Official page of Glessner House. www.glessnerhouse.org
Operating as usual
Part 2 of our Chicago Fire stories!! If you missed part 1, it is on our website or several posts down!!
John and Frances Glessner arrived in Chicago in December 1870, just ten months before much of the city was destroyed in the “great conflagration.” In this article, we will briefly review their life in Chicago prior to that event, and then share a first-hand account of the fire and its aftermath ...
It's Photo Friday!!!!!!
Detail of bleeding hearts as seen on a glass vase made by Thomas Webb & Sons, an English firm known for its high quality cameo glass. Webb was awarded the Grand Prix for its glass at the 1889 Paris Exposition.
##PhotoFriday #cameoglass, #thomaswebb, #artglass
It's Photo Friday!!!!!!
Detail of bleeding hearts as seen on a glass vase made by Thomas Webb & Sons, an English firm known for its high quality cameo glass. Webb was awarded the Grand Prix for its glass at the 1889 Paris Exposition.
##PhotoFriday #cameoglass, #thomaswebb, #artglass
Answers to the Glessner House Scavenger Hunt questions:
Round 1: Columbia College
1. B - Media Production Center - 1600 S. State
2. D - Famous Plyers - Lasky Corporation
3. B - Paramount Pictures
Bonus - Wabash Avenue
Round 2: Chinatown
4. A - Ping Tom Park (1700 S. Wentworth Avenue)
5. C - Cermak Road
6. B - Engine #8 (212 W. Cermak Road)
Bonus - (any one) William Baldwin, Robert De Niro, Kurt Russell, Donald Sutherland
Round 3: Motor Row
7. C - Chicago Defender
8. D - Lexington
9. A - Chess Records
Bonus - The Rolling Stones
Round 4: Prairie Avenue Historic District
10. C - Human Engineering Laboratory
11. A - Henry B. Clarke House (1827 S. Indiana Avenue)
12. D - Second Presbyterian Church (1936 S. Michigan Avenue)
Bonus - Jane Addams
What a great idea for Los Angeles!! For those of us in Chicago, wouldn't these kinds of tours be a great idea for us, too--with Glessner House a premier participant???? In any case, enjoy reading about the varied tours the lovers of landmark homes in LA have put together!!
FORT: LA is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the Los Angeles residential architectural history.
Photography Before the Kodak
Join us on Thursday September 30 at 7:00pm for “Photography Before the Kodak,” an online program exploring the development of photography in the 19th century. The presentation will be given by Todd Gustavson, Curator of Technology at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York. Purchase tickets online right here:
#photography, #eastmanmuseum, #historicphotography, #antiquecamera
This talk will describe the various historical processes and cameras used during the 19th century and will be given by Todd Gustavson, Curator of Technology at George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York.
Interesting to read the rules. And see the finalists in this contest that centers on a possible redo.... For those of us interested in Chicago architectural landmarks! We will watch for the eventual winner in this contest, which is expected this month!!
Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. Easily share your publications and get them in front of Issuu’s millions of monthly readers. Title: 2021 Chicago Prize, Author: Chicago Architectural Club, Name: 2021 Chi...
A few last memories of Friday’s gala.
Our Fire Trucks Event was quite a success!!!
More than 300 people attended our special Fire Trucks Event held on the 1800 block of Prairie Avenue on Sunday yesterday!!
The Public Education Unit of the Chicago Fire Department was on hand with its “Survive Alive House” where fire safety tips were demonstrated and free smoke detectors were distributed. O’Leary’s Fire Trucks Tours provided tours of the neighborhood on a vintage 1962 engine. A great time was had by all! #chicagofire, #chicagofiredepartment, #olearysfiretrucktours
Only goes till 6 PM today!! Our online auction! Right on this link: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/online-auction?fbclid=IwAR2RfdhtnavTdjTBjFWdr4wRNWmg-75yefubhmpVBeUHcq9QFF2ZH2w3cKQ
Let's not forget our wonderful supporters who celebrated our Great Chicago Fire Gala at home last night on zoom, too! They received a nice little goodie bag at their homes; and on their screens they enjoyed some wonderful stuff, as well: among other things, a showing of our wonderful intro video about the house, and a GREAT little speech about the fire was given by Geoffrey Baer, who began his career as a docent at the house! He said Mrs. Glessner, who had just given birth before the fire, didn't know about it till 3 weeks later--because no one wanted to upset her in her delicate condition! Also, our leader Bill Tyre made some interesting remarks to those at home, as did--from the event--our board prez, Tori Simms--and the paddle raise (for our roof) was brought to the home screens, too! The highlight was the program from the coach house of our leader Bill Tyre playing the part of a reporter from back in the day interviewing a wise and wizened and fesity Mrs. O'Leary about her take on the fire!! A good time was had at home, as well as at the house.... And it will go down in Glessner House history!!
