Chicago History Caught in the Web

Library History Buff recently noted that the American Library Association will celebrate its Chicago centennial this year and will conduct its yearly meeting at McCormick Place in July. (In 2011, the Association will mark its 135th year.) The ALA has held their conference in Chicago twelve times, the first during the Columbian Exposition in 1893. They were located in the Government Building. For more on the history of the ALA, see "Library History Buff's" The American Library Association: A Selective Illustrated History.

I write, therefore I drink. Watering holes and writers. Does it get any better? Chicago has a rich history of both. Check out Literary Chicago from the Chicago Bar Project.


There's a new blog on the Century of Progress Exhibition, but with a wonderful twist. While "snooping through a closet at my grandmother’s house" about 10 years ago, Kelly Cook found a treasure. It was an almost daily account, written by a family friend, of her then 12-year old grandmother's journey from a small town in South Dakota and her visit to the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. The letters are charming and filled with detail. You'll enjoy Chicago 1934: A Trip to the Fair. Love them primary resources!

The mystery of the Montgomery Ward tower at 6 North Michigan Avenue is clarified by Design Slinger in post titled, The Hidden. You can't see it, but it's there...sort of.


Are you thinking spring, Cubs fans? Want something to read while you are waiting for opening day? Gary T. Johnson, President of the Chicago History Museum, reviews The Best Team Ever: A Novel of America, Chicago, and the 1907 Cubs on the Chicago Lawyer Magazine website.


Finally, I want to send out a big thank you to supporter and friend, RetroKimmer. Kimmer designed the "Chicago History" button you see to the right and has been peppering the blogosphere (she has 11 blogs!) with the doodad. I've been running into myself all morning. Anyone who cares to may add it to their blog or website. The HTML code can be found in the left column...courtesy of Kimmer, too. Alas, I'm pathetically inept with technology. Anyway, this was a wonderful surprise gift.