Montgomery Ward Preserves Chicago's Lakefront-- Part 3

Montgomery Ward was willing to allow the natural history museum that Marshall Field called for in his will, the Field Museum, but wanted it to be the only structure in his green park.  He was concerned that its construction would invite other buildings.  It did.  The Field Museum was shortly joined by the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium.  It's all the Museum Campus today.  Then, Soldier Field was built nearby.

Something many don't know is that after World War II, city officials pitched Northerly Island for the headquarters of the newly formed United Nations..  New York City got the headquarters and Chicago got Meigs Airfield until the last Mayor Daley erased it.

Then came McCormick Place in 1960.  But, seven years later, it burned down, but was rebuilt.

But, still, Ward's idea is there as he won the battle.  It would have been all a playground for the rich (which he was), but he wanted a place for the poor as well.

Thank You Monkey Ward's.  --DaCoot