The Ferris Wheel loomed over the Midway even before it was completed.
Mather’s More Than A Cafe- Chatham.
33 E. 83rd Street
Friday, January 31 1PM
Although not officially part of the Columbian Exposition, the Midway Plaisance shaped America’s taste in popular entertainment well into the next century, and (for better and worse) influenced the young nation’s attitude toward other countries and cultures in ways still visible today.
For this special Chatham appearance on the eve of Black History Month, Historian/Lecturer/Tour Guide/Standup Comic Michael Corcoran will discuss the African-American presence at the Exposition (a story much more complex and involved than even many Exposition scholars are aware), the controversies in the Black community over participation in and exclusion from the Fair, and how exhibits at the Midway and the Exposition contributed to systemic racism and colonialist attitudes of white Americans.
After discussing these sociopolitical aspects, Michael will provide a virtual tour of the Midway interspersed with the fascinating, poignant and often hilarious stories of the polyglot mélange of humankind which inhabited this mile of boulevard in 1893.
An informative and amusing presentation that is not to be missed!
Young Chicago bachelors flocked to this replica of Medieval Vienna to enjoy expensive beers served by beautiful Austrian girls.Ida Wells, her future husband Ferdinand Barnett, Frederick Douglas, and Garland Penn collaborated on this pamphlet decrying the injustice of African-Americans being officially excluded from the Exposition.
I will be going out of town in a blaze of Historical Lecturing Glory with three Columbian Exposition presentations (at three separate Mather’s More Than A Cafe locations) set before I depart:
June 29 at 2:15 PM. (3225 N. Central) The Midway Plaisance (Part 2).
July 10 at 1 PM (33 E 83rd St) The Columbian Exposition Virtual Tour (Part 1)
I’ll also be posting about them individually as the dates approach. Also doing three more Hollywood On Lake Michigan, 2nd Edition Presentations that I’ll be flogging as well.
BTW- I’ll give a Special Rate if anyone wants to host Part 3 (The State Buildings) in their apartment!
That would actually be pretty easy if you have a computer-enabled TV and PowerPoint on your system. Have a Chicago History Party!!!
The World Premiere of my Hollywood On Lake Michigan, 2nd Edition Lecture!!!
Saturday, October 5 4PM
I am appearing in Lisle this coming Saturday, October 5 at 4PM at The Lisle Depot Baggage Room (921 School St.) as part of The History Author Series of The Museums At Lisle Station Park. I will be holding forth about the History and Present of Chicago Film and telling stories of my herculean struggle to update Arnie Bernstein’s beloved Chicago classic. I will also be selling (cash only) and signing copies afterwards.
It’s going to be a very fun afternoon, so stop on by!!!
WHERE ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO SEE A PICTURE OF A YOUNG GARY COLEMAN IN A CHARTREUSE BODY STOCKING?
