USEFUL INFORMATION
FUN FACTS
- Chicago's downtown area is known as "The Loop." The nickname refers to the area encircled by the elevated (L') train tracks.
- The game of 16-inch softball, which is played without gloves, was invented in Chicago.
- Walt Disney was born in Chicago in 1901. He studied drawing at Chicago's McKinley High School and the Institute of Fine Arts.
- The Twinkie was invented during the Depression by Chicagoan Jimmy Dewar, at the time, manager of Chicago's Continental Baking Company. The dessert was dubbed "Twinkie" after Dewar spotted an ad for Twinkle Toe Shoes. Originally filled with banana cream, but as they became scarce during WWII, vanilla cream was substituted.
- Frank Sinatra introduced the song, "My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)" in the 1964 Warner Brothers musical "Robin and the Seven Hoods." The song was voted best motion picture song of 1964 by the All American Press Association.
- The first all-colour TV station debuted in Chicago (Channel 5).
- On the night of September 7, 1860, the steamer Lady Elgin collided with the schooner Augusta off the shores of Wilmette. At dawn the following day, Northwestern University student, Edward Spencer, swam through floating wreckage and a turbulent Lake Michigan to rescue 18 people. Because of injuries suffered during his heroic effort, Edward Spencer spent the rest of his life confined to a wheel chair. A plaque in his honour was placed in the gymnasium at Northwestern University.
- Chicago has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris
Green Buildings:
Chicago has more green buildings than any other big U.S. city. Around 300 structures representing 62 per cent of existing commercial space meet either LEED or Energy Star requirements and have been accredited as environmentally responsible designs.
Green Future:
Chicago is taking a stand a worldwide leader in innovative environmental initiatives, with increased green infrastructure being built throughout the city, and a number of energy efficient and renewable energy strategies, such as the Chicago Climate Action Plan and Smart Grid Legislation
