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| A future look from 1908 of Chicago's State Street in 50 years. A postcard of what they thought it would look like in 1958. |
Friday, June 29, 2018
A future look from 1908 of Chicago's State Street in 50 years.
Western and Devon Avenues in the West Rogers Park Neighborhood of the West Ridge Community of Chicago. 1934
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| Looking north on Western Avenue from Devon Avenue in the West Rogers Park Neighborhood of the West Ridge Community of Chicago. 1934 |
Thursday, June 28, 2018
The History of Chicagoan Mark Beaubien, the Hospitality Guru began in 1830.
Mark Beaubien (1800-1881) was born in Detroit, younger brother of Jean Baptiste; married Monique Nadeau (1800-1847), with whom he had 16 children, 14 of whom survived their mother; then married Elizabeth Mathieu, with whom he had seven children.
Mark came to Chicago in 1826 with Monique and their children and purchased a small log cabin on the south bank of the Chicago River near the Forks from James Kinzie. In 1829, he began to take in guests, calling his cabin the "Eagle Exchange Tavern." A fun-loving fiddle player, he loved to entertain his guests at night, tempting one to believe stories about his knack for boyish mischief. Mark was licensed to keep a tavern on June 9, 1830, and later voted on August 2. When the town plat was published that year, he found that his business was in the middle of a street and moved the structure to the southeast corner of Market Street (North Wacker Drive) and Lake Street.
He purchased from the government in 1830 lots 3 and 4 in block 31 on which his building stood, and the small block 30, later selling part of the land to Charles A. Ballard. He was listed on the Peoria County census of August 1830.
Mark Beaubien built the Eagle Exchange Tavern (later the Sauganash Hotel) in 1829 on the future site of the first Wigwam building and is regarded as the first tavern, hotel, and restaurant in Chicago. It was located at Wolf Point, the intersection of the Chicago River's north, south, and main branches, at Lake and Market Streets (North Wacker Drive). The Sauganash Tavern was one of the few grocers with billiard tables. He named the hotel in honor of his friend Billy Caldwell, whose Indian name was Sauganash.
The Green Tree Tavern wasn't built until 1833.
On June 6, 1831, at the new county seat (Chicago), he was granted a license to sell goods in Cook County, and his cabin sold Indian goods (arts & crafts). In the late summer of 1832, he rented his original log cabin, adjacent to his "Sauganash Tavern[1]," to the newly arrived Philo Carpenter for use as - Chicago's 1st - drugstore. An ardent enemy of alcohol, Carpenter soon moved out. Mark next rented the space to John S. Wright, and in 1833, the cabin became a school under Eliza Chappel's direction.
Mark and Mark, Jr. were listed among "500 Chicagoans" on the census Commissioner Thomas J.V. Owen took before the incorporation of Chicago as a town in early August 1833. Mark was one of the "Qualified Electors" who voted to incorporate the Town and, on August 10, voted in the first town election.
He received $500 in payment for a claim at the Chicago Treaty in September 1833. Mark became the first licensed ferry owner, and in 1834, he built his second hotel, the "Exchange Coffee House," at the northwest corner of Lake and Wells Streets. He placed an ad in the December 21, 1835, issue of the Chicago Democrat that read: "I, Mark Beaubien, do agree to pay 25 bushels of Oats if any man will agree to pay me the same number of bushels if I win against any man's horse or mare in the Town of Chicago, against Maj. R.A. Forsyth's bay mare, now in Town."
Listed in the 1839 City Directory as hotel-keeper, Lake Street. In 1840, Mark moved to Lisle, Illinois, with his family, where he acquired farmland from William Sweet south of Sweet's Grove and also a cabin located immediately west of the Beaubien Cemetery (a small cemetery on land set aside by Mark Beaubien on Ogden Avenue in Lisle). The cabin soon became Beaubien Tavern while it was still home to the residing family.
Mark was also listed as a U.S. lighthouse keeper in the 1843 Chicago City Directory. From 1851 to 1857 he used the Beaubien Tavern building as a toll station for the Southwest Plank Road (running from Lisle to Chicago), with his son collecting the toll.
Later, between 1859 and 1860, he was again the lighthouse keeper in Chicago. His address in 1878 was in Newark in Kendall County. During the last 10 years of his life, he was troubled by failing memory, much to his chagrin, because he loved to tell stories of the past; he was happiest in the company of old friends. Mark died on April 11, 1881, in his daughter Mary and son-in-law, Georges Mathieu's house, in Kankakee and was buried with his second wife in St. Rose Cemetery, in the oldest portion of Mound Grove.
