Jennie Battles began her working career as an English teacher at Dixon High School. When the family moved to Petersburg, Illinois in 1977, she worked for several years at Famous Barr in Springfield. In 1986 she joined the staff of the newly organized Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, starting as an interpreter at the Old State Capitol. She talks extensively about the Portrait of a Prairie Capitol theatrical production and the Living History Program, both at the Old State Capitol. In 2001 Jennie became the site manager for the Vachel Lindsay home in Springfield. and became synonymous with the historic home of Springfield's most renowned poet until her retirement in 2014.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Most Exciting Part of IHPA
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early life, teaching career, and her early years with IHPA
Interviw Session 02 (Audio)
Years at IHPA, Living History at Old State Capitol and Vachel Lindsay
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Related Materials
See Also
Photos
Front view of the Vachel Lindsay home in Springfield, as it appeared in the early 2000s.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Early 2000s
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Front and side view of the Vachel Lindsay home in Springfield, as it appeared in the early 2000s.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Early 2000s
Ownership:
Property of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
The Vachel Lindsay family circa 1930 while they lived in Vachel’s Springfield home. From left to right are his wife Elizabeth, daughter Susan, son Nicholas and Vachel.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Circa 1930
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
A portrait of Vachel Lindsay, date unknown.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator
This framed collection of Vachel Lindsay photos was signed by many of Jennie Battle’s fans on the occasion of her retirement in 2014 as site manager for the home.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2014
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo