You're a smelly onion!

Okay, the Hixx has some major work to do!

I did my section of the river tour this past Saturday and what a rush! I really only learned my section of the tour (we were really supposed to know the whole thing) and the boat lost a motor right as we were pulling out. I had two other people in my practice group, each prepared to give a section of the tour. Well, since the boat lost a motor, the first guy had to talk way too long, so our tour “mentor” said that someone should step up. Well shoot, I really only knew my section! But I’m not one to show fear in a situation where my personality can take me far (most docents are 1,000 years old, my “youth” bodes well for me here) so I hopped up and made the most of what I could. I know buildings, I know how to describe architecture, so I made up some dates and definitely got some information wrong, but all in all it was a total rush to be up there talking on a boat, early in the morning on a beautiful day.

My mentor guy said my presentation was great, really good, that he loved the way I gave the tour, then promised me he wouldn’t tell my tour director (who I’ve talked about before, she’s intense) but that I had some practicing to do. He’s right, they’re all right, and in two weeks we have a Comedy Sportz style test where they’ll stop you mid-sentence and give the mike to someone else who has to start the tour where you left off. So no messing around, I have got to learn this tour.

I can’t believe how much there is to learn. Once I learn one thing, I have to learn a bajillion more things. And philosophically, I have a lot to think about. How do I want to approach this tour? How do I start? They say there’s no “theme” (the walking tours have “themes”, makes it easier), but I say there is. The difference between the buildings on the river vs. the buildings in the heart of the Loop is noticeable, but why? How? When?

I’m starting to think that I’m really going to rely on Burnham and his 1909 plan. So much of what happens along the river is due to him, and then to other planned developments after his.

But shoot, now this means I really need to study the plan, not just kinda know it. And to study that I have to study him, and study more deeply the geographical components, and blah blah blah. I just wish I knew everything already. Because I’m here to tell you now, that once I get this tour the way I want it, its going to be one of the best. But it’s not going to be that until I study every single thing under the sun.

So just for your info, here are some great aids that I could not live without. If you’re interested in Chicago history, turn to these sources:

City of the Century by Donald L. Miller.
What a great, readable, understandable history of Chicago, from the glaciers up till about the 1920’s, this book will tell you everything in a great format. You can just start at the beginning and read it all the way through like a story. Mine is dog-eared and marked within an inch of its life, and I love it. Also, the companion show on PBS is awesome, put it on your Netflix. Seriously.

The Encyclopedia of Chicago
I have the actual encyclopedia, but its online version is to die for. I want to lick the people that put this together.
http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/700011.html

Nature’s Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West by William Cronon
Now granted, I haven’t read this, but every source of everything ever I’ve ever read mentions this book. I’ve just ordered it from Amazon and I can’t wait to dig in. This is by far the most quoted from book I’ve seen around.

Wish me luck everyone. Wish me luck.