Chicago Reunion and Visit - September 15-18, 2012

On Saturday, Sept. 15, I flew into O'Hare where I met Pat Jameson who'd just gotten in from Denver.  We shared transport into the city and met up with Mary Ellen Bergeron who'd flown in earlier from Washington, D.C.  In the late 1960's/early 70's we'd worked together at the Chicago Regional Office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  We each stayed with/retired from HUD but in different locations; nevertheless we've stayed friends and in touch.

Our hotel, Members' Club, was conveniently located on Wacker Drive, just off North Michigan Avenue and provided a pleasant base.

 But the most significant thing is that the hotel was just around the corner from 360 North Michigan Avenue, the location of the HUD office back in the 60's/70's.  So it was definitely old home week.

Because there was a movie being filmed (on and off) on both Saturday and Sunday, Wacker Drive was sporadically closed, sometimes to cars, sometimes to pedestrians as well.  Made getting to/from the hotel a bit problematic.  But it did provide interest as Pat and I sat enjoying some adult beverages at an outdoor restaurant while awaiting Mary Ellen's return on Saturday afternoon.

 


The weather was quite good -- mostly sunny and warmer than one might expect in mid-September.  We did a lot of walking, up and back on North Michigan several times.  No cows on display, but in celebration of the upcoming Ryder Cup event, there were decorated golf balls up and down Michigan, as shown in this picture with Mary Ellen and Pat.

On Sunday we did an Architectural boat tour on the Chicago River.  I'd done that tour 20-some years ago; there's a lot more happening on the River now than then.  It was a good opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous weather while seeing some of Chicago's interesting old and new architecture.  It is a beautiful city.

This is the old Montgomery Ward office and warehouse -- now a residential neighborhood. 

After the boat ride we explored Navy Pier -- the most-visited attraction in Illinois (so we were told several times).  The Ferris Wheel was fun, despite the continual repetition of Chicago Is My Kind of Town, badly done, over and over!

From the Ferris Wheel we got some nice views.  

 

































I got a head start on carousels (am going on from Chicago to the Carousel Convention) by observing this cute one on Navy Pier.

Our mutual friend, Inez Tremain, had worked with us at HUD in the "old days" but left the Department to be an attorney.  She stayed in Chicago and hosted us for Sunday evening dinner at her high rise apartment.  We enjoyed wine on her balcony before a delicious meal.

 

Monday we headed south on Michigan to visit Millenium Park.  We'd seen the "bean" before but enjoyed it.  Really fun sculpture.

And when so many names have changed (Sear's Tower is the Willis building, Marshall Field's is Macy's), I was delighted to see the Prudential Building, a landmark from my childhood, is still called Prudential.

By standing and watching for long enough, we saw the picture sculpture/water feature south of the bean do its spitting thing.  It's quite amusing, and the water provides a great playground for children.

Mary Ellen chose to go to the Art Institute, wanting to explore the new Modern wing, while Pat and I continued walking south through Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain.  Not being there at night we didn't see the lovely colored light display, but the fountain is gorgeous and impressive.

We walked back to the hotel where I got ready to head up to the north side (Andersonville neighborhood) to meet my brother Dave for dinner.  Took the El but turned the wrong way from the stop so walked 9 blocks instead of 3.  Dave was waiting for me; we had a good meal and a lot of conversation.





On Tuesday morning I took the bus north to meet friend Iris Larson at the Chicago Historical Society.  When I lived in Chicago, I walked, biked, and took the bus past the History Center regularly -- but had never gone in,  They had great exhibits and, because of reciprocity with the Minnesota Historical Society, admission was free!

This is a replica of the first El car which went to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.  Each of the "passengers" had a story to tell.  Iris and I listened eagerly.

And, in another precursor to the carousel convention, I saw this horse from the carousel at Riverview Amusement Park, which I loved going to as a child.  It was in the city and thus far enough from home in the south suburbs to make a trip to Riverview a real adventure resulting in very fond memories.

Just before we left the museum we explored the children's activities room.  Yes, I am still a "kid."

Returned to the hotel, gathered up my possessions, and headed to Union Station to catch the Amtrak for St. Joseph, Michigan, where the 2012 National Carousel Association convention is being held.  We'll be visiting a number of carousels (riding buses around the state) during the next five days.  My plan is to continue this blog -- time permitting.  So keep checking.