Nickerson Mansion Open Again

It took five years, but the Nickerson Mansion, at Erie Street and Wabash Avenue in Chicago, has been completely renovated and open again, looking as good as it did when it was built in the early 1880s and filled with Gilded Age decor from the owner's personal; collection.

It's light gray sandstone exterior became covered with soot from nearby factories almost immediately. It is now the Richard H. Driehaus Museum and will open to the public in June.

Richard Driehaus is a Chicago investment manager known for his efforts to preserve historic buildings. He hired more than 150 craftsmen and designers to restore the three floor, 24,000-square-foot mansion both inside and out.

Samuel Nickerson made his money in the 19th century liquor trade.

Starting June 1st, people will be able to reserve spots in small groups to tour the museum Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Something Else to See in Chicago. --Da Coot

THIS DATE IN HISTORY-- 1819-- First bicycles seen in America on the streets of New York City. Called swift walkers.

New Book on Old Chicago

The Feb. 10th Chicago Tribune mentioned a newly published book about life in Chicago back in the 1950s and early 60s. "A Mile Square of Chicago."

Marjorie Bear started it 50 years ago, stopped 38 years ago, and died 26 years ago. Columnist Eric Zorn wrote a column about it 14 years ago. Ms. Bear went into great detail describing life in her neighborhood on the West Side between Ashland and Western Avenues, from Lake Street on the north to Harrison Street.

Lots of pictures and 549 pages of what is probably interesting information.