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

The Honorable Joanne H. Alter

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

1. The Honorable Joanne H. Alter Marker

Inscription. Joanne H. Alter was elected Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and served with distinction from 1972 until 1990. Commissioner Alter’s vision for improvement in the Chicago River led to the revitalization of the entire river system. She, Commissioner Gloria Alitto Majewski and a Centennial Committee helped organize the District’s Centennial Anniversary Celebration, which included the creation of the Centennial Fountain on the north bank of the Chicago River at McClurg Court. The fountain was completed in 1989 to mark the one hundred years of the District protecting the water environment.
An ardent environmentalist, Commissioner Alter worked to beautify the District’s land holdings and water reclamation plants with flowers and native grasses. This spot, on the river she treasures, in the city she loves, is dedicated to Commissioner Joanne H. Alter by her grateful colleagues on the Board of Commissioners in the year 2005.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Board of Commissioners Terrance J. O’Brien, President; Kathleen Terese Meany, Vice President; Gloria

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Allito Majewski, Chairman of Finance; Frank Avila; James C. Harris, Barbara J. McGowan; Cynthia M. Santos; Patricia Young; Harry “Bus” Yourell

Erected 2005 by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.

Location. 41° 53.279′ N, 87° 37.055′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It can be reached from Chicago Riverwalk. This markers is located on the Chicago Riverwalk trail next to the Chicago River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Chicago River Walk, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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

The Chicago River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

2. The Chicago River

The marker is in the shadows next to the metal railing.

of this marker: World War II Submarine Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago Submarine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago's Early Settlers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Firefighter Walter Watroba (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chicago River 2000 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chicago Riverwalk 2000 (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Branch of the Chicago River 2000 (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Great Chicago Fire (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, across the Chicago River from the marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton

3. The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, across the Chicago River from the marker.

The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain and its hourly spray into the Chicago River. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton

4. The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain and its hourly spray into the Chicago River.

The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton

5. The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain.

Joanne Alter Marker, 2024 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 10, 2024

6. Joanne Alter Marker, 2024

The 2024 location of the Joanne Alter plaque, which was moved a short distance away from the river, to a new concrete bench, after the World War II Submarine Memorial was installed in 2019.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,012 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 7, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on September 11, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.