His fiddle is preserved at the Chicago History Museum.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
[1] Sauganash Tavern: In the early days, while Mr. Beaubien kept a tavern, possibly the old Sauganash Tavern, when emigration from the east began to pour forth the stream which has not yet subsided, Mark's loft, capable of storing half a hundred men, for a night, if closely packed, was often filled to repletion. The furniture equipment, however, for a caravansary so well patronized, it is said, was exceedingly scant; that circumstance, however, only served to exhibit more clearly the eminent skill of the landlord. With the early shades of an autumn eve, the first men arriving were given a bed on the floor of the staging or loft, and, covering them with two blankets, Mark bade them a hearty goodnight. Fatigued with the day's travel, they would soon be sound asleep when two more would be placed by their side, and those "two blankets" would be drawn over these newcomers.
The first two were journeying too intently in the land of dreams to notice this sleight of hand feat of the jolly Mark, and as travelers, in those days, usually slept in their clothes, they generally passed the night without significant discomfort. As others arrived, the last going to bed always had the blankets. So it was that forty dusty, hopeful, tired, and generally uncomplaining emigrants or adventurous explorers who went up a ladder, two by two, to Mark Beaubien's sleeping loft were all covered with one pair of blankets. It is true, it was sometimes said, that on a frosty morning, there were frequent charges of blanket-stealing. Grumbling was heard, coupled with rough words similar to those formerly used by the army in Flanders, but the great heart of Mark was sufficient for the occasion, for, at such times, he would only charge half price for lodging to those who were disposed to complain.
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| Mark Beaubien, builder Of Chicago's First Hotel. |
Mark came to Chicago in 1826 with Monique and their children and purchased a small log cabin on the south bank of the Chicago River near the Forks from James Kinzie. In 1829, he began to take in guests, calling his cabin the "Eagle Exchange Tavern." A fun-loving fiddle player, he loved to entertain his guests at night, tempting one to believe stories about his knack for boyish mischief. Mark was licensed to keep a tavern on June 9, 1830, and later voted on August 2. When the town plat was published that year, he found that his business was in the middle of a street and moved the structure to the southeast corner of Market Street (North Wacker Drive) and Lake Street.
He purchased from the government in 1830 lots 3 and 4 in block 31 on which his building stood, and the small block 30, later selling part of the land to Charles A. Ballard. He was listed on the Peoria County census of August 1830.
Mark Beaubien built the Eagle Exchange Tavern (later the Sauganash Hotel) in 1829 on the future site of the first Wigwam building and is regarded as the first tavern, hotel, and restaurant in Chicago. It was located at Wolf Point, the intersection of the Chicago River's north, south, and main branches, at Lake and Market Streets (North Wacker Drive). The Sauganash Tavern was one of the few grocers with billiard tables. He named the hotel in honor of his friend Billy Caldwell, whose Indian name was Sauganash.
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| The Sauganash Hotel. The log cabin on the left was Chicago's first drugstore. |
On June 6, 1831, at the new county seat (Chicago), he was granted a license to sell goods in Cook County, and his cabin sold Indian goods (arts & crafts). In the late summer of 1832, he rented his original log cabin, adjacent to his "Sauganash Tavern[1]," to the newly arrived Philo Carpenter for use as - Chicago's 1st - drugstore. An ardent enemy of alcohol, Carpenter soon moved out. Mark next rented the space to John S. Wright, and in 1833, the cabin became a school under Eliza Chappel's direction.
Mark and Mark, Jr. were listed among "500 Chicagoans" on the census Commissioner Thomas J.V. Owen took before the incorporation of Chicago as a town in early August 1833. Mark was one of the "Qualified Electors" who voted to incorporate the Town and, on August 10, voted in the first town election.
He received $500 in payment for a claim at the Chicago Treaty in September 1833. Mark became the first licensed ferry owner, and in 1834, he built his second hotel, the "Exchange Coffee House," at the northwest corner of Lake and Wells Streets. He placed an ad in the December 21, 1835, issue of the Chicago Democrat that read: "I, Mark Beaubien, do agree to pay 25 bushels of Oats if any man will agree to pay me the same number of bushels if I win against any man's horse or mare in the Town of Chicago, against Maj. R.A. Forsyth's bay mare, now in Town."
Listed in the 1839 City Directory as hotel-keeper, Lake Street. In 1840, Mark moved to Lisle, Illinois, with his family, where he acquired farmland from William Sweet south of Sweet's Grove and also a cabin located immediately west of the Beaubien Cemetery (a small cemetery on land set aside by Mark Beaubien on Ogden Avenue in Lisle). The cabin soon became Beaubien Tavern while it was still home to the residing family.
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| The Beaubien Tavern, depicted by local painter Les Schrader, was the site of a toll station on the Southwest Plank Road that ran through Lisle to Chicago and later became Ogden Avenue. |
Later, between 1859 and 1860, he was again the lighthouse keeper in Chicago. His address in 1878 was in Newark in Kendall County. During the last 10 years of his life, he was troubled by failing memory, much to his chagrin, because he loved to tell stories of the past; he was happiest in the company of old friends. Mark died on April 11, 1881, in his daughter Mary and son-in-law, Georges Mathieu's house, in Kankakee and was buried with his second wife in St. Rose Cemetery, in the oldest portion of Mound Grove.
