The Saloon Building Plays an Important Role in Chicago's History. (1836-1871)

The 'Saloon Building' at the southeast corner of Clark and Lake Streets in Chicago.

The "Saloon Building" was a three-story brick building erected in 1836 by Capt. J.B.F. Russell and George W. Doan at the Southeast corner of Clark and Lake streets. It was named after the French word salon, meaning ‘small reception hall’ or ‘meeting hall,’ not a ‘drinking establishment.’

The 'Saloon Building' at the southeast corner of Clark and Lake Streets in Chicago.

The Saloon building was the largest hall west of Buffalo, New York, devoted to public meetings and political ceremonies. This was where Chicago received its city charter in 1837 and the building served as Chicago's City Hall and Municipal Court until 1842.

Note: During this time period, the word 'grocery' meant a saloon, tavern or pub.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The Lake View House (Hotel), Chicago. 1854-1890

Built roughly where Lake Shore Drive and Byron Street now intersect, the building served as a hotel where city dwellers could go to escape noise and pollution.

The Hotel Lake View (aka Lake View Hotel) operated between July 4, 1854, and the 1890s. It was originally the home of Elisha Huntley with a lakefront view.
Photograph circa 1860.

In 1854, James Rees and Elisha Hundley built the Lakeview House as a resort for potential investors in local land. (According to legend, Walter Newberry stood on the hotel’s veranda admiring the view, suggested that it be called “Lake View House.”)

Lake View Hotel in the 1880s on Grace Street with additions to the hotel.

Wealthy Chicagoans seeking summer retreats from the city’s heat and disease bought up land in the eastern sector of the area. New railroad lines prompted the development of more residential land and added suburban characteristics to Lake View’s resort atmosphere.

1869 Map

The Lake View House was demolished by 1890.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.