The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition Inspired “America the Beautiful”
Few today know that the later verses of “America the Beautiful” include a reference to the White City of the 1893 World’s Fair. The Fourth of July always puts us in the mood for some patriotic history. One of our favorite stories of Americana popped up last year. That’s when while researching the 1893 World’s […]
A History of Gay Pride in Chicago
The 48th Annual Chicago Pride Parade will take place on June 25th. In anticipation of one of the city’s most joyful events, I wanted to take a look back at the long and vibrant history of gay pride in Chicago. Whether they know it or not, the million or so revelers who will descend on […]
The History of Chicago BBQ
Innumerable backyard grills will be fired up for summer holidays, like Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July. In honor of that, I wanted to dive into the greatest possible use of a grill: barbecue. The history of Chicago BBQ is tied directly to the city’s history of industry and immigration. Taking a look at […]
Today is the 25th Anniversary of the Chicago Flood
April 13, 1992 was a deeply strange day in Chicago history. By mid-morning the city center was emptied of people, something likely not seen since the Great Fire of 1871. Hundreds of thousands of workers were sent home. Venerable institutions like the Board of Trade shuttered. The city lost billions in productivity. All because, below […]
The History of the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been an annual tradition for nearly forty years. It’s an expression of the pride and history of the South Side Irish, one of Chicago’s oldest ethnic communities. In fact, the tradition of a South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade is so strong and long-lasting that it […]
The Spirit of Valentine’s Day with Crazed Love Competitions
Let’s take a look back at Valentine’s Day history in Chicago. For decades, couples risked everything from arrest to their lives in order to compete for a little loving notoriety. Even love and dance in Chicago can have a taste of scandal in Chicago history… Record-Breaking Ridiculousness In the early 20th century stupendous human stunts and record breaking […]
Should We Trash or Save the Thompson Center?
The James R. Thompson Center is only thirty years old, but Governor Bruce Rauner announced in the fall of 2015 that he wants it sold and demolished. Just this month, in January of 2017, he floated the idea of a 115-story skyscraper taking its place. That raises a question for us Chicagoans to consider: should we trash or […]
Three Ways of Understanding Gentrification in Chicago
Recently, a new development project in Pilsen came under fire for its name: “The Gentry.” This upset neighborhood residents, who are concerned about gentrification. The name has since been dropped due to the public outcry, but it provides an interesting glimpse at the issue of gentrification in Chicago. Gentrification is one of those topics that I never feel fully at […]
Chicago Gift Guide 2016: 10 Local Gifts
Chicago Gift Guide 2016 This Chicago Gift Guide 2016 is your one-stop list for finding cool Chicago presents this holiday season. With all my love of Chicago, I know I’d be tickled to receive a locally-made gift! And it’s even better if it’s specifically Chicago-themed, tied to either Chicago history or architecture. By the way, you […]
A Global Hub: the History of Chicago Transportation
A week ago, countless locals and visitors passed through Chicago during their Thanksgiving travels. According to a recent article, nearly a million people had a seat booked at O’Hare during the week of Thanksgiving. Whether they knew it or not, as they stood in line or waited for lift-off, those passengers were part of the […]
