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Postcard Spotlight: Most Chicagoans Know This Corner

The intersection in front of the Art Institute in Chicago. Photo taken by Paul Wierum, Chicago Camera Club. 

The blurry image on this postcard brings about clear and cherished memories for me. I had many great days visiting the Art Institute, especially during my college years in the mid to late 1990s. Like so many other Chicagoans, I stood at this same crosswalk shown on the postcard in front of the museum at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street, usually heading to catch the train home after a wonderful day.

The entire intersection looks the same today as it does on this 1920s-era postcard, excluding the old cars. I even remember the doorway behind the lamppost across the street as the entrance to Bennigan’s restaurant. Friends and I ate there many times mostly to enjoy a great laugh.

I was overjoyed winning this postcard in an online auction. Others were trying hard to win it too, as the price kept rising. They probably saw it and had similar feelings about it. This postcard is titled “Adams Street from the Art Institute.” Paul Wierum of the Chicago Camera Club took the photograph.


A Postcard published by the Municipal Art League Series of Chicago.



 



Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 20, 2020 at 8:21 PM

    As a pre-teen in the 1960's my Dad thought it safe enough for me to travel downtown by myself every Saturday to get my weekly allergy shot at the doctor's office located at Washington and Michigan Avenue. Afterwards, as part of my weekly ritual, I would head over to the Art Institute and wander the galleries. Special time, special place.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Forgotten Chicago: Examining Vintage PostcardsDecember 20, 2020 at 8:40 PM

    Sounds Special!

    ReplyDelete

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