The Library Palace

“And because it was built to endure, it looks as fresh-minted as ever today – a handsomely restored and maintained monument of cultural pride.”

The Book

In The People’s Palace: The Story of the Chicago Cultural Center, author Nancy Seeger traces the creation of a permanent public library in Chicago. Like most aspects of Chicago, the public library was impacted by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Prior to the Fire, the public had access to over 30,000 books in the public reading room. The Fire destroyed the whole collection; but the generosity of British authors and statesmen formed the beginning of a new library collection (8,000 books). The collection was temporarily housed in an old water tank (the book includes a drawing of this) and it soon grew to over 120,000 books. By 1891, twenty years after the Fire, Chicago had the largest library system in the United States.

It was at this point that work began on a permanent home for the library, that would also serve as a memorial to the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic. Construction on the Chicago Public Library lasted five years. The building included five stories, a Greek inspired entrance on the north side, a Roman inspired entrance on the south side, the world’s largest Tiffany dome, and mother-of-pearl mosaics. “In this building, at any rate, beauty was to be everyone’s democratic right.” The building served as Chicago’s central public library until the new library opened in 1991. In 1994, it was renovated and reopened as the Chicago Cultural Center. The renovation took great care to preserve the architectural features and introduce the building to new generations of patrons.

The People’s Palace is reminiscent of a postcard book, with thick pages and a horizontal structure. It could easily work as a small coffee table book. The layout draws the reader’s attention to images and key words, using a variety of font sizes and backgrounds. The images are photos and drawings in both black and white and color. There are no chapters, but there are uniquely designed title pages that tell the reader the content is changing. When I read a book with minimal text, I often find myself wanting more information. However, that was not the case with The People’s Palace. The minimal text works well due to the unique design.

The Place

The Chicago Cultural Center, located right across the street from Millennium Park, is one of my favorite places downtown Chicago and one that I tell any new visitors to add to their list of places to see. I first encountered the Center when my curiosity was piqued by the exterior architecture. Inside (Washington Street), I was greeted by a marble staircase, embedded with the names of famous authors. Once I reached the top, my eyes were drawn upwards to the Tiffany stained-glass dome. To this day, I am still struck by that staircase and stained-glass dome.

The Center is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Those that wander into the building have a variety of options to choose from: explore the building on your own, attend a free public event, walk through the changing art exhibits, or take a free tour. If you explore on your own, there are several highlights you don’t want to miss: the marble staircase and stained-glass dome, the Grand Army of the Republic memorial room, and the architecture throughout the building. No matter what you choose to do, keep in mind that this grand building was once the Chicago Public Library and the Tiffany stained-glass dome once hovered over patrons receiving the books they requested.

An American Venture in Higher Education

“What began as a humble and inchoate project for a frontier college in the 1850s evolved into a noble and sustainable ideal, grounded in the firm support of social elites of Chicago who believed that higher education was both a public and social good and an emblem of civic prestige” (64).

The Book

Despite a rocky start and various difficulties throughout the years, the University of Chicago emerged as a significant institution in Chicago and higher education. The University of Chicago: A History by John W. Boyer recounts the history of the institution and the influence of key leaders. 

There were actually two Universities of Chicago. The first was founded in 1856 by Stephen Douglas, with Baptists, to educate in classics, grammar, science, and agriculture. It got off to a rocky financial start and its location was isolated from downtown Chicago. Enrollment declined as Chicago boomed and the university closed in 1886. In spite of the poor reputation of the first university, several Chicago leaders were able to persuade John D. Rockefeller (one of the wealthiest Baptists in the US) to pledge $600,000 for the second university. In 1889, Marshall Field donated land in Hyde Park and the second University of Chicago was chartered in 1890. 

