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Hart, Schaffner & Marx Building

Hart, Schaffner & Marx Building, Price Building
Life Span: 1897-1950
Location: Van Buren and Market streets
Architect: Holabird & Roche

Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1899

Hart Schaffner & Marx

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1904
Hart Schaffner & Marx (Harry and Max Hart, Joseph Schaffner and Marcus Marx) clothing 226 Vanburen

Chicago Business and Office Directory, 1922
Price Bldg. 319-327 W Van Buren

Chicago Chronicle, May 23, 1897

AMERICAN EXPRESS PROPERTY.
The property owned by the American Express Company at Van Buren and Market streets has been sold to Owen F. Aldis and other trustees. The property has a frontage of 176 feet on Van Buren street by about ninety feet on Market street. It also has an alley along its southern side. The purchasers, it is said, propose to erect at once a modern eight-story fire-proof building covering the entire property. Plans have been prepared by Holabird & Roche and the contract let to W. A. and A. E. Wells. The new building has been leased for a long term of years to the wholesale clothing firm of Hart, Schaffner & Marx.

It is proposed to make the structure one of the finest wholesale mercantile houses in the world. The exterior design will be constructed of brick and stone. It will cost $17,000.

New Building For Hart, Schaffner & Marx, at Market and Van Buren Streets

Monarch Cycle Company

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Chicago Bicycles

Monarch Cycle Building, Santa Fe Building
Life Span: 1892-TBD
Location: Lake, Halsted and Fulton streets
Architect: J. M. Van Osdel

Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1899

Monarch Cycle Mng Co

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1900
Chicago Sewing Machine Co 42 and 44 N Halsted

The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, November 20, 1891

The American Bicycle and Specialty Co., of Chicago, have named their new machine the New Monarch. The firm anticipate removing to larger quarters in order to increase their output.

The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, February 12, 1892

The Monarch Cycle Co. plant is located at Nos. 42 to 52 North Halsted Street. The building is of red brick 125×127 feet, six stories and a basement with a floor space of 90,000 square feet. This company started into business last year, late in the season, manufacturing Empire safeties, ladies and gentle- men. Only a few machines were placed on the market at that time. They have recentlv expended a large sum of money on new machinery and material and now employ about 125 hands, all experienced workmen. In addition to the Empire cycles they are manufacturing ladies and eentle- men’s strictly high grade patterns. The Empire safeties are supplied in solid and cushion tires at $100 and $110. The Monarch in cushion and pneu- matics at $135 and $150. The pneumatic to be used has not yet been definitely decided on but will be the best money can buy. The officers of the Monarch Cycle Co. are John S. Emmeret, president; Chandler Robbins, vice-president; J. W. Kiser, secretary and general manager. A specialty of these wheels will be a dust cap for the ball bearings which will enable the rider to take the axle from the wheel without danger of balls rolling out. This does not in the least wav prevent the balls taken out for cleaning. The entire process of wheel manufacture is done in the factory. Their tubing is all imported raw and frames are made in the factory. The very best Credenda steel tubing is used. Not an ounce of cast material is used in the manufacture of the Monarch safeties.

The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, April 1, 1892

Monarch Cycle Company.
A new company which has rapidly gained a position in public favor is the Monarch Cycle Company, situated at 42 to 52 N. Halsted Street, Chicago. The reason for this is due to the determination of the company to put on the market a wheel that shall be in reality a “Monarch” in cycle construction. The large number of tradespeople who have visited their factory have sung its praises, and left with a high and largely increased respect for both wheel and makers.

Your correspondent called at the factory and was shown through by Mr. J. Jay Ross, who has charge of the office affairs. Mr. Ross is a young man whom few would suspect of having seen very nearly twenty-six Summers, but such is the case, nine of which he has been an enthusiastic cyclist, and there are few who are better posted. We first visited the nickel plating department, a very complete plant having recently been put in. Here all the bright parts are plated on copper and the operation is very interesting. In the machine shop all the connections, such as the head, crank bracket, hubs and all drop forgingsare drilled out from the solid and finished off. This company has one of the most complete sets of jigs for this pur- pose, and all the forgings are drilled so that all parts are exactly alike, and therefore interchangeable. The machine shop is a mammoth beehive of industry. In the brazing-room a large jig is used in which a complete frame is put, being held in proper position at the head saddle post, rear forks and crank hanger, these are then pinned together, taken into the furnace- room and brazed. Five large gas furnaces are to be used, two of which are now in running order. The work done in this department is of the highest class. On this floor are situated the three large ovens in which the enamel is baked. A peep in the assem- bling room, where the machines are put together, showed a very roomy department. It is under the direct supervision of an inspector, who is the busiest man in the factory, as it is his duty to see that each and every wheel is perfect in alldetails. He also pre- pares for each machine a guarantee covering any de- fect in workmanship or material, which is put in the saddle bag. The stock-room was the last stopping place of a very interesting visit. Here are the numerous parts, each kind occupying an appartment of their own. Tubing of various sizes is aiso stored here.

The Plant.
Your correspondent called at the factory and was shown through by Mr. J. Jay Ross, who has charge of the office affairs. Mr. Ross is a young man whom few would suspect of having seen very nearly twenty-six Summers, but such is the case, nine of which he has been an enthusiastic cyclist, and there are few who are better posted. We first visited the nickel plating department, a very complete plant having recently been put in. Here all the bright parts are plated on copper and the operation is very interesting. In the machine shop all the connections, such as the head, crank bracket, hubs and all drop forgingsare drilled out from the solid and finished off. This company has one of the most complete sets of jigs for this pur- pose, and all the forgings are drilled so that all parts are exactly alike, and therefore interchangeable. The machine shop is a mammoth beehive of industry. In the brazing-room a large jig is used in which a complete frame is put, being held in proper position at the head saddle post, rear forks and crank hanger, these are then pinned together, taken into the furnace- room and brazed. Five large gas furnaces are to be used, two of which are now in running order. The work done in this department is of the highest class. On this floor are situated the three large ovens in which the enamel is baked. A peep in the assem- bling room, where the machines are put together, showed a very roomy department. It is under the direct supervision of an inspector, who is the busiest man in the factory, as it is his duty to see that each and every wheel is perfect in alldetails. He also pre- pares for each machine a guarantee covering any de- fect in workmanship or material, which is put in the saddle bag. The stock-room was the last stopping place of a very interesting visit. Here are the numerous parts, each kind occupying an appartment of their own. Tubing of various sizes is aiso stored here.

