The Original Guest Book has been transferred to this page. Please feel free to post any general messages or enquiries on this Page.
The Original Guest Book has been transferred to this page. Please feel free to post any general messages or enquiries on this Page.
Phil says
My early ancestors came over from Prussia in the late 1860’s and settled on the south side of Chicago. Sites like this make feel like I can get to know them even better by experiencing the world in which they lived. Thanks for the site, it’s really a treat. And if you need help transcribing old documents, drop me an email.
Joe Wall says
My wife and I have the orginal medallions that were hanging on the wall and were found in the ruins after the fire. The name on the medallions are: Mozart, Beethoven, Schiller and Goethe. We have them preserved in a glass frame. They are claimed to be the only one’s in existence that were found after the fire. Do you have any information on them, we would like to know more about the history of the medallions. Thank you, Joe Wall.
Joe Mackler says
What a surprise to see my great grandfather’s house on this website! It has since been razed for the Blind Pony Recreation area. Wonder if any of the other 3 still exist?
S. Gertz says
I own 4 watercolors from a collection of worlds fair memorabilia. Two of them are signed by H.D. Nichols,one of these is of the ferris wheel the other is of the gondola landing, the other signed watercolor is by Louis Meynelle. The only one not signed is a great watercolor of the windmill exhibit. If anyone has any information on these pictures I would appreciate it. I’m interested in their worth and how rare. Thank you.
Jonathan Wuepper says
Hi from across the lake in Berrien County, Michigan: I enjoy the site! QUESTION: In 1855/56, how far away was the Matteson House (corner of Dearborn and Randolph) from the nearest Railroad Depot? I’m particularly interested in RR depots/railroads in which one would use to transfer to the Michigan Central Railroad, in August 1856. In 1856, the Michigan Central ran from Michigan City, IN to Detroit.
Jonathan Wuepper says
Hi, A week or so ago, I asked about RR depots in Chicago in 1856 on this board, to which you kindy replied by email. I have since deleted your email address, and forgot your name. Long story short: just know I have come across a column in the Kalamazoo Gazette dated January 30, 1857 Sec A: 2:7. This article describes a trip into Chicago by rail that month, with a description of the ICRR building, and that “four railroads centre in this building”. This may be a vital peice of information to your research of that period. If interested, please reply. Hour Humble Servant, Jon Wuepper Berrien County, Michigan
Benjamin Serrano says
I think this website is awesome and I’m only thirteen. I may be young, but I just love Chicago history. It is so full of acton and really expresses how America has progressed. Thank you forputting up this website and great job!
Bob Zoblisein says
I have some autographed watercolors from the Columbian Exposition – 1893. Louis Meynelle – Water Reflection; Transportation Building – Joseph Gleeson; In The Palace Of Fine Art – H.D. Nichols; South Canal Near The Farmers Bridge; E.B. Child – A Summer Day At The Exposition. I would like to know where I could get these appraised. Thank You,
Keith Coppola says
I’m trying to find out information about Stefan Schwarz (1851-1924), a sculptor and medal-artist, who lived and taught in Vienna. His following works were part of exhibit of Austria at the Chicago World’s Fair Of 1893: 6. Fauns with Geese. (Two groups.) 7. Heracles in the Nessus Garment. 8. Boy with Snake. 9. Mozart. I was wondering where I could get these appraised. I appreciate any information about the artist and his works.
Rich Cahan says
What a wonderful little history of Chicago! The story is well told and the photos are great. Rich Cahan
James Kerrigan says
My parents home, the haven model is a sears home built in 1926. Can you provide me with more information on the haven. Thank you
Ed Schwartz says
I arrived here thanks to a search engine while doing some research on Chicago History. This is a wonderful addition to the internet. The artwork is breathtaking. Ed Schwartz Columnist Lerner Newspapers Chicago
Glen M. Przeslicke says
I teach Chicago History at Roosevelt High School. We participate in the Chicago Metro History Fair annually and this site is a great resource for our students to find images and information for their projects. Great site!
