Riverside in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Brookfield Zoo

35 Acres of the Zoo are Located in Riverside

Photographed by Sean Flynn

1. Brookfield Zoo in Riverside Marker

Inscription. About the poster: The Federal Arts Project (1935 - 1943) provided employment for artists during the Great Depression and was one of the first U.S. Government programs to support the arts. Poster makers in the program used wood block, silkscreen and lithographic processes to produce functional and striking posters that advertised cultural events and other community activities, and publicized health, safety and educational programs. Included in the travel and tourism topic were posters that ecouraged people to visit the zoo. The poster reproduced here, created for the Brookfield Zoo as part of that WPA program, is now part of the collection of the Library of Congress.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 41° 49.653′ N, 87° 49.195′ W. Marker is in Riverside, Illinois, in Cook County. It is at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Longcommon Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Pine Avenue. The marker is one of many within a covered, open-air building next to the north platform

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(for travel to the south and west) of the Riverside Metra stop. This marker is on the north wall of the structure. Riverside's landmark water tower is across the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 Pine Ave, Riverside IL 60546, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also 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: Riverside (here, next to this marker); Historic Riverside (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Historic Riverside (a few steps from this marker); Riverside, Illinois (a few steps from this marker); Private Albert Edward Moore (within shouting distance of this marker); Reverend Hedley Heber Cooper (within shouting distance of this marker); War Dead of World Wars I and II (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.

Regarding Brookfield Zoo. The Brookfield Zoo is located about three-quarters of a mile west of Riverside's train station. The border between Brookfield and Riverside cuts due north through the eastern portion of Brookfield Zoo. The elements of the zoo within Riverside's village limits include the dolphin shows, the big cats (lions and tigers) and the pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). The Hollywood Metra stop referenced on the sign is about a half-mile south west of the South Gate of Brookfield Zoo.

Riverside Metra north platform image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn

2. Riverside Metra north platform

The Brookfield Zoo marker is just out of the picture, on the right. The platform for travel to the west is immediately outside, and the fully enclosed Riverside station can be seen on the other side of the tracks.

Brookfield Zoo by the "L" image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress, June 1938

3. Brookfield Zoo by the "L"

Another WPA-sponsored artwork from the 1930s promoting the Brookfield Zoo

Riverside Water Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, September 25, 2023

4. Riverside Water Tower

Riverside's landmark water tower is immediately across the street from the structure that houses this historical marker.

Riverside Railroad Depot image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Library of Congress

5. Riverside Railroad Depot

The Riverside Railroad Depot is a national historic landmark. In this 2004 architectural survey, the "East Pavilion" is the open-air structure housing this Brookfield Zoo marker and several others.

The Metra train "Zoo Stop" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, November 20, 2023

6. The Metra train "Zoo Stop"

Pictured here is Metra's Hollywood station, referenced on this marker and located about ¾-mile southwest of the Riverside station. With signs identifying it as the "Zoo Stop," it features an animal statue as well as these zoo-themed concrete shelters on either side. The Hollywood subdivision dates to 1893, when developer Samuel Gross acquired and marketed lots around three stops along the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad line; Hollywood and two other developments became the Village of Brookfield in 1905.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 321 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 26, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 6. submitted on November 22, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.