Three Distinct Novelties.
The company have recently been allowed the claims made by them for patents on three very important inventions of their own, viz : the improved method of fastening cranks and sprocket wheels to crank axle, two devices that recommend themselves instantly, as loose cranks and sprockets with these machines will be things unknown. The third in- vention is the “Monarch Ball Holder and Dust Resister. This little device consists of a sheet steel cap, inserted in the bearing case, covering the balls, completely protecting them from dust and retains the oil, thereby a:iving a perfect bearing. In cleaning a wheel the holder will be found to be of great value and assistance, as the axle and cones can be removed without in any way disturbing the balls. It maybe removed at will, however, by simply withdrawing with the fingers. In replacing the balls it is only necessary to insert the holder in the bearing case, place the balls in, and “the deed is done.”

They invite inspection of their plant and a vicit there ought to be part of the programme of everybody interested to any degree of cycle building,

The company has received some large orders for the Monarch, and deserves all the praise accorded as their product is not only high grade, but of very handsome design.

An aggressive looking lion’s head within a pneu- matic wheel stands out boldly on the cover of the catalogue of the Monarch Cycle Co., of Chicago. This comparatively new concern manufacture the Monarch cycles, with cushion and pneumatic tires, a high grade, diamond frame machine, and the Empire safety, for both ladies’ and gentlemen. The feature of these machines is an ingenious arrangement for fastening the sprocket wheel, and a device for pro- tecting the ball bearings.

Chicago Tribune, April 27, 1892

New Incorporations.
The Monarch Cycle company, Chicago; capital stock, $25,000; incorporators, J. W. Kiser, Chandler Robbins, and J. S. Emmert.

The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, January 20, 1893

Monarch Bicycle Catalog, 1894

Chicago Chronicle, June 16, 1895

The excavation is about to be completed for the new building of the Monarch Cycle Company, Fulton and Halsted streets, mentioned in last Sunday’s Chronicle. The building will front 100 feet on Halsted and 125 feet on Fulton, and will cost $80,000. J. M. Van Osdel has prepared the plans for a red brick and terra cotta structure of eight stories and basement. The building will be adjacent to the company’s present plant on the south, and will practically double its capacity. It will be completed early in September.

A building of seven stories, containing over 90,000 square feet, divided into very spacious and well lighted departments, fitted up with the most modern automatic machinery, especially designed for the production of high-grade bicycles.

From 300 to 400 skilled mechanics are employed, and no Monarch machine passes the shipping department before being submitted to the closest examination by an experienced inspector. Bliss and Lumsden, Managers.

This establishment is second to none on what has come to be known as “Cycle Row.” A complete line of Monarch Bicycles of the finest finish always on exhibition, with over sixty feet of plate glass frontage to furnish light by day, and one hundred and twenty-eight incandescent electric lights, besides several large arc lights, at night.

The Bearings, January 9, 1896
Truth, 1896

The Bearings, January 23, 1896

The Bearings, August 26, 1897

The framed panorama of Chicago, issued by the Monarch Cycle Mfg. Co., is attracting considerable attention. The Monarch company announces that it will send one of the pictures to any cycle organization or club sending in a request.

1896 and 1898 Monarch Cycle Co. Catalogs.

Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1899

FINALLY FORM BICYCLE TRUST.
New Corporation as Completed Includes Nine Chicago Firms and Has $30,000,000 Capital.
New York, Aug. 31.—[Special.]—The bicycle trust, which has been in process of formation for two years, was finally completed today by the election of the following officers and directors:

The other members of the Board of Directors which will consist of fifteen will be elected at a subsequent meeting.

The title of the new trust will be the American Bicycle Company.

Chicago Concerns Involved.
The concerns that have been purchased and have become part of the company include the following from Chicago:

Other Companies Purchased.
The other concerns that have been purchased are the following:

For the purchase of these various plants there will be issued $10,000,000 5 per cent twenty-year gold debenture bonds; $10,000,000 7 per cent preferred stock, and $20,000,000 common stock, leaving in the treasury ample means for the purchase of such additional plants as may be desirable and for the extension of the business, especially in foreign countries.

The manufacturers have taken all the $10,000,000 preferred stock and the $20,000,000 common stock, and have subscribed for a substantial part of the debenture bonds.

Richard J. Finnegan

Published in Editor & Publisher, 24 July 1919

The cherished idea of the last generation of newspaper men that one must of necessity go from paper to paper over a period of years before he is a really seasoned news man is most beautifully exploded in the example of Richard J. Finnegan, managing editor of the Chicago Daily Journal. “Dick” Finnegan, as all the mid-western profession knows him best, is a one-job man. For years past he has filled that job completely.

finnegan

His boyhood ambition was to be a good newspaperman, and he set about attaining it in thorough fashion. While still a youngster in school, he his vacations working as office boy for the old Chicago Chronicle. There he learned that the library is the most important part of any newspaper office and he studied its utilization through three summer holidays. He handled a newspaper delivery route in the early mornings through the year, attended the old West Division high school until 2:30 in the afternoon, and then reported at the Chronicle office for work. Frank Rowley was then the managing editor of the paper. Lacking any sizable volume of advertising, the Chronicle sought to fill much of its space with letters from subscribers and the handling of these became one of Mr. Finnegan’s main duties.

Finally, on vacation time, he was given to write space copy. The afternoon of the terrible Iroquois Theatre fire, he happened to be the only reporter in the local room of the Chicago Chronicle. That was his grand chance for distinction and he seized it. He managed to penetrate to the frightful top gallery of the theatre and the story he wrote of what he saw earned him a permanent place on the paper’s staff.

