For much of the second half of the 19th century, Chicago was the world's fastest-growing city. Congestion became a problem. Only the wealthy could afford horse-and-buggy, so need for public transportation grew. Chicago was considered a place where the future was unfolding, so many inventors arrived and experimentation ensued. Monorails, street cars and moving walkways were among the possible options being suggested to the city. New industrial technologies clashed with old as people debated whether it was better to go with horse drawn options, or move forward with passenger cars that ran on steam engines, pneumatic power, gas motors, electricity, batteries, compressed air and so on. The most popular idea stemmed from the successful run of the Columbian Intramural Railway that was erected for the 1893 World's Fair. It was elevated, which alleviated street congestion, and the trackside third-rail electrical power system provided better heat in the winter as well as lighted cars for passengers. Private companies bid for city franchises to build the tracks through the city owned alleys, thus circumventing necessary paperwork to gain permission to build in front of private homes. Branching from downtown to the various outlying neighborhoods, the elevated trains were able to carry people further across the city than the streetcars, avoided street level congestion and could run uninterrupted between stops, unlike street cars which had to stop for cross-traffic. This made commuting quicker and easier. The "EL" lines were bought back by the city after several franchise owners were indicted for corruption. Although the locals refer the entire railway as the "EL," much of it does include subways under downtown Chicago, rails in some highway medians, and ground level tracks. Vogue Fabrics' flagship store in Evanston is easily accessed via the "EL." When you visit Chicago, please hop on the Red & Purple Lines going north, and exit at Main Street. Our 28,000 square foot department store of fashion fabrics is just half a block west of the tracks.
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Summer 2010 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Summer 2010 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
