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John R. Schmidt

History blogger John R. Schmidt says goodbye.
How short-sighted planning lead to traffic headaches—and what can be done about it.
Two views of 18th Street: from 1947 and 2013.
A teenage prodigy launches a legendary career close to Chicago.
Two views of a Roseland street scene, 1955 and 2013.
The colorful story of a West Side community that’s “only five miles from the Loop.”
Two views of a North Side location, 65 years apart.
When bowling was big, there was no bigger bowler than Chicago’s Paul Krumske. Just ask Jerry Lewis.
Two views of a city intersection, 57 years apart.
The most famous Lone Ranger returns to his hometown—but the bad guys are waiting for him.
The story of the little community on the city’s far Southwest corner.
Nobody could lay a finger on Chicago’s leading citizen--until the tax man got on him.
Back to earth a year later, the location of yesterday’s mystery photo is revealed.
If you were an airplane pilot in 1933, could you find your way around Chicago?
A distinguished political career is launched in a Gold Coast townhouse—the Chicago way.
The story of a flamboyant Chicagoan and his South Side mansion.
How well did you find your way around 1939 Chicago? We reveal yesterday’s mystery location.
Think you know the location of this 1939 photo? It’s within three miles of State and Madison.