The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens
In Grant Park
— “Forever Open, Clear and Free” —
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011
1. Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens Marker
Inscription.
Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens. In Grant Park. Aaron Montgomery Ward had a vision for Chicago’s lakefront that set him apart from most of his contemporaries. For two decades (1890-1910),he fought tirelessly to preserve Chicago’s lake shore as an open space and assure the city’s “front yard” would remain free and clear, providing magnificent views and recreational opportunities to all of its citizens. Grant Park is his legacy to the city he loved... his gift to the future.
Aaron Montgomery Ward had a vision for Chicago’s lakefront that set him apart from most of his contemporaries. For two decades (1890-1910),he fought tirelessly to preserve Chicago’s lake shore as an open space and assure the city’s “front yard” would remain free and clear, providing magnificent views and recreational opportunities to all of its citizens. Grant Park is his legacy to the city he loved... his gift to the future.
Location. 41° 52.159′ N, 87° 37.419′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. Marker is at the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and East 11th Street on South Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1103 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2016
5. Aaron Montgomery Ward 1972 bust by Milton Horn
Photographed By Montgomery Ward & Co., 1922
6. A. Montgomery Ward
This photo of A. Montgomery Ward appeared in the 1922 Montgomery Ward & Co. “Golden Jubalee” Catalog.
“There is no one word that fully describes him. If we were compelled to use only one word it would perhaps be "character." Montgomery Ward saw his great·
work in life. With his rich mind and steadfastness of purpose he could have succeeded in almost any line of business. It happened that he knew farmers and loved them. He understood the hardships they endured and under which they labored. He saw their unending battle to bring a livelihood from the soil.
Montgomery Ward brought the markets to them. His character showed through in every circular he mailed. in every transaction he entered. in everything he did. He succeeded because he was worthy because worthy people believed him implicitly and never had occasion to doubt his honesty and sincerity of purpose.” — Montgomery Ward Catalog, 1922 (Internet Archive)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,045 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5, 6. submitted on November 21, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.