While time traveling old Chicago, as I wont to do, I discovered on an 1886 map, an interesting city block, just east of the south branch of the river, and Archer Avenue; which is now bordered by the streets: Normal, 24th Place and Canal, and on its south side, the Stevenson Expressway.

The map: http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/11064.html
Volume 2 -- plate 19

Shown on the map, within the block, are the words: "Consumer Gas Light & Fuel Company", and an outline of what appears to be two large circles that represent gas holding tanks next to Canal Street (was Hanover St.); and various buildings of the company.

On the 24th Place Street, and near Normal Street (was Butler St.), a canal ends, that connected it to the river, running under a bridge on Archer. The block's southern street boundary is shown as 25th street; which is now part of the Stevenson.

At the SE corner of Canal and 24th place, directly across from the gas holding tanks, is the "St. Anthony Church," and on the NE corner, a "German School."

From my research, I found that St. Anthony of Padua, was built in 1873 to 1879, and had to be moved in 1913, when a railroad right-of -way was widened.

Also, from my research, the "Consumer Gas Light & Fuel Company was incorporated in 1849 was given he exclusive right to manufacture, distribute and sell gas in the city of Chicago . . . and in 1882, the city granted the company the right to construct, maintain and operate gas works within the city; and right to lay mains, feeders and pipes in all avenues, streets and alleys, and public buildings in the city for lighting and fuel purposes."

I do not know when the gas works ended its production of manufactured gas, however, a Google Street View in 2011, now show an high rise apartment building on its old location.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/2013 12:21AM by nordsider.