Douglas-Dearborn Homes. Includes photographs by Mildred MeadSource: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal Records, 1951-1954, undated, cgp_spe_nhrc_dur_8_5_12
Douglas Park Activities- Horseshoes and marblesSource: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, 1951, cgp_spe_p00001_016_034_004.jp2
To: Bessie, From: AlbertSource: Special Collections, Elizabeth Chandler Papers, 1893 July 31, cgp_spe_c00004_001_028_front
To: Bessie, From: AlbertSource: Special Collections, Elizabeth Chandler Papers, 1893 July 31, cgp_spe_c00004_001_028_back
Mayor Washington reading to childrenSource: Special Collections, Harold Washington Archives & Collations, 1987, February 16. Photographer, Schulz, Peter J.
PHOTOGRAPH SPE-HWAC 1987.2.16.1
Letter written by John W. Potter to wife MaryLetter written by John W. Potter to wife Mary, written in Huntsville, Alabama [In this letter, Potter complains about how isolated the soldiers are in camp, especially from news sources. He also discusses his company’s retreat from the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee. cgp_spe_w00073_73.2.6
Sketch-book of the Inter-state Exposition, Chicago, 1883Source: cgp_spe_t500_c1S54_ 1883
Sketch-book of the Inter-state Exposition, Chicago, 1883Source: cgp_spe_t500_c1S54_ 1883
Mayfair Park Features- Playgrounds, circa 1985Source: Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, circa 1985. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records, Photographs. cgp_spe_p00001_080_021_005.jp2
Wall Display in Special CollectionsSpecial Collections, Reading Room Wall. 15 January 2025
Archives preserve love in many ways. They house the love of history and the stories that document said love and time. Love can be displayed and exhibited in many mediums.
For example, in Special Collections’ American Civil War Documents, Manuscripts, Letters and Diaries and Grand Army of the Republic Collections, opens a new window there are letters soldiers wrote to their loved ones during the Civil War. A Sketch-book of the Inter-state Exposition, opens a new window from someone who attended in 1883, which I imagine held grave sentimental value to its owner, offers a glimpse into the many nostalgic experiences and sights of that time. These items, along with personal letters from the Elizabeth Chandler Papers, opens a new window, exchanged between an engaged couple between 1891 and 1899, all exhibit stories of affection and connection.
Love can be documented in obvious ways, through expressions and devotion. But sometimes it appears more quietly, in the laughter of a child captured in a Chicago Park District Photograph, or perhaps in a collection, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal Records, created to document the state of structures of neighborhoods in Chicago.
And then there’s the love seen through the dedication and commitment of a researcher, that has become immersed in an archival collection for the love of knowledge, the pursuit of completion and the passion for discovery.
Archives hold more than just memories. They provide the space to explore one's love for history, community and familiarity that librarians and archivists alike hope will continue to inspire generations to come. And please do consider reexploring prior love-themed blog posts from the Archives and Special Collections unit:
If you would like to see any of the items shared in this post or learn more about the library's special collections, feel free to make an appointment, opens a new window.
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