The Museum of Science and Industry has been renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

In a move that will forever etch the name of a visionary philanthropist into the annals of Chicago's revered cultural institutions, the Museum of Science and Industry (Museum of Science and Industry.) is set to undergo a transformative rechristening, paying tribute to Kenneth C. Griffin's generosity and foresight. 

This esteemed recognition follows a historic $125 million donation by Ken C. Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, a leading global investment firm, and Founder of Griffin Catalyst, which encompasses Griffin's philanthropic and community impact efforts, focusing on identifying critical areas of need and delivering meaningful and scalable results that transform lives and better communities. 

The donation in 2019 is the largest in the museum's history. To celebrate its first official day as the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Museum will offer free admission on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

The Museum of Science and Industry changed its name to honor the philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin.

Griffin's remarkable contribution is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. 

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STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that focuses on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the 21st-century workforce and solve complex, real-world problems.

STEM education will profoundly impact the museum's ability to inspire future generations of innovators, thinkers, inventors, and leaders. This landmark donation will enable Museum of Science and Industry. to expand its reach, enhance its exhibits, and foster a culture of curiosity and discovery, cementing its position as a premier destination for scientific exploration and learning.

In recognition of Griffin's extraordinary philanthropy, the museum will henceforth be known as the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, a fitting tribute to a champion of education, innovation, and progress. This naming honor acknowledges Griffin's transformative gift and serves as a lasting reminder of his dedication to empowering individuals and communities through the power of science and education.

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"We are incredibly grateful to Ken Griffin for his historic and generous investment in our Museum, our mission, and our long-term future," said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Griffin MSI. "This gift helps us create exhibits of the future geared toward the next generation of scientists and leaders; it allows us to dig our heels in deeper to support science education in local schools and neighborhoods in new, more profound ways; and it enables us to carry out our mission to inspire the inventive genius in all of us."

As the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry embarks on this exciting new chapter, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened commitment to its mission of inspiring and educating the public about the wonders of science and technology. Griffin's generosity will have a lasting impact on the museum's ability to spark imagination, fuel curiosity, and shape the minds of tomorrow's leaders, ensuring that the museum remains a beacon of innovation and discovery for generations to come.

The donation has helped the institution launch several new immersive experiences, including the Griffin Studio, a one-of-a-kind digital space. It also aided the renovation of the Henry Crown Space Center.

The gift supported a new home for the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft. This mission-flown Dragon spacecraft undertook two missions to deliver cargo and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS)
in 2017 and 2019.

"The renaming provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the Museum's legacy and embrace its future," said David Vitale, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Board Chairman.

Kenneth C. Griffin - Chicago Philanthropy.

• Griffin had contributed millions to the Art Institute of Chicago, public education, the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the Chicago Public Library, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Griffin also contributed to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the "Evolving Planet" at the Field Museum of Natural History, and endowed professorships at the University of Chicago. 

• In October 2006, the Griffins and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded and supported the opening of Woodlawn High School, a new charter school in Chicago.

• In 2007, Griffin donated to the Art Institute of Chicago a $19 million addition designed by Renzo Piano.

• In October 2009, Griffin and his wife founded the Kenneth and Anne Griffin Foundation. The foundation's contributions include $10 million for the Chicago Heights Early Childhood Center, $16 million for Children's Memorial Hospital, and total funding for the University of Chicago's Early Childhood Center.

• In December 2016, Griffin gave $12 million to the Chicago Park District to help fund separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians along the city's 18-mile lakefront.

• In November 2017, the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund made a new $125 million gift to support the Department of Economics of the University of Chicago, which he was honored with the department being renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics.

• A $16.5 million donation allowed the Field Museum to purchase a cast of the largest dinosaur ever discovered in 2018, a 122-foot-long Argentinian titanosaur named Máximo.

• In October 2019, the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund announced a $125 million gift to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the largest gift in the museum's history. The museum intends to change its name to the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. 

• In 2024, Kenneth C. Griffin donated $125 million to the Museum of Science and Industry. The museum's name was changed to Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Carl Sandburg Village, 1355 N Sandburg Terrace, Chicago, Promoted Social Changes.

