Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America)

Name: Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America)
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (12 reviews)

4.2 of 5 Stars: Pictorial - Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America)

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Book Synopsis: What was once described as an undesirable swampland has been transformed into one of the most beautiful and wealthiest neighborhoods in America. Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, developed in the late 1800s, was first called the Astor Street District. It was named after one of the first multimillionaires in the United States, John Jacob Astor--even though Astor never lived in Chicago.

In 1885, Astor Street District's first mansion was built. Potter Palmer, a dry goods merchant and owner of the Palmer House Hotel, built his palatial, castle-like residence on the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Banks Street; inside the Palmer mansion were 42 lavishly furnished rooms, which required 26 servants to maintain. Many wealthy Chicagoans followed Palmer's lead and built mansions in the neighborhood. Several homes took up an entire city block and, as time progressed, the name Gold Coast was adopted.

On January 30, 1978, the entire Gold Coast district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Join authors Wilbert Jones, Maureen V. O'Brien, and Kathleen Willis Morton, longtime residents of the Gold Coast, on an engrossing journey through the neighborhood's history. Includes archival images along with the more contemporary images of photographer Bob Dowey.

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Discover the captivating history of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood with the Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America) book. Once an undesirable swampland, this area has transformed into one of the most beautiful and wealthiest neighborhoods in the country. Take a journey back in time to the late 1800s when the neighborhood was first developed as the Astor Street District, named after the iconic multimillionaire John Jacob Astor. Despite never living in Chicago, Astor's influence shaped the neighborhood's early days.

Experience the opulence and grandeur of the Gold Coast through vivid descriptions and archival images. Learn about the first mansion built by Potter Palmer, a prominent dry goods merchant and owner of the Palmer House Hotel. Imagine the splendor of his castle-like residence, boasting 42 lavishly furnished rooms that required 26 servants to maintain. Palmer's vision inspired numerous wealthy Chicagoans to build their own magnificent estates, eventually leading to the neighborhood being nicknamed the Gold Coast.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic district as authors Wilbert Jones, Maureen V. O'Brien, and Kathleen Willis Morton, longtime residents of the Gold Coast, share their deep knowledge and personal experiences. Their captivating storytelling will transport you to a bygone era where excess and luxury were the norm.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about Chicago's past, the Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America) book is a must-have addition to your collection. Featuring a seamless blend of vintage and contemporary images by acclaimed photographer Bob Dowey, this book is a visual feast that will keep you captivated from start to finish.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the fascinating history of Chicago's Gold Coast. Order your copy of Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America) today and embark on an engrossing journey through this iconic neighborhood.

Order Chicago's Gold Coast (Images of America) now and delve into the captivating history of one of America's most beautiful neighborhoods.

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