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

Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens

In Grant Park

— “Forever Open, Clear and Free” —

Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

1. Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens Marker

Inscription. Aaron Montgomery Ward had a vision for Chicago’s lakefront that set him apart from most of his contemporaries. For two decades (1890-1910),he fought tirelessly to preserve Chicago’s lake shore as an open space and assure the city’s “front yard” would remain free and clear, providing magnificent views and recreational opportunities to all of its citizens. Grant Park is his legacy to the city he loved... his gift to the future.

Erected 1993.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 14, 1892.

Location. 41° 52.159′ N, 87° 37.419′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is at the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and East 11th Street on South Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1103 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605, 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: 910 South Michigan (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John A. Logan (about 500 feet away); Central Station Fragments (about 500 feet away); The Blues Trail: Mississippi to Chicago

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(about 500 feet away); Crane Company Building (about 600 feet away); Ludington Building (about 700 feet away); Johnson Publishing Company Building (about 700 feet away); Fairbanks Morse & Company Building (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Additional keywords. gardens

Bust of Aaron Montgomery Ward image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

2. Bust of Aaron Montgomery Ward

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

3. Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens Marker

Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

4. Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens

Aaron Montgomery Ward<br>1972 bust by Milton Horn image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2016

5. Aaron Montgomery Ward
1972 bust by Milton Horn

A. Montgomery Ward image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Montgomery Ward & Co., 1922

6. A. Montgomery Ward

This photo of A. Montgomery Ward appeared in the 1922 Montgomery Ward & Co. “Golden Jubalee” Catalog.

“There is no one word that fully describes him. If we were compelled to use only one word it would perhaps be "character." Montgomery Ward saw his great· work in life. With his rich mind and steadfastness of purpose he could have succeeded in almost any line of business. It happened that he knew farmers and loved them. He understood the hardships they endured and under which they labored. He saw their unending battle to bring a livelihood from the soil.

Montgomery Ward brought the markets to them. His character showed through in every circular he mailed. in every transaction he entered. in everything he did. He succeeded because he was worthy because worthy people believed him implicitly and never had occasion to doubt his honesty and sincerity of purpose.” — Montgomery Ward Catalog, 1922 (Internet Archive)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,428 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5, 6. submitted on November 21, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.