The History of Carl Sandburg Village

Carl Sandburg Village was built as an urban renewal project—intended to spur redevelopment of the diminishing near north side from its dilapidation. Sandburg Village emerged from the post-World War II urban renewal era in American cities. In the 1950s and early 1960s, Chicago's Near North Side, particularly the Old Town neighborhood, faced concerns about aging infrastructure and potential encroachment from nearby low-income communities. City planners, seeking to revitalize Old Town and shield the affluent Gold Coast neighborhood, envisioned a large-scale renewal project. This led to Carl Sandburg Village, named after the celebrated poet, intended as a mixed-income housing development. Its creation, however, came at the cost of displacing a vibrant Puerto Rican community.

Carl Sandburg Village Arial Photo.

The architectural firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed Sandburg Village in a modernist style, emphasizing clean lines and functional spaces. The complex includes towering residential high-rises, clusters of townhomes, and a centralized commercial district, aiming to create a self-contained community within Chicago's urban fabric.

The construction of Carl Sandburg Village had a profound impact. The displacement of Puerto Rican residents sparked controversy and ignited a debate about social justice and the priorities of urban renewal. These residents primarily relocated north to Lincoln Park and west to Humboldt Park.

Carl Sandburg Village Sales Model.

This displacement fueled significant social and political changes. The Young Lords Organization, previously a street gang, emerged from this displaced community. They transformed into a powerful human rights movement dedicated to Puerto Rican empowerment and opposing the urban renewal practices that had uprooted them in 1968.

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The ranks of the new Young Lords included former gang members, community residents, and activists. The Young Lords actively created change while serving poor and destressed communities. They notably utilized a church to offer basic services—such as health care, daycare, and lunch programs—to Black and Latino people. By 1969, Jiménez and the Young Lords had joined with Fred Hampton, leader of the Chicago Black Panthers, and other ethnically diverse groups to form the Rainbow Coalition. 

Carl Sandburg Village shifted from its initial affordable housing model to condominium ownership. While still somewhat affordable within the Gold Coast context, continued gentrification trends in Chicago have impacted the Village, influencing demographics and affordability in 1979.

Sandburg Village Today.

Despite its complex history, Sandburg Village retains a distinct appeal. Its green spaces, swimming pools, tennis courts, and prime location attract residents. The Village embodies a blend of the past and present – mid-century urban planning intersected with contemporary urban living trends and evolving neighborhood identities. Its walkability to grocery stores, nightlife, the lakefront, Lincoln Park, and Old Town's attractions adds to its appeal with 

charming experiences of unique boutiques, bistros, restaurants, entertainment like the Second City Comedy Club, Live Music Venues at bars and pubs, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, historic homes on picturesque streets, and the long-running Old Town Art Fair, founded in 1950.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Merchandise Mart in Chicago, History and Little Known Facts.

The Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, a colossal monolith on the Chicago River, boasts a rich history as grand as scale and as vibrant as the city itself. From its Art Deco beginnings to its modern-day transformation as a tech hub, I delve into the whole story of this iconic Chicago landmark:

In the roaring 1920s, Chicago retail titan Marshall Field & Company envisioned a revolutionary concept: a single, centralized marketplace for wholesale goods. Enter James Simpson, the company's visionary President, who commissioned the construction of the 4.2 million square feet Merchandise Mart. 

The Merchandise Mart is under construction, as seen from the Lake Street Bridge in 1929. —Chicago Tribune historical photo.

Transforming the site of the historic Wells Street Station site, construction began in 1928; by 1930, the behemoth stood tall, dwarfing its surroundings. At the time, the Mart was the largest building in the world by floor space, a title it held for over a decade. Its imposing Art Deco facade, adorned with geometric patterns and stylized eagles, reflected the era's optimism and grandeur.

The view of the new Merchandise Mart was still under construction in 1929.
—Chicago Tribune historical photo.

The Mart, designed by Alfred P. Shaw of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, embraced the Art Deco aesthetic. Its sleek lines, geometric forms, and limestone-terracotta cladding exuded modernity and ambition. 

The Mart wasn't just a building; it was a self-contained city. It housed Field's wholesale showrooms, manufacturing facilities, and a plethora of amenities for tenants and visitors alike. Restaurants, banks, postal services, and even a telegraph office buzzed with activity, making the Mart a bustling hub of commerce.

An aerial view of the Merchandise Mart in 1930.
—Chicago Tribune historical photo.

