Chicago's Pullman Monument-- Part 1

From the September 21, 2021, Chicago Tribune "This is Chicago's DNA" byTalia Soglin.

Teri Gage, superintendent of the Pullman National Monument says Pullmam's history is still relevant today:  "We're talking about immigration, social  justice and the labor rights."

Labor Day weekend, 2021, marked the grand opening of the Pullman National Monument Visitor Center in the famous clock tower and surrounding factory grounds.  This did not come about overnight.  The road to this was driven by more than a half century of grassroots neighborhood effort.

In 1998, an arsonist set fire to the clock tower building which was rescued from demolition after residents of the surrounding area orchestrated a letter-writing campaign to save it.

In the six years since President Obama declared the Pullman Historic District a national monument, the National Park Service has contended with toxic soil, funding challenges and bureaucracy.

Residents and community organizations hope the opening of the  visitor center and new exhibits will bring heightened national recognition of Pullman's history, as well as economic investment and development to the Far South Side.

--RoadDog

Even the President Didn't Help Rahm

Last week, I wrote about the Pullman Historic Monument coming into being, another place to visit when in Chicago if you can afford to park.  This was something that should have been done years ago, but coming just a few days before the mayoral election and with a half-black president in town to dedicate it (to get the black vote), Mayor Rahm Emanuel, couldn't win it outright and will face a run-off election with the second highest vote-getter.

Oh, Well, Sometimes Even the Best Laid Plans.  --RoadDog

Pullman Factory District in Chicago Becomes National Monument

From Feb. 20, 2015, Chicago Tribune "Designation a good start, but Pullman requires more" by Blair Kamin.

Everyone is happy to have it finally happen, even if there are many political election ramifications.  Pullman sits 15 miles from the downtown of Chicago and is surrounded by neighborhoods with plenty of violence.  Backers of Pullman predict that in another ten years, the site will be drawing at least 300,000 visitors annually.

And, for us Route 66 folk, it is another thing to see when in Chicago to start your trip (or finish it).

Private money is backing the transformation and the National Park service will see that it becomes a safe and worthwhile place to visit.

None other than Chicago's President Barack Obama was on hand to announce it becoming a national monument.  This coming just days before the election for mayor with buddy, and mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, facing stiff opposition.

We'll Take It Anyway We Can Get It.  Politics Or No Politics.  --RoadDog