Former Dutch Reformed Church, 1887 – Lillydale Progressive MB since 1971
Ninety-two Chicago area locations from Edna Ferber’s story of Selina Peake who makes her own way in the turn of the century Dutch community of Roseland.
Fellow readers of Edna Ferber’s So Big (1924) can use this map as a companion to visualize the events as they read and as a guide to see the places for themselves. Sixty markers and counting have original CBA pictures of the place or nearby contemporary buildings. Historic photos or maps illustrate those buildings that no longer exist. Included for each marker is the chapter of the story in which it is found, a quote of text referring to the location, and a link to more information for the curious or forgetful (me).
Some topics in So Big:
- 19th century Chicago theater and gambling
- Dutch communities of the Chicago area
- Early 20th century immigrant/migrant communities
- A certain title character’s opinion on contemporary architecture
An alphabetical list of all the sites is located below the map. A click on the list will jump you to its location on the map.
This map is just one layer of many on The Map, where you can plan your own ride, run, or walk. Also, you can contact CBA for a custom guided ride that includes some of these sights and for gift certificates for the cyclists in your life.
Sources: So Big (Edna Thurber, 1924), Encyclopedia of Chicago, Chicagology, Chicago Public Library, Chuckman’s Photos, Pullman History Museum, icons by Icons8