Maureen Lang

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Chicago History Lives Up To Its Reputation

 

 
Did I mention I’m researching Chicago as the possible setting for my next novel? The research phase, as usual, fascinates me! It’s full of violence, political corruption, vice . . . and a bit of virtue that separates it from Sodom and Gomorrah.

Let me start by telling you a little personal story. When I was in my twenties, I took a trip to Germany. While there, when I spoke to anyone—German or otherwise—they would usually ask what part of America I was from. More than once, when I said I was from Chicago, what association do you think they made with this city? The Sears Tower was certainly up and operating, even back then. Chicago architecture has been famous as far back as the unique designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. That would have been something really fine to be connected with. Or how about our hot dogs, or our pizza? Chicago style! No. What we were known for was Al Capone. I vividly recall one man immediately taking up an imaginary machine gun and rat-tat-tatting it with a big smile while invoking Mr. Capone’s name.

Well, I’m sad to say the farther back in this city’s history I go, the more Capone-type figures I’m meeting. From Mayors who arranged to receive campaign donations as kickbacks for keeping safe the illegal gambling halls to brothels that fed and supplied drinks and . . . shall we say, services . . . to beat cops so their establishment wouldn’t be raided. It’s all there. I read about thugs who paid immigrants and the homeless to vote a certain way—although in their own defense they did admit the actual voting process was still sacredly secret. But for a single drink (a beer for 35 cents) or, depending on the precinct, anywhere from a quarter to 3 dollars, a vote could be bought or sold. I guess there is a reason for the old Chicago saying to vote early and vote often, since corruption was rampant almost from the start.

But though evidence of virtue seems more rare, there is some to be found. Jane Addam’s Hull House, for one, a highly successful settlement house that offered shelter, training and dignity to those in need. In connection to that, there were many upstanding clubs, among them the Jane Club that was a cooperative boarding group for young working women, so they could support themselves for $3 per week. There was also the Pacific Garden Mission, where people could find refuge and food and medical help, amid spiritual guidance.

By 1893 Chicago had proven itself to be one of America’s sparkling cities when it donned its best dressing for the Columbian Exposition/World’s Fair commemorating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s landing.
Chicago was referred to as an “exploding metropolis,” and that’s certainly true of the 19th century. With rapid growth came both the effort to mimic the east coast (who was trying to mimic Europe) to the dens of thievery and corruption. If history is teaching me anything, it’s that mankind hasn’t changed very much. We’re all still a mix of good and bad, some with a little more of one than the other.
So now I’m back to the books, before I head off for the ACFW conference in St. Louis later this week. Another city with a rich history, I’m sure! If only I had time to explore it. . .

Comments

  2. Chicago is home to me, so I guess I can't Not love it – flaws and all. It's a beautiful city, though!

  3. I've always wanted to visit there! For the prologue of my novel, I set some of my characters in Chicago! LOL But a small, midwest town is the heart of the story…and have I LOVED researching it!

    Good luck and blessings on your research…its always my favorite part of the writing process, too!

  4. Chicago is a wonderful city to visit – it's clean and for the most part safe, in all the right places anyway! Come and visit, and if it's research it'll be tax deductible! 🙂

  6. Maureen,

    I absolutely love Chicago. It's very accessible for non-city folks. The shopping is wonderful, as are the restaurants and the artistic offerings: from live shows to art museums. It's also kid-friendly, with a great aquarium and other activities for the young ones.

    Best wishes for your research! Sounds like an interesting project.

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