Aragon Ballroom

Aragon Ballroom

This is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Avenue Chicago.  It was built  in 1926 by brothers William and Andrew  Karzas.  Construction costs were 2 million dollars.  The ballroom was built to replicate a Spanish palace courtyard.    It featured crystal chandeliers,  mosaic tiles, beautiful arches, extravagant balconies and terra cotta ceilings.  Architects were  Huszagh and Hill  with help of  John Eberson.

It was originally built as a venue for men in tuxedoes and women in gowns to dance to the music of big bands.

Aragon Ballroom

Aragon Ballroom

Aragon Ballroom

Aragon Ballroom

Dawes House

This house is located at 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston,Illinois. It was built in 1894-5. Building costs were $40,000. The house is on a 2 acre lot. It was purchased in 1888 for a cost of $40,000. The original owner was Reverend D. Sheppard, DD. He was the Treasurer and Business Manager of Nortwestern University and Garrett Biblical Institute.It

The architect of the house was Henry Edwards Flicken. There is a coach house adjacent to the main house. It was built in 1892-3. The architect was Clinton J. Warner.

The main house was 3 and one half stories. Its exterior was variegated tan and orange brick with red sandstone trim. There is a ceramic tile terra cotta roof. There are 25 rooms,6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 13 fireplaces.

The coach house had 4 horse stalls, 2 cow stalls and servants quarters on the second floor. The first Floor is now used for storage. The second floor is now used as a rental apartment.

The house was sold to Charles G.Dawes in 1909 for $75,000.

A conservatory once was attached to the main house. It was razed in 1960. A green house was attached to the coach house. It was razed in 1941.

The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Dawes House

Coach House

Coach House

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

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Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

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Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is located at 4802 N. Broadway in Chicago.  It is located in the Uptown neighborhood.

In 1907, it was known as Pop Morse’s Gardens (also Pop Horse’s Roadhouse).  During that time period the area was called Lakeview.   It was known for its large sunken beer garden.

In 1910, Pop Morse’s Gardens was purchased by Tom Chamales.  He expanded the facility and added outdoor dancing and entertainment in the sunken gardens. He installed a Rhumba Room on the second floor.  He had a large green windmill on the roof to go with the new name–Green Mill Gardens ( the name as inspired by the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Chamales was also involved with the construction of the Rivera Theater around the corner.

During Prohibition, the Green Mill was leased to the Mafia by the Chamales Brothers.  One of the managers was Machine GunMcGurn.  He worked for Al Capone.  He was also involved in the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre.

One of the regular customers was Al Capone.  His favorite booth was across the side door  on Lawrence at the end of the bar.

Following the gangster era and prohibition, the Green Mill was acquired by the Batsis Brothers in 1942.  They owned the night club into the 1960’s.  They were responsible for some of the current day décor.

 

Chicago Culutural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Informational Plaque

Cornerstone Chicago Cultural Center

Informational Plaque

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center Plaque

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Dome Chicago Cultural Center

Dome Chicago Cultural Center

Dome Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Athletic Association

Front Entrance Chicago Athletic Association

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Front Façade  Chicago Athletic  Association

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Same as above

     The Chicago Athletic Association Building is located at 12 South Avenue in Chicago.    It was built in 1893.  The architect was Ives  Cobb.   The architectural style is Venetian Gothic.  It was patterned after the Palace of the Doge  in Venice.

     

Former Site of Pool Chicago Athletic Association

Former Site of Pool Chicago Athletic Association

Former Site Pool Chicago Athletic Association

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Same as above

Stairway Chicago Athletic Association

Ornamental Column

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Roof Top Restaurant Chicago Athletic Association

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