The first president of the second university, William Harper, revolutionized the structure of instruction (the quarter system and majors and minors), developed a relationship with the community, and raised standards for undergraduate students to make sure more would continue in graduate studies. His vision was often in tension with the board and Rockefeller, especially when it came to funding. In the 1920s, work was done to develop more rigorous faculty research and move away from financial dependency on the Rockefellers. The mid-twentieth century found the University of Chicago in financial and enrollment trouble, just as its relations with Chicago and the neighborhood deteriorated. Since then, the university has worked to improve neighborhood amenities and work with the residents. 

The University of Chicago: A History is a very detailed history of the two universities. It is written more for an academic audience and is hard to read straight through. Many readers may find one or two chapters the most interesting, or choose to skip over some parts. Most chapters include information regarding various people (particularly each president), faculty tensions, curriculum, financial difficulties, and student life. The narrative is driven by the initiatives of each of the presidents, some of whom were able to accomplish more than others. In a few places, quotes from the student newspaper were included; I would have liked to have seen more of those, since they add a different perspective to the history.

The Place

Visitors to the University of Chicago, who aren’t prospective students, are able to walk around the campus. It is nestled in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, surrounded by large trees and various architectural styles. To me, the highlight of the campus is the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures. This museum focuses on ancient civilizations in the Middle East, or the Fertile Crescent. It is incredible to see artifacts from ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Persia (to name a few). Personally, I enjoyed seeing items that hearkened back to lessons in both history classes and Sunday School: mosaics from the gates of Babylon, tools used to build the pyramids, and wall reliefs from Assyrian throne rooms. 

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, with extended hours on Fridays. No registration is required for individuals or small groups and there is a suggested admission fee. Depending on your interest level, plan for at least a half a day to walk through the various galleries. I have visited on a Saturday and weekday in the summer, both times the campus was not as crowded with students. We also walked around campus and visited Washington Park to see Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time sculpture.

Chicagoua: The Place of the Wild Onion

“[We] had faith in each other and faith in Chicago. Its future greatness became [our] theme of thought and conversation, and the inspiration of great plans and deeds.” –Grant Goodrich, an early Chicago settler

The Book

“Chicago” conjures up a variety of historical images and thoughts to any hearer: from the “Windy City” to the Chicago Fire. City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America cuts through all the assumptions and presents an urban biography that focuses on Chicago’s rise from the first recorded discovery of an empty prairie in 1673 to a worldwide destination in 1893.

Fur trader Louis Joliet and Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette set out from the Straits of Mackinac to explore the land to the south, claimed by France. Their detailed notes and maps introduced wide open prairies and new waterways to explorers. These explorers and early settlers recognized Chicago’s geographic potential, as did many who came after them. “Modern” Chicago began in 1848 with the opening of the Illinois & Michigan canal, construction of railroads and turnpikes, and the establishment of the Board of Trade. Business boomed in Chicago and the city took on massive engineering projects. All of that halted on October 8, 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire raged for 30 hours, destroyed 73 miles of streets, and made 100,000 homeless. 

But Chicago wasn’t halted for long: The railroad and new industries (stockyards, luxury rail cars, and mail-order shopping) drove Chicago to a quick recovery. Cable cars and electric trolleys replaced horse drawn carriages, creating the Loop. Architecture boomed with new advances in structural systems and foundations to build even taller buildings. The wealthy advocated for civic patriotism and began funding projects to promote culture and civics. At the same time, many workers and their families lived in unsanitary slums. The plight of the working classes led to demonstrations, some of them fueled by anarchists. In the midst of these extreme contrasts, Chicago was picked to host the 1893 World’s Fair. Visitors flocked to the White City that could not completely cover up slums, political machines, an active red-light district, and industrial strikes. 

Miller takes on a herculean task: cover over 200 years of history in one volume. He does it in a way that helps the reader grasp key concepts and learn interesting tidbits, without loosing sight of the overall narrative. The one issue was the missing pages early on in the book. On a couple of pages, the words did not line up with the following page. Despite that, you are transported to various times and places with details and quotes from journalists, key people, average people, and fictional characters from novels of the time. Mini biographies are interspersed throughout that provide insight into key players in Chicago history, some more well known than others. At no point did I feel like it was too much information or not enough, Miller struck the right balance and also didn’t sugarcoat the stories of people or events. 

