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

A Historical Vision Realized

Chicago Park District Natural Areas

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 23, 2025

1. A Historical Vision Realized Marker

Inscription. The image depicts a plan for Rutherford Sayre Park that renowned landscape architect, Jens Jensen, created in 1909. Jensen, who was born in Denmark, immigrated to the United States in 1884 and found his way to Chicago to work for what was then known as the city's West Park Commission. A predecessor of neighborhood park districts that would eventually be consolidated with others across the city to create the Chicago Park District, the West Park Commission was responsible for developing and maintaining parks on Chicago's West Side.

As Superintendent of the West Park Commission, Jensen illustrated his vision for Rutherford Sayre Park, which included native plants and trees as well as a pond in a low lying area of the property. Jensen's vision is being realized through the Rutherford Sayre Natural Area, where native species abound and wetland habitat is being established in the area he designated as a pond.

Erected by Chicago Park District.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Immigration • Parks & Recreational Areas.

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In addition, it is included in the Jens Jensen series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 41° 55.197′ N, 87° 47.888′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Galewood. It is on Shakespeare Street east of Newland Avenue, on the right. The marker is on the western side of the Rutherford Sayre Park Natural Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elmwood Park IL 60707, 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: Rutherford Sayre Natural Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Habitat Types (within shouting distance of this marker); Rutherford Sayre Nature Garden and Natural Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Plants Reduce Flooding

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 23, 2025

2. A Historical Vision Realized Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Montclare World War I Honor Roll (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Rutherford Sayre Natural Area (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Miracle House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Elmwood Park Peace Officer Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Chicago Park District: Rutherford Sayre Park Natural Area. (Submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Jens Jensen. A bio on the National Park Service website looks at Jens Jensen's career and impact, which included efforts to protect the Indiana Dunes. (Submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Map on the A Historical Vision Realized Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 23, 2025

3. Map on the A Historical Vision Realized Marker

The modern Sayre Park also includes the land (partially covered by Jensen's photo) to the northeast, up to the intersection of Belden and Oak Park (called 68th Avenue in that old map).

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.