The Life and Times of Hans Christian Andersen

Photographed by Sean Flynn

1. The Life and Times of Hans Christian Andersen Marker

Inscription.

The Life and Times of Hans Christian Andersen. . , Did you know that Oak Park's Andersen Park is named for one of the world's most beloved storytellers? Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author of many fairy tales you likely know., His keen ability to see the world from a child's perspective, even as an adult, makes his stories touch children and grownups alike around the world. Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805, near Copenhagen, Denmark. His parents were not wealthy, his father was a shoemaker and his mother washed clothes for the rich. Hans showed an affinity for the arts at an early age, reading plays and acting them out in a homemade puppet theatre for his family., After his father died when he was 11, Hans had to go to work as an apprentice tailor. At age 14, he decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an actor, with mild success in the theatre. However, it was through the relationships he developed as an actor that Hans was encouraged to start writing. In 1822, he published his first story. In 1835, at the age of 31, his first book of fairy tales was published, including such stories as Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea, and Little Ida's Flowers., Despite his success as an author, Hans was not an especially happy man. He often spoke of feeling like an outsider to both friends and family. He attributed this partly to his gangly appearance, as well as his upbringing as a child of poverty. Many of his stories reflect a theme of feeling isolated or being unfairly judged for perceived differences. The most famous fairy tale that carries this theme is The Ugly Duckling, in which a baby "duckling" is treated poorly for looking different than the other ducks. He then grows up to be a beautiful swan. What lesson do you think is to be learned from the story of The Ugly Duckling?, When he passed away on August 4, 1875, Hans Christian Andersen left a legacy that included novels, essays, poetry and plays, as well as fairy tales that are some of the first stories young children are ever told.

Did you know that Oak Park's Andersen Park is named for one of the world's most beloved storytellers? Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author of many fairy tales you likely know.

His keen ability to see the world from a child's perspective, even as an adult, makes his stories touch children and grownups alike around the world. Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805, near Copenhagen, Denmark. His parents were not wealthy, his father was a shoemaker and his mother washed clothes for the rich. Hans showed an affinity for the arts at an early age, reading plays and acting them out in a homemade puppet theatre for his family.

After his father died when he was 11, Hans had to go to work as an apprentice tailor. At age 14, he decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an actor, with mild success in the theatre. However, it was through the relationships he developed as an actor that Hans was encouraged to start writing. In 1822, he published his first story. In 1835, at the age of 31, his first book of fairy tales was published, including such stories as Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea, and Little Ida's Flowers.

Despite his success as an author, Hans was not an especially happy man. He often spoke of feeling like an outsider to both friends and family. He attributed

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this partly to his gangly appearance, as well as his upbringing as a child of poverty. Many of his stories reflect a theme of feeling isolated or being unfairly judged for perceived differences. The most famous fairy tale that carries this theme is The Ugly Duckling, in which a baby "duckling" is treated poorly for looking different than the other ducks. He then grows up to be a beautiful swan. What lesson do you think is to be learned from the story of The Ugly Duckling?

When he passed away on August 4, 1875, Hans Christian Andersen left a legacy that included novels, essays, poetry and plays, as well as fairy tales that are some of the first stories young children are ever told.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is April 2, 1805.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 41° 54.042′ N, 87° 46.731′ W. Marker was in Oak Park, Illinois, in Cook County. It was on Hayes Street 0.1 miles south of Division Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker stands in front of the fence at Andersen Park along the sidewalk in front of the playground. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 824 Hayes Street, Oak Park IL 60302, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced.

Photographed by Sean Flynn

2. The Life and Times of Hans Christian Andersen Marker

The other two markers (in photos 3 and 4) are out of the picture to the left, along the fence.

This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Greater Chicago.

It was also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: The Life of Hans Christian Andersen (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (a few steps from this marker); Origins of the Literary Fairy Tale (a few steps from this marker); Gold Star Men of the World War (within shouting distance of this marker); Edgar Rice Burroughs House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Taylor Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Henry A. Taylor (approx. 0.4 miles away); Continental Divide (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oak Park.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. This marker and two others nearby were removed during a 2025-26 renovation of Andersen Park and replaced by three signs about Hans Christian Andersen with new wording and styling.

The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (1st of 2) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, 2023

3. The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (1st of 2)

The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (2nd of 2) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, 2023

4. The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (2nd of 2)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.