*For more information see these blog posts:

·         The Architect and the Skyscraper

·         Flowing through the Windy City

·         The White City

The Place

The Chicago History Museum is a one of a kind museum that uses a variety of exhibits to engage visitors with Chicago’s past. I would recommend beginning with Chicago: Crossroads of America, and if possible, join a guided tour with one of the docents. This section of the museum corresponds almost exactly with City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America. Artifacts from the early settlers, the Great Chicago Fire, and the 1893 World’s Fair make history come to life. Another highlight are the detailed dioramas depicting Chicago as a frontier post to the World’s Fair. The other permanent and temporary exhibits provide hands on activities and a chance to glimpse significant artifacts.

As with most museums these days, The Chicago History museum has had to adapt to life impacted by the coronavirus. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and follow special guidelines, listed on the website. Some exhibits are closed, due to their hands-on nature. The museum has also developed ways for visitors to explore Chicago history from their own homes, through the website. The Chicago History Museum is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you still have time, after visiting the museum, you can take a stroll through Lincoln Park – the largest public park in Chicago.

The Enemy Below

“…since 1954 [U-505] has rested high and dry among the trees in Jackson Park alongside the Museum [of Science and Industry] near the shore of Lake Michigan” (1).

The Book

Rear Admiral Daniel V. Gallery, USN presents the reader with a unique memoir: the capture of a Nazi submarine, the U-505. But it is more than a recounting of one moment at sea, Twenty Million Tons Under the Sea packs in the Battle of the Atlantic, U-boat details, a biography of the U-505, and editorializing from a seasoned sailor.

The majority of the book focuses on the story of the U-505. Work on the U-505 was completed in 1941; it was first stationed off the coast of Africa and then in the Caribbean. Under its first captain, the U-505 was successful in her quest to sink many ships. However, when the captain changed, the crew encountered “bad luck.” Most likely that luck can be traced to French workers sabotaging the U-boats when they came back to port. Intermittently, Gallery will interject the U-505 narrative with an explanation of where he was stationed or naval tactics. The book moves towards its climactic moment: a play by play of the June 1944 capture of U-505. In the final pages of the book, Gallery details how the U-505 ended up in the Museum of Science and Industry and shares his thoughts on war and what we should learn and remember.

Like most memoirs, Twenty Million Tons Under the Sea, reads like a conversation. Gallery writes what happened, provides his own opinions, and creates dialogue for the U-505 crew. Some of the information in the book comes from the captured records on the U-505 as well as correspondence with the crew after World War II. The best part about this book is the focus on a part of World War II that is not prominent in education. Gallery seems aware that his reader lacks detailed knowledge of submarines and the Battle of the Atlantic, taking the time to explain and clarify.

Today, the U-505 is beached in a museum, but it is much more than a popular exhibit: on September 25, 1954 it was “dedicated as a memorial to the 55,000 Americans who have lost their lives at sea” (325).

The Place
The U-505 exhibit immerses visitors into the story of the “first enemy war ship captured [by the United States Navy] in battle on the high seas since 1815” (315). The walk to the submarine explains the Battle of the Atlantic from the toll U-boats took on shipping to the capture of U-505. Then, you turn a corner and are confronted with the massive U-boat; looking down on it, as the American sailors would have in 1944. Visitors to the museum can pay extra for a tour of the submarine; this is well worth the cost. The tour is popular, so it would be wise to buy tickets beforehand.

While the U-505 exhibit is impressive, it is not the only exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors can ride through a replica coal mine, explore genetics and watch baby chicks hatch, and view the changes in transportation (among other exhibits). There is something for everyone: young and old, science geeks and history nerds. There is an entrance fee, with some exhibits requiring an extra cost (with a timed ticket), and an underground parking garage (also with a fee).

