Chicago's Historic Pullman District (Images of America: Illinois) [Paperback]

Frank Beberdick (Author), Historic Pullman Foundation (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 1998

The town of Pullman, the brainchild of George M. Pullman, began as a small community on the far south side of Chicago. In 1879, Pullman, builder of the well-known Pullman Sleeping Car, purchased land just west of Lake Calumet and surrounding the Illinois Central Railroad, to build his model town in 1880. Pullman was the first planned model industrial town, and its center was Pullman's railroad car business. Employees lived in well-constructed housing on pleasantly landscaped streets, with all the necessary conveniences, including a bank, library, theater, post office, church, parks, and recreational facilities. In fact, Pullman was presented an award for the "World's Most Perfect Town" in 1896.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Historic Pullman Foundation archivist and author Frank Beberdick, a resident of the Pullman community since 1975, has worked with HPF staff and fellow members of the foundation to compile this fascinating photographic account of the community. Beginning with the birth of George Pullman in 1831, this book chronicles the history of the community up to the present. Photographs gathered from the foundation's

archives show the start of both residential and industrial construction. Most of the book consists of photographs, while the accompanying text provides historical explanations that make the book both entertaining and educational. The Historic Pullman Foundation was established in 1973 to carry on the work of preservation and to become an educational resource of the Pullman Historic District. Today, the Hotel Florence (pictured on cover), the Grand Old Lady of Pullman, continues to be a major attraction for visitors to the community.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (October 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738500291
• ISBN-13: 978-0738500294
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #802,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chicago area history, September 4, 2000

By 

Marty Carlassare (Los Angeles, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago's Historic Pullman District (Images of America: Illinois) (Paperback)

"Chicago's, Historic Pullman District" is a compilation of rare photographs that capture the quaintness of this industrial town and era. The construction began in the early 1880's and continues today as restoration. The saga of the Pullman Company and the Pullman family is only a backdrop for the images of this unique town. The industrial, commercial and residential architectural views and the essence of a hard working people establishing a close knit permanent community is captured pictorially throughout the book. The Pullman district has acqired National, State and City Landmark status. The book is a valuable supplement to any tour of the area or any serious research on the history of Chicago.