s August 29th --- which was opening day at the Chicago Amphitheater for the 1864 Democratic National Convention. Delegates approved a “Peace Democrat” platform, calling for immediate talks with the Confederacy to end the Civil War. But they nominated a “War Democrat” candidate, the young General George McClellan, who favored fighting on to restore the Union.

That’s actor, singer and dancer Donald O’Connor, performing in the classic movie musical “Singing In The Rain”. O’Connor was born in Chicago this week in 1925. But he always called Danville his home town. That’s where he lived growing up, when he wasn’t on the road, touring with the family vaudeville act.

I’m Jim Meadows. Illinois Public Media.