Later he transferred to the old Chicago Inter-Ocean and served as a reporter for two years. It was at this time that he began to study law nights, and in order to do this he again shifted to the reportorial staff of the Chicago Daily Journal, which, as an afternoon paper, left his evenings free. He has remained with the Journal ever since, covering general assignments, labor and city hall run as a news man; rising to automobile editor; then being sent to cover state legislative sessions as Springfield correspondent.

It was while covering labor that Mr. Finnegan began the study of the convict labor system, especially as applied to road work in Colorado. This led to his appointment as chairman of the Good Roads Commission of the Chicago Motor Club, and while filling that office he called the first Good Roads state convention in Illinois, which drew an attendance of delegates from automobile clubs, civic chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and members of legislature. From this was evolved Illinois Highway Improvement Association, whose first secretary was Mr. Finnegan, and which today has resulted in the campaign for the $6,000,000 bond issue now assured.

Later Mr. Finnegan was appointed a member of the Dixie Highway Commission by Governor Dunn, and reappointed by Governor Lowden. He was Democratic candidate for Congress from the 10th congressional district in 1910; was appointed a member of the Cook County Jury Commission by the judges of the county in 1911, serving two years. He became city editor of the Chicago Journal in 1914, and managing editor two years later.

Mr. Finnegan’s birthplace was less than five blocks distant from his present offices in the Journal building. He is married and has three children; likes to work at his desk right out in the local room where he is surrounded by his “boys”; is an active member of both the Iroquois and the Chicago Motor clubs.

Studebaker Building I

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Studebaker Building I, Fine Arts Building
Life Span: 1886-Present
Location: 410 South Michigan Avenue
Architect: Solon Spencer Beman

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1904

Fine Arts Bldg.

Inter Ocean, August 23, 1885

The Studebaker Brothers’ Manufacturing Company were granted a permit to build a very fine business structure, which they will occupy as a carriage repository and salesroom. The new edifice will be at Nos. 103 to 107 Michigan avenue, and will be 105 feet front by 172 feet deep, 112 feet high, or eight ordinary stories and basement. It will cost $150,000.

Chicago tribune, October 27, 1885

PROUD OF CHICAGO.
There are no people more loyal to the city in which they live than the denizens of Chicago. They love to expatiate on its fine buildings, boulevards, and parks, and they have many other things to be proud of. It has become headquarters for almost all kinds of businessdry goods, pork and beef packing, wheat corners, and manufactures. Among the latter may be mentioned carriage industry.

New York has supplied the West for many years. Now Chicago is preparing to supply New York and the East as well as the West. This any one will admit that examines the immense eight-story stone-front building now being erected by the Studebaker Bros. on Michigan boulevard. It will be a monument to the commercial enterprise of the “Garden City.”

Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1886

The great Studebaker Building on Michigan avenue, below Van Buren street, is nearing completion. It will be recognized as one of the chief landmarks of the city, worthy at once of Chicago and of the great manufacturing house of which it will be representative. The error of a lady the other day in mistaking the building for the American Institute of Art, situated just to the north, was quite natural, for certainly those immense shafts of polished granite at the entrance to the Studebaker Building are the most artistic things on all Michigan avenue.

Here are a few of the carriages they produced. These were all painted by the prolific turn-of-the-century magazine illustrator, C. Gray-Parker.

Studebaker Hunting Trap

Studebaker Tandem Cart

art

Studebaker Spider Phaeton

art

Studebaker Queen Phaeton

Studebaker Goddard Buggy

Chicago Chronicle, April 20, 1896

Unless something unforseen happens before autumn is fairly here, Chicago will have acquired a new theater of novel design and unprecedented splendor. It will be located in the Studebaker building, on Michigan avenue, adjoining the Auditorium. In addition to the theater proper there will be a magnificent roof garden, and this part of the enterprise, it is hoped, will be ready for the public by the time the hot weather is properly due. The theater will be of novel design In many ways, and it is the intention of the gentlemen who will build it to make it to Chicago what Koster & Blal’s and Ham-merstein’s Olympia are to New York, name-ly, a vaudeville theater where everything-the artists, the equipments and the prices-shall be absolutely first-class. To do this will take a pile of money. The men behind this scheme know this and they are ready to spend money in a fashion which will make most theatrical managers stare.

So many vaudeville theaters have been built–on paper–and so many schemes for amusement palaces have been inflated with wind till they burst that the public in general and Chicago’s theatrical colony in par-ticular, are inclined to be suspicious of all such stories as this. But there is evidence of a tangible nature that this project will be put through in a hurry if the people who have it in hand decide -and they have practically so decided that their plans are feasible.

Studebaker Interested.
Several weeks ago William Studebaker sent an architect to New York to make a careful examination of the best vaudeville theaters in that city, and especially the newly opened Olympia, belonging to Oscar Hammerstein, and the famous resort of Koster & Bial, which was originally designed for other purposes and called the Manhattan opera-house. The architect returned with a budget of statistles and a portfolio of plans. Then he made, under Mr. Studebaker’s direction, a very minute survey of the Studebaker building on Michigan avenue, with a view to discovering whether any insuperable objection to its economical conversion into a theater existed. His report on this point was handed to Mr. Studebaker last week, and it was entirely favorable to the theatrical project. As for the roof garden, which had been a pet idea of Mr. Studebaker for years, nothing was found to prevent the transformation of the huge space on top of the building into any sort of pleasure resort desired at once. The roof of a building, as high as the Studebaker overlooking Michigan avenue, the Lake Front park and the lake itself, possesses most of the desirable qualifications of a garden in the air.