The Architect and the Chicago Skyscraper

“[The Rookery’s] dramatic interior is one of the best examples of [Burnham and Root] working together, each contributing to the architectural quality of the outcome” (34).

The Book

Daniel H. Burnham: Visionary Architect and Planner by Kristen Schaffer attempts to remedy the past treatment of Burnham by showing his influence in designing architecture, as well as managing an architecture firm. According to Schaffer, Burnham deserves more credit for his work in designing numerous significant buildings, as opposed to history focusing on his managerial skills.

There are five sections to the book: a brief introduction and historical treatment, Burnham’s work with his first architecture partner (John Root), the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and immediately following, the City Beautiful movement and later buildings, and historical treatment. These sections are more focused on Burnham’s professional work and an in-depth look at significant buildings. A reader learns of architectural detail in a way that is accessible and gains insight into the mind of Burnham. The main takeaway is that Burnham had a wide-ranging impact on architecture, the role and look of the office building, city planning, and firm management.

One of the best parts about this book are the numerous photographs showcasing the wide variety of buildings Burnham designed or collaborated on. Of course, Burnham is known for his work in Chicago (including The Rookery and Marshall Fields, now Macy’s), but he also designed significant buildings in Washington, DC (Union Station), New York City (Flatiron Building), Philadelphia (Wanamaker’s, now Macy’s), and London (Selfridge’s). The text frequently refers to the photographs to help the reader see the intricacies of the architecture and development in Burnham’s design.

The Place

The Rookery is one of those buildings that words have a difficult time describing. At the time it was built, it was the largest office building in Chicago (eleven stories) and the indoor light court leaves visitors with a sense of awe. We were downtown Chicago one day and decided to stop in The Rookery. It is located just down the block from the Chicago Board of Trade and while the eleven stories of the Rookery may appear dwarfed, it still holds its own and the interior is breathtaking. Because the building houses shops and eateries (as well as businesses) you are able to walk in off the street and explore the lobby. Visitors will find information about both the original construction and the renovation by Frank Lloyd Wright.

If you would like to explore The Rookery further, the Chicago Architecture Center offers several walking tours that include this historic skyscraper. While I haven’t been on one of these specific tours, I have been on another tour by the Center and it was informative and interesting.

“Time goes, you say? Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go” [Henry Austin Dobson]

“…as a whole, the monumental sculpture is essentially a joyous celebration of the moment with all the splendor and pageantry of life” (160).

The Book

Lorado Taft: The Chicago Years by Allen Stuart Weller introduces the reader to an American sculpture who left a mark on Chicago. In a sense, it is a professional and personal biography-intertwining personal letters with sculpture commissions.

Taft returned to Illinois in 1886, after spending several years studying at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His early years in Chicago were spent lecturing at the Art Institute and sculpting busts and Civil War monuments. The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition shaped Taft’s view of public art (p. 68) and provided him the opportunity to work on a larger scale. In 1906, Taft opened his Midway Studios on the campus of the University of Chicago. 

Taft planned to develop a sculpture park where the Midway was during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. In 1912, Taft received a commission from the Art Institute for the Fountain of Time (based on the first lines of Dobson’s poem Paradox of Time): a look at how time stands still and our lives move past it.  The sculpture includes 80 figures (plus the figure of Time); it is 120 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 14 feet wide. Taft originally wanted it cast in marble, but choose concrete because of the size. Dedicated in 1922, the Fountain of Time is the only completed part of the planned sculpture park.

While Lorado Taft would be classified as an academic book, it is written in a way that anyone can read. Chapters are spent on Taft’s work with his students and the breadth of writing he completed, in addition to a chronological look at his time in Chicago. The author sometimes presents an artistic critique and look at Taft’s development as an artist. One of the aspects of the book I really liked, was the encouragement for the reader to look up any images mentioned that weren’t included in the book. I found myself doing this quite frequently, to help supplement what I was learning. The book does include many images that provide a look into Taft’s studio, sculpture at various levels of completion, and the people he interacted with.

