Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Overton Hygienic Building
Chicago Landmark
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021
1. Overton Hygienic Building Marker
Overton Hygienic Building
Built 1922-23
Built as the headquarters for the Overton Hygienic Co., one of the nation's foremost producers of African-American cosmetics, this structure also housed the Victory Life Insurance Company and Douglass National Bank, the first nationally chartered, African American-owned bank. Offices on the second floor were rented to area physicians, lawyers, music producers and architects. One of nine structures in the Black Metropolis Bronzeville Historic District.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list.
Location. 41° 49.739′ N, 87° 37.579′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South State Street south of East 35th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3619-27 South State Street, Chicago IL 60609, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chicago Bee Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eugene Temple (about 400 feet away); Casmere Lazzeroni (about 500 feet
this page online
Also see . . . Overton Hygienic Building. National Park Service website entry:
"The Overton Hygienic Building was one of the most important places in Chicagos African American community, known as the Black Metropolis. Established by the beginning of the 20th century, this commercial district developed in response to the restrictions and exploitation Black residents experienced in the rest of the city."(Submitted on August 30, 2021.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 2021
2. Overton Hygienic Building Marker - entrance view
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021
3. Overton Hygienic Building Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here mounted to the exterior, just to the left of the entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 628 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 30, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on August 30, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
