Notecard entries

1.     On 1957, the development of Holy church was brought about by Father Damen. This church would become the second oldest church in Chicago and one of the remaining structures after the Chicago fire. Put together with the coins of poor immigrants it became a modern day phenomenon withstanding trials through the belief in faith. The interior of the church which is an example of the best Victorian architecture in the country is filled with over 20 sculptures. Holy Family church serves as a safe haven for the community where everyone can gather as one (1).

2.       According to historians, the Chicago fire started in the O’Leary’s barn on the west side of Chicago. The fire that began on October 8, 1871 and eventually died out on October 10, 1871 took along with it thousands of dollars in property and the lives of hundreds of people. The O’Learys were interviewed about the fire then were exonerated, but their neighbors who testified against them, reignited the rumor that the fire started in their barn (2).

3.     Holy family which was built by poor immigrants was a place with doors open wide, for them to pray in peace in hopes for better lives. As the immigrants who built it died and so did their offspring, over the years many more immigrants who came left their mark on the church.  Built before the Chicago fire as well as the civil war, it is a place that will remain long after our lives (7).

4.        Previously to the Chicago fire, the city was impossible to be forgotten because it was whimsical and embodied the elements of change. The city was defined as a fast pace city of luxuries that after the fire was restored in an astonishingly at a speed that already defined it. Chicago was filled with wooden pathways and sidewalks along with thousands of wooden structures. This fact is a theory of why the Chicago fire spread so quickly throughout the city (15).

5.     The way the city was built and the fact that it hadn’t rained in days, were factors historians theorized that ignited the fire. As the fire was surged with strong winds it ultimately caused for the main building in the center of the city to burn to the ground. Expectedly as the fire grew and engulfed more of the city, there were continuous tragedies, which left people in frenzy (11).

6.  (Book) All that was left of the city, were the wooden box buildings that were built prior to the fire. The mindset of Chicagoans after the fire was to put everything behind them and just keep looking to the future. Chicago’s loss from the fire included 17,000 buildings destroyed, 2,100 acres of land valued at 190,000,000 and 300 lives lost. After a generation from the fire, was when Chicago was truly able to get back on its feet. (9)
7.         The O’Leary theory about how the fire started was theorized.  The fire leftover 100,000 people homeless (connection to how Holy Family might have helped after the fire) . Mr. Cohn, who said he caused the fire, said him along with the O’Leary sons were shooting dice in the hayloft, and then someone knocked over a lantern which began the fire. A second theory as to how the fire started was that a man with a wooden leg who lived down the street could have caused the fire at the O’Leary barn but lied to cover it up. (8)
8.          An eyewitness wrote after the disaster “the world as it is known to the people of this vicinity has changed, an age has closed and a new day of uncertainty and doubt has begun.” Many eyewitnesses’ went on to write about their experiences with the disaster which appeals to an interest in the history of the fire. These narratives mostly follow a sequence in that they first explain how they got the news, where and what they did after that, and then the retreat into somewhere safe. Other types of eyewitnesses contain memoirs, letters, maps and drawings, which is what historians use today as a means of explanation of what happened during the fire. (20)
9.          In fact, during this period of time, Chicago suffered from an average of two fires a day. A week prior to the fire, 20 small fires had occurred in the city. The city’s dry, windy weather accompanied with its wooden structures and woodworking industries was very susceptible to fires. Due to a strong southwesterly wind, the fire spread quickly throughout the city, and began threatening the buildings in the city. As the fire progresses the city, was engulfed in fire and the citizens knew it was a serious situation. (19)
10.        It was very hard to flee the city during the fire, since everything with was made of wood such as roads and bridges were also engulfed in fire. Along with the devastation was robbery, which made it harder for people to flee and caused separation of families. Flames later destroyed the roof of the pumping station, which contained the city’s firefighting efforts, and made it exceptionally hard for the fire fighters to help the city. By Tuesday morning the fire died out due to rain, and the once lively city was turned into a heap of ash. The city could have been saved earlier due to efforts by the firefighters, but errors in human alarm systems did not permit so. (19)
11.        The fire changed Chicago drastically from the way of life of the citizens to the very landscape of the city. In many places the ruins stretched for many miles, and leveled out the status of each neighborhood, which changed the lifestyle of many people.  The fire wiped out Chicago of its history but left spared the heavy industries. The north division which suffered the worst damage left its entire German community homeless. After the fire, the poor suffered the most loss, because the fire took everything of the little things they did have along with the jobs they strived to have.  If these poor citizens died their relatives knew nothing of it. Since one-half of the damages were insured property the damages from the fire didn’t allow for payments to property owners. (19)
12.          After the fire, with the help from all parts of the country, helped for the city to develop a temporary relief community, which distributed supplies to the victims. With assistance from the world, came a surge of crime in the city. Criminals saw Chicago’s weakened state as an opportunity for murder and robbery. As a source to relieve the fear and concerns of the city’s citizens, the mayor assigned a lieutenant who first went on to assign the Chicago Relief and aid society which built barracks for the homeless. The lieutenant then also went on to organize a specialized group which, took the job regular police officers securing the streets. By late spring in 1873, Chicago proclaimed its recovery. The city later strengthened its fire departments after in the year after the fire, there was a large fire which engulfed some areas, and sparked a boycott for change.(19)
13.          Even though the effects of the fire on the city were devastating to the city, there were also some positive effects. The Great Rebuilding was a positive effect of the fire on the city. Many changes in infrastructure occurred in the city including more distinct and taller buildings as well as business locations in the downtown section. Also in the residential and commercial areas was a clearer distinction in the neighborhoods. Presently, Chicago is considered a bustling city containing history.(19)
14.         The Chicago fire, which burned for two days, spurred the rebuilding of the city’s development into one of the most important cities in America. The city firefighters, were forced to give up after the fire destroyed the waterworks and the city’s water supply was shut off, which made It harder to put an end to the flames. As the fired surged through the city it destroyed churches, home, bridges and left residents fleeing across the Chicago River. Many fled into Lincoln Park, and to the shores of Lake Michigan to seek refuge from the flames. With the fire beginning at the O’Leary barn, it burned a pathway of 34 blocks in the city. (17)
15.         Due to the fire, between two to three million books were destroyed from library collections. Buildings that did survive the fire were the Chicago Water Tower, which serves as an unofficial memorial of the fires destructive path. Along with the water tower, was The Holy family church, which was the Roman Catholic congregation of the O’Leary family.  The great fire remains Chicago’s most remembered tragedy due to the severe destruction it caused. Due to the fire, Chicago emerged as one of the country’s leading fire forces. (17)

