Openings

  

The two grand openings I attended and remember most were the Treasure Island Grocery on Cornelia and Broadway and the Harold Washington Library on South State Street.

Treasure Island made it a party.  There was a whale for the kids to climb on and admire.  Workers were dressed up like pirates.  Best of all, the food was so much more interesting than from other stores in the neighborhood.  Over the years, they opened up several locations so  there was always a Treasure Island nearby.  I heard that a family feud caused trouble and Treasure Island eventually closed.

The Library opening told another story.  There had been a competition for the design.  I absolutely don’t know who could have chosen the ugly, out-dated structure that was built.  I’d like to think that Harold Washington would have preferred something more sleek bearing his name. This is Chicago!  We take pride in our architecture!

I guess the Library was in a hurry or ran out of money because the inside had no decoration.  But there was a lovely sun filled room on the top floor and a comfortable auditorium below.  Of course, there were books on the shelves so I guess that’s what counts most.  

The Chicago Public Library system is the most well run organization in the city. Bravo!