Mrs. O'Leary talks about her dairy business at The Great Chicago Fire Gala.
Overheard at the dinner party:
“If I eat the Swiss meringue, will I yodel?”
“No, but you’ll find yourself rather neutral towards it.”
Coffee, dessert and a paddle raise for donations.
Coffee, dessert and a paddle raise for donations.
Two drinks created just for Mr. and Mrs. Glessner. Absolutely delightful!
The fashion game is strong at the gala tonight. Check out curator Bill Tyre‘s bee cufflinks, Mrs. Glessner‘s personal emblem because of her love of beekeeping.
Welcome to the Great Chicago Fire Gala!
Welcome to the Great Chicago Fire Gala!
It's Photo Friday!!
Gold monogram JGF from the Glessners’ set of Spode Copeland china purchased from Marshall Field & Company in the 1890s. The distinctive letters mimic the spiral design of the wrought iron grille on the front door of the house. #photofriday, #spodecopeland, #marshallfield
It's Photo Friday!!
Gold monogram JGF from the Glessners’ set of Spode Copeland china purchased from Marshall Field & Company in the 1890s. The distinctive letters mimic the spiral design of the wrought iron grille on the front door of the house. #photofriday, #spodecopeland, #marshallfield
We just posted our fourth and final round of Scavenger Hunt questions focusing on special places on and around Prairie Avenue. Answer forms need to be turned in this Sunday, September 12 between 2:00 and 3:30pm during our Fire Trucks Event on the 1800 block of South Prairie Avenue. Find the Scavenger Hunt questions and information at https://www.glessnerhouse.org/scavenger-hunt
Fire Trucks Event!!!!!
Join us Sunday, September 12 from 2:00 to 4:00pm on the 1800 block of South Prairie Avenue for this free event especially for kids commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. The Public Education Unit of the Chicago Fire Department will be on site with a fire truck and personnel. O’Leary’s Fire Truck Tours will offer free rides through the neighborhood on a vintage engine!
#chicagofire, #chicagofiredepartment, #vintagefireengine
Fire Trucks Event!!!!!
Join us Sunday, September 12 from 2:00 to 4:00pm on the 1800 block of South Prairie Avenue for this free event especially for kids commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. The Public Education Unit of the Chicago Fire Department will be on site with a fire truck and personnel. O’Leary’s Fire Truck Tours will offer free rides through the neighborhood on a vintage engine!
#chicagofire, #chicagofiredepartment, #vintagefireengine
Our third round of Scavenger Hunt questions feature interesting buildings and stories about Motor Row, a landmark district along Michigan Avenue. Join the fun and learn about our South Loop neighborhood. Find all the questions, instructions, and an answer form at https://www.glessnerhouse.org/scavenger-hunt
Don't forget our Online Auction!!!!!!
Have you checked out our online auction featuring a great variety of experiences and merchandise? Place your bids early, and share the link with your friends . The auction will close on Sunday September 12 at 6:00pm CDT. View our items here: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/online-auction
\#glessnerhouseauction, #onlineauction
Don't forget our Online Auction!!!!!!
Have you checked out our online auction featuring a great variety of experiences and merchandise? Place your bids early, and share the link with your friends . The auction will close on Sunday September 12 at 6:00pm CDT. View our items here: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/online-auction
\#glessnerhouseauction, #onlineauction
Collections Cameo!!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Out of the Box!!
And featuring Frances Glessner Lee (the Glessners' daughter)!!!
--The newest edition of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Out of the Box (due for release on September 28, 2021) features a two-page spread about Frances Glessner Lee! The article, entitled "In a Nutshell," includes images of three of her Nutshell Studies - Two-Story Porch, Saloon and Jail, and Kitchen - along with the iconic image of Lee seated at a card table making miniatures. The narrative notes the meticulous detail found in the Nutshells, "functioning lights and locks, as well as perfectly placed cups, bullet holes, food . . . and corpses" and that her work earned her the honor of being "known as the mother of forensic science."
--Did you know that the very first Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium made its appearance right here in Chicago? The Odditorium was a hugely popular attraction at the 1933-34 Century of Progress World's Fair located just a half-mile east of Glessner House. Robert Ripley's syndicated cartoon made him one of the best-known men in the country by the 1930s. The Odditorium featured cartoons, live performers, and artifacts Ripley had collected from his frequent travels around the world.
--In more recent years, Ripley's Believe It or Not! had a museum located at 1500 N. Wells Street in Old Town. It opened in 1968 and closed in 1987.
Collections Cameo!!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Out of the Box!!
