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Editor’s note: As docents prepare for DAN again, we celebrate our remarkable docent corps with a revival of Emily’s poem, “Here’s to Docents at 50.”

By Emily Clott, Class of 2012

To the tune of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

1 – It’s time to tell the story of our mighty docent corps,
Brilliant people who’ve served CAC for 50 years and more,
True ambassadors, they teach the world Chicago building lore.
Their truth is marching on.

2 – Preservation for the future was the goal in early days.
Without help, it seemed that Glessner House most surely would be razed.
So a group of people made their mission getting Glessner saved
Their work’s still going on.

Chorus:

Glory, glory we are fifty!
That is seriously nifty
Docents tell Chicago’s story
In its complicated glory
Our truth is marching on.

3 – Architecture is essential to Chicago’s heritage
For too long noteworthy buildings were ignored or disparaged
Razing treasures to build parking lots was rarely discouraged
Our docents took that on.

4 – CAF was formed, a blend of volunteers and Board unique
Its core mission soon evolved, complete with tours and ways to teach
Lore and legends of our city docents always love to preach
We just keep marching on.

Repeat Chorus

5 – From Day 1, docents created tours to help the public know
How its buildings, parks, and bridges are lifeblood to Chicago
How design affects the ways we work and interact and grow
Our mission’s marching on.

6 – On the street and on the river, summer, winter, fall and spring
Tales of architects, the Fire, the Fair, we docents love to fling
Mies, Wright, Burnham, Gang and Sullivan among the stars we sing
As tours we carry on.

Repeat Chorus

7 – Help us celebrate this awesome year by joining us at DAN
Share your memories of docenting, come on, you know you can
On The Bridge we’ll run fun articles and videos we’ve planned
Our Golden Year is on.

8 – As we face a dire pandemic there’s no time for us to rest
We must pull together as one team and prove we are the best
We will weather today’s crisis, we’ll be equal to the test.
The Center must go on!

Final Chorus:

Happy fiftieth, dear docents
There’s no group on earth more potent.
Thanks for telling our town’s story
Rich with growth and strife and glory.
Long may your light shine on.

CLICK HERE for more stories on The Bridge.