Humans love to explore ancient mysteries and assign blame. After all, people are still searching for Jack the Ripper, Amelia Earhart and Judge Crater. Therefore, librarians are sometimes asked the name of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow that started the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Thereupon lies the mystery. Everyone knows the words to the song: “A hot…
The Great Chicago Fire Knocked the Loop for a Loop
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned the heart of Chicago, starting on DeKoven Street on the Near West Side (558 West, 1100 South) and going north to Fullerton Avenue. The Loop was destroyed, as can be seen in these maps. City Hall, Palmer House, Field, Leiter & Co.—all gone. But, with the rubble still…
Funny in Translation: From Farsi to French
It’s really neat when you discover words and phrases you thought unique to your language end up in other cultures. Like the phrase "to walk on eggshells" (to be careful not to offend someone) has a close cousin in French—"marcher sur des œufs.” But not everything we say in one language translates perfectly into another…
They’re All Lying to You
Maybe you're the type who trusts in the basic goodness and honesty of your fellow man, who can calmly walk through life, confident in the truth of what average people and organizations have to say for themselves. As far as I'm concerned, that makes you a sap. They're all lying to you. Books told me…
The Elevation of Chicago: A Statistical Mystery
According to The World Book Encyclopedia, Chicago “lies on a plain 595 feet (181 meters) above sea level." Different sources measure at different places and give slightly different elevations. As an example, Facts About Chicago uses a Lake Michigan level of 578.5 feet. Ground level in Chicago ranges from 577 feet at the surface of…
How to Get Away with Binge-Watching Viola Davis Movies
There are a few different types of actresses-- those that spout over-the-top, highly dramatic acts, no matter what the script calls for; those that blend into the background, who you don't remember until they have another line; and those that can seamlessly shift from "Nurse" or "Woman" to being nominated for an Academy Award for an eleven-minute performance…
A Taste of Johnny Appleseed’s Legacy
Autumn begins with the crunch of leaves under our feet and the crunch of apples between our teeth. Tart cider and juicy, spiced apple desserts are classic American comfort foods, thanks to the legacy of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. It is hard to separate fact from fiction when learning about this legend's life. John Chapman told…
Get Ready For Mockingjay: Part 1
With Mockingjay Part 1 still two months away, the Hunger Games fans among you might be getting a little antsy. You're seeing more and more trailers, posters, celebrity interviews and posts all over the Internet. If you’re obsessed with books set in a messed-up future, like The Hunger Games or Divergent, you should probably get your hands on…
Celebrating the Life of Truman Capote
On September 30, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Truman Streckfus Persons, better known to millions of readers as Truman Capote. Capote was the author of many unique short stories, novels, plays and movie scripts that are still read and loved today. He was without a doubt a superb writer and a charismatic personality, and these…
October Is American Archives Month
When people ask what I do, I usually say, "I'm a librarian." This is true, but my day-to-day work with archives is pretty different from that of many of my CPL colleagues. Telling people I'm an archivist usually elicits blank stares, though. So, in honor of American Archives Month, let me tell you a little about my job. First, what…
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