The Pineapple Primary, FLW Studio Tour, the Uptown and some Good Reads

It's Friday and for me, it is the beginning of my "work week." I work part time Friday through Monday. While the rest of you are visiting the Chicago History Museum, reading all the recently released books on Chicago history or taking a walking tour of Chicago's historical sites, (Isn't that how everyone spends their weekends?) I'm slaving away at a job I detest, so far removed from what I wish to be doing that I might as well be on another planet. But, whilst I labor, here are some choice Chicago history blog-bits for you to chew on...


The rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air/ Gave proof through the night that Chicago's still there. --Chicago newsman, during the 1928 Republican primary


"The Pineapple Primary" is the subject of one of Zachary Whitten's new projects. The Pineapple Primary is the name given to the Chicago Republican Mayoral Primary of 1928, one of the bloodiest elections in American history. (Is this appropriate timing, or what!?)Whitten's blog, Brain Release Valve, first came to my attention with his post, "The words, they ain’t comin’ tonight." According to some earlier posts, Whitten became interested in the topic while doing a "I'm bored; let's see what turns up in Wikipedia" search. Ya, been there. Scroll down his Categories list for all the posts on the primary. I want to see what he does with his research.

Hat tip to PrairieMod (quickly becoming one of my favorite websites) for their post, "FLW's Home & Studio Film and Interactive Tour on DVD."

Visit ShopWright.org, part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, for more information.


Some good news about the poor Uptown Theater, one of Balaban & Katz's great movie palaces. (The theater was designed by the architectural firm of Cornelius and George Rapp.) The theater, recently purchased by Jam Productions, has seen better days, but next week marks the 83rd Birthday Party for the Uptown. There's a good piece on the theater - "The Gray Old Lady is Waiting" - at Uptown Chicago History.


Lake Claremont Press, the little Chicago publishing house that could, released For Members Only: A History and Guide to Chicago's Oldest Private Clubs by Lisa Holten this summer. I can't really make a comment since I haven't read the book, but it looks damn interesting. Check out the book on the LCP website. They have an upcoming book that really interests me, I might add. It is called Oldest Chicago and written by David Witter. It is scheduled for publication in October, but as of now there isn't even a cover shot I can show you. I'll let you know about both books.

Finally...because my back hurts...
A great ad from the October 24, 1880 Chicago Daily Tribune.

Click for a larger image.