Decides To Go Ahead.
Consequently by the middle of last week Mr. Studebaker had practically decided to go ahead as soon as possible with his roof garden, and to arrange for the erection of the vaudeville theater in time to make a good start next season. Before the plans for the new theater are drawn up the architect will visit Toledo, where there is a theater, called the Valentine, about the beauty and convenience of which actors and managers are forever raving. In the construction of the theater Mr. Studebaker, it is understood, wishes to so arrange its lines that if the vaudeville idea should fail to prove attractive it may be converted to legitimate dramatic uses at once. The present substantial structure will in all probability be retained in so far as the outside walls are concerned. In the adaptation of the building to its new purpose it is supposed $500,000 could easily be spent, and Mr. Studebaker is on record as saying that if the theater is built it will be the flnest in every way Chicago has ever known.

While William Studebaker does not contemplate managing the theater or roof garden, he will be the general director of both, and those who know him well declare that he is admirably qualifled for the work. He is an ardent lover of the theater, a familiar flgure in the foyers and the warm friend of numberless actors and managers. Personally he is one of the most popular men of his age and standing in this city. If youth, brains, pluck and large means are all that is needed in this theatrical enterprise, Willam Studebaker is the man of men to carry it through. The Studebaker carriage repository is to be moved to a new location on Wabash avenue shortly.

In The Hotel Centers.
The new theater will be in the heart of the hotel district, from which it has been proven elsewhere a large number, if not the majority, of the patrons of a first-class vaudeville house are drawn. It is a trifle remote at present, as the Auditorium has been found to be, from the north and west side theater-going population, but the elevated loop will within a year or so, it is thought, remedy this. There is no doubt that a better location could not be found from an advertising point of view. If it is the pleasure of the managers to do so it may be made a blazing beacon on the lake front, which strangers will flock to see. Electric illumination could be used with splendid effect, and Mr. Stude baker has already considered a number of plans to this end. The demand for such a theater-a high-priced vaudeville house, where liguid refreshments and the accompanying cigar may be enjoyed with the stage entertainment ought to be strong in a city which contains so many men who have enjoyed just such places in the east and across the water. Many managers have expressed their belief that such a theater would be as popular and profitable here after the people got to understand fully its attractions as a number of them have proved in New York.

The tightness of money since the panic of 1893 has prevented several schemes for a theater of a vaudeville character from gong through. Recently it was stated that a syndicate had been formed to convert the First Regiment armory on Jackson street into & vaudeville house and that Koster & Bial of New York were said to be involved in the project. Nothing has been heard of thig scheme lately, and it is generally supposed to have died of inanition, like so many of its predecessors.

Mr. Studebaker Confirms It.
William Studebaker, when seen last night at the Auditorium hotel, professed considerable surprise that the news of his contemplated theatrical project had leaked out.

“I do not care to say much about the matter,” he declared, “as everything is not yet in shape, but I will not deny that the story is true. S S. Beeman, who is well known on account of his work in connection with the Auditorium hotel, 1s the principal designer, but there are other architects associated with him. The building at 202-206 Michigan avenue will have to be entirely reconstructed for the purpose to which we intend to put it. It will be just as high as the building ordinance will permit. The seating capacity of the roof garden and theater will be 2,000 people each. The interior decorations will be of the best, and the stage attractions wil be drawn from the cream of both Europe and America. We hardly expect the building will be ready for occupancy before next May, though it may be completed sooner.”

Chicago Tribune, November 12, 1897

South Bend. Ill., Nov. 11.—It is announced that the Studebaker Buildings on Michigan boulevard, Chicago, are to be immediately remodeled and transformed into a music hall and studio building of modern description, which will be ready for occupancy before May 1 next.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing company, held this week at their offices in this city, this course was definitely decided upon, and Frederick S. Fish, general counsel of the company, was authorized to draw the necessary contracts preliminary to entering upon the work.

The Studebaker Buildings in Michigan boulevard in Chicago have a frontage of nearly 150 feet fronting the waters of Lake Michigan, and overlooking the new Lake-Front Park, and extending from the Chicago club to the Auditorium.

Plan of Remodeling.
The interior is to be entirely rebuilt at an estimated cost of between $300,000 and $400,000, according to plans proposed by Charles C. Curtiss of Chicago, with whom negotiations have been pending for some months past, and which contemplate a building containing two music halls, both on the ground floor, the larger having a seating capacity of about 1,500, and the other, for chamber music concerts and piano and Bong recitals, of about half that size.

The upper part of the building is to be subdivided into offices and studios for musicians, artists, publishers, architects, association rooms, etc., and the ground floor will contain stores suitable for piano or other warerooms.

S. S. Beman is the architect and the property is to be under the management of Mr. Curtiss.

Charles C. Curtiss, who is mentioned in the telegram, when seen last evening at his home, 50 Astor street, confirmed the report from South Bend, and said in addition that nothing now stood in the way of beginning work upon the structure immediately. According to the plans in his possession there will be something like 250 offices and studios in the building, besides the two music halls, and he estimates that the whole structure, when completed, will represent an investment of not less than $1,250,000.

“I am free to say,” said Mr. Curtiss, when shown the telegram, “that these are the facts. We will begin work remodeling the structure early next week, probably on Monday. We have implicity confidence in the enterprise and think that it will make the location the musical center of the city. There are now on Michigan avenue, not far distant from the place, the Public Library and the Art Institute, and the Auditorium is at our very door. These have indicated the tendency, and it is but natural that artists and musicians should desire a neighborhood that is so quiet and beautiful a;id at the same time near the business center. The advance of the elevated railway along Wabash avenue has aided in this, end now we feel that there can be no doubt of the success of such a structure as is contemplated here.

About the Music Halls.
“The details of the plans have not been wholly completed. But the principal features of the innovation will, of course, be the two halls, as described. These will both be on the ground floor, the entrance to the larger hall being at the south end and the entrance to the other at the extreme northern end of the Michigan avenue front. These halls will be elaborately furnished and decorated, but in just what style I am not in a position now to say. The whole building will be reconstructed so as to make it fireproof.

“The halls, naturally, are to be one of our greatest cares. We have not yet decided what we will call them, but some name will be chosen which is not wholly local in its significance. We have no doubt they will prove of inestimable value in artistic circles. There are very few halls in the city that can be used for the same purpose, and there are no halls adaptable to recitals and chamber concerts that are on the ground Hoor. This fact will be greatly to its advantage.