Joyce Shaw says
I have a set of 50 stereoscoptic cards in the original box. All 50 cards are there and they are in good condition. The box is a tiny bit worn on the corners. It is entitled A TRIP THROUGH SEARS,ROEBUCK & CO. I am interested in finding out the value of this set.
Administrator says
Hello, Joyce Thank you for visiting Chicagology. Here is about all that I can say about the value of your cards. Last year I bought a complete set of the 50 Cards (without the box), to fill in my missing numbers and I paid only $28 thru eBay. The Sears Card set is fairly common, but a complete set, in its original, intact box is not. Complete sets w/o the box under $30, with the box for about $70. I did a quick search on eBay and found the following recent sales: One sold for $75.79. Another one went for $72.00, but the photos are no longer posted on the page. Individually, the cards can go for about $5-10 each, but they will not go quickly. I have been trying to find original stereoviews of early Chicago, but these go for as high as $50 each and no one seems to have a complete set of any particular photographer. Since the Sears set was available nationally thru their catalog, there were many made and sold, thereby making the set fairly easy to come by. I am willing to pay a fair amount for a complete or nearly complete set of the Carbutt photos, but have not come across such a collection on eBay or elsewhere.
S Unruh says
What a pleasant surprise to find not one, but four pictures of our house in the Sears gallery! Our house is located north of Wichita, Ks. and still bears a remarkable resemblence to these photos, despite quite a bit of renovations. I too, am curious if any of the other three house are still standing. Thanks for a very informative & nicely done site.
Tom Palczynski says
Born and raised and lived for 52 years in Chicagoland area. Now living in Sin City (Las Vegas). I now can see the visit Chicago from my easy chair and study the history of the great city of Chicago. No other place has such good food and the best people in the world.
karrie sicely says
Finally an accurate picture of our recently purchased Sears catalog home model 2017. Does anyone know the model name for this home? Please email me with any info. Thanks
Tonya from MO says
I have a Sears home, and I am wondering if there are any sites to go to so I may check to see exactly what the name of it is? I am really excited to find out more info about my house, but I don’t have the first clue as to where to go to get this information. I have one book, but it does not have a bunch of photos in it. Could someone please help???? Thanks!
Andrew Mutch says
Two places to look for your Sears House:
sears archives
sears index
Patricia Siemsen says
I am looking for information re; an expert art appraiser – we have an original watercolor painting of the ferris wheel signed and dated by H.D.Nichols. This is the exact picture shown in the book A Day At The Fair. Please advise who might appraise this picture for us. Thank You Pat
paul sloan says
I have a candle holder that says 1492 -1892 worlds fair on it I was wondering where and how I could get it appraised
Dudley Bayne says
Thanks for all the great information.
CApt. Mark says
does any one have any info about floating bordellos
on the north branch of the Chicago River,
north of Irving Park Rd., probably during WW2.
There were still some floating squatter’s boats there
as late as 1999 or so.
Cathy Keckeisen Razor says
For the last few years, I have been working on my family history from the mid 1800s in Chicago. I am always happy to see additional Chicago history sites, as it helps me to put census and other details into perspective. So, thank you.
Administrator says
My family, too, arrived in Chicago from the mid 1800’s. That is the reason the site exists.
Glad you enjoy it.
Mahalo.
Gene Meier says
I am writing the first book from the American point of view about 19th century rotunda panoramas.These were the biggest paintings in the world,50 x 400=20,000 square feet, housed in their own rotundas which were 16-sided polygons.Chicago in 1893 had 6 panorama companies and 6 panorama rotundas.
Chris Corrigan says
I had been wondering what downtown Chicago may have looked like prior to the great conflageration of 1871. Now I have much better idea, following my visit to chicagology!
Garry Albrecht says
Thank for this site. I have borrowed with reference many elements of your research to my blog and then have featured what I gathered from other sources from the blog to my Facebook fan page.