His fiddle is preserved at the Chicago History Museum.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
[1] Sauganash Tavern: In the early days, while Mr. Beaubien kept a tavern, possibly the old Sauganash Tavern, when emigration from the east began to pour forth the stream which has not yet subsided, Mark's loft, capable of storing half a hundred men, for a night, if closely packed, was often filled to repletion. The furniture equipment, however, for a caravansary so well patronized, it is said, was exceedingly scant; that circumstance, however, only served to exhibit more clearly the eminent skill of the landlord. With the early shades of an autumn eve, the first men arriving were given a bed on the floor of the staging or loft, and, covering them with two blankets, Mark bade them a hearty goodnight. Fatigued with the day's travel, they would soon be sound asleep when two more would be placed by their side, and those "two blankets" would be drawn over these newcomers.
The first two were journeying too intently in the land of dreams to notice this sleight of hand feat of the jolly Mark, and as travelers, in those days, usually slept in their clothes, they generally passed the night without significant discomfort. As others arrived, the last going to bed always had the blankets. So it was that forty dusty, hopeful, tired, and generally uncomplaining emigrants or adventurous explorers who went up a ladder, two by two, to Mark Beaubien's sleeping loft were all covered with one pair of blankets. It is true, it was sometimes said, that on a frosty morning, there were frequent charges of blanket-stealing. Grumbling was heard, coupled with rough words similar to those formerly used by the army in Flanders, but the great heart of Mark was sufficient for the occasion, for, at such times, he would only charge half price for lodging to those who were disposed to complain.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Excerpts from Benjamin F. Barker's personal letters to his brother Jacob Barker as Chicago incorporates in 1833.
Benjamin F. Barker rented a cabin for $3 a month by September 1832 at Chicago when he first arrived.
Letters to Jacob A. Barker are preserved at the Chicago History Museum.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
Benjamin F. Barker rented a cabin for $3 a month by September 1832 at Chicago when he first arrived. In a letter to his brother in the East, he reported that money was plentiful and requested salt and flour.
By January 1833 he chopped wood to feed his family, the only work available. Barker observed that the situation of the Indians was desperate with thousands starving. In March Barker rented a farm eight miles to the north (to the southside of today's Rogers Park community) and asked for a strong wagon and barrels of salt. Barker subscribed to the Chicago Democrat in November.
Chicago incorporates as a town on August 12, 1833, with a population of 350.
In February 1834 Barker hauled wood to town with a small wagon and oxen and requested a stock of groceries. By March, Barker opened a grocery in town and had built a house for his family, reporting in May that competition was great and liquor was in great demand. By the end of July, he wrote from Juliet [Joliet], "money was scarce in Chicago where a grocery (the term 'grocery' had a different meaning then) existed on every corner, and the country was delightful."
Letters to Jacob A. Barker are preserved at the Chicago History Museum.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Ordinances of the Town of Chicago which incorporated on August 12, 1833.
The Chicago Fire Department was originally formed as the "Washington Volunteers Fire Company" in 1832. The first bucket brigade was formed in 1835 as the "Fire Guards Bucket Company." Also, In 1835, the "Pioneer Hook & Ladder Company № 1" and the "Engine Company № 1" were also organized.
The following ordinances are those passed by the trustees, presented in summary language and in chronological order.
Passed November 7, 1833:
[1] Defines town limits: Jefferson St. on the W; Ohio St. [and both eastern and western projections thereof] on the N; Lake Shore and Fort Dearborn Reservation.
[2] Names four streets S of Washington St.: Madison, Monroe, Adams, Jackson.
[3] Makes restraining of pigs in the village streets a requirement.
[4] Makes the shooting of a firearm within the village a punishable offense.
[5] Makes the removal of timber from either Chicago bridge an offense.
[6] Regulates the fireproof passing of stovepipes through the walls or roof of any house. (The penalty for this infringement was $5 ($130 today) if the violation wasn’t corrected within 48 hours the penalty was repeated.)
[7] Regulates the running of horses through the streets.
[8] Prohibits the "indecent exhibition" of stallions within the town limits.
[9] Prohibits dumping of garbage, construction material, etc., in village streets.
[10] Prohibits dumping of dead animals into the river. Passed Dec. 4, 1834, at the house of Dexter Graves.
[11] Names George W. Snow as assessor & surveyor of the town.
[12] Sets the town-tax collector's compensation at 10% of the tax roll.
[13] Creates a bridge maintenance committee, appointing G.W. Dole, Medore B. Beaubien, Edmund S. Kimberly, and John Miller.
[14] Makes John Dean Caton town attorney.
[15, 16] Regulates the use of riverfront property and the application process for wharfing privileges.
Passed June 6, 1834, at the house of E.H. Hadock:
· Details the duty of the assessor regarding taxable property.