“But our first endeavor will be to prepare the offices and studios for occupancy before May 1. We have now a great many ap plications for them, and some of the music schools have turned to us. We will put these portions of the building in readiness first, and when this is done will begin work upon the halls so as to have them ready by another season.”

Inter Ocean, August 7, 1898

The New Music Hall.
The monumental Studebaker building on Michigan boulevard, now known as the Fine Arts building, tenanted by musicians, painters, sculptors, and representatives of the allied arts, furnishes a new art center which Chicago may worthily regard with pride. Charles C. Curtiss, who has promoted the enterprise judiciously and artistically and has been liberally aided in all regards by Hon. Frederick S. Fish, who has represented the interests of the Studebaker company, deserves great credit. Aside from the fine accommodations for the artists, the beautiful parlors for the Women’s club and various literary clubs, the music halls command attention as a most inviting place for public assemblies. The large hall opens directly into the marble foyer on the first floor, and the work and plans as far as it has progressed indicate a remarkably handsome auditorium. The lines indicate a commodious structure, on the plan of European opera-houses, in the loggias surmounted by great Corinthian columns with elaborate capitols. At the rear of the hall are two spacious balconies, broad promenades extending around the hall from both these projections.

The ceiling is very elaborate in its plastic decoration, likewise the proscenium arch that spans the stage. The stage is thirty-two feet deep and fifty-seven feet in width, and will be completely stocked with scenery, and will have, in addition, a large three-manual pipe organ. The decorative designs (in old ivory, red, and gold) under consideration are extremely rich, befitting the fine architectural outlines. This half, like the building, is absolutely fireproof, has ample exits, and will have opera chairs for 1,600. On the same property, in the rear of the fine building occupied by the Chicago Musical college, is a smaller concert college hall, that will be equally handsome in design and rich in furnishings. It has only one balcony, and will seat 700 people. It has a completely equipped stage, 27×22 feet, and a two-manual pipe organ. These halls, beautiful in design and complete in every detail, furnish a valuable addition to Chicago’s already large facilities for holding entertainments.

1922 Chicago Central Business and Office Guide

The Fine Arts Building, fronting Lake Michigan between Van Buren and Congress Streets is the most prominent feature of the finest block of buildings in the entire city, including the buildings of the Chicago Club, the Auditorium Hotel and the Congress Hotel. It is the center of the highest artistic, literary and educational interests of the city, and contains three auditoriums, which are considered superior in elegance of architecture, decorations and appointments to any heretofore constructed.

Among its tenants may be mentioned: The Chicago Woman’s Club, The Cordon, the Musician’s Club, the Chicago Literary Club, the Public School Art Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Chicago Artists’ Association, the Chicago Woman’s Musical Club, the Young Fortnightly, The Wednesday Club, the Alliance Francaise, Albert Ronllier’s Galleries and the following Arts and Crafts shops:

The Artists’ Guild, Christia M. Reade (jewelry, etc), The Piccadilly (tea room), Ackerman & Son (art galleries), Miss Jeannette Pratt (jewelry, etc). James Winn (jewelry), The T. C. Shop, The Aeolian Company, Grosvenor, Lapham & Co., A. B. Chase Pianos, Ralph Fletcher Seymour (books), Elizabeth Henson (lamp shades), The Anna Morgan Studios (dramatic art), W. K. Cowan (furniture and art galleries) The Homer Studios (interior decorating) Edmund C. Hamilton (interior decorating), The Kalo Shop, W. C. Moulton (interior decorator) The Grace Hickox Studios (dramatic art), Page & Shaw (candies), Cercle Francais, fernand de Gueldre (photographer), and other artistic and educational concerns, for which it has become the recognized headquarters.

Also the Studebaker Theatre, seating 1,330. The Playhouse, seating 630, Recital Hall, seating 425, connected with the Auditorium banquet room.

art

Studebaker Building, 1900

Chicago Tribune, February 23, 1916

“Kathlyn” has come back. Kathlyn who went adventuring amongst disguises and jungles along in the years 1913 and 1914. Her serial ways have been reduced to two hours’ performance, which is supposed to chronicle the highlights of her Amazonian adventures, minus the padding that existed in the prolongation of the suspense her ways with the wilderness were supposed to excite.

This is the acorn from which the mighty oak of serials sprung, the seed sowed by The Tribune, the Selig company, Harold MacGrath, and Gilson Willets, in these three years has spread into a husky serial crop, with perils and palpitations rising to their climax and now giving way toward the real story serial, to be manifested in the upcoming Billie Burke continued photoplay

As such an honored sample of originals “Kathlyn” is especially worthy of attention. Considering the great leap of picture progress occurring within just the year, the photoplay accomplishments of “Kathlyn” are remarkable. It is characterized by excellent photography and it moves briskly to one point or another, though little things like logic and plausibility are lacking as ingredients.

The closeups of the animals are interesting and effective, but they don’t strike specially active thrills a-travel down one’s vertebrae. Of course, fashion in thrills has changed. Since “Kathlyn’s” pristine day we have had more of them and more serious ones, till now we are accustomed to enduring tumbles from skyscrapers and seeing people jump from aeroplanes to moving trains and other little feats of that sort with scarcely the w. k. flicker of an eyelash. So when Kathlyn registers wild fear in one section and then in the next we see some lions placidly traveling across the screen, pulses don’t pulse particularly extra fast. But fashions never do stay the same.

Kathlyn herself as heroine is a most put upon lady. She never has time, robed in a diaphanous negligee, to take tea on a chaise-lounge. No, she has ever to be up and hustling from one disguise into another, getting crowned, escaping, helping someone else to escape, being recaptured, busily and repeatedly before “the curse of inheriting the crown of Allaha” has been removed from her family and she has a chance for the pink tinted silhouette kiss of finale.

As reminiscence of a very important step in picture procedure, “Kathlyn” is thoroughly worth seeing. Moreover, in these days of advertised “sirens” and generally flaunted film wickedness it is a rare relief for its absolute respectability. There isn’t a thing to offend the nicest minded.