The Mart's official opening in 1930 was a momentous occasion. It housed Field's wholesale showrooms, manufacturing facilities, restaurants, a bank, a post office, a telegraph office, and a plethora of amenities for tenants and visitors alike. It was a self-contained city within a city. However, the Great Depression soon cast a shadow, making it initially challenging to fill the vast space.

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The Merchandise Mart was once the largest building in the world by floor space, a title it held until the Pentagon's construction in 1943.

The Great Depression threw a wrench in the Mart's initial success. The wholesale market dwindled, forcing the Mart to diversify. Over the years, it transitioned from a purely wholesale center to a multi-purpose complex, welcoming office tenants and diverse businesses.

It housed manufacturing facilities for war materials during World War II (1939-1945). The legendary Kennedy family acquired the Merchandise Mart in 1945, ushering in a new ownership era. Under their guidance, the Mart continued to evolve, adapting to the changing times. 

The Merchandise Mart in 1949.

In the 1950s, it found new life as a center for design and architecture.

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The building's rooftop was used as a landing pad for helicopters during the early days of air travel by helicopter. In 1953, New York Airways became the first scheduled passenger helicopter air carrier in the United States. In the 1950s and 1960s, "helicopter airlines" operated in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, carrying people to and from the airport at high fares. 

Merry Christmas is written in lights on the Merchandise Mart on November 25, 1964. —Chicago Tribune historical photo.

A Top University History Professor Critiques this Article.

INTERESTING MERCHANDISE MART FACTS:

Federal, State, and Local Government Offices:

During World War II, the Merchandise Mart saw declining tenant interest in its original function. The building was converted to house various federal government offices to fill vacancies due to its vast space and central location. This lasted until the 1950s.

The Mart again welcomed several state and local government offices as tenants in 1990.

The CTA's presence in the Merchandise Mart:

The CTA moved its headquarters into the Merchandise Mart in 1942, occupying several floors. The CTA's offices in the Merchandise Mart were home to various departments, including administration, planning, and operations. The CTA relocated its headquarters to a new building at 567 West Lake Street, Chicago, as part of a larger effort to improve its efficiency and customer service.

The CTA sold its remaining office space in the Merchandise Mart in 2006.

The CTA Merchandise Mart 'L' Station.

The Merchandise Mart is still a central CTA transportation hub, with an 'L' station on the Red Line (the North-South line), the Brown Line (the Ravenswood line), and the Purple Line (the Evanston Express line) on weekdays during rush hour.

1970 Merchandise Mart CTA Station. The'L' sign says "Evanston - Wilmette."

The CTA buses that stop at the Merchandise Mart are:

Washington & State (Routes 126, 152, 156).

Michigan & Randolph (Routes 62, 128, 151, 155, 157).

Orleans & Merchandise Mart (Routes 60, 65).

The RTA buses that stop at the Merchandise Mart are:

Merchandise Mart (Routes 27, 36).

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The iconic "heads" (busts) on the roof of the Merchandise Mart building actually had two distinct chapters in the building's history. While neither group currently graces the building's rooftop today, their stories deserve to be told:

Chapter 1: The Native American Chiefs (1930-1961)

A Controversial Adornment: When the Merchandise Mart opened in 1930, its rooftop boasted 56 sculpted heads of Native American chiefs, designed by John Awre. 

Uncertain Names: Not all the chiefs had identified names. Some were assigned names based on tribal affiliations or geographical regions, while others remained anonymous. The identification process was complex and controversial, so some names may be inaccurate or disputed.

Stereotypical Representation: It's important to remember that the sculptures reflected the era's romanticized and inaccurate portrayals of Native American cultures. They did not represent individual historical figures and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.

Legend of the Piasa "Bird," an Ancient Indian pictograph

carved on a bluff in Alton, IL.