· Details the duty of the supervisor of the streets.
· Empowers the supervisor of streets to draft male residents between the ages of 21 and 60 for the duty of street repair three days a year.
Passed July 11, 1834:
· Levies a tax of ¼ of 1% on all taxable property for the year 1834.
· Instructs the surveyor to graduate South Water Street such that water will flow N into the river.
· Gives instructions to the tax collector.
Passed July 30, 1834:
· Further details of the duties of the tax collector, including the requirement to post a bond.
Passed September 1, 1834, at the house of Starr Foot:
· Prohibits the selling or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by any "tippling house (a place where liquors are sold and drunk in violation of the law) or grocery" on Sundays.
· Orders the town attorney to prosecute all offenses of the previous ordinance.
Passed September 25, 1834, at the Tremont House:
· An ordinance to prevent fire.
[Sec. 1] Divides the town into four wards as follows: E of LaSalle St. and between Jackson and South Water—first ward; N of Jackson and between LaSalle and East Water—second ward; N of the river—third ward; W of the north and south branches of the river—fourth ward.
[Sec. 2] Appoints firewardens, one for each ward: (1) William Worthingham, (2) Edward E. Hunter, (3) Samuel Resigue, and (4) James H. Kinzie (Chicago's founding father, John Kinzie’s son).
[Sec. 3] Regulates the fireproof passing of stovepipes through the walls or roof of any building.
[Sec. 4] Describes the duty and authority of the firewardens.
[Sec. 5] Sets fines for violators.
[Sec. 6] Repeals the earlier fire ordinance of November 6, 1833 (Ordinance Six).
Passed September 29, 1834, at the Tremont House:
· Makes it unlawful to remove dirt or sand from any of the town streets unless to repair those streets by order and permission of the supervisor of streets.
Passed October 13, 1834, at the Tremont House:
· A fire ordinance.
[Sec. 1] Further details of the authority and duty of firewardens.
[Sec. 2] Makes the warden, in whose ward a fire breaks out, "Warden in Chief," subjecting the other three wardens to his authority.
[Sec. 3] Assigns a numbered badge or plate to each firewarden, designating his ward, to be worn on his hat.
Passed November 3, 1834, at Mark Beaubien's Eagle Exchange Tavern:
An ordinance for the further prevention of fires that makes it unlawful to carry or convey firebrands or coals of fire between buildings within the town limits unless transported in a covered earthen or fireproof container.
Passed August 5, 1835:
An omnibus ordinance (a single document that is accepted in a single vote by a legislature but packages together several measures into one or combines diverse subjects).
[Sec. 1] Declares that anyone guilty of violating the laws and ordinances herewith can expect penalties.
[Sec. 2] Makes it unlawful to place obstacles (timber, stone, etc.) on public passages (streets, sidewalks, etc.) without permission of the president or trustee, except for those related to building construction, and then may only block one-half of the passage for no longer than two months.
[Sec. 3] Makes it unlawful to place casks or crates on the walkway in front of a building further than four feet or in the street unless with permission.
[Sec. 4] Makes it unlawful for any animal, wagon, or cart to cross a sidewalk unless to enter a lot or yard.
[Sec. 5] It makes it unlawful to ride or drive over a bridge faster than at the pace of a walk.
[Sec. 6] Makes it unlawful for anyone to damage pavements, walks, sewers drains, dig holes or ditches without permission, or obstruct repair.
[Sec. 7] Makes it unlawful to dispose of anything (i.e., straw shavings) into sewers, drains or ditches, obstructing its purpose.
[Sec. 8] Makes it unlawful to possess a billiard table, nine or ten-pin [bowling] alley for public use without a specific license.
[Sec. 9] Makes it unlawful for an owner with a billiard table, gambling equipment, or liquor for sale to allow the gaming house to become disorderly.
[Sec. 10] It makes it unlawful to conduct oneself disorderly, to riot, to create a disturbance in the streets within the town, or to form crowds for an unlawful purpose.
[Sec. 11] Makes it unlawful to dump on the streets or into the river any dead animals or putrid meat, fish entrails, decaying vegetables, or any other offensive substance.
[Sec. 12] It is unlawful to dump any "nuisance" into any lot.
[Sec. 13] The president or any trustee, on finding "any nuisance" in the street or in any lot, may order the perpetrator to remove it.
[Sec. 14] Makes it unlawful for any grocery or "tippling house" to sell beer on the "Sabbath, or the first day of the week [Sunday]." (Called Blue Laws or Sunday Laws are designed to restrict or ban some or all Sunday activities for religious or secular reasons, particularly to promote the observance of a day of worship or rest.)
[Sec. 15] Makes it unlawful to burn hay, straw, chips, or any combustible material in any street or in any lot without permission from a trustee.
[Sec. 16] Chips or other combustible material accumulating within buildings must be removed at least once weekly.