Frankly, there are situations to provoke a smile from present day sophisticated seers, but the seers enjoy the smiling. The houseful yesterday was alert with comment. Apparently a pleasant time was had by all.

Chicago Tribune, February 26, 1916

Currently, true to its name, it houses artists’ lofts, art galleries, theatre, dance and recording studios, interior design firms, musical instrument makers, and other businesses associated with the arts. It also holds offices of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Grant Park Conservancy, the World Federalist Association, the Chicago Youth Symphony, the Boitsov Classical Ballet School and Company, and the venerable Artist’s Cafe, known to generations of late-night diners. It was designated a Chicago Landmark on June 7, 1978.

Tobey Furniture Company—State & Adams

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The Tobey Furniture Company, Wannamaker & Brown Building, The Leader, C. D. Peacock
Life Span: 1873-1946 (Replaced by Baskin Building)
Location: 195 State, NE Corner State and Adams Streets
Architect: TBD

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1874

Thayer & Tobey Furniture Co.

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1880
Tobey Furniture Co. Charles Tobey, pres; W. J. Hill sec; 195 State

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1884
Tobey Furniture Co. Charles Tobey, pres; William G. Gilbert, sec; 195 State

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1892
Leader The, Dernberg, Glick & Horner, props. State ne. cor. Adams

Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1899
Lapp & Flershem whol jewelers 195 State
Peacock Charles D jeweler State ne cor Adams

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1904
Peacock C D M A Peacock pres; C D Peacock jr treas; jewelers State cor Adams
Lapp & Flershem (Peter Lapp and Lem W. Flershem) whol jewelers 195. 197 and 199 State 2d fl
Sercomb Comp’y, 195, 197 and 197 State and 1429 Wabash av.

Chicago Tribune, April 11, 1875

HOUSE-CLEANING AND MOVING.—With the advent of spring conimence anew our domestic troubles in the shape of refitting and refurbishing our dwelling-houses. A few words, therefore, upon the different articles necessary for those purposes, and some of the best places to select them from may not prove uninteresting.

LET US COMMENCE THEN WITH FURNITURE.
For every description of goods in this line there is probably no better buying place to visit than the spacious warerooms of the Tobey Furniture Company, at the corner of State and Adams streets. With their increased facilities for manufacturing added to an extensive and varied stock of every description, together with their uniformly low prices, they are creating quite a sensation. A walk through their ample salesrooms will at once be convincing that they possess the best possible stock of goods for all buyers. Some of their parlor and chamber sets are marked at such extremely moderate figures that it is almost a marvel to think they can be made, let alone sold, for such prices.

Chicago Tribune, June 8, 1890

A NEW DRY GOODS HOUSE.—”The Leader” to Be Opened About Aug. 15, in the Wannamaker & Brown Building, State and Adams Streets.
Next August will witness the opening of a new dry goods and department store on State street, which will rival any of the big establishments of the kind that now line that famous thoroughfare and make it the daily gathering place of thousands of buyers. There appears to be no limit to the number of dry goods houses that Chicago can support with credit to herself and profit to their owners, and it is not strange that such experienced business men as Joseph Horner, C. Dernberg, and L. Glick should take advantage of this pleasant fact and enter the field of competition actively.

The Leader and Kimball Building in 1890.

The name of the establishment will be “The Leader,” and it will attempt to deserve its happy choice of title. It will occupy the building on the northeast corner of Adams and State streets occupied by Wannamake & Brown, and known as the Wannamaker & Brown Building. Then opening will occur sometime about August 15, and notice of it will be printed in advance in the daily papers. The intention is to establish a first-class department store dealing in dry goods and sorts of merchandise. The departments will not be rented to outsides, as is frequently done, but the entire business will be under the direct control of the proprietors. The amount of capital is very large and the projectors will be able to pay cash for all their goods, thus in the end insuring a saving for the customers, who are invariably the losers from all other methods of purchase from the factory. Their buyers are already out among the great markets of Europe and America gathering in the immense stocks of all sorts of goods required to open the great house on the scale proposed by the proprietors. When they have done their work the establishment will compare, for the completeness and costliness of the outfit, with any similar establishment in America. No thought of cost has intervened to mar the excellence of the display, and the opening will show an establishment of which the business world of the West can be proud with good reason.

The proprietors of “The Leader” are men of established business reputations. Mr. Dernburg has been connected with the dry-goods business for many years. He was a member of the firm of Moper & Dernburg, one of the leading manufacturing houses of the West. He has lived in Chicago for seventeen years. Mr. Glick is a member if the firm of Glick Bros. Mr. Horner has been identified with the dry-goods business for twenty years. He is a member of Shouer, Horner & Co. The three partners will devote all their time to the business.

Chicago Twenty Years Later, 1893

What co-operation, courage, push, and honest dealing can do, has been fully exemplified by this firm. Although established but a year and a half, yet they have built up a business that is unequalcd by any house in the city, or perhaps, in any other city—for the length of time established. The firm is composed of C. Dernburg, L. Glick and J. Horner, and is located at 191-193-195-197 and 199 State Street, with a frontage on Adams Street also of 160 feet. The establishment is composed of 34 departments, all under control of efficient managers. In fact, the entire establishment is carried on in the most systematic manner. From cellar to garret “system” is the watch-word, and without perfect system it would be impossible for this firm to do the enormous business they do. Four hundred people are employed in the various departments, making the house a veritable bee-hive when all are at work.

The store is magnificently fitted up, and the stock is arranged so that all appears to the very best advantage, and gives a most pleasing effect. The name this firm have adopted is certainly most apsirable place to trade; the housewife can here find almost everything needed. On their dress-goods’ counters are all grades of goods, from the cheapest prints to the most costly goods manufactured. The same may be said of all departments, “you pays your money and you takes your choice.”

Buying as they do in very large quantities, and being willing to sell at small margins of profit, the firm is able to give bargains not to be had at smaller establishments. “Once a customer at the Leader always a customer” is the rule. The generous treatment accorded all who trade here is one of the first causes of the firm’s popularity.

