A lot can happen on one day, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. October 9 is a one such day in Chicago history. Most infamously, in 1871 the Great Chicago Fire burned, ravaging the city and reducing it to rubble. Twenty-two years later, having rebuilt from the ashes left by the fire, Chicago was front and…
From Slates to Typewriters in Chicago’s Schools
Freshly sharped pencils are often associated with the beginning of a new school year. However, as students prepare to head back to class, many will forego pencils in favor of tablets or laptops. In some school districts, cursive writing instruction has been replaced by other courses. A simple pencil suddenly seems a little outdated. Looking…
Pomp and Circumstance: Historical Graduation Cards
The school year is winding down. Students across Chicago are studying and preparing to take final exams. Seniors are preparing for graduation. Many graduates will participate in long celebrated traditions like wearing black or school-color gowns and flat mortarboard caps at commencement ceremonies, then celebrating their academic achievement with friends and family. If you walk…
When the World Came to Chicago
There were fair skies and a buzz in the air 125 years ago over the Windy City on May 1, 1893. It was the first day of Chicago's hard won effort to host the newest world's fair, themed the World's Columbian Exposition. Three quarters of a million people filled the park on opening day, and…
Remembering the Day Harold Washington Became Mayor
There was likely a chill in the spring air on the morning of April 29, 1983 when Harold Washington awoke just after 4 a.m. The forecast included clouds, possible early showers and highs that would reach into the 60s, but be cooler by the lake. At Navy Pier, preparations were already underway for the afternoon's…
Remembering Chicago Actor John Mahoney
John Mahoney, the Tony Award-winning Chicago actor and Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble member, died Sunday. Like so many others, I remember Mahoney fondly in the role of Martin Crane on Frasier. He became a welcome family member in my living room, helping me study and laugh through library school. It wasn’t until I came to…
Do I Hear a Waltz? Teens Dancing in Chicago
Weekends in May mean prom for many Chicago teens. After months of planning, the big night has arrived. Now it’s time to slip into formal dresses, rented tuxedos, corsages and boutonnieres. If you look under any flowering tree on Saturday night, you’ll probably see a group of teens posing for pictures to commemorate the evening…
Mother, My Dear: Historical Greeting Cards
In the United States, we've been celebrating mothers on the second Sunday in May for over a hundred years. Most everyone has made or purchased a Mother's Day card at some point for their mom or a special mother figure. In the past, cards received in and from Chicago might have been published by the P.F…
Remembering Martha Lavey, Former Steppenwolf Artistic Director
Martha Lavey, the artistic director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company from 1995 to 2015, and a member of the theater's acting ensemble since 1993, died Tuesday. Lavey left her mark on Chicago's theater community and on Chicago Public Library. A champion not only of Steppenwolf, but of theaters across the city, she spoke about the importance of the…
#TBT, Happy Birthday, Harold Washington!
Saturday marks the 95th anniversary of Mayor Harold Washington's birth. The beloved Mayor of Chicago served the city from 1983 until his death in 1987, and made his mark on Chicago in multiple ways. Take some time to celebrate Harold's birthday by reading up on his legacy, or with a visit to the Special Collections and…
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