The only historical source for the neighborhood of LakeView was the Lake View Saga. I wanted to do something more fun and current so I created the blog and from time to time feature a post on Facebook.
thanks again for this wonderful site!
Administrator says
You are very welcome, Garry and thanks for the kind words. I am doing this for the love of the city (fifth generation) with hopes that it brings an interesting spin on early Chicago. Cheers!
Eddie G Hoffmann says
Met you through FB, happy to have your site added to my Chicago pages.
Jim delp says
Anyone know how can I find information about a Chicago Daily News badge, Number 9303, that was worn by the newsboys? I would like some history on it.
Luke says
Hey guys, i’m doing an art essay on architecture and was just wondering if anyone here could inform me of what architectural styles the buildings pre-fire (c. 1871) and post-fire (1871-1880) conformed to?
Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Administrator says
Hello Luke
I believe I have the book you are interested in, but unfortunately I’m in Spain for two weeks and can’t think of the name of it.
The book is a full architectural history of building in Chicago and was written by an architect around the late 1940’s.
I was disappointed that I didn’t have it listed in the Bibliography and I am trying to find it on the web. There might be a PDF version available but I have to remember the title first.
As soon as I can remember it I will let you know.
Terry
I have found the book. Here is a description if a reprint:
• Frank A. Randall, History of the Development of Building Construction in Chicago, Urbana: University of Illinois Press, Second Edition, 1999. This is the best source for information about buildings in the Central Business District.
Barbara Sumrall says
I have enjoyed your site. Can you tell me if there was a dog show at the 1893 World’s Fair? My great grandfather, George Mott, showed dalmatian dogs and a family story says he showed his dogs at that fair. Any information will be appreciated.
Administrator says
Barbara, in the Agricultural Building there were several Live stock exhibits including Dog shows and carrier pigeon flights.
Mary Pendergast says
Hello. Our neighborhood association – The Ravenswood Manor Improvement Association – is celebrating its Centennial next year. I am on the Research Committee and stumbled onto your site today. (I had pulled my older copy of “Streetwise” which speaks to the mystery of Agatite, and decided to google it. Lo and behold, your site shares that the mystery is solved!)
I am wondering if you have any information on Ravenswood Manor, which was a planned community started in 1909-10 by William E. Harmon. We are in the Albany Park area west of Ravenswood, and originally were one neighborhood with Ravenswood Gardens across the river. The RMIA started its own parks which were then incorporated into the Chicago Park District.
Any sites for resources are appreciated as well. We are going to compile a permanent history display, do tours of Harmon models and landmark homes, and have a tall tales section with stories we hope to verify and then share. We also are interested in original homeowners, and neighborhood information on 1914 especially, when the RMIA was founded.
So far we have access to a neighbor written history (from 1960) that resides at the Sulzer Library’s reference section, legacy.com access, and Chicago Park District archives access. I hear the Chicago Museum is a valuable source, and possibly the Newberry Library. Also I was sent a link to Chicago Encyclopedia.
Thanks for any information or pointers you can offer. Mary
Lars Carlson says
Hi,
My grandmas father lived in Chicago 1906. (Swedish emigrant)
Found a post card addressed to L.J Ahlstrand, 154 Oak Street, Chicago
Anyone that have a picture of that house/building from around this year?
Would be great as I’m on genealogy and trying to trace him..
/ Lars
Mary Mathieu says
I am a direct descendant of Mark Beaubien. I just wanted to let you know, in your article about him, his second wife was Elizabeth Mathieu, not Matthew. Their daughter, Mary Beaubien, married her cousin, George Mathieu.
Mary Mathieu
Administrator says
Hi Mary
Thanks for the info. I have corrected the page. The source for the page was from the 1929 book, “Chicago and Its Makers.”