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The firm have a capital of S2,000,000, and their business for 1891 amounted to the enormous sum of one million, seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, taking into consideration the fact that the firm only began business in September, 1890, this showing is certainly wonderful.

The individual members of this firm are C. Dernburg, L. Glick, I. Horner Mr. Dernburg is a native of Germany, Mr. Glick of New York, and Mr. Horner was born in Chicago. They justly deserve their need of praise, and it is hoped they may succeed in the future as they have in the past, until “ The Leader?” may surpass all competitors, until “The Leader” may be a household word in all the country as it is in Chicago and vicinity at this time.

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Chicago Tribune, July 5, 1895

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The firm of Dernberg, Glick and Horner, proprietors of the “Leader,” has failed, and today the doors of that large department store at the northeast corner of State and Adams streets will be closed. The stock, fixtures, teams, and other property of the firm are in the hands of the creditors on chattel mortgages securing claims aggregating $225,000. An inventory of the stock is now in progress and is expected to show a list of assets worth $400,000 or June $450,000.

The failure was a surprise. Some time ago creditors of the firm became anxious for bills not yet due. There were rumors in financial circles that increased the trouble, and the firm was hard pressed. Money was raised to the amount of $225,000 on chattel mortgages which covered everything, and which were given to the National Bank of Illinois as first mortgages and to the estate if H. A. Kohn, I. Lowenberg, and Charles Liebenstein. The bank in this manner became a preferred creditor. This eased matters for a time, and it was arranged with other parties to increase the capital of the concern by the investment of between $100,000 and $150,000 in its business. The negotiations had been nearly completed, and Dernberg, Glick & Horner made their arrangements accordingly. Bills were paid on presentation and even discounted, in this way the cash ran low, and July 3 the prospective investors were called upon to carry out their agreement. At the last moment, they reconsidered their determination, withdrew from the deal, and left the firm in bad shape. The bank demanded a reduction of its line of credit with the firm, and there was nothing to do but to surrender the property under the chattel mortgages. The mortgages took possession Wednesday evening and at once set to work to take an inventory of the stock.

“Leader” Established in 1890.
The Leader store was established early in the fall of 1890, the firm being composed of Carl Dernberg, a member of the cloak manufacturing firm of Morper & Dernberg, Lipman Glick, who had been engaged in the manufacture of sausage casings, and Joseph Horner of the wholesale dry goods firm of Shoyer, Horner & Co. The firm was looked upon as a strong one from the business records of the partners, but from the first it suffered from lack of sufficient capital with which to conduct business on such a large scale. In consequence the firm has been struggling constantly during the five years of its existence, and though it has done a business of $2,000,000 a year, it has been under constant pressure. Mr. Dernberg said yesterday the prospects of the firm had never been so encouraging as at the present time; that the addition of $100,000 to the working capital would have placed the firm ion a solid footing and assured a prosperous future. The failure to get the funds counted upon Mr. Dernberg said, was a blow all the more severe that it was unexpected.

Dernberg, Glick & Horner employed about 450 people.

New York Times, July 11, 1895

FRAUD IS ALLEGED.
Sequel to the Recent Failure of a Chicago Store
CHICAGO, Ill., July 11.— Fraud is now charged in the “Leader’ department-store failure. A capias has been issued for Paul Dernburg, Lipman Glick and Joseph Homer, members of the firm, upon affidavit of J. V. Farwell & Co., charging the dry-goods firm with having made false statements in regard to its credit and obtaining goods on the statement. Glick was arrested and gave bail in the sum of $12,000. The other members are expected to come in during the day and give bail.

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Chicago Tribune, January 5, 1896

Lapp & Flershem, the wholesale jewelers, have leased from the Dakota Building company the second, third, and fourth stories of the four-story building at the northeast corner of State and Adams streets. The term is twelve years years, and the rental is reported to be about $20,000 a year. The building is the one formerly occupied by the Leader store and it has a frontage of 76 feet on State street, extending back to 147 feet on Adams street. Since the early part of December the structure has been occupied by Fred Griesheimer. Lapp & Flersheim will take possession March 1; some important improvements will be made to the building. An attractive entrance to the upper stories of the building and a new elevator will be put in, while a more extensive electric lighting plant will be installed in place of the present one. The lessees will probably occupy the third story and sublet the rest of the building. The first story has not been rented, but negotiations are under way for a lease of the premises. Lapp & Flersheim now occupy the second story of the Stewart Building at the northwest corner of State and Washington streets and their lease on that expires this spring.

Chicago Chronicle, January 26, 1896

C. W. Peacock has leased the store and basement of the old Leader concern, at the northeast corner of State and Adams street, owned by the Dakota Building Company. The frontage is 76×144 feet, and Mr. Peacock, when he moves from his present location at State and Washington streets, intends to make it one of the most extensive jewelry establishments in the country. The upper floors of the same building were recently rented by Lapp & Flershem, wholesale jewelers. The transactions were conducted by William F. Merigold & Co. and Henry G. Foreman.

Inter Ocean, March 7, 1896

Within the next few days a contract will be signed whereby Charles D. Peacock, tho jeweler, will lease from Marshall Field, for a period of ninety-nine years, the property at the northeast corner of State and Madison streets, at an annual rental of $50,000 without revaluation.

The property has a frontage of 53 feet on State and 150.6 feet on Madison street, running back to an alley.

Its legal description is lot 8, block 14, Fort Dearborn addition, and it came into the ownership of Mr. Field July 12, 1876, when he purchased it from S. L. Boyce and the conservator of Charles W. Boyce.

This is one of the largest and most important transactions that has occurred in the realty market In Chicago, as it practically means a deal of $1,500,000, the terms of the contract requiring the lessee to erect a building to cost not less than $500.000, within a reasonable time. The corner is one of the best known and most valuable in the eity and is said to have long been an object of desire with Mr. Peacock.