The Place
Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time is located in Washington Park, not too far from the University of Chicago’s campus. The sculpture sits at the end of a long road and seems to draw your attention from whatever angle you approach. The sculpture is 360 degrees, so visitors have the opportunity to walk completely around it. It is an interesting experience to contemplate the first line of Dobson’s poem, while viewing the people passing before Time. Unfortunately, the fountain is no longer operating, but this does not take away from the impact of the sculpture.

The purpose for our visit to Washington Park was to see the Fountain of Time. The park is open all day, every day and has ample street parking. Visitors can find a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as special events.

The Legend, His Newspaper, and His Estate

“If the world refused to do [Robert R. McCormick’s] bidding, then he would fashion a world of his own at Cantigny” (336).

The Book

The history of Chicago and the suburbs is full of larger-than-life characters and their impact on the Windy City. In The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick, author Richard Norton Smith introduces the reader to one of those characters. Robert R. McCormick’s grandfather (Joseph Medill) became the managing editor of the Chicago Tribune in 1855, setting up a family dynasty for the next one hundred years. McCormick was made the acting president of the Chicago Tribune in 1911 and oversaw the paper until his death in 1955.

The Colonel delves into more than just the biography of one man. It provides biographies of his ancestors and relatives, co-workers, wives, employees, and newspaper. Smith lays out the facts, with some editorializing, and provides a neutral biography of a controversial man. McCormick was loyal (sometimes to a fault) to America, Chicago, the Chicago Tribune, and his political beliefs; but not to his family. He did what he thought was best and attempted to sway popular belief. In a sense, McCormick was the Chicago Tribune.

The story of Robert R. McCormick is complicated and detailed, which calls for a longer book. Smith’s biography covers a lot of ground, which can be too much for some readers. The book is well written and well researched, but I would only recommend it to those highly interested in the subject manner.

The Place

Cantigny was a family estate that Robert R. McCormick enlarged to his specifications. He named it after the battle he fought (at Cantigny, France) with the Big Red One First Infantry Division in World War I. McCormick bequeathed the estate, in a trust, for the people of Illinois.

Today, Cantigny provides numerous experiences for the people of Illinois. The estate includes a golf course, gardens, the Big Red One Museum, and Robert R. McCormick’s home. The Robert R. McCormick Museum allows visitors an opportunity to learn more about McCormick through a tour of his home. A tour is a great compliment to The Colonel because it helps readers and visitors visualize McCormick and see his ideas come to life. The tour guide introduces visitors to the people who lived in the house as well as the design and items that were placed there.

Guided tours are available year round (the Museum is closed on Mondays) and visitors must obtain a ticket for a tour time. There is a $5 per car entry fee into Cantigny. 

Eyes Drawn Upward

“Dark, strong, powerful, maybe even a little threatening-like a muscle-bound, Prohibition era gangster clad in a tuxedo-the John Hancock Center says ‘Chicago’…” (101).

“And from certain vantage points, the [Sears] tower possesses a stepped-back silhouette that dominates the skyline…” (107).

The Book

Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago is a collection of Blair Kamin’s architecture columns from the Chicago Tribune, between 1992 and 2000. The columns cover building proposals and changes, Chicago architects, sports stadiums, the suburbs, skyscrapers, and the lakefront. The reader can tell that Kamin is protective of the Chicago style and the influence it has and continues to have.

Two of the columns focus specifically on the John Hancock Center and the Sears (now Willis) Tower, the “bookends” of the Chicago skyline. Kamin introduces the reader to facts about each skyscraper and the impact they have on the city. The column on the John Hancock Center is a well-written architectural description and details the impact it has on the other buildings and neighborhood. The column on the Sears Tower provides facts about the tower, including the two decades it spent as the world’s tallest building.