1. Apache: "ah-PAH-chee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
2. Arapaho: "A-ra-pa-ho," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
3. Arikara: "uh-rih-kuh-rah," An Indigenous Tribe.
4. Assiniboine: "uh-sin-uh-boin," An Indigenous Tribe.
5. Blackfoot: "Black-foo-t," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
6. Caddo: "KAH-doh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
7. Cayuga: "kay-YOO-ga," An Indigenous Tribe
8. Cheyenne: "shy-AN," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
9. Cherokee: "chEH-ruh-kEE," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
10. Chickasaw: "CHIK-ə-saw," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
11. Chinook: "Chok-NOOK," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
12. Chippewa: "chi-puh-waa," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
13. Choctaw: "Chauk taw," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
14. Comanche: "kuh-MAN-chee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
15. Cree: Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
16. Crow: The crow tribe's name is Apsáalooke "ahp-SAH-loo-keh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
17. Delaware: A Tribe - called initially the Lenape tribe, aka Munsee and Unami bands.
18. Flathead: A Chief - "Ahl-shah-taa-pee," named by Europeans for Chief (Flat Head).
19. Gros Ventre: "Groh Vahn-truh," ("big belly," French) Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
20. Haida: "Hay Da," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
21. Hopi: "HOH-pee," An Indigenous Tribe.
22. Huron: "Hoo-RON," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
23. Iroquois: "ear-ro-kwa" (French), Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
24. Kalapuya: "Cal-uh-poo-yuh," An Indigenous Tribe.
25. Kansas: "KAN-zəs," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
26. Kiowa: "Hy-oh-wa," An Indigenous Tribe.
27. Kootenay: "KOOT-nee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
28. Lenape: "lun-NAH-pay," An Indigenous Tribe - aka Delaware Tribe
29. Lummi: "LUH-mee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
30. Mandan: "mah-N'-DAN," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
31. Menominee: "Meh-NOH-meh-nee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
32. Miami: Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
33. Micmac: "Meeg-em-ach," An Indigenous Tribe.
34. Modoc: "MO-dock," An Indigenous Tribe.
35. Mohawk: "Mo-hawk," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
36. Navajo: "na-va-ho," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
37. Nez Perce: "Nay Pers-say," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.[1]
38. Nuutka: "Nuu-chah-nulth," aka Nootka, An Indigenous Tribe. 
39. Ojibwe: "Oh-JIB-way," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
40. Osage: "OH-sage," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs. 
41. Ottawa: "Ah-dah-wa," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
42. Papago: "pap-uh-goh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
43. Pawnee: "PAWN-ee" Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
44. Penobscot: "peh-NOB-skot," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
45. Pomo: "po-MOH," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
46. Ponca: "Pohn-kuh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
47. Potawatomi: "Boh-da-wah-dmi," (Tribal Pronunciation), An Indigenous Tribe.
48. Pueblo: a group of tribes (i.e., The Illinois), Indigenous Tribes & Chiefs.
49. Quapaw: An Indigenous Tribe.
50. Sauk (Sac) & Meskwaki (Fox): "Mesk-wa-ki," Indigenous Tribes.
51. Salish: "Slah-LEESH," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
52. Seminole: "Sem-uh-NO-le," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
53. Seneca: "Sen-eh-kuh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
54. Shoshone: "shoh-SHO-nee," An Indigenous Tribe.
55. Sioux: "soo," (confederation of 7 nations; i.e., Illinois), Indigenous Tribes & Chiefs.
56. Ute: "Yoo-tey," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.

[1] The name "Nez Perce" ("pierced nose") is actually a misnomer: It comes from French fur traders who mistakenly applied it to the tribe based on a misunderstanding of their cultural practice of nose ornaments. The tribe prefers to be called Nimiipuu, which means "The People."

This reflected a popular Art Deco motif of the time but also carried problematic connotations of cultural appropriation and romanticized stereotypes. 

Shifting Tides: As social awareness grew in the mid-20th century, the depictions of the chiefs faced increasing criticism for their insensitivity. By 1961, the decision was made to remove them from the building.

What Happened to the "Indian Heads?" In 1961, the heads were deemed outdated and removed from the roof. 

Most were sadly destroyed, but a few found their way to different destinations:

• Two busts were found in the Campia family's home in Lake Forest and auctioned off in 2014.

• January 26, 2024, the exact location of the remaining heads is unknown.

The two auctioned busts might be in private collections, but their specific ownership is not publicly available.

So, while most of the Indian "heads" are unfortunately lost to history, a small piece of their legacy survives in private hands. 