Parties to the Deal Interviewed.
This information comes from such a reliable source that it is presented without qualification, although J. A. Campbell, of the Campbell Investment Company (named to The Inter Ocean as being the representative of Mr. Peacock and the negotiators of the transaction) made the simple assertion, “No deal has been closed.” Mr. Manierre of Dibblee & Manierre, who act for Mr. Fleld, was slightly more communicative. He admitted the negotiations, and when Mr. Peacock’s name was mentioned said he was one of the parties, adding that no transaction had been closed. Mr. Peacock was not at his store at 5:30 o’clock yesterday evening when the reporter called.

Upon the basis of $1,000,000 for the land. $18,867.92 per front foot, or $125.28 per square foot is shown. These figures indicate a valuation that is not excessive, but well in line with the value of the property as estimated by reliable judges.

It is the purpose of Mr. Peacock to erect a ten or twelve-story office building at a coat of somewhat in excess of the amount, $500,009. specified in the lease. It will be a structure that will prove an ornament to the street. The date of its erection has not been fixed definitely. The jewelry store of C. D. Peacock will occupy the first and probably several of the upper floors. In the meantime, one. two or more years, the firm will be located at the northeast corner of State and Adams streets. after removing from the present location at State and Washington streets.

Various Changes Mooted.
The building now cotering the property is a five-story stone front, the value of which is not considered in the transaction. The present tenant is the firm of James Wilde. Jr., and Co. It was said yesterday that this house would remove to the old Pardridge location, on the west side of State street. between Madison and Washington streets. Mr. Reed, manager for the firm, said to a reporter for The Inter Ocean that there was absolutely no truth in the report. He was asked as to the standing of the lease in the event of a change of landlords, when he refused to be interviewed. The next question asked him would have been whether removal to the store at the old Leader location, at the northwest corner of State and Adams streets was being considered. This property, it will be remembered, has been leased for a limited term of years by Mr. Peacock, and his store will be removed to that point this season. When the time comes, however, an exchange of stores by the Jewelry and the clothing house would offer a way to the adjustment of matters to the satisfaction of both parties. C. D. Peacock in the store at Madison and State street: will possess one of the best locations in the world for his purpose. He will avail himself of the opportunity to the utmost, extending his business, and adding new lines. He is one of the oldest merchants of the city. and the reputation of his house and the character of his trade place him in the front rank.

Chicago Tribune, February 9, 1937

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The one hundredth anniversary of continuous business under the same name, ownership, and management is being celebrated today by C. D. Peacock, the State street jewelry firm.

Chicago had a population of 4,000 and had only recently dropped its frontier designation of Fort Dearborn when Elijah Peacock opened his small store at what what was then 135 Lake street on Feb. 9, 1837. Lake and South Water were about the only streets in the village at that time and numbering began at the river instead of at State street.

First Tribune Office Near.
Thus Elijah Peacock’s shop stood upon in the middle of the block between La Salle and Wells street. Ten years later, on June 10, 1847, when the city had grown to 16,000, The Tribune was established and was housed less than half a block from the jeweler’s.

The newspaper’s first issue was printed and districuted from a single room on the third floor of a building at Lake and La Salle streets. Lake street was then the center of the retail district. The management of Peacock’s say that the establishment has always been in the center of trade.

The Peacock family has operated this store through four generations. Elijah, the founder, died in 1889 at the age of 76, and the business was conducted by his son, Charles D., the “C. D. Peacock” whose name the firm now bears.

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At left is a sketch of the store at 155 Lake street opened ny Elijah Peacock on Feb. 9, 1837, when Chicago was a town of 4,000 population. At right is the Peacock store at 199 Randolph street as it appeared in 1857.

Sons Operate Establishment.
Charles D. Peacock died in 1903 and two sons, Robert E. and Walter C., have since operated the establishment, Robert as president and Walter as secretary-treasurer. The fourth generation is represented by Charles D. Peacock, son of Robert, and Stewart B. Peacock, son of Walter.

In 1849 both Peacock’s and The Tribune changed locations, the jeweler moving to what was then 199 Randolph street and the newspaper to quarters over a grocery store at Lake and Clark streets, one block east of its former address.

On Randolph street Elijah Peacock sold jewelry to the women of Chicago, repaired the watches of the men, and adjusted the chronometers of the lake boat skippers until the great fire of ’71 destroyed his shop. It also destroyed The Tribune’s plant. The newspaper had made two other changes during the years, moving to what was then 53 Clark street in 1852 and in 1869 to Dearborn and Madison, where it erected a four story building of Joliet limestone.

Joseph Medill Arrives.
It also had acquired a new editor, Joseph Medill of Ohio, a young man trained in the law, but who found the publishing business more attuned to his spirit. Medill came to The Tribune in 1854 and in 1858 the paper absorbed The Press. For two years it was known as The Press and Tribune, after which it reverted back to its original name.

After the great fire, Elijah Peacock’s jewelry store went to a third location at 96 West Madison street and The Tribune rebuilt its fire shattered building at Dearborn and Madison streets. Once again the two institutions were close to another.

Peacock’s remained at the Madison location for two years, until 1873, when Elijah and his son, “C. D.,” moved the business to State and Washington streets. It remained there until ’96, when “C. D.” moved south along the great retail thoroughfare to Adams street.

The Tribune remained at Madison and Dearborn until the completion of the present tower. In 1902, however, it constructed a 17 story skyscraper which still stands at Madison and Dearborn. Peacock’s remained at State and Adams from 1896 to 1927 then moved one block north to its present location on the southeast corner of State and Monroe streets.

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1922 C. D. Peacock 85th Anniversary Booklet

Chicago Tribune, July 7, 1946

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Wreckers will start tomorrow morning demolishing the four story building at the northeast corner of State and Adams sts. to make way for a million dollar improvement. The Baskin Clothing subsidiary of Hart, Schaffner & Marx, has obtained authorization by the civilian production administration for a five story building, said Meyer, Kestnbaum, president of Hart, Schaffner & Marx. Completion is set for May 1, 1947.

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Chicago Tribune, September 30, 1954