16.          The “Great Rebuilding” were efforts to build a more urban and modern city including bigger businesses and innovative architecture.  The fire, which spread from what is known today as the south side, surged into the heart of Chicago’s business district and was put out 24 hours later by rain. It is theorized that the a reason why the fire started, was due to the fact that Chicago during the fall is very dry, and along with this since the infrastructures were made with wood, the dryness of the heat made Chicago more prone to fire. Buildings like the Waterworks, which housed the main source of water for the understaffed fire department, where made of wood but had a single layer of fire proof material covering the wood.(18)

17.           The city’s major industries on the south side and along the river were saved and allowed for Chicago to have a stable financial system. Most railroads were saved, and this allowed for there to be donations which poured in. Book donations which were collected from England became a part of Chicago’s first free public library. Years later, the Chicago Fire Academy was built where the O’Leary barn was, and today it trains new firefighters. (18)

18.             The reconstruction of the city started immediately after the party, with construction starting before actual architectural plans. After the fire, there was a law passes, enforcing that buildings most be constructed with fire proof materials, such as bricks and stone. Since poorer Chicagoans couldn’t afford houses with expensive brick or limestone, many people were forced to relocate from Chicago in order to find housing. The bank’s failure which initiated a nationwide depression halted the reconstruction of Chicago’s new buildings. (18)

19.              Terra Cotta which emerged as a fireproof material to build buildings, helped ensure Chicago as one of the most fireproof cities in the country. Terra Cotta tiles became the material used for roofing for the new buildings in Chicago. Terra Cotta was also used to help build the Montauk Building on Monroe Street, and was the first building in the world to be built at night, using the technique of electric lightning. The Chicago school of architecture was built for the need of plain building, from businessmen because “fancy looking” buildings were too expensive for the rebuilding of the city. The construction of the Home insurance building for the New York home insurance company was built in Chicago after the company relocated.(18)

20.           It was a test for the Chicago architectures to design something that will allow for there to be natural lighting in the building. William Jenney designed something that used iron steel for the upper floors for the building. Jenny’s home insurance building, on LaSalle Street, was the first to use steel cage as the support for a building. The steel frame allowed for the use of natural lighting throughout the building, while the partitions between offices were made of terra cotta and bricks. The Home Insurance building is considered the first skyscraper in the world. (18)

21.           Chicago was the fastest growing city in the western world, during this time.  The reason why Chicago grew so quickly was due to its railroad system, which thankfully wasn’t destroyed in the fire. Industries in Chicago also prospered which allowed Chicago to grow as a city. Growth, though in Chicago, was merely interrupted by the fire of 1871 in which most of the City’s business district was destroyed and caused for a decline on the sale of products in Chicago. Due to the fire, there was an implication of the ‘boulevard’ system along with the integration of parks along the lakefront which is an example of establishing a new building code and encouragement of construction planning. (10)

