Masonic Temple, corner of Randolph and State Streets. Burnham and Root, 1892 (demolished, 1939). (120 Photographic View of Chicago, Rand McNally, 1912) Buildings braced by sway-rods typically had two or […]
Q&A with Creolization of American Culture author Christopher J. Smith
Christopher J. Smith is an associate professor and chair of musicology/ethnomusicology and the director of the Vernacular Music Center at the Texas Tech University School of Music. A working musician, […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 15
Reliance Building. View from northeast. (120 Photographic View of Chicago, Rand McNally, 1909) The Reliance emerged from unpromising circumstances. Elevator engineer and contractor William E. Hale hired Burnham & Root […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 14
Tacoma Building, corner of La Salle and Madison Streets. Holabird and Roche, 1889 (demolished, 1929). (contemporary postcard, collection of the author) Masonry veneers began to appear on Chicago skyscrapers in […]
Happy birthday to Ginger Boatwright
Bluegrass singer Ginger Boatwright was born on September 21st in 1944. She has been involved in various bands throughout the years including the Grammy nominated Red White and Blue(grass), the […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 13
Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan. Hood and Howells, 1925. View from southwest. (Contemporary post card, collection of the author) . . . . the paper announced an open competition in […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 12
Chicago Temple, corner of Clark and Washington Streets. Holabird and Roche, 1923. View from northwest. (Contemporary post card, collection of the author) The most provocative challenge to the outdated […]
The Negro in Illinois celebrated at Chicago Public Library event
On Saturday, September 28, The Chicago Public Library will host a celebration of the University of Illinois Press publication of The Negro in Illinois at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 11
Stewart Building, corner of State and Washington Streets. D. H. Burnham & Co., 1897. (120 Photographic Views of Chicago, Rand McNally, 1909) The Stewart represents the burgeoning idea in Burnham’s office […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 10
Revell Block, corner of Wabash and Adams. Adler and Sullivan, 1883 (demolished, 1960). (Art Institute of Chicago) Further experiments in the potential for hybrid structures of iron and brick came […]
Barry Byrne and the architecture of the altar
This upcoming Thursday and Saturday (September 19 and 21) Vincent L. Michael will sign copies of his new book The Architecture of Barry Byrne at St. Thomas Apostle Church, Hyde Park, […]
Skyscraper of the Day, Part 9
Palmolive Building, 919 N. Michigan Avenue. Holabird and Root, 1929. Night view from south. (Contemporary post card, collection of Thomas Leslie) The Palmolive’s exterior skin was utterly flat between its […]