Adler Planetarium, Chicago, Il

Adler Planetarium Chicago

National Historic Landmark Plaque

     Adler Planetarium is a public museum in Chicago located at the tip of Northerly Island.  It was founded for the study of astronomy and astrophysics. It was founded by Max Adler, A businessman with Sears, Roebuck Company.  Construction costs were $500,000. Architect was Ernest Grunsfield, Jr.  It officially opened on May 12, 1930.  It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on 2/27/1987.

     The museum features three full sized theaters, space science exhibits, Gemini 12 space capsule.

Cafe Brauer

     This is also known as the South Pond Refectory.  This is a historical building and restaurant located at the edge of Lincoln Park Zoo.  It was built in 1908.  The architect was Dwight Perkins.

     The building is  noted for its green roof and red brick wall.  The second floor was a ballroom.  The architectural style is Prairie.  The building construction was financed by the Brauer family. The long term proprietor was Casper Brauer.  The restaurant was one the most popular during the earlier 20th century.  It closed in 1940.

     At that time, the second floor was opened to the public for various dancing activities.  The building was renamed the Lincoln Field House.  By the 1960’s, the building was used for storage.

     In 1987, the building underwent a 4.2 million dollar  restoration project.  The second floor was renovated for private events. The first floor became a small restaurant and ice cream parlor.  Cafe Brauer was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

     The site of Cafe Brauer previously was occupied by a wood boat house and restaurant.  It was designed by William LeBaron Jenney.  It was in existence from 1882 to 1908.  It was named South Pond Refectory.

Plaque for David Kennison Lincoln Park, Chicago

     He claimed to be born in Old Kingston, Maine.  He claimed to be a veteran of the Boston Tea Party and the Revolutionary War.  After the war, he moved to Danville, Vermont.   He claimed to be a veteran of the War 1812. He arrived in Chicago in the 1840’s.  He live there until 1851.  He was honored with a hero’s funeral and was interred in Chicago in the Lincoln Park Area.  If he was to be believed, he worked as 111 when died.  However research seems to poke holes in his story.

Plaque Hinting at The Con

   The Con

     When David Kennison arrived in Chicago, he claimed to be 111.  Although bedridden, he boasted that he could walk 20 miles per day.  He insisted among other things that he was the last surviving member of the Boston Tea Party, that he was present at the battles of Bunker Hill, Lexington, Brandywine, that he was at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered.  Although in his 70’s, he alleges he participated in the battles of the War 1812.  He served at Fort Dearborn.