22.             The triumph of rebuilding the city of Chicago was a story of tragedy turned into triumph, which was also a legendary recovery.  History shows that tragedy always brings the best out of people. Before the fire was out, there was talk and planes for rebuilding new buildings. By 1872, Chicago had rebuilt new buildings worth 30 million, and despite a national recession, Chicago was able to resurrect from a hard fall.  New buildings were constructed in Chicago featuring new technologies such as elevators and steel frames. The fast construction, low costs and more window and floor space, allowed for quicker profit for the city. (16)

23.             The architects, who built the world’s first skyscraper, showcased their talents and one of the greatest and creative works in U.S history and the development of skyscrapers in the urban skyline. All of these architects came together many times after the fire, to reconstruct many more skyscrapers in Chicago. Overall, the infrastructure after the fire, combined fireproofing, grillage footings and also the use of iron along with steel skeletons. (16)

24.               Louis Silverman and Daniel Alder’s joined together to form Alder and Sullivan, and later to implicit the philosophy of the Chicago school.  This philosophy was that buildings should be created for functions and efficiency. John root and Daniel Burnham formed a partnership, were they their nine stories Montauk Block on Monroe as the first skyscraper in Chicago. John Root introduced 2 new types on innovations where the structural beams were covered by hollow tile which made them more fire proof. Also he created a ‘grillage’ technique of using concrete to reinforce the steel rails on which the buildings will be constructed.  Root’s way was used in the industry for many years, because the former way was neither strong nor fireproof enough for the buildings. (16)

25.             The Rookery which still stands on LaSalle Street was built using Root’s method. He used his method to allow for less space to be used for the footings of the buildings and he also put two tiers of offices around a large internal court which increased the use of natural lighting. Daniel Burnham went on to construct the famous flatiron building in New York which was considered the highest building of its time. The circumstances for the needs of more buildings and more office space for also a small amount of money was brought to light, through the Chicago Fire, because it “wiped the ground clean”. (16)

26.             “On the municipal flag of Chicago, the second star commemorates the fire.”  Among the city’s fatal errors were that people didn’t react early enough and took the fire as a joke. Due to this, many more people died than if they would have reacted earlier to the fire.  Also along with this error was that the firefighters who were understaffed were tired from the night before, and didn’t receive a call till hours later after the fire had spread. The fire was elevated with the overuse of wood and the surge of strong heated winds. The fire which burned itself out by Monday night, with the help of diminishing winds and also light rain, killed an estimate of 300 people. (17)

27              The summer of 1871 was very dry and hot, which is a factor to how the great fire started. The O’Leary theory as to how the fire started is the one that stuck in every historians mind. The fire fighters were sent to the wrong street and when they reached the fire at the O’Leary barn, the fire was out of control.  The fire quickly spread north and east, destroying houses, bridges and many structures. The fire which was recognized as a major milestone in Chicago’s history, burned out the nest day and left devastation in the heart of the city.(5)

28. Chicago was so hot right after the fire burned out, that it took a couple of days, for the land to be surveyed. Among the saved structures from the fire were the O’Leary barn, the Lind block, and some other mansions. 18,000 buildings were destroyed over 28 miles. The North division took the hardest hit with 13,300 of its 13,800 buildings destroyed. Also the fire destroyed many Lincoln memorabilia and library archives. The city’s poor were by most hurt by the fire because; they didn’t have any money in the bank or any solid income to help them ‘bounce’ back. (12)

29. The city’s destroyed landscape brought sightseers who came to see the monumental tragedy, and also their money contributed to the restoration of the city. The miles of ruins were interesting to photographers, and illustrators. Goodspeed bragged that “No other city not even Pompeii, or Paris, has seen as much damage as Chicago did, after the fire.” The city in one night, had ruins similar to that of ancient civilizations. It was ironic, that a city growing so quickly could yet be also destroyed so easily. (12)

30. Chicago Mayor Roswell Mason, led the beginning of the restoration of the city, even before the fire settled.  He first began a make shift city hall, which decided the new laws to be placed, in order to restore the city. He also put together rescue and relief committees. He also signed a proclamation saying "the faith and credit of the city of Chicago" to "the preservation of order,...the relief of suffering," and "the protection of property." This proclamation meant that people must honor their neighbors, and everyone must work together to be able to preserve the city. (13)