According to Kamin, “The best [skyscrapers]…transcend everything and become civic art” (112). The main civic art of Chicago is its skyline and the sense of wonder it can impart. Kamin’s columns provide a detailed story of the past, present, and future of Chicago architecture. Reading the book 14 years after it was published allows the reader to visual the changes described. It is a word tour that allows the reader to travel throughout Chicago history and visualize the impact of the city that invented the skyscraper.

The Place

It is easy to keep your eyes to the sky as you walk downtown Chicago. The historic buildings and ground-breaking skyscrapers entice you to look up. I love walking out of the Metra train station and being immediately engulfed by the towering buildings lining the Chicago River. As you move closer to Lake Michigan, the buildings shorten and suddenly you have the blue lake in front of you and the towering skyline behind you.

The view from the ground can only be matched by the view from the top. Both the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower provide opportunities to observe the city from above. 360 Chicago at the John Hancock Center is 1,000 feet above Michigan Ave. The observatory provides views from all sides and interactive technology that provides information about the skyline. TILT allows visitors to lean over the edge in an all glass case. 360 Chicago is open year-round and there is a general admission cost for adults and children. Skydeck at the Willis Tower is 1,353 feet above the ground and allows visitors to step out on an all glass ledge to view the city below. When you are not on the ledge, you can walk around the observatory for great views of the city. The Skydeck is also open year-round and has general admission cost.

Because the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower are on opposite ends of the skyline, they both provide fantastic and different views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

Flowing through the Windy City

“From the water the famed lakefront is unforgettable, the heavy industry and shipping of the Calumet River is awesome, and Chicago’s history comes alive” (115).

The Book

David M. Solzman’s The Chicago River: An Illustrated History and Guide to the River and Its Waterways provides the reader with a story that links a waterway to the birth and growth of a city. The Chicago River is one of the main reasons for the existence of Chicago; accessible transportation provided a better avenue for trade. Shipping on Lake Michigan could continue through the Chicago River and eventually make its way to the Mississippi River. Industry sprung up along the banks and provided jobs to the communities. However, industry also brought the pollution of the Chicago River. The pollution traveled down the river into Lake Michigan, Chicago’s water supply. In 1900, the Sanitary and Shipping Canal successfully reversed the flow of the Chicago River, away from Lake Michigan.

Solzman divides the book into two sections. The first focuses on the geography of the Chicago River, as well as the history of its development. The second section provides the reader a guide to the Chicago River. This guide is interesting, but is best used if you plan to walk, drive, or canoe on the Chicago River. Solzman provides interesting facts, helpful tips, road directions, wildlife locations, and a bridge guide (38 are movable). The Chicago River is a helpful tool for anyone interested in exploring the river. 

The Place

There are numerous ways to explore the Chicago River, including several boat tour services. A Google search will provide a complete list of the various types of tours and companies. I had the opportunity to explore Chicago through the ShorelineSightseeing’s Architecture Tour. Tours are held regularly throughout the spring and summer, with a revised fall and winter schedule.

Seeing Chicago from the river is a truly unique experience. The tour guide provides information about the buildings, history of Chicago, and people who developed the skyline. From the Chicago River, you are able to see buildings designed by some of the greatest architects from different time periods. History and architecture combine to showcase an original city. 

Chicago's South Side Team

“Comiskey Park, however, appeared grand, as you would expect from a place that by 1911 billed itself the Baseball Palace of the World” (ix).

The Book

Baseball Palace of the World: The Last Year of Comiskey Park by Douglas Bukowski is a fan’s reflections on baseball, the White Sox, and the last season in Comiskey Park. Comiskey Park was built in 1910, by White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, and enlarged in 1926. According to Bukowski, “Comiskey Park is not just some bricks and grandstands […]; it is a design meant to fit the working-class neighborhood of Bridgeport” (11). Designer Zachary Taylor Davis created a park that would fit the neighborhood and provide closeness between the players and fans. Comiskey Park was the host of the first All-Star Game and was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. However, the decision was made in the late 1980s to build a new stadium.