[Sec. 17] Makes it unlawful to dump chips or other combustible material on the streets.
[Sec. 18] Redefines how stovepipes must be passed through the roof or wall of buildings.
[Sec. 19] Forbids the carrying of open fire through streets or lots.
[Sec. 20] Forbids fireworks or the firing of guns within town limits.
[Sec. 21] Creates firewardens for each district and defines its duties.
[Sec. 22] Forbids hay stacking in the area bordered by Washington, Canal, and Kinzie streets and the lake.
[Sec. 23] Sets penalties for the offenses against the foregoing ordinances.
Passed October 19, 1835:
· An omnibus ordinance.
[Sec. 1] Sets the time when the trustees appoint three inspectors of elections, attendant to the annual election of trustees and all special town elections.
[Sec. 2] Sets the time of polling in such elections; declares poll lists to be kept in the same manner as that of the state law.
[Sec. 3] Describes inspectors' responsibilities following elections, compliant with state law.
[Sec. 4] Specifies the inspectors' filing of canvasses with the clerk of the county circuit court.
[Sec. 5] Designates special elections to fill vacancies in the offices of trustees.
[Sec. 6] Authorizes trustees to appoint from time to time as many police constables as they may think proper.
[Sec. 7] Directs trustees to choose the time and place of their meeting by resolution. Makes the president the presiding officer and gives him "only a casting vote" (to break a deadlock).
[Sec. 8] "The trustees shall meet annually thereafter on or before the second Tuesday in June and by ballot appoint a president, clerk-treasurer, attorney, street commissioner, police constable, collector of taxes, and town surgeon, two measurers of wood, two measurers of lumber, two measurers and weighers of grain, and such other officers as the trustees may deem necessary for the good of said town: if for any cause the above officers are not appointed on the day above mentioned, the trustees may adjourn from day to day until they are appointed."
[Sec. 9] Requires that bonds be filed by the treasurer, street commissioner, and collector(s) of a height (a dollar amount) deemed appropriate by the trustees.
[Sec. 10] Describes the duties of the police constable, which include the duty "to attend all fires within the limits of said town."
[Sec. 11] Describes the duties and the powers of the trustees, which include the power "to arrest all dissolute and riotous persons."
[Sec. 12] Defines the duties of the town assessor.
Passed November 4, 1835:
· An omnibus ordinance.
[Sec. 1] Declares that anyone guilty of breaching the laws and ordinances herewith can expect penalties.
[Sec. 2] The fire department consists of the chief engineer, two assistants, four wardens, in addition to trustees (all ex-wardens) and (as many as appointed by trustees) fire enginemen, hose men, hook and ladder and ax and saw men.
[Sec. 3] Details the chief engineer's responsibilities.
[Sec. 4] Details the assistant chiefs' responsibilities.
[Sec. 5] Details the firewardens' assignments and responsibilities.
[Sec. 6] Fire companies—"The firemen shall be redivided into companies, to consist of as many members as the Board of Trustees shall from time to time direct, to attend to the fire engines, hose carts, hooks and ladders, axes, saws, and other fire apparatus, belonging to the Town of Chicago; and each of the companies shall on the first Monday of December in each year, choose from among their own numbers a Foreman, Assistant Foreman, and Clerk, in such manner as they think proper."
[Sec. 7] Details each company's responsibilities and duties.
[Sec. 8] Details the foreman's responsibilities.
[Sec. 9] Declares that any neglect in attendance or fire apparatus maintenance failure will result in a penalty.
[Sec. 10] Declares that any neglect of assistance without sufficient excuse will result in penalty or expulsion.
[Sec. 11] Declares that misuse of fire apparatus for private purposes will result in a penalty.
[Sec. 12] Defines in principle the required headgear: black leather cap with identification in white.
[Sec. 13] Details the numbers and responsibilities of the hook, ladder, ax, and saw men.
[Sec. 14] Regulates fire attendance.
[Sec. 15] Details the state of readiness of fire equipment.
[Sec. 16] Specifies fine if a fireman is absent when needed.
[Sec. 17] Defines required headgear for hook, ladder, ax, and saw men: black leather cap with identification in white.
[Sec. 18] Addresses the numbers of fire hose men selected.
[Sec. 19] Describes the fire hose men's responsibilities.
[Sec. 20] Specifies the hierarchy among fire hose men.
[Sec. 21] Defines required headgear for fire hose men: black leather cap with a coil pictured and identification in white.
[Sec. 22] Defines the badges of office at fires—the president and trustees each to carry a staff with a gilded flame atop.
[Sec. 23] Defines required headgear: white leather cap with Chief Engineer in black.
[Sec. 24] Defines required headgear: white leather caps with Engineer No. 1 and Engineer No. 2 in black.
[Sec. 25] Defines required headgear: brim hat, white crown with the warden in black; also to carry a white trumpet.
[Sec. 26] Defines required headgear: black leather cap with Foreman and engine company identification in white.
