Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is currently celebrating its 150th birthday. It is not only one of the oldest zoos in the country, but one of a few remaining free zoos. It started in 1868 with the gift of two pairs of swans from Central Park in New York City. Much has changed in the 150 years of the zoo’s existence, yet several “then and now” opportunities are still there.
Landmark Cafe
The most noticeable of these is the Landmark Cafe, which was built in 1899 and is located in the heart of the zoo. The first two photos are undated. The Cafe roof can be seen just over the lady’s shoulder in the third photo dated 1905. Click all to enlarge.
Sea Lion Pool
The Sea Lion Pool was built in 1879. Before it was completed, 18 sea lions moved in and then escaped. One ended up in Lake Michigan and the other 17 were found at a Clark Street restaurant!! Understandably, only seals reside there now. The first photo is dated 1889.
Cafe Brauer
Cafe Brauer (aka South Pond Refectory) was built in 1908. From the early 1900s to the 1940s it was one of the most popular restaurants in Chicago. It sat unused for almost 50 years when in 1987 a 4.5 million renovation was completed. The first photo is a 1940’s postcard. and the third photo shows the Great Hall in 1925.
Grant Statue
The Grant Statue was dedicated in 1891 and, while it is located in Lincoln Park, Chicago’s Lincoln Statue is located in Grant Park! The first photo is dated 1892.
The Shakespeare Statue in 1908.
A father and two children at a duck pond in front of the Lion House in 1915. They are gone but the Lion House is still there about to receive a 24 million dollar renovation.
The Lincoln Park Bridge shown in 1905.
