Rita's Entry: Wednesday, April 5, 1911
Orchestra practice at 9:30. Hard work as usual. Am to go for rehearsal Friday at 11 and then play for matinee on Saturday. Walked down to L with my young friend - I must learn his name. Read and sewed. Practiced.
IN RITA'S DAY: The "L" consisted of four different lines and the Chicago Loop that enabled people to get to the down town areas (see postcard above with the Art Institute in the background). In 1911 an informal alliance of the four lines began, but not until the summer. They were more officially joined in 1913. One of the most interesting characters in the development was Charles Yerkes, who was a jerk. He is the poster boy for the robber barons of the time period (see below). Although he died in 1905, his influence lived on since he was responsible for the Chicago Loop. It is sort of ironic since he didn't want elevated trains and he grew to hate Chicago. He was involved in blackmail, bribes and every sort of illegal manipulation. He kept himself out of prison by getting the dirt on politicians. He moved to one of the Dakotas so he could divorce his wife of 22 years to marry a 24-year-old.
TODAY: The elevated trains in Chicago are still a great way to get around. One of the original cars (probably like the one Rita used) is on display in a Chicago museum (see below). As for Yerkes, they named a crater on the moon for him. I don't know why...
Judy's Entry: Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Spent the morning at the senior center, singing and doing zumba. After lunch I went to the book barn to look for decorating books. While I was gone, Mom had a visit with several Jehovah Witnesses who came to the door. Starting to organize pictures and color samples for my daughter's new home.
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