[Sec. 27] Defines required headgear: black leather cap with "Foreman" and hook and ladder company identification in white.
[Sec. 28] Defines required headgear: black leather cap with Assistant and identification in white.
[Sec. 29] Declares that any fireman neglectful of his responsibilities will be noted.
[Sec. 30] Describes the duties of the constable during a fire.
[Sec. 31-33] Declares town residents subject to and under the authority of the fire warden during a fire.
[Sec. 34] Details the penalty for damaging town firefighting equipment.
[Sec. 35-37] Requires residents to keep leather fire buckets in their buildings, buckets that are painted and labeled with the owner`s name or initials; instruct residents when to use them.
[Sec. 38] Designates Attorney E.W. Casey, Supervisor of Roads and Bridges Edward E. Hunter, and the firewarden to handle all cases in which a resident contests a penalty.
[Sec. 39] Lowers penalty for stacking hay within the town limits from $25 ($650 today) to $5 ($130 today).
[Sec. 40] Specifies locations for the public posting of ordinances.
[Sec. 41-44] Sets election rules.
[Sec. 45] Declares that unexpected office vacancies must be filled by special election.
[Sec. 46] Authorizes the board of trustees to appoint police constables as needed.
[Sec. 47] Authorizes the board of trustees to determine when they will meet.
[Sec. 48] Sets the appointment date for town officials on or near the second Tuesday in June.
[Sec. 49] Requires that the treasurer, the commissioners, and the tax collectors be bonded.
[Sec. 50] Defines the duties of the town constable.
[Sec. 51] Defines the duties of town trustees.
The following ordinances are those passed by the trustees, presented in summary language and in chronological order.
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| Map of Chicago by Conley and Stelzer, 1833 CLICK TO OPEN A HIGH-RESOLUTION MAP |
[1] Defines town limits: Jefferson St. on the W; Ohio St. [and both eastern and western projections thereof] on the N; Lake Shore and Fort Dearborn Reservation.
[2] Names four streets S of Washington St.: Madison, Monroe, Adams, Jackson.
[3] Makes restraining of pigs in the village streets a requirement.
[4] Makes the shooting of a firearm within the village a punishable offense.
[5] Makes the removal of timber from either Chicago bridge an offense.
[6] Regulates the fireproof passing of stovepipes through the walls or roof of any house. (The penalty for this infringement was $5 ($130 today) if the violation wasn’t corrected within 48 hours the penalty was repeated.)
[7] Regulates the running of horses through the streets.
[8] Prohibits the "indecent exhibition" of stallions within the town limits.
[9] Prohibits dumping of garbage, construction material, etc., in village streets.
[10] Prohibits dumping of dead animals into the river. Passed Dec. 4, 1834, at the house of Dexter Graves.
[11] Names George W. Snow as assessor & surveyor of the town.
[12] Sets the town-tax collector's compensation at 10% of the tax roll.
[13] Creates a bridge maintenance committee, appointing G.W. Dole, Medore B. Beaubien, Edmund S. Kimberly, and John Miller.
[14] Makes John Dean Caton town attorney.
[15, 16] Regulates the use of riverfront property and the application process for wharfing privileges.
Passed June 6, 1834, at the house of E.H. Hadock:
· Details the duty of the assessor regarding taxable property.
· Details the duty of the supervisor of the streets.
· Empowers the supervisor of streets to draft male residents between the ages of 21 and 60 for the duty of street repair three days a year.
Passed July 11, 1834:
· Levies a tax of ¼ of 1% on all taxable property for the year 1834.
· Instructs the surveyor to graduate South Water Street such that water will flow N into the river.
· Gives instructions to the tax collector.
Passed July 30, 1834:
· Further details of the duties of the tax collector, including the requirement to post a bond.
Passed September 1, 1834, at the house of Starr Foot:
· Prohibits the selling or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by any "tippling house (a place where liquors are sold and drunk in violation of the law) or grocery" on Sundays.
· Orders the town attorney to prosecute all offenses of the previous ordinance.
Passed September 25, 1834, at the Tremont House:
· An ordinance to prevent fire.
[Sec. 1] Divides the town into four wards as follows: E of LaSalle St. and between Jackson and South Water—first ward; N of Jackson and between LaSalle and East Water—second ward; N of the river—third ward; W of the north and south branches of the river—fourth ward.
[Sec. 2] Appoints firewardens, one for each ward: (1) William Worthingham, (2) Edward E. Hunter, (3) Samuel Resigue, and (4) James H. Kinzie (Chicago's founding father, John Kinzie’s son).
[Sec. 3] Regulates the fireproof passing of stovepipes through the walls or roof of any building.
[Sec. 4] Describes the duty and authority of the firewardens.
[Sec. 5] Sets fines for violators.
[Sec. 6] Repeals the earlier fire ordinance of November 6, 1833 (Ordinance Six).
