This is one of Chicago's iconic sights. It's one of the few original buildings that survived the Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire essentially destroyed the city, killing hundreds and cutting a path of about 3 square miles. It was considered one of the worst disasters of the 19th century. The fire started about a mile from where we live, on the south side of the city (there's a fire station and firefighter training school on the site where it started), headed north, jumped across the river, but when it got to the water tower and the water treatment plant across the street, it shifted and these buildings were saved. The most famous myth is that the fire was started because Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern -- later a reporter admitted to having created the story.
Taken early evening at the blue hour on the way home from an appointment off North Michigan Avenue.
Yay, it's the weekend! I can catch up tomorrow! I hope everyone has a great start to a relaxing few days.
Did you take this hand held, or with a tripod? The lighting and your shot shows up the stone beautifully. Knowing your shots as I do I like the fact that there is so much variety, you give us an insight into your country and surroundings which I think shows much more photographic skill than just sticking mainly to one subject like I do.
@jo13 Thanks for the kind words, Jo! This was handheld. I had gotten a haircut and was on my way home. I hadn't really planned to take photos as I knew I'd be in a rush, and I mainly had my camera for some earlier in the subway. Then, it was just so beautiful, I decided to walk down Michigan Ave, turned the ISO way up since I had to do handheld, and took a few shots on the way to catch the train. It was so spur of the moment - I would have preferred my tripod, my wide angle, etc for a better capture -- or at least a monopod! My hand isn't that steady, thus the really high ISO. This was one of about 10 that I took and most of the others weren't clear enough or just looked too grainy.
Fantastic shot, and I agree with Jo above about your wonderful variety of shots. I love how you've positioned the building and even 'got it all in'. Fav!
Going through your Chicago shots and looking for info on the fire...Do you know if they have Mrs. O'Leary's barn marked at all (or where it was)? Did they later determine the fire was started by a farmhand's cigarette? I'll try to research....So sad there were so many deaths and so much destruction of such a beautiful city. :( :( :(
Thank you so much for viewing, and Elyse and Darlene, for fav'ing this shot. I really appreciate it.