A Top University Professor Critiques this Article

Chapter 2: The Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame

Standing tall as guardians of American commerce, eight colossal bronze busts grace the entrance of The Merchandise Mart, the world's largest wholesale buying center in Chicago. These larger-than-life figures immortalize some of the most influential figures in American retail history, their names and companies woven into the very fabric of consumer culture.

Commissioned in 1953 by Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr., the 44th U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, these four-times-life-size busts stand as a testament to the vision and dedication of the men who shaped the American retail landscape. Each bust, meticulously crafted in bronze, captures the essence of its subject, with its determined gazes fixed on the future of commerce.

From Frank Winfield Woolworth's 5 & Dime stores to Marshall Field's luxurious emporiums, these pioneers revolutionized how Americans shopped. Their innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to quality forever changed the face of retail, leaving an enduring legacy that inspires generations of entrepreneurs.

Marshall Field

1. Frank Winfield Woolworth: The founder of F.W. Woolworth Company.
2. Marshall Field: The founder of Marshall Field and Company.
3. Aaron Montgomery Ward: The founder of Montgomery Ward & Company.
4. Julius Rosenwald: Was a Sears, Roebuck, and Company President.
5. Robert Elkington Wood: Was a Sears, Roebuck, and Company President.
6. John Wanamaker: The father of modern advertising.
7. Edward Albert Filene: Preseident of William Feline & Sons. Filene's department stores.
8. George Huntington Hartford: He founded The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P)

A Top University History Professor Critiques this Article.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Ford's Theatre vs. Ford’s Opera House, Washington, DC

Ford's Athenaeum was a theatre located at 511 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C., which opened in 1861. After a fire destroyed it in 1862, he rebuilt a new building on the same site and named it Ford's Theatre, which opened in 1865. 

Ticket Color Determines the Seating Section.

 

Ford's Theatre Ticket, Late 1860s.

The building is now named "Ford's Theatre National Historic Site."

The Two Theatres Owned By John Thompson Ford (1829-1894).

Ford's Opera House was a theatre at the southwest corner of 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC., which opened in 1871. Ford's Opera House closed in 1928 and was demolished in 1930.

Ford's Opera House, 1928

The brainchild of renowned theatre manager John T. Ford, the opera house opened its doors to the public on October 2, 1871. It was a magnificent structure, boasting a grand Italianate facade, a spacious auditorium with plush seating for 1,700, and a state-of-the-art stage equipped for elaborate productions. 

Ford's Opera House Stationary Header.

The opera house quickly became a popular destination for Washingtonians, offering diverse performances, from grand operas and operettas to Shakespearean plays, vaudeville acts, and even political rallies. Notably, the famous newspaper publisher Horace Greeley was nominated as the Liberal Republican presidential candidate in 1872.

As the years passed, the opera house faced increasing competition from other theatres and entertainment venues in the city. The rise of vaudeville and musical comedy further eroded its audience for traditional operas.

By the early 20th century, the opera house was struggling financially. Attempts were made to revive its fortunes by hosting silent films and other popular attractions, but the success was short-lived.

After a final performance on April 29, 1928, the curtain fell on Ford's Opera House for the last time. The building was eventually demolished in 1930 to make way for a parking garage, sadly erasing a piece of Washington's cultural history.

While the physical structure is no more, the legacy of Ford's Opera House remains. It was a pioneering venue that brought world-class entertainment to Washington, D.C. and played a significant role in the city's cultural life. Its demise serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the arts and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

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John Thompson Ford worked as a bookseller in Richmond, Virginia. Ford wrote a comedy play poking fun at Richmond society. The farce was entitled "Richmond As It Is," and was produced by a minstrel company called the Nightingale Serenaders. It focused on humorous aspects of everyday life. This type of play is termed "observational comedy," which is exactly the type of humor that Jerry Seinfeld has used to established one of the most successful comedy careers of our era. He worked in management with the Nightingale Serenaders, traveling around the country. During his career, Ford managed theatres in Alexandria, Virginia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia.

Ford was the manager of this highly successful theatre at the time of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. He was a good friend of Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor. Ford drew further suspicion upon himself by being in Richmond, Virginia, at the time of the assassination on April 14, 1865. Until April 2, 1865, Richmond had been the capital of the Confederate States of America and a center of anti-Lincoln conspiracies.