Passed September 29, 1834, at the Tremont House:
· Makes it unlawful to remove dirt or sand from any of the town streets unless to repair those streets by order and permission of the supervisor of streets.
Passed October 13, 1834, at the Tremont House:
· A fire ordinance.
[Sec. 1] Further details of the authority and duty of firewardens.
[Sec. 2] Makes the warden, in whose ward a fire breaks out, "Warden in Chief," subjecting the other three wardens to his authority.
[Sec. 3] Assigns a numbered badge or plate to each firewarden, designating his ward, to be worn on his hat.
Passed November 3, 1834, at Mark Beaubien's Eagle Exchange Tavern:
An ordinance for the further prevention of fires that makes it unlawful to carry or convey firebrands or coals of fire between buildings within the town limits unless transported in a covered earthen or fireproof container.
Passed August 5, 1835:
An omnibus ordinance (a single document that is accepted in a single vote by a legislature but packages together several measures into one or combines diverse subjects).
[Sec. 1] Declares that anyone guilty of violating the laws and ordinances herewith can expect penalties.
[Sec. 2] Makes it unlawful to place obstacles (timber, stone, etc.) on public passages (streets, sidewalks, etc.) without permission of the president or trustee, except for those related to building construction, and then may only block one-half of the passage for no longer than two months.
[Sec. 3] Makes it unlawful to place casks or crates on the walkway in front of a building further than four feet or in the street unless with permission.
[Sec. 4] Makes it unlawful for any animal, wagon, or cart to cross a sidewalk unless to enter a lot or yard.
[Sec. 5] It makes it unlawful to ride or drive over a bridge faster than at the pace of a walk.
[Sec. 6] Makes it unlawful for anyone to damage pavements, walks, sewers drains, dig holes or ditches without permission, or obstruct repair.
[Sec. 7] Makes it unlawful to dispose of anything (i.e., straw shavings) into sewers, drains or ditches, obstructing its purpose.
[Sec. 8] Makes it unlawful to possess a billiard table, nine or ten-pin [bowling] alley for public use without a specific license.
[Sec. 9] Makes it unlawful for an owner with a billiard table, gambling equipment, or liquor for sale to allow the gaming house to become disorderly.
[Sec. 10] It makes it unlawful to conduct oneself disorderly, to riot, to create a disturbance in the streets within the town, or to form crowds for an unlawful purpose.
[Sec. 11] Makes it unlawful to dump on the streets or into the river any dead animals or putrid meat, fish entrails, decaying vegetables, or any other offensive substance.
[Sec. 12] It is unlawful to dump any "nuisance" into any lot.
[Sec. 13] The president or any trustee, on finding "any nuisance" in the street or in any lot, may order the perpetrator to remove it.
[Sec. 14] Makes it unlawful for any grocery or "tippling house" to sell beer on the "Sabbath, or the first day of the week [Sunday]." (Called Blue Laws or Sunday Laws are designed to restrict or ban some or all Sunday activities for religious or secular reasons, particularly to promote the observance of a day of worship or rest.)
[Sec. 15] Makes it unlawful to burn hay, straw, chips, or any combustible material in any street or in any lot without permission from a trustee.
[Sec. 16] Chips or other combustible material accumulating within buildings must be removed at least once weekly.
[Sec. 17] Makes it unlawful to dump chips or other combustible material on the streets.
[Sec. 18] Redefines how stovepipes must be passed through the roof or wall of buildings.
[Sec. 19] Forbids the carrying of open fire through streets or lots.
[Sec. 20] Forbids fireworks or the firing of guns within town limits.
[Sec. 21] Creates firewardens for each district and defines its duties.
[Sec. 22] Forbids hay stacking in the area bordered by Washington, Canal, and Kinzie streets and the lake.
[Sec. 23] Sets penalties for the offenses against the foregoing ordinances.
Passed October 19, 1835:
· An omnibus ordinance.
[Sec. 1] Sets the time when the trustees appoint three inspectors of elections, attendant to the annual election of trustees and all special town elections.
[Sec. 2] Sets the time of polling in such elections; declares poll lists to be kept in the same manner as that of the state law.
[Sec. 3] Describes inspectors' responsibilities following elections, compliant with state law.
[Sec. 4] Specifies the inspectors' filing of canvasses with the clerk of the county circuit court.
[Sec. 5] Designates special elections to fill vacancies in the offices of trustees.
[Sec. 6] Authorizes trustees to appoint from time to time as many police constables as they may think proper.
[Sec. 7] Directs trustees to choose the time and place of their meeting by resolution. Makes the president the presiding officer and gives him "only a casting vote" (to break a deadlock).
[Sec. 8] "The trustees shall meet annually thereafter on or before the second Tuesday in June and by ballot appoint a president, clerk-treasurer, attorney, street commissioner, police constable, collector of taxes, and town surgeon, two measurers of wood, two measurers of lumber, two measurers and weighers of grain, and such other officers as the trustees may deem necessary for the good of said town: if for any cause the above officers are not appointed on the day above mentioned, the trustees may adjourn from day to day until they are appointed."
