John R. Schmidt

Recent stories by this author

The real story of a real O'Leary

Oct. 9, 2012
The Great Chicago Fire really did start in the O'Leary family barn. Here's what happened to one of those O'Learys.

Hollywood's version of the Great Fire

Oct. 8, 2012
The story of the Great Chicago Fire, as told in an epic feature film from Hollywood's Golden Age.

The last years of Chicago streetcars

Oct. 5, 2012
CTA junked the world's largest "green" transit system in the name of progress. Is it time to rethink that decision?

The great years of Chicago streetcars

Oct. 3, 2012
When the trolley car ruled city streets, Chicago had the greatest public transit system in the world.

Chicago's first streetcars

Oct. 2, 2012
Scientific innovation on the Far South Side — it's 1890, and the electric streetcar comes to Chicago.

The Babe calls his shot

Oct. 1, 2012
Eighty years ago today, Babe Ruth hit his most famous home run at Wrigley Field. And after 80 years, it's still the most controversial.

Chicago's greatest golfer

Sep. 28, 2012
Chick Evans was an amateur who beat the best pros--and helped 10,000 caddies go to college.

The very first presidential debate

Sep. 26, 2012
In a Chicago TV studio, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon square off in a historic first: a debate between presidential candidates.

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