An order was issued for Ford's arrest, and on April 18, he was arrested at his Baltimore home. His brothers, James and Harry Clay Ford, were thrown into prison along with him. John Ford complained of the effect that his incarceration would have on his business and family, and he offered to help with the investigation. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton made no reply to his two letters. After 39 days, the brothers were finally fully exonerated and set free since there was no evidence of their complicity in the crime. The government seized the theatre, and Ford was paid $88,000 ($1.7 Million  today) for it by Congress.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The Chicago Home Insurance Building: The Pioneer of Skyscraper Architecture in 1885.

Standing tall and proud amidst the bustling streets of Chicago, the Home Insurance Building etched its name in the annals of architectural history as the world's first true skyscraper.

Designed by the visionary architect William Le Baron Jenney, this impressive 138-foot-tall, 10-story structure revolutionized how buildings were conceived and constructed, paving the way for modern skyscrapers that dominate cities worldwide. Construction of the Home Insurance Building began in 1884 at the Northeast corner of LaSalle and Adams Streets and was completed in 1885.

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Two additional stories were added to the Chicago Home Insurance Building in 1890. This increased the building to 12 stories and its height to 180 feet.

CONCEPTION, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

In the late 19th century, Chicago was booming, its population swelling and its businesses expanding. The demand for office space was surging, and traditional masonry construction methods were proving inadequate to meet the growing needs. 

During Construction

The Home Insurance Building's origins can be traced back to the late 1870s when the Home Insurance Company of New York sought to establish a branch office in Chicago. The company's management envisioned a grand and imposing structure reflecting its prominence in the insurance industry. In 1884, they approached Jenney, a respected architect known for his innovative designs and use of fireproof construction. Jenney faced the challenge of creating a tall, fire-resistant building that could withstand Chicago's harsh weather conditions.

PIONEERING CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Interior Views

Note the full-size windows.

Jenney's solution was a 10-story, 138-foot-tall building with a frame made of wrought and cast iron, along with Bessemer rolled steel beams (steel), a revolutionary concept at the time. Before this, buildings were primarily constructed using masonry walls, limiting their height and fire resistance. The steel frame provided the strength and support needed to build taller buildings, allowing for thinner walls and larger windows hung on the steel frame. It could withstand the weight of its walls and floors. The building also featured fireproofing measures, including fireproof terra cotta cladding and hollow tiles filled with concrete.

This revolutionary design enabled the building to reach an unprecedented height of 138 feet and set a precedent for future skyscrapers.

IMPACT AND LEGACY

The Home Insurance Building was a testament to Jenney's architectural ingenuity and marked a turning point in skyscraper design. Its innovative use of a steel skeleton frame and other features established the foundation for modern skyscrapers, paving the way for taller, safer, and more efficient buildings.

The "I WILL" Postcard Series № 186C: Home Insurance Building, Chicago. From the private collection of Dr. Neil Gale. Chicago Postcard Museum.

The building's impact was immediate and far-reaching. It inspired a wave of skyscraper construction in Chicago and other cities, transforming urban landscapes and ushering in a new era of vertical architecture.

The building's impact extended beyond its structural innovations, influencing the aesthetic of skyscrapers. Its exterior, clad in terracotta panels, reflected a transition away from the heavy ornamentation of Victorian architecture towards a more streamlined and modern aesthetic.

While the Home Insurance Building was demolished in 1931 to make way for the Field Building, another skyscraper, its impact on architecture and urban development remains profound. It stands as a symbol of innovation and ingenuity, forever etched in the history of skyscrapers and the evolution of modern cities.

Architect and Engineer William LeBaron Jenney was born on September 25, 1832. He died in Los Angeles, California, on June 14, 1907, at the age of 74.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The Newberry Library and Walter Loomis Newberry's History.

Walter Loomis Newberry died on November 6, 1868, during a return trip from France for medical treatment. His bequest of $2.1 million ($46 million today) would eventually result in the foundation of the Newberry Library on July 1, 1887.

Walter Newberry was a businessman and philanthropist who was a prominent figure in the early development of Chicago, Illinois. He was born in East Windsor, Connecticut, on September 18, 1804, and moved to Chicago in 1833. 

Walter Loomis Newberry (1804-1868)

Newberry quickly established himself as a successful businessman with interests in land development, banking, shipping, and railroads. He was also a civic leader, serving as an alderman on the Chicago Common Council and President (1863-1863) of the Chicago Board of Education.