31. People were very paranoid after the fire because not only were there criminals from Chicago, but there were also criminals coming in from other places to prey on Chicago’s weakened state.  There were new patrol officers appointed for the city, who patrolled late at night enforcing laws and keeping people safer. The relief and aid society helped the citizens of Chicago for many years offering food, clothing and shelter for the victims. Since they didn’t have unlimited sources, and were afraid of decreasing population, the city only used their resources for those who remained in the city and didn’t help those who left return back. Also it was assumed that they should help the victims on Chicago first, even though they didn’t themselves ask for it. (13)

32. The main goal of the society was to help the victims get back on their feet, and be able to care for themselves. The society enforced that rule of “aiding established order, and withholding idleness”. This law meant that they not allow people to forget about their goal, and would encourage them to build themselves back up by working at it. Also a key policy was “give no aid to families who did not deserve their efforts”. This policy meant that they will not waste their resources on families that could build themselves up, but on people who they knew really needed the help. They were able to decide this, by evaluating forms that they asked each family to fill out. (13)

33. The society deserves much credit because they worked for no pay to help people and did it better than the city’s government would have. Though they served the people greatly, some applicants complained that there was favoritism and inefficiency in the society. Later on onto the years after the fire, the society denounced its contribution to the city becasue they believed it was time for people to be able to help themselves. The government tried to force the society to give up the resources given to the society, but they failed. (13)

34. Chicago was aided more than it was destroyed by the fire. John Stephen Wright the king of Chicago Boosters said “Chicago is not burnt up, only well blistered for her manhood”. This means that Chicago is not destroyed by the fire, but has learned from and will grow from it. Chicago was able to grow back into a better city because, even though most of the city itself was destroyed, the trade routes and industries that built it were not destroyed. Within a few days of the fire, businesses were set up, and even a post office was set up in a Methodist Church on the corner of Wabash and Harrison. A journalist who visited Chicago proclaimed that “the flames spurred changes in Chicago, than wouldn’t have been possible”. (14)

35. Not only did the fire surge infrastructural developments, but it also began a new age of political justice, were more people were able to vote for leaders roles in the government. Though the fire wiped out some peoples’ lifestyles, it created a better one for others. The poor protested the building of Chicago’s building with more fireproof materials because they were not able to afford rent, since the price increased. These protestors were condemned among the community because they were seen as enemies for the common good. Difficulties in rebuilding Chicago were that many people go injured on the job, due to strenuous ways of rebuilding sturdier building. Also these men used alcohol as a solution to their problems. (14)

36. The Great Rebuilding came to an end due to the panic of 1873, which was a detriment to the local community. Also another fire surged through Chicago, and destroyed over 800 buildings. This fire urged the home insures to also urge the government to instill stricter building laws that will enforce more fireproof buildings. The population also increased to 500,000 by 1880 which was more than a million a decade later. In 1873, the city was in full recovery, and hosted a jubilee rejoicing their growth after the fire. (14)

37. “Passing through the fire” by George F Root, which is to be sung over the fire, explains his experiences with the fire. The first verse says “Read heat is filling the earth with air, while we hear the despairing cries.”  This line explains that as the fire surged through Chicago and worsened through the night, all could be heard were the cries of the cities people. The chorus says “though we may not understand why we are passing through the fire” explains that as people were fleeing from the city and knew they were in danger from the fire, no one knew where the fire came from. The last line in verse 2 says “our glorious city is no more” which is saying that Chicago has become a weaker city than it once one. As he sings “but courage from the midst of the fire we sing” in the last verse, he is saying that they will build themselves back up, as soon as the fire ends. (20)

38. Pity the homeless by James R Murray, is about how the poor who were affected in the fire, should be in our minds and should be helped. In the beginning of the first verse he says “Pity the homeless and the poor, by the fire that brought them to your door”, this line is saying that during this time the rich should aid the less fortunate because they both were in the same situation during the fire and should not be disregarded because they are poor. In the chorus he said “pass them not heedlessly by”, he is saying that the rich should just not forget to help or turn the blind eye, to those who were suffering after the fire. In the last verse he says “help those turned shelter less, hungry and fearful by lightening their labors and cares” in this last line, he is saying that the rich should use their funds to aid the anguish and labors of those who are poor. (20)
39. Chicago with a growing population was becoming a major role in the international scene. Many structures were just "thrown up" in order to accommodate the growing population. Chicago was large, because of its manufacturing industries that served the world. Lake Michigan spilt the city into divisions (north, south, west, east) which were filled with growing populations and commercial goods as well as income. The business district in the 'downtown' area, including trade routes, industries and generated income for the city. The City was also able to grow due its great location with Lake Michigan, which allowed for their to be routes of trade. Also the city had many commercial ties around the world, which helped it grow.(25)