[Sec. 9] Requires that bonds be filed by the treasurer, street commissioner, and collector(s) of a height (a dollar amount) deemed appropriate by the trustees.
[Sec. 10] Describes the duties of the police constable, which include the duty "to attend all fires within the limits of said town."
[Sec. 11] Describes the duties and the powers of the trustees, which include the power "to arrest all dissolute and riotous persons."
[Sec. 12] Defines the duties of the town assessor.
Passed November 4, 1835:
· An omnibus ordinance.
[Sec. 1] Declares that anyone guilty of breaching the laws and ordinances herewith can expect penalties.
[Sec. 2] The fire department consists of the chief engineer, two assistants, four wardens, in addition to trustees (all ex-wardens) and (as many as appointed by trustees) fire enginemen, hose men, hook and ladder and ax and saw men.
[Sec. 3] Details the chief engineer's responsibilities.
[Sec. 4] Details the assistant chiefs' responsibilities.
[Sec. 5] Details the firewardens' assignments and responsibilities.
[Sec. 6] Fire companies—"The firemen shall be redivided into companies, to consist of as many members as the Board of Trustees shall from time to time direct, to attend to the fire engines, hose carts, hooks and ladders, axes, saws, and other fire apparatus, belonging to the Town of Chicago; and each of the companies shall on the first Monday of December in each year, choose from among their own numbers a Foreman, Assistant Foreman, and Clerk, in such manner as they think proper."
[Sec. 7] Details each company's responsibilities and duties.
[Sec. 8] Details the foreman's responsibilities.
[Sec. 9] Declares that any neglect in attendance or fire apparatus maintenance failure will result in a penalty.
[Sec. 10] Declares that any neglect of assistance without sufficient excuse will result in penalty or expulsion.
[Sec. 11] Declares that misuse of fire apparatus for private purposes will result in a penalty.
[Sec. 12] Defines in principle the required headgear: black leather cap with identification in white.
[Sec. 13] Details the numbers and responsibilities of the hook, ladder, ax, and saw men.
[Sec. 14] Regulates fire attendance.
[Sec. 15] Details the state of readiness of fire equipment.
[Sec. 16] Specifies fine if a fireman is absent when needed.
[Sec. 17] Defines required headgear for hook, ladder, ax, and saw men: black leather cap with identification in white.
[Sec. 18] Addresses the numbers of fire hose men selected.
[Sec. 19] Describes the fire hose men's responsibilities.
[Sec. 20] Specifies the hierarchy among fire hose men.
[Sec. 21] Defines required headgear for fire hose men: black leather cap with a coil pictured and identification in white.
[Sec. 22] Defines the badges of office at fires—the president and trustees each to carry a staff with a gilded flame atop.
[Sec. 23] Defines required headgear: white leather cap with Chief Engineer in black.
[Sec. 24] Defines required headgear: white leather caps with Engineer No. 1 and Engineer No. 2 in black.
[Sec. 25] Defines required headgear: brim hat, white crown with the warden in black; also to carry a white trumpet.
[Sec. 26] Defines required headgear: black leather cap with Foreman and engine company identification in white.
[Sec. 27] Defines required headgear: black leather cap with "Foreman" and hook and ladder company identification in white.
[Sec. 28] Defines required headgear: black leather cap with Assistant and identification in white.
[Sec. 29] Declares that any fireman neglectful of his responsibilities will be noted.
[Sec. 30] Describes the duties of the constable during a fire.
[Sec. 31-33] Declares town residents subject to and under the authority of the fire warden during a fire.
[Sec. 34] Details the penalty for damaging town firefighting equipment.
[Sec. 35-37] Requires residents to keep leather fire buckets in their buildings, buckets that are painted and labeled with the owner`s name or initials; instruct residents when to use them.
[Sec. 38] Designates Attorney E.W. Casey, Supervisor of Roads and Bridges Edward E. Hunter, and the firewarden to handle all cases in which a resident contests a penalty.
[Sec. 39] Lowers penalty for stacking hay within the town limits from $25 ($650 today) to $5 ($130 today).
[Sec. 40] Specifies locations for the public posting of ordinances.
[Sec. 41-44] Sets election rules.
[Sec. 45] Declares that unexpected office vacancies must be filled by special election.
[Sec. 46] Authorizes the board of trustees to appoint police constables as needed.
[Sec. 47] Authorizes the board of trustees to determine when they will meet.
[Sec. 48] Sets the appointment date for town officials on or near the second Tuesday in June.
[Sec. 49] Requires that the treasurer, the commissioners, and the tax collectors be bonded.
[Sec. 50] Defines the duties of the town constable.
[Sec. 51] Defines the duties of town trustees.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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