Newberry was a generous philanthropist, and he donated large sums of money to support education, culture, and social welfare causes. In 1887, his will established the Newberry Library, a research library that is one of the leading independent research libraries in the Nation. 

Postcard of the Newberry Library in Chicago from Washington Square (aka Bughouse Square) c.1910 from the "I Will" series of postcards, Acmegraph Company, Chicago, ca.1910.

Today, the Newberry Library, at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, stores tens of thousands of digital files from its collection, which consists of over 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 1,300 distinct archival collections containing approximately 5 million manuscript pages. The number of digital image files stored by the Newberry Library is not publicly disclosed, but it will likely be in the millions.

Early Interior of the Newberry Library, Chicago.

Newberry was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He was a founding member of the Chicago Historical Society and the Chicago Academy of Sciences. He also donated money to support the construction of several public buildings in Chicago, including the old Chicago Main Public Library and the Chicago Art Institute. 

Newberry was one of the founders of the First Chicago Bank, which morphed into (The First National Bank of Chicago in the 1860s, which financed the Civil War; Union National Bank in 1900; Metropolitan National Bank in 1902); and today it is the Chase Bank.

The Newberry Library was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Newberry died at the age of 64. He is buried in Graceland Cemetery, 4001 North Clark Street in Chicago.

Newberry's legacy continues to benefit the city of Chicago and the world. The Newberry Library is a vital resource for scholars, students, and the general public.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Emma C. Kennett was a female architect and real estate developer in Chicago. (1885-1960)

Between 1910 and 1920, there was an apartment building boom in the Rogers Park Community of Chicago. Many of the spacious apartments in buildings on Sheridan Road and Estes, Greenleaf, and Lunt Avenues were built at that time. Some had two bedrooms, many had three bedrooms, and some even had three baths.

Emma Kennett was born in Chicago in 1885. She worked in a builder's office before marrying James Kennett, a Chicago building contractor. She reentered the building profession when the marriage ended to support her young family. She founded the Kennett Construction Company in 1923 and began developing apartment buildings in Rogers Park.

Kennett was the active head of the Kennett Construction Company of Chicago, who, with a Black partner, Joseph Frederick Rousseau, built more than 80 buildings in the Howard-Jarvis-Ridge areas of Chicago's Rogers Park community. She designed the buildings in Gothic, French, and Spanish styles. By the mid-1920s, she was worth five million dollars ($89 million today).

Kennett designed and built apartment buildings, townhouses, and commercial properties. She was known for her innovative designs and her commitment to quality construction. 

FIRM HISTORY

Kennett Construction Company, 1923-1952 

Kennett Realty Company, 1952-1960. 

Kennett's buildings were known for their eclectic architectural styles, which reflected the popular trends of the time. She used Tudor Revival, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Spanish Mission Revival styles, among others. She also paid attention to the details of her buildings, using high-quality materials and finishes.

Normandy Apartments, 2300 West Farwell Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 1920s.

Kennett was a successful businesswoman and a pioneer for women in the construction industry. She was featured in several articles in the Chicago Tribune, which noted her success as a woman in a male-dominated field. She was also a member of the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

2320-22 West Farwell Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 1928.

Kennett continued to develop buildings in Chicago until the early 1950s. She died in 1960 at the age of 75. Her legacy is one of innovation, quality, and perseverance. She was a role model for women in the construction industry, and her work helped to shape the city of Chicago.

2326 West Farwell Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 1920s.

Most of Kennett's buildings still stand today and are a testament to her talent and vision. Kennett designed all her buildings, assisted only by local architects, including Arthur C. Buckett and Herbert J. Richter, to ensure the correct technical details. 

