Explore Chicagoland’s rich industrial past with Barbara Barrett. Discover the iconic companies and products that made the region a global manufacturing powerhouse from 1872 to 1972.
For much of the 20th century, Chicagoland was the manufacturing capital of the world! More appliances, bicycles, candy, clothing, electronics, furniture, musical instruments, office equipment, pinball machines, toys, tools, tractors, watches, etc. were mass-produced in the Chicago area than anywhere else on the planet. Come explore and celebrate Chicagoland’s proud industrial history and many of its famous companies such as International Harvester, Pullman, Western Electric, Schwinn, Elgin Watch, Fannie May, Tootsie Roll, Florsheim, Lyon and Healy, Sunbeam, Radio Flyer, and Motorola to name just a few.
Armchair Travels is generously funded with a gift from the Rutherford Family Trust.
From the south: Go north on Green Bay Road. Turn left on Wilmette Ave. Turn right on Park Ave. Library is located on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. Parking lot is on the north side of the building.
From the north: Go south on Green Bay Road. Turn right on Wilmette Ave. Turn right on Park Ave. Library is located on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. Parking lot is on the north side of the building.
From I-94 (Edens Expressway):from the South - exit at Lake Ave. East. Go east on Lake Ave. a little over 2 miles. Turn right on Park Ave. • from the North - exit at Rt. 41/Skokie Blvd. Turn left (east) on Lake Ave. Go east on Lake Ave. a little over 2 miles. Turn right on Park Ave.
Mass transit options include CTA, Metra, and Pace.