And featuring Frances Glessner Lee (the Glessners' daughter)!!!
--The newest edition of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Out of the Box (due for release on September 28, 2021) features a two-page spread about Frances Glessner Lee! The article, entitled "In a Nutshell," includes images of three of her Nutshell Studies - Two-Story Porch, Saloon and Jail, and Kitchen - along with the iconic image of Lee seated at a card table making miniatures. The narrative notes the meticulous detail found in the Nutshells, "functioning lights and locks, as well as perfectly placed cups, bullet holes, food . . . and corpses" and that her work earned her the honor of being "known as the mother of forensic science."
--Did you know that the very first Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium made its appearance right here in Chicago? The Odditorium was a hugely popular attraction at the 1933-34 Century of Progress World's Fair located just a half-mile east of Glessner House. Robert Ripley's syndicated cartoon made him one of the best-known men in the country by the 1930s. The Odditorium featured cartoons, live performers, and artifacts Ripley had collected from his frequent travels around the world.
--In more recent years, Ripley's Believe It or Not! had a museum located at 1500 N. Wells Street in Old Town. It opened in 1968 and closed in 1987.
Time for another Secret of Glessner House, Part 21: Summer Cooling....
In this installment of Secrets, we look at the ways in which the Glessners kept their Prairie Avenue house comfortable during the summer months. Although the family headed off to their summer estate, The Rocks, in May each year, John Glessner would return to Chicago for part of the summer to tend to his business affairs. Learn about wire screens, lake breezes, window shades, and more in our newest Secrets video right here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtUXaIxK1dE&t=37s
In this installment of Secrets, we look at the ways in which the Glessners kept their Prairie Avenue home comfortable during the summer months, long before a...
It's Photo Friday!!!!
The sinewy curves of the stems seen in this carved wood panel by Isaac Scott foreshadow the Art Nouveau by nearly a decade. It forms part of the decoration of the side door on a writing desk made for the Glessners in 1879. #photofriday, #isaacscott, #artnouveau
It's Photo Friday!!!!
The sinewy curves of the stems seen in this carved wood panel by Isaac Scott foreshadow the Art Nouveau by nearly a decade. It forms part of the decoration of the side door on a writing desk made for the Glessners in 1879. #photofriday, #isaacscott, #artnouveau
Today, we post our second round of questions for our Scavenger Hunt!! They feature our neighbors in Chinatown. It is not too late to start participating. Find the questions for rounds 1 and 2, instructions, and an answer form right here: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/scavenger-hunt
Our Online Auction!! Read all about it here!
Our online auction opens today, featuring a great variety of experiences and merchandise. All proceeds directly benefit Glessner House. Check out the auction, place your bids early, and share the link with your friends. The auction will close on Sunday September 12. View our items here: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/online-auction #glessnerhouseauction, #onlineauction
Our Online Auction!! Read all about it here!
Our online auction opens today, featuring a great variety of experiences and merchandise. All proceeds directly benefit Glessner House. Check out the auction, place your bids early, and share the link with your friends. The auction will close on Sunday September 12. View our items here: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/online-auction #glessnerhouseauction, #onlineauction
The first annual Glessner House Scavenger Hunt is now live! Over the next two weeks we will be posting questions about our South Loop neighborhood for you to answer and photograph! Answer forms can be turned in at our Fire Trucks Event on Sunday September 12 beginning at 2:00pm. Find full instructions, your answer form, and today’s questions about Columbia College at https://www.glessnerhouse.org/scavenger-hunt
Scavenger Hunt!!!! Coming this week!!
The first annual Glessner House Scavenger Hunt officially launches on Tuesday August 31. Three questions (and a bonus) will be posted on the website and Facebook on August 31, and September 2, 7 and 9. Answer forms can be turned in during our Fire Trucks Event on Prairie Avenue on Sunday September 12 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. To learn more, visit: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/scavenger-hunt #glessnerhousescavengerhunt, #scavengerhunt, #southloop
Scavenger Hunt!!!! Coming this week!!
The first annual Glessner House Scavenger Hunt officially launches on Tuesday August 31. Three questions (and a bonus) will be posted on the website and Facebook on August 31, and September 2, 7 and 9. Answer forms can be turned in during our Fire Trucks Event on Prairie Avenue on Sunday September 12 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. To learn more, visit: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/scavenger-hunt #glessnerhousescavengerhunt, #scavengerhunt, #southloop
We had a wonderful ice cream social today!! Lots of activities (and popcorn) in our courtyard for the kids!! And families enjoyed ice cream in our coach house!! A great time was had by all!
