Illinois 250: Celebrating the State’s Fabulous Firsts

Arts

Chicago claims the title of birthplace of the skyscraper and showcases various architectural styles. These include Chicago School, Prairie School, art deco, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and modern. Common building materials include brick, terra-cotta, and Lemont limestone. Notable architects like Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Gehry have made their mark here. The Art Institute of Chicago provides a cultural hub where art lovers can explore works like Georges Seurat’s ‘A Sunday on La Grande Jatte – 1884’ and Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic.’

The Bahai House of Worship in Wilmette stands as the sole temple devoted to the Bahai faith in North America. Chicago’s play ‘Chicago’ presented the world with tales of intrigue and jazz. The Chicago Imagists, part of the School of the Art Institute, chose local city inspiration for their work in the mid-20th century. Pre-Broadway productions often stage tryouts in Chicago, reflecting the city’s vibrant theatrical scene.

Mold-A-Rama machines began with inventor J.H. ‘Tike’ Miller’s family Nativity scene figures and expanded into brightly colored souvenir machines found in Chicago museums and zoos.

Culture

Chicago made history with WNBQ-TV broadcasting all its programs in color, a world first, on April 15, 1956. Stepping evolved from the jitterbug and became a local dance phenomenon. Irma Phillips brought daily soap operas into homes with radio shows sponsored by laundry soap brands.

Hollywood’s depiction of Chicago features a slew of fictional film and TV characters like Kevin McCallister from ‘Home Alone.’ The city also revolutionized comedy through improv institutions like The Second City. Chicago contributed innovations like the jungle gym invented by Sebastian Hinton and the provocative magazine Playboy, founded by Hugh Hefner.

Chicago’s pinball legacy grew in the 1940s with factories producing machines despite a local ban. The movie criticism duo Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert expanded their influence from Chicago to national public TV. Robert Lewis May’s ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ story, written in 1939, predates Dr. Seuss’s Christmas work.

The Field Museum is home to Sue the T. rex, a globally recognized exhibit. Children’s toys like Tinkertoys originated in Evanston, and WLS, ‘World’s Largest Store,’ revolutionized radio broadcasting in 1924.

Chicago hosted two World’s Fairs, the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933-34, both showcasing technological and architectural advancements.

Food and Drink

The brownie originated from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Chicago earned its title as the ‘candy capital of the world’ with contributions like Snickers and Butterfinger. Known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, the city also gave us Green River soda during Prohibition.

Malört, a locally-made spirit, remains a unique Chicago experience. Deep-dish pizza and Dairy Queen originated here, contributing to national food culture. Italian beef gained fame thanks to ‘The Bear’ TV show, highlighting Chicago’s culinary strengths. Unique dishes like Corn dogs and Jibarito sandwiches demonstrate Chicago’s diverse food scene.

Music

Alternative music found popularity in Chicago, supported by FM station Q101 and events like Lollapalooza. American folk music talents such as John Prine were nurtured in Chicago venues. The blues evolved with the Great Migration’s influence, cementing Chicago’s place in music history alongside Chess Records.

Chicago’s Symphony Orchestra maintains a demanding travel schedule, and gospel found prominent representation through acts nurtured locally. House music originated in The Warehouse, achieving international appeal, thanks to talents like Frankie Knuckles.

Polka music, a distinct Chicago style, features artists like Walter Jagiello. Soul and R&B integrated gospel and rhythm and blues, bringing musicians like Chaka Khan and Earth, Wind & Fire to global attention.