A Network of Bridges and Canals

“No one forgets a first glimpse of Venice […] there is a startling moment when one looks across the waves and finds what should not be there-stone towers, rich churches, and packed buildings rising up out of the sea” (9).

The Book

Venice: A New History by Thomas F. Madden packs a lot of history into an easy to read book. The topic is interesting and not difficult to understand; there is just enough history and facts for the average person. Madden begins with an introduction that provides a brief overview to Venice, explains the reason for the book, and piques the reader’s interest.

Once the reader’s interest is piqued, Madden dives into a chronological history of Venice. The reader will be struck by the fiercely independent, both politically and religiously, people and their early focus on business. Madden says, “For more than a thousand years Venice had been the only republic in the world-one that flourished in an age of kings, emperors, and tyrants. It did so […] because it was a state built purely on commerce” (358). The focus of Venice: A New History is on the city, the empire, and the people who built it.

It is difficult to provide a concise summary of Venice: A New History within the constraints of this blog, because Venice has a rich history that reaches all the way back to the Roman Empire. Venice officially became a city in 810, but its first inhabitants arrived during the 5^th century.  The city saw the break-up of the Roman Empire, participated in numerous crusades, watched the fall of the Byzantine Empire, experienced the shift of power in Western Europe, and survived to become a favorite tourist destination. Venice was an independent republic until 1797 when Napoleon conquered and looted the city. Until the unification of Italy in 1866, Venice was under French or Austrian rule.

I highly recommend reading this book. Both past and future tourists and students of history will find so much more information about Venice. Readers will finish this book with a new appreciation for the impact this city has had, whether in government, religion, banking, or culture.

The Place

The Venice today still looks the same as it did during the city’s heyday. Basilica di SanMarco was completed in 1094. The Piazza San Marco area was completed by 1177. It truly is amazing to stand in the Piazza and look at the impressive architecture, beautiful artwork and history surrounding you. During Venice’s independence as a city, this Piazza was the seat of government and public expression. Just around the corner from the Basilica di San Marco are the Bridge of Sighs and a phenomenal view of the lagoon.

Another highlight of Venice is the Rialto Bridge which spans the Grand Canal, and was built during the 16^th century. The Grand Canal, similar to a Main St., is packed with boats and gondolas while the Rialto Bridge is lined with shops that provide all types of souvenirs. My friend said to me when I visited, “Venice is a wandering city.” The best type of visit is simply walking around and exploring alleyways and canals. It is a tourist city and will most likely be crowded. However, if you are content wandering you will find hidden parks or bridges over a residential canal.

“As a republic in an age of monarchy and a capitalist economy in a time of agrarian feudalism, Venice has always stood apart from the world while simultaneously catering to its needs. In that respect, nothing has changed. Then, as now, Venice remains a city of honor and profit” (427). 

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. 

Down the Shore

 

“Ocean City’s founders envisioned the resort as a community for families in particular to enjoy” (46). 

The Book

Ocean City: America’s Greatest Family Resort by Fred Miller traces the growth of Ocean City from an island used to raise cattle to a thriving family town at the shore. The book begins with the story of five founders (three of whom were brothers) that wanted a family resort rooted in their Methodist beliefs. For majority of the city’s history, stores and the beach were closed on Sundays. That tradition is no longer in place, but the sale of alcohol is still not permitted in Ocean City.

Miller traces the early stages to the city’s prosperity, to weather tragedies, to the present. Included are interesting facts, such as this: Ocean City was one of the first in the nation to pay the lifeguards (p. 41) and those lifeguards have always been quick to rescue swimmers. Miller also discusses the growth of the city and details various events and celebrations. At times the topics jump quickly between paragraphs, but the history is easy and fun to read.

The Place

For over half my life, I have spent part of summer vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey. I always looked forward to the week my family spent down the shore and several of the places we would visit are mentioned in Miller’s book. The boardwalk provides amusement rides, miniature golf, go-karts, shops, and all kinds of restaurants. My family would visit Playland's Castaway Cove, which first opened in 1930. Now Playland is home to amusement park rides: including a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and a giant pirate ship over the entrance.

Shriver’s Candy Store is the oldest continuous store on the boardwalk and was founded in 1898. Shriver’s is known for their salt water taffy and visitors can watch it being made in the back of the store. Another favorite is Johnson’s Popcorn, who will ship their popcorn anywhere in the country.