Get a beautiful William Morris face mask! Since we still have to wear them, wear a beautiful and historic one... and purchasing one helps Glessner House, too!! Take a look at this link: https://glessnerhouse.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/glessnerhouse/product.jsp?product=14&
Get a beautiful William Morris face mask! Since we still have to wear them, wear a beautiful and historic one... and purchasing one helps Glessner House, too!! Take a look at this link: https://glessnerhouse.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/glessnerhouse/product.jsp?product=14&
1800 S Prairie Ave
Chicago, IL
60616
The number 3 and 4 buses stop at Michigan and 18th Streets. Walk two blocks east and the entrance to the museum is at 18th St. and Prairie Avenue. The Metra Electric line has a flag stop at 18th Street as well. The McCormick Place stop is a 5 to 7 minute walk. The closest El stop is at Roosevelt. The Red, Green and Orange lines stop there. Non-permit parking is limited to 18th Street, Indiana Avenue, and Michigan Avenue.
Our mission is to spark excitement in architecture, history, and design through a dynamic exploration of Glessner House, its family, and its preservation. The House is open to visitors by advanced ticket only on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30am, 1:00, and 2:30pm. Tours last about 60 minutes and start at the Glessner House Visitors Center located in the coach house. Admission is $20 for adults, and $17 for seniors (age 60+) and students (ages 13-18). No children under 13 are permitted at this time. Our page is a positive space. We maintain a negativity policy. Aggressive, insulting, profane, hostile, or overly negative comments will be deleted. Users who post them will be blocked or banned.
| Wednesday | 11:30am - 3:30pm |
| Friday | 11:30am - 3:30pm |
| Saturday | 11:30am - 3:30pm |
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Curator Bill Tyre is “the Professor”, as pianists in shady places of entertainment were sometimes called.
A clip of Elizabeth Doyle and Jim Cox, Jazz Avec Deux, at Glessner House:
A preview of the items in the silent auction at the afterparty of today’s Walk Through a Time.
A preview of the lovely items in the silent auction at the afterparty of today’s Walk Through Time.
More from the #GlessnerHouse #GleamTeam! #Docent Allan Vagner and volunteer Steve Scott are hard at work in the pantry. #museummonday #smallmuseumlife #historichousemuseum #glessnerhousemuseum
Docent Council Chair, Karen Oliver, introduces you to the #GlessnerHouse #GleamTeam. Also featuring #docents Marilyn Scott and Kay Young. #museummonday #smallmuseumlife #historichousemuseum
AND we're off! Inside the coach house for the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance Toast of the South Loop. The ladies of The Spoke & Bird are servin' up some tasty viddles. #prairedistrict #southloop #pdnatoast
They're lining up! Minutes away from the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance Toast of the South Loop 2016 at Glessner House Museum. #pdnatoast #pdna #prairedistrict
We have the BEST volunteers! Members of the #GlessnerHouseMuseum "Gleam Team", Steve Scott and Allan Vagner, are vacuuming our reproduction Peacock and Dragon portieres this morning. Thank you, guys! #MuseumMonday
As if no time has passed...Bob Irving, Class of 1971, shows fellow "Ancient Docents" around the house. #GlessnerHouseMuseum #GHM50
Today we host the "Ancient Docents" luncheon. Welcome and Happy 50th Anniversary to the first three Chicago School of Architecture Foundation docent classes of 1971, 1972, and 1973. #GHM50 #GlessnerHouseMuseum
Psst...get a sneak peek at the new carpet runners that were installed today! #GlessnerHouseMuseum #historichousemuseum #smallmuseumlife #GHM50
Our iconic architecture is world-famous. Discover why at GlessnerHouse.org. #architectureMW #MuseumWeek
Psst...We have a secret...and it's in the library. #SecretsMW #MuseumWeek
Getting ready for tonight's Halloween themed cocktail party with Exelon Corp.
It's not too often that you get to hear an 1887 Steinway piano. Still sounds as good as the day it was delivered to Mrs. Glessner. Want to hear more? Please join us for a special concert by pianist George Radosavljevic this Sunday at 4pm. Call 312-326-1480 for tickets. #glessnerhousemuseum #glessnerhouse
The Glessner House is rocking tonight courtesy of the Blues Kids Foundation. These are some amazing musicians. Concert is free and open to the public. Hury over, the music ends all too soon.
Illinois Labor History Society
430 S Michigan Ave 540 AUDCamp Douglas Restoration Foundation
3200 S Calumet AveSAIC Writing Program: MFA and BFA in Writing
SAIC Lakeview Building 116 S Michigan Ave 8th Floor SuitesNational Museum of Gospel Music
3301 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, ILSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
37 S Wabash Ave, Suite 1220
Illinois Labor History Society
430 S Michigan Ave 540 AUD
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
40 E Erie St