NORTHERLY ISLAND, Chicago - MyShadowProductions #179

Hello everyone!!

My previous Post had a picture of the spot where the Chicago Fire of 1871 started. I have been reading some about the Fire and if I was in High School it would be a great term paper (do they still do them?). But, I am not in High School so I recommend an internet search and there is plenty of interesting reading and maps showing the affected area.

About 10 blocks north of the Fire’s origin is one of just a dozen (+/-) structures that survived in the Fire’s path, Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the “Cornerstone  of Irish Culture” in Chicago.

The two different spires on the church caught my attention while exploring different areas on the way back to Union Station after a volunteer shift at GPC. When I googled to find out about the spires and the church it mentioned the Fire and one thing led to another and another and …..

CLICK HERE for a history of the Church.

Across the street from the Church is Heritage Green Park. The Park includes the Gráinne Sculpture, a gift from the City of Galway, Ireland to its Sister City of Chicago.

Along that same “walk” I saw the following Public Art a few blocks away and it was not obvious what it was until I got very close.

Not sure why that spot for that Art but, they didn’t ask me :), just another Term Paper idea? :)

A couple of Saturdays ago on July 13, 2024 I went to Chicago and walked from Union Station to explore Northerly Island (Peninsula?).

It got a little “complicated” for me getting through the maze of paths around Grant Park, the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium but I just kept walking south and found the 12th St Beach, the Daphne Garden and the beautiful Natural Areas in Northerly Island Park.

Full disclosure, I forgot to walk back this way upon leaving, I wanted to wade in the water :(

By the way, Northerly Island is the previous site of Chicago’s old Downtown Airport, Meigs Field. Another Term Paper idea or Click Here for a brief Wikipedia report.

I also created a Video from my photos that day :)

The Fox River (remember that?) has been flowing full lately, here are a few photos:

A few bonus photos from GPC (Garfield Park Conservatory) - To quote a friend describing DBG (Denver Botanic Gardens) - “A RIOT of COLORS” - seems to apply here too?

Adios for now and Hello to August !!

I will try my best, no more term paper “jokes” :)