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 […]
Five of Chicago’s Oldest ‘L’ Stations
The ‘L’ dates back to 1892, when the first elevated train rumbled down public alleys between Congress and 39th Street. Much of the system that Chicagoans know today was built shortly thereafter. While the ‘L’ has gone through many changes since then, some of its original stations are still in operation. Learning that the oldest […]
Designing an 1893 World’s Fair Tour Unlike Any Other
Our new 1893 World’s Fair Tour with Bars launches on March 16th. This walking tour is a three-hour-long adventure featuring charming pre-1900s buildings, drinks, some light snacks, and games. Guests learn the history of popcorn while snacking on the Chicago-made Cretors brand. We ride in one of the last passenger elevators with a human operator. The tour looks […]
Best Student Field Trips in Chicago
With so many options, how does a teacher choose what will be the best student field trips for their class? A field trip is such a memorable experience for enthusiastic learners. When I look back on my years in school, it’s the field trip days that clearly stand out to me. Whether focused on art, nature, […]
The Musical Chicago Story of the Mecca Flats
The loss of historic architecture, such as Chicago’s Mecca Flats, is not unusual in an ever-changing city. Some the great architecture of Chicago stands on sites of buildings that we would be sad to know are now gone – if we had indeed ever been familiar with their architectural spaces. After guiding one of our Loop Interior Architecture […]