Baseball Palace of the World is a result of this decision to demolish Comiskey Park. The chapters are broken into months from October 1989 to September 1990. Each chapter provides information about the White Sox’s seasons, Bukowski’s reflections on the history of the park, and his cynicism towards the new stadium. Throughout the book, Bukowski discusses the difference between a ballpark and a stadium. The ballpark provided a connection between the players and fans; a stadium does not allow for that connection. The reader can’t help sympathizing with the Sox fans that fought to keep the park and its unique history. 

The Place

Having visited both Wrigley Field and US Cellular Field (the White Sox Stadium), I understand the difference between a ballpark and stadium. I would have to agree with Bukowski that a stadium misses an aspect that the ballpark provides.

Today, a parking lot sits on the land Comiskey Park once occupied and US Cellular Field is across the street. The Home Plate from Comiskey Park is on display by Gate 5, Lot B. Statues of famous Sox players and Charles Comiskey are located around the stadium. According to the White Sox website, US Cellular Field includes an exploding scoreboard and arches, both nods to the original Comiskey Park. Even though it is not Comiskey Park, it is still fun to attend a White Sox game; US Cellular Field provides great views of the Chicago skyline and surrounding neighborhoods. 

Clark and Addison

“Wrigley Field has seen it all: baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, women’s pro baseball and even vaudeville. But mostly Wrigley has seen baseball, good and bad, glorious and embarrassing” (xiii).

The Book

Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography by Stuart Shea delivers exactly what it promises: a biography of the second oldest ballpark in America (Fenway Park has Wrigley beat by two years). Shea introduces the reader to the land that became Wrigley Field and the people behind it. The land was purchased in 1909 to become home to a new minor league baseball team; at this time, the Cubs played on the West Side and the Sox were on the South Side.

The minor league team never happened and in 1914 the Federal League (a third “major” league) built a ballpark for the Chicago Federals. Wrigley Field was built with future expansion in mind and much of the same structure still remains. The Chicago Federals lasted two seasons and their owner, Charley Weeghman, bought the Cubs. The Cubs moved to Wrigley Field and their first game was played April 20, 1916. Two years later, Weeghman sold control of the Cubs to William Wrigley. The Wrigley family owned the Cubs until they sold them to the Tribune Co. in 1981. In 1926, the field’s name became Wrigley after going through several different names in the previous years.

In order to completely tell the story of Wrigley Field, Shea provides a brief history of the time period, local characters, politics, and unique stories and facts. The chapters are broken up into short sections that introduce new topics; the one downside is the lack of consistency in chapter lengths. Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography chronicles the ups and downs of a baseball team and their fan base. Life is not always perfect for the Chicago Cubs, yet their loyal fan base is as unique as the field itself.

The Place

The best way to visit Wrigley Field is to attend a ball game. Just like any other major league team, tickets can be hard to get, but it is worth it. I’m not a Cubs fan, but the atmosphere of the game I attended is unlike any other. The stadium is smaller and truly provides an intimate feel with the game and fans. A visitor can see both Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from Wrigley. The “L” rattles past the field and it is refreshing to have a scoreboard that is not electronic.

If you can’t attend a ball game, tours are available. The tour gives visitors an in-depth look at the ballpark and its rich history. Even if you can’t attend a game or a tour, it is a great experience to simply walk around Wrigley. On game days the neighborhood is packed and it seems like you have stepped back in time. Unlike so many other ballparks, where you must walk from a large parking lot to an industrial area, Wrigley Field immediately immerses you in the ballpark atmosphere, no matter your mode of transportation.

From Rail Yard to Artistic Park

“Critically acclaimed as a unique fusion of art, architecture, and landscaping; embraced by diverse Chicagoans as a park for all people; and promoted to tourists as the crowning glory of a beautiful world-class city, Millennium Park has, in many ways, won Chicago the honor as the city of the century” (x).

The Book

Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark by Timothy J. Gilfoyle is a great coffee table book for anyone interested in Chicago. The book is full of pictures, maps, drawings, and short chapters that chronicle the history of Millennium Park. Gilfoyle divides the book into three sections: history, politics, and culture.

