John F. Hogan Livres

Contaminated drinking water killed thousands of Chicago's original citizens, so the city took the unprecedented step of digging a tunnel two miles long and 30 feet below lake bottom. Since the facilities on shore included an unsightly 138-foot vertical pipe, famed architect William Boyington concealed it with a limestone, castle-like tower that soon became a celebrated landmark. Through the first 150 years of its existence, Chicago's iconic Water Tower has survived the Great Fire--the only public structure in the burn zone to do so--and at least four attempts at demolition. John Hogan pays tribute to the beloved monument that accompanied the evolution of Michigan Avenue from cowpath to Magnificent Mile.

"The Ogden Gas Affair represented the biggest political scandal of Chicago's first sixty years. Mayor John P. Hopkins and Democratic Party boss Roger Sullivan conspired with ten other insiders to form a dummy corporation to blackmail Peoples Gas Company. The scam poured money into coffers of beneficiaries who were never prosecuted, including the governor of Illinois, John P. Altgeld. As their lengthy swindle ran its course, Hopkins and Sullivan rubbed elbows with the most notorious grafters of the robber baron era, including Charles Yerkes and "Big Bill: Thompson." -- From cover

The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. It reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting important literature by making it accessible in high-quality, modern editions that remain true to the original text.

The book explores the Memorial Day Massacre of 1937, a pivotal event in American labor history where police violently confronted picketers at Republic Steel's South Chicago plant, resulting in ten deaths and numerous injuries. It delves into the chaotic aftermath, highlighting the conflicting conclusions drawn from local and congressional investigations. Through extensive research, John Hogan presents insights from various perspectives, including union leaders and a long-hidden National Guard observer, shedding light on this tragic confrontation and its historical significance.

In 1855, Chicago's mayor Levi Boone enacted a law banning Sunday alcohol sales, provoking the German community. This led to the Chicago Lager Riot, where an armed mob clashed with authorities, resulting in one death and many injuries. The authors explore the riot's impact on policing and political alliances, including Lincoln's rise.