Not my idea of quality art, but there it was, this rather unusual tableau. A distinctive kind of engraving, tied to the history of Chicago. It seemed worth photographing.
And while you're guessing where in Chicago this is can be found—it's quite large, several feet across—ponder this question, posed sincerely: has the "Where IS This?" puzzle run its course? It's been featured for over a year and, for some reason, this week I thought, "Perhaps it's time to cook up a different sort of challenge."
Nobody has complained. But I like to be ahead of the curve. What are your thoughts? Maybe a Chicago-themed trivia question instead. I don't want to slip into tired routines.
In the meantime, the winner receives one of my super artistic, limited edition posters, depicted below. Place your guesses—and your opinions on the Saturday quiz—below. Good luck.
Beats me - I'll say Chicago History Museum - maybe it's in the old part...
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was that this had something to do with the Cal Sag Canal, but I'm guessing that the engraving is located somewhere in the River North complex.
ReplyDeleteAs to the "where is it" concept, I still enjoy it, even though I'm hopeless in answering the question.
John
Peter N Jans Golf Course in Evanston
ReplyDeleteLooks like a depiction of Chicago rebuilding after the Fire. I'd guess somewhere in City hall, but it's only a guess.
ReplyDeleteAs for the contest, I'd say it's still fun and hasn't yet run its course - but a Trivia contest sounds like it could really be fun. Even though I'm not native, I figure 45 years gives me as much claim as anyone else, and I really enjoy learning things about this city's often sordid past.
I think I love Algren's description best: "Like loving a woman with a broken nose."
It's at the CPD's Homan Square location, and I therefore dispute its existence
ReplyDeleteNope, nope, nope, nope, nope.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the feature even though I'm terrible at it. What I'd really like is the return of the Daily Chuckle.
ReplyDeletePS I didn't notice that the Guardian CPD story was written by Spencer Ackerman - I actually have a good deal of respect for him (biased but fair) - he got his start at the New Republic back when it was legit. (The again, so did Ruth Shalit and Stephen Glass, so...)
Aren't you giving away the coffee anymore?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like this contest, even though I've never won it. It's tough and these ought to be. A trivia contest would become "How fast can I google this info?" Please continue "Where IS This?"
ReplyDeleteI like the contest all right, though the harder the challenge, the more it just becomes a matter of "how broad IS this readership?" or "is this findable by Dale via Google images", or whatever. Either way, that's fine, too. You often seem to find yourself in places that the vast majority of us don't, so it's always interesting to see the photos and find out a little bit more about the nooks and crannies of the metro area. It would certainly be ironic if today's picture were the first stumper at the same time you're questioning dumping the idea.
ReplyDeleteTrivia would be fun, though I agree with 8:34 Anonymous that it might be hard to pose trivia questions that people couldn't "cheat" on.
Merchandise Mart?
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed the "Where IS This?" contest. The concept is a spectacular idea, it draws me in somehow, almost every time. That said, if you changed it to a different format, I'd still read and still be drawn in, I'm sure. Sticking to a Chicago theme seems required. Trivia is fun. No other ideas roll off the top of my head, but that's quite typical.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a new contest because I do not think I've known even one of the "Where is this?" challenges. I loved the opera trivia questions. So what if I Googled the answers. I had fun and I learned a lot. (Still sad that I didn't win tickets though!)
ReplyDeleteThe Union League Club of Chicago?
ReplyDeleteNo, but getting warmer...
DeleteConrad Sulzer Library?
ReplyDeleteMarquette Building?
ReplyDeleteWhy not take a guess... The Chicago Fire Academy
ReplyDeleteDale
I was wondering whether you'd rescue them. A good guess -- it does represent the Chicago fire. But it's not at the Fire Academy. 5:30 p.m. A record.
ReplyDeleteNewberry library.
ReplyDeleteChicago History Museum
ReplyDeleteIt cannot possibly be in the Harold Washington Library. Is it in the Chicago Cultural Center?
ReplyDeleteYes, it cannot possibly be in the Harold Washington Library (though I was there Friday). No, it is not in the Cultural Center.
DeleteSince it looks like they're harvesting something, is it the Board of Trade Building?
ReplyDeleteThe enlarged photo at the op looks like a guy steering a plow.
Then it must be the City Club of Chicago.
ReplyDeleteNope. City Club meets in Magianno's.
DeleteHow about the Chicago Board of Trade?
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Neil on finally stumping us! While I enjoy the contest, it seems appropriate for you to go out on top. I still can't figure out the answer even using all the hints above, so I'm going to guess the Standard Club.
ReplyDeleteRight you are West Loop PC, Edgar Miller's linoleum murals of the Great Chicago fire, done in 1954, commissioned by the Standard Club. They're quite big: 12 feet by six. I took this picture last year, when Rahm was speaking there. Send me your address, at daiysteinberg@gmail.com and I'll mail you your poster. Congratulations!
DeleteI'm going for a second try. The Rookery?
ReplyDeleteI'm going for a second try. The Rookery?
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm going for a this try - the Cliff Dwellers Club?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this contest a lot. I"m still in withdrawal after Andrew Sullivan stopped his blog and his great "View from my window" contest. I suppose that's one way you could shake it up, if you were inclined to do so--invite your readers to submit ideas for the contest.
ReplyDeleteEdward and peter, open your eyes and read, the answer is already up above
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need to open your eyes, genius - Edward and Peter posted at 8:40 and 8:47, and the correct answer was noted at 9:11.
DeleteOh, c'mon, Anon, be nice. These comments are staggered in such a way anyone could miss something. Half the time someone guesses the thing and it takes me three hours to notice. Humans err. There's no shame in that. Adding unwarranted significance to someone else's simple error -- that IS shameful.
DeleteI think I'll survive :)
DeleteStandard Club murals by Edgar Miller.
ReplyDelete