- Urban life from
1910 to 1945 -
Tour by Sites
In this section, you can tour many of the leading shopping and
night spots that captivated Chicagoans during the Jazz Age. Most
sections contain citywide directories and a selection of more detailed
histories. Special attention has been given to those sites located in
of near the city's largest business and entertainment districts.
Department
Stores
Chicago's department stores anchored many neighborhood business
districts. Among them were Marshall Field's, Carson Pirie Scott,
Mandel Brothers, The Fair, Wieboldt's, and Goldblatt's. 
Movie
Theaters
Every neighborhood had its local movie house, but only the
busiest areas sported lavish movie palaces. The Oriental, the Uptown,
the Tivoli, the Paradise, and the Granada were among the grandest.
Dance
Halls
The popularity of jazz occasioned a resurgance of public dancing
in Chicago and prompted the opening of several large dance halls
throughout the city. Hipsters preferred the Arcadia and the Paradise
while middle-class teens enjoyed the fancier Aragon and Trianon
ballrooms.
Hotels
During the first half of the twentieth century, Chicago's hotels
were more than a place to sleep. Because they also housed restaurants
and dance clubs, establishments like the Morrison, the LaSalle, and
the Palmer House were exceptionally popular night spots.
Parks
and Beaches
Daytime pleasure, particularly during the summer months, was
most easily had at the city's many municipal beaches and public parks.
Private amusement beaches, like the Wilson Avenue Beaches, and
amusement parks, such as the South Side's radiant White City, offered
evening activities as well.
Transport
Facilities
Chicago was on the move during the Jazz Age, as residents and
out-of-towners criss-crossed the city to locate the trendiest night
spots and the most fashionable shopping areas. The city's bustling
network of streetcars, elevated railroads, and monumental train
stations helped make the new consumer culture possible.
Bookstore
Learn more about the best books about Chicago history in the
Bookstore.
Research Guide
The Chicago History Research Guide offers helpful suggestions for
those who want to do further research on the city's past.
Loop Elevated, Wabash Avenue and Van Buren Street, c1910