Free South Loop History Lesson

By Rachelle Bowden in Miscellaneous on Apr 19, 2005 4:12PM

The South Loop is hoppin' right now, but have you ever wondered what the neighborhood was before it became what it is today? What was it like 10 years ago? Or 25 years ago? Or 100 years ago? Tomorrow's your chance to find out.

East-West University is hosting a lecture tomorrow night by South Loop geographer and historian Dennis McClendon. The presentation will tell the history of Chicago's Near South Side and is part of the University's lecture series.

It seems like McClendon knows his shit. He's got a BS in Urban Studies and also has a law degree, he's been a resident of the South Loop since 1983, he's a board member of South Loop Neighbors, and he regularly organizes tours and events related to Chicago history and geography.

In addition, McClendon's graphic design company, Chicago CartoGraphics, has produced materials for historic markers in the Chicago Tribute system, maps for the Chicago Boulevard System information kiosks, and all of those killer maps that were in the Encyclopedia of Chicago.

It's open to the public and it's free. East-West University is located at 816 S. Michigan Ave. The event begins with a reception at 6:30pm and the lecture begins at 7:00pm. See you there!

Image via rachelleb.com