Millennium Park is a place that is steeped in history and is the final piece of Grant Park to be completed. In 1836 the land along Lake Michigan was preserved from any major development and became home to railroad tracks. After the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago became interested in developing a permanent park along the lakefront. Plans were commissioned for Grant Park in 1903 and sporadic construction began. Gilfoyle guides the reader through the history and straight into the political aspects of Millennium Park. The goal was to create something significant to attract residents and tourists and celebrate the new Millennium (the park didn’t actually open until 2004). There were accusations of corruption due to influence from major donors and construction issues. The many changes to the park’s design caused construction to be redone numerous times.

Gilfoyle ends the book with culture and helps the reader appreciate all that went into Millennium Park. One chapter consists solely of pictures depicting the construction of the major elements of the park: Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, BP Bridge, Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden. The following chapters focus on each of the major elements and their designers. The book ends with a nod to Daniel Burnham and the realization that Millennium Park simply builds upon this man’s dream for Chicago that began in the late nineteenth century.

The Place

Millennium Park is a park designed for all seasons and all ages. There are several parts of the park that are worth checking out.

Cloud Gate: Chicagoans refer to this as “the Bean.” It is a huge bean shaped sculpture that reflects its surroundings. You are able to walk up to it, around it, and under it.

Crown Fountain: During the warm months, the pictures of Chicagoans mimic gargoyles while water spits from their mouths. The two towers face each other and the water pools in between.

Lurie Garden: This garden is stocked with large varieties of plants. Within the garden is a section where visitors can sit and soak their feet in water.

In addition to these, is the ice skating rink in the winter, the BP Bridge that snakes out of the Lurie Garden, and the Pritzker Pavilion that hosts concerts. Although Millennium Park is always crowded, it is a must see for visitors to Chicago. I have more pictures of the Bean than I can count, but it is always fun to visit. 

Chicago's Playground

 “The idea was to impress visitors with what they saw both up close and at a distance” (17).

The Book   

Navy Pier: A Chicago Landmark by Douglas Bukowski is a well written, detailed, and interesting history of Chicago’s 3,000 foot pier. Bukowski includes many pictures from the beginning of Chicago up to the pier today.

Bukowski traces the idea of a pier from Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Chicago Plan to the renovation in the mid-1990s. Charles Summer Frost was chosen to design the Municipal Pier in 1913 and it was dedicated in 1916. The pier was used for military training in both World Wars. It saw the training of carrier pigeons in World War I and the training of Navy pilots in World War II. The name was changed to Navy Pier, in 1927, to honor those who served during World War I. In between the World Wars, the pier became a “place where people could enjoy themselves without fear of violence or moral corruption” (23). During this time, an emphasis was placed on the civic education of the people of Chicago.

Bukowski tells of the growing pains Navy Pier experienced after World War II. The University of Illinois used the pier as a satellite campus from 1947-1964. At the end of that time, the pier was in disrepair from so many different uses and alterations. The upcoming American Bicentennial brought about new restoration for the pier and a renewed interest. Bukowski defines the mid-1990s renovation as a close return to Daniel Burnham’s original plan. 

The Place   

Navy Pier is a place that all ages can have fun exploring. There are high-end restaurants, fast-food, and Chicago favorites. A children’s museum and funhouse can entertain children for hours. An IMAX theater shows new releases and documentaries. The Shakespeare Theatre is located on the pier, along with the Skyline Stage for concerts.

My favorite parts of the pier are the Ferris wheel and walking to the edge of the pier. The Ferris wheel is 148 feet tall and pays homage to the first Ferris wheel at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. It can carry 240 people in forty gondolas on a seven and a half minute ride. I think it provides one of the best views of the Chicago skyline. If you are on the pier you should also walk all the way to the end. You can look back and see the city from atop Lake Michigan or you can look out into the lake at the ships sailing past.