By Jeff Mercer, Class of 1992 Graceland Cemetery is the final resting place of Chicago’s merchant princes, architects, and pioneers. It’s interesting to contemplate the shared histories of those interred:…
By Pris Mims, Class of 2000 As we give our tours this year, 2018, let’s take the opportunity to recognize the noteworthy anniversaries of the 1893 Fair and these important…
By Bill Coffin, Class of 2004 Tour Director, Art Deco Skyscrapers The Carbide and Carbon Building was designed to be the color of a champagne bottle, and the proof is in…
The past month in Chicago truly bore out T.S. Eliot’s contention that “April is the cruelest month.” The one ray of sunshine was the smashing success of Volunteer Appreciation Night…
By Brent Hoffmann, Class of 2005 “Chicago architecture is like fishing,” observed Bill Cordier. “Up in northern Michigan, near my family’s cabin, everybody talks about fishing. Walk into a bar…
By Leslie Clark Lewis, Class of 2009 The historic Chicago Hilton and Towers, which has hosted not only Queen Elizabeth but every US president since Calvin Coolidge, was the setting…
Chuck McLaughlin, Class of 2008 Chuck was one of the brightest lights in the docent corps. Always pleasant, always full of fun and gentle teasing. He was a history buff…
Jerry Balin – 35 years I was born, raised, and educated in Chicago and have always been passionate about my city. My first teaching position was in Oak Park, and…
Hello everyone, TS Eliot thought April to be the "cruellest month" but for docents it is a month of bounty. First up, DAN!!!! I hope you have your fancy clothes…
By Joan Winstein, Class of 2012 Co-Tour Director, CAF University of Chicago Campus Architecture tour Last September the University of Chicago opened its new Physics Research Center, (PRC) on 56th…