Wild Onion Walks Chicago

14/05/2024

So now it's Griffin MSI! I guess respect for history is just no longer a thing.😞

30/04/2024

Does anyone remember the Smith Museum of Stained Glass? It was at Navy Pier, for 14 years. Great news! It is being reconstituted,at least in part, right now. Driehaus Enterprises is undertaking this endeavor and hopes to have it up within the week. Stay tuned for more details!

12/02/2024

12/02/2024

Today, in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born at Sinking Springs, Hodgenville Kentucky. These photos are from my annual tour on the life of the 16th President. Inside the classical building is a recreation of the birth home. the bottom picture is the actual sunken spring that the Lincolns used.
Happy 215th birthday, Mr President!

11/02/2024

When I am exploring ideas for new tours, my family often accompanies me. We had a great day down exploring Pullman National Historical Park. While it is still in early stages, what has been accomplished so far is amazing. I see this national park, one of the smallest in the system, as being a catalyst for change not only in Pullman, but West Pullman and Roseland. I will be offering tours to Pullman, beginning in March. I urge all Chicagoans specifically to visit Pullman. It's an important part of history and it will get you out of your comfort zone.

06/12/2023

I LOVE touring in Lincoln Park! It's history is so amazing, from city cemetery to the largest park in Chicago. Obviously, it has evolved over time. In this view from 1927, auto traffic swirls around the standing Lincoln statue and throughout the southern half of the park, a radical difference from today. And yet, it is still peaceful and green. The skyline around the park has changed drastically as well. But that's what make Chicago vibrant. It never remains the same. It may be cold outside, but touring Lincoln Park is always fun.

09/06/2023

Want to hear Chicago history LIVE? I'll be at the following Chicago Public Library locations, throughout the summer. Come and join me!

Explore Chicago Public Library. New titles, recently rated, and recently tagged by the library community.

25/03/2023

Looking south from the roof of the Field Columbian Museum (now MSI), 1902

22/03/2023

Ironically, there is no seafood served at this former aquarium turned cafe. Where is the location of this establishment. "Reservations for two, for Marlin Perkins".

22/03/2023

The Winged Scarab
2325 N Clark St

21/03/2023

This famous German is looking towards the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Who is he?

20/03/2023

St Charles Airline Bridge (1919) and downtown skyline.

20/03/2023

Took a picture of Fulton House condominium while out on tour the other day. The old North American Cold Storage warehouse, from 1908, was converted to condos in the early 80's. It was one of the first conversions in what was then a desolate, industrial area, surrounded by train tracks. Harry Weese, the architect who did the conversion was ahead of his time. My father was one of the foremen for this project.

17/03/2023

On a brisk Chicago morning, I'm enjoying our beautiful skyline with the students of East Side High School@

24/01/2023

I've passed this building many times, while touring in the community, completely unaware that it has been vacant for over a quarter of a century! Mystery always abounds, in the Gold Coast.

The 10-unit courtyard building on Dearborn Parkway is a ghost. It's well maintained, but has been locked up with no signs of life for decades.

27/12/2022

Sorry, here is the video!

I colorized, restored and created a sound design for this video of Street scenes in Chicago, Illinois 1920s, Video Restoration Process:✔ FPS boosted to 60 fr...

23/12/2022

St Ita Church, Edgewater, 1927
This French Gothic masterpiece is a pillar on the Edgewater community and the last full scale church designed by the great church architect, Henry Schlacks.

23/12/2022

Chicago Chop House, home of the 64oz Porterhouse steak!
Located in a vintage 1897 Victorian walk up, this steakhouse has been serving Chicago, since 1986.

23/12/2022

Further R.R. Donnelly Building Medallions. 1928

27/08/2022

Had a great time touring with incoming students from North Park University.

17/08/2022

The clock in the lobby of the Congess Plaza Hotel.

15/08/2022

We had a great time exploring the culture and architecture of Ukrainian Village, with perfect weather.

14/08/2022

The Home of shoe manufacturer Henry Horman, this 1894 beauty is located on the northwest corner of Hoyne and Walton. It was seen in season three, of Chicago Fire.

14/08/2022

St Helen Roman Catholic Church, on Oakley and Augusta, has been serving the community, since 1913 Current church erected in 1964.

14/08/2022

Originally built St Peter's German Evangelical Lutheran church, in 1913, it was bought by St Volodymyr, in 1945.

14/08/2022

I'll be touring Ukrainian Village tomorrow, at 11am. Thought I'd share some pics from my research

20/04/2022

It's Open!!! After a two year absence, the Elk's National Memorial reopened yesterday. It was a joy to wander this irreplaceable treasure, once again. This is truly a gem, hidden in plain sight.

19/04/2022

Yesterday, for the first time since 2019, the Elk's National HQ and Memorial reopened! I was the first one to visit. I have missed visiting this amazing treasure. But it's back and ready to WOW my guests! Lincoln Park Tour, anyone?

14/04/2022

On this day, in 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln. In doing so, he changed the course of history. A new park in Chicago, being created out of the old city cemetery, and called Lake Park, was renamed in honor of the slain President.

09/04/2022

Out at the Nederlander Theater! Going back to my travel days, in Paris.