A PARTIAL LIST OF KENNETT PROJECTS:

• 1141 West Devon Avenue, Sun Parlor Apartments, Chicago, Illinois
• 2020 West Jarvis, Chicago, Illinois
• 2029 West Jarvis, Chicago, Illinois
• 2114 West Arthur Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 2300 West  Farwell (Normandy apartments), Chicago, Illinois
• 2308-10 West  Farwell, Chicago, Illinois
• 2314-2316 West Farwell, Chicago, Illinois
• 2320-22 West Farwell, Chicago, Illinois
• 2326 West  Farwell, Chicago, Illinois
• 2332-2334 West  Farwell, Chicago, Illinois
• 6644 North Artesian Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7339 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7349 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7351 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7352 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois - razed
• 7354 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7355 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7356-58 North Robey (Damen Avenue today), Chicago, Illinois
• 7358 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7359 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7360 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7360-62 North Robey (Damen Avenue today), Chicago, Illinois
• 7361-7363 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7440-42 North Hoyne Avenue, (Chateau Le Mans), Chicago, Illinois
• 7441-43 North Navarre Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 7446-48 North Hoyne Avenue, (Maison Louviers), Chicago, Illinois
• 7447-49 North Hoyne Avenue, (Barcelona apartments), Chicago, Illinois
• 7452-54 North Hoyne Avenue, (Chateau Beauvais), Chicago, Illinois
• 7453-55 North Hoyne Avenue, (Valencia apartments), Chicago, Illinois
• 7536 North Seeley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• 1065 Estate Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 1070 Estate Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 1111 Estate Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 1144 Estate Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 1221 Estate Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 136 Custer Avenue, Evanston, Illinois
• 1416 Fairway Drive, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 1433 Fairway Drive, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 810 S. Ridge Road, Lake Forest, Illinois
• 960 S. Ridge Road, Lake Forest, Illinois

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Springfield, Illinois, Town Square Conflagration of May 15, 1855.

From the May 16, 1855, Chicago Tribune:

The sun this morning rose upon a scene in Springfield, the like of which has never before been witnessed here. More than half the block of stores on the west side of the square, commencing from the north, was in ruins, and the goods and furniture not destroyed, were scattered about mainly on the state house square, presenting further evidence of the melancholy catastrophe. This great destruction was, without question, the work of an incendiary. 

North side of Springfield town square, Washington Street, c.1855.

West side of Springfield town square, 5th Street, c.1855.

The fire was kindled among some boxes near one of the buildings, and such was the dry state of all the material about that the buildings immediately caught fire, which was not arrested until nine stores and one or two other buildings of less consequence were consumed.

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The Public Square in Springfield is bound by Adams, Washington, Fifth and Sixth Streets. It was created on paper in December of 1823.

The following is a list of the sufferers: ($1.00 in 1855 = $35.00 in 2023)

• Clark & Henkle, a clothing store, was insured for $5,000 ($175,000 in 2023) in Northwestern and $1,000 in Mohawk Valley. Loss estimated at $6,000. House owned by Johnson & Bradford, insured for $1,500.

• Thayer & Co., dry goods merchants, stock of goods valued at $17,000, insured for $8,000—saved goods to the amount of $10,000 or $12,000 in the wrong order.

• Canedy & Johnson, druggists, insured on stock and fixtures $6,500, on house $2,500. Loss estimated at $9,000. P.C.Canedy's dwelling was saved by the most persevering efforts; back buildings with the house on the west torn down. House and furniture, which are considerably damaged, were insured.

• R.H. Reach's clothing store insured $5,000. Loss of about $2,000.

• Irwin & Davis, dry goods merchants, insured on goods $5,000, no insurance on the house. Loss estimated at $6,000.

• A. Freeman & Co., dry goods and grocery merchants, no insurance either on house or goods. Loss estimated at $8,000.

• Spear & Brothers, dry goods merchants, insured $3,000 on goods, no insurance on the house. Loss of about $4,000.

• Dr. Harper's office, Brimm's law office, and a barber's shop, over Freeman's books, papers, etc., mostly saved; Loss estimated at $200.

• Springfield Coffee House, owned by William H. Camp, had no insurance. Loss of about $2,000.

• Bradford & Johnson's Book Store, bindery etc., the house owned by N.W. Edwards; insurance for $700. Inventory insured for $3,500; loss of about $1,800.

• Clark's Exchange Bank, which was fireproof, arrested the fire on the south, but for which, the whole block on the west side of the square would have been laid in ashes.

• As it went west, the fire's progress was arrested at Mr. Canedy's dwelling house. S.B. Fisher's store, on the north side of the square, while the fire was raging, was discovered to be on fire in the second story. It was soon extinguished, doing but minor damage.

The present is a very appropriate occasion to draw the attention of our city authorities to the necessity of providing more efficient means than they have yet done for the extinguishment of fires.

— Springfield (Ill.) Journal

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.