Chicago History

A few months ago, a friend of mine told me she was taking a class in Chicago History, and having a great time doing so. Since the class was at Wilbur Wright College, I was interested even though I teach there six days a week and swim there four to five mornings a week, and really did not need to spend more time there, but the class sounded fun. I took one eight week session last spring; there were about 25 people in it, mostly retired, and they are a great bunch of informative and lively folks. It has proven to be a turning point for me. I am now hooked on all things Chicago!

    I'm a born and raised Chicagoan (Michael Reese Hospital) but never had as much appreciation for the city as I do today. I am curious to know more about the beginning phases of how Chicago got going, the disasters Chicago has seen, the Gangster era, the architecture, the famous people who live here, and in general, the beauty of the city's downtown and the lake front.

     The teacher of the class, Ken Little, is Chicago's unofficial fire department historian. He has coupled his knowledge of the city together with slides taken by a priest friend of his. He presents the history of Chicago through slides of buildings, newspaper clippings, events, etc. Other people in the class also contribute in a way that brings the history of Chicago to life.

     My friend and I and some other people have had the good fortune to have gone on a couple of "field trips" viewing places in Chicago that are so unexpected. Our last field trip was on the south side. We went along the park system, Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, Douglas Park, Jackson Park, etc. If you'll note, the photo of the Statue of the Republic (above left)  is from that trip. It's in Jackson Park, huge, all gold and should be more well-known as it is a replica of the original that was built for the Columbian Exposition held here in 1893.

     On an earlier trip, we started out at Wright College, and we went through many northwest neighborhoods. Norwood Park, Jefferson Park, then south till be wound up around Wicker Park. We viewed three different cannons (yes, cannons) parked outside houses and apartment buildings. So weird!

     It's just amazing to me to realize that one sees much of the world without noticing what they're seeing. It takes a trained eye to help us see what's right in front of us and to appreciate it, otherwise we stand to miss so much.