Michael N. Catalano says
I lived my first 16 years near Kedzie & Ohio sts. Next 7 in Berwyn, minus 19 months in Army. Next seven: Addison, Arlington Hts, Hinsdale. I moved to SE South Dakota 35+ years ago. Don’t visit Chi anymore, for years, AND STILL MISS THE WONDERFUL FOOD.I stumbled upon this site while ‘fumbling’ around. OMG, wish I’d have found it years ago. But, it’ll pleasure me from now on.
Richard Bodman says
Hi, I’m wondering if anyone can tell me where 411 W. Madison St. would have been in 1869. Would it have been in the same block as the Chicago Tribune? Or would it have been west of the south branch of the river? My ancestor A.H. Bodman was a Tribune reporter from 1861 to 1865, after which he served as Chicago city clerk, 1865-1869. In 1869, the city directory lists him at 411 W. Madison St., and his ex-wife and children continued to live there after the fire.
Thanks!
Dick Bodman
Administrator says
411 W. Madison in 1869 is 1130 W. Madison (between May and Racine streets) today.
JOHN CHUCKMAN says
You’ve done a handsome job on the site.
Not quite my era of main interest, but loads of information.
Readers may enjoy my sites also which focus on a later time:
http://chuckmanchicagonostalgia.wordpress.com/
http://chuckmanplaces.wordpress.com/
Administrator says
Thanks, John. I’ve been a big admirer of your site as well. Again, thanks for visiting!
Terry
Kay McCrimon says
I am interested obtaining copies of souvenir maps from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition for a traveling suitcase that is being created by the African-American Cultural Center at UIC. We recently had an exposition entitled, The Reason Why the Colored American Is Not Included in the World’s Columbian Exposition and are seeking artifacts for the suitcase which will travel to Chicago schools and senior facilities.
Catherine C McGee says
My Papa William Gordon Harvey was born 25th February 1915 in Chicago at 5749 S Laflin St 60636. Only discovering this now. Great website full of information
Scott Garrett says
Looking for any info on the George B. Carpenter and Company of Chicago. Recently came into possession of a ship’s compass which was manufactured by E.S. Ritchie of Boston and sold to Carpenter in June 1903. Is anyone aware if the George B. Carpenter and Company business records or fonds exist anywhere. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Richard Loarie says
Richard J. Finnegan was my great grandfather,Editor of Daily Journel then, Editor of Times then Editor of Sun Times after merger. Huge figure in newspaper world. Can not find any info on him on this site. Please contact me loarie.r.j@gmail.com
Gene Meier says
I am writing the first book from the American point of view about 19th century rotunda panoramas. These were the biggest paintings in the world,50 x 400=20,000 square feet housed in their own rotundas which were 16-sided polygons. Chicago in 1893 had 6 panorama companies and 6 panorama rotundas. //PANORAMA PLACE, located at Wabash and Hubbard Court (now Balbo); SHILOH> MONITOR & MERRMAC> CHICAGO FIRE panorama om Michigan between Madison and Monroe; BERNESE ALPS and KILAUEA VOLCANO, located on either side of the Ferris Wheel; and BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA, located (1893) in the “Fair Behind the Fair” on Stoney Island & 57th(later site of the famous art colony).I AM ESPECIALLY INTERESTED in acquiring PHOTOGRAPHS of the Reed & Gross panorama studio in E n g l e w o o d 1885-88. This can be seen on GOOGLE PATENTS–Dioramic or Panoramic Structure by Charles Henry Ritter, Chicago, Illinois filed 9-19-1885,issued 3-16-1886. THIS BUILDING WAS REMOVED TO CANADA, originally to Montreal, and then to Ste Anne de Beaupre (“since 1895”), which contains an original panorama by the Reed & Gross studio of JERUSALEM ON THE DAY OF THE CRUCIFIXION. Reed & Gross built units of BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG and JERUSALEM for cities from coast to coast and around the world:Australia, Canada, Europe,England, South America. Info to share! genemeier@frontiercom