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222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Filtering by Tag: philanthropist

Rose Fay Thomas

Linda Zabors

Rose Fay Thomas, in 1899, established the Anti-Cruelty Society for the protection and care of animals. It was instrumental in providing services and education, and forwarding legislation against the abuse and maltreatment of stray, domestic, and work animals.

The original Small Animal Shelter was established at 1898 North Clark Street in 1904. It ran an animal rescue, ambulance service, and an animal adoption service. This was the first animal care charity in the country. The Anti-Cruelty Society has been at its current location at Grand Avenue and LaSalle Street since 1907. Rose Fay Thomas was also responsible for having water troughs installed across the city for horses.

She also established the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her husband was Theodore Thomas, the Founder, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Together they produced musical programs for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

Her honorary sign was dedicated for the 125th anniversary of the Anti-Cruelty Society.


Honorary Rose Fay Thomas WAY

West Grand Avenue from North LaSalle Drive to North Clark Street

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 42
Alderman: Brendan Reilly
Neighborhood: West Town

b. September 4, 1952 in Vermont
d. April 19, 1929. Age 76 in Massachusetts

near
Anti-Cruelty Society
510 N. LaSalle


Source

20236444

https://classicchicagomagazine.com/the-woman-who-saved-millions-of-animals/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Fay_Thomas

https://cso.org/experience/article/16552/celebrating-the-anti-cruelty-society-at-125

https://youtu.be/ABqXaO6SOu8?si=2NYShWrRl20mdmVQ

Richard Driehaus

Linda Zabors

Richard Herman Driehaus was one of the most influential people in mutual fund investing. He founded Driehaus Securities in 1979 and Driehaus Capital Management in 1982. He was born and raised in Brainerd neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side, to a family of modest means. He became one of the top financiers and philanthropist in Chicago.

Beauty, harmony, and context are hallmarks of classical architecture, thus fostering communities, enhancing the quality of our shared environment, and developing sustainable solutions through traditional materials.” —Richard H. Driehaus

He, and the Driehaus Foundation, engaged in philanthropy, especially historic preservation, classical architecture, collecting, the arts, and education. The Driehaus Museum is an exceptional mansion restored inside and out to the Guilded Age and a decorative arts. He initiated the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Architecture. Even though he was not an architect, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 from American Institute of Architects. He was also honored with the Order of Lincoln Award in 2017, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Illinois.

Alumnus:
DePaul University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Southeast Junior College
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School


Honorary Richard Driehaus Way

East Erie Street between Wabash Street and Rush Street

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood:

Near the Driehaus Museum
40 East Erie Street

b. July 27, 1942 in Chicago
d. March 9, 2021. Age 78 in Chicago


Source: New York Times Obituary

Driehaus Capital Management, About Richard Driehaus

Dan O'Donnell

Linda Zabors

Dan O’Donnell was the owner of Armitage Hardware and a long time supporter of Irish students. Dan became an owner of Armitage Hardware in 1967. The original store from 1896 had been for general merchandise before it became a hardware store in 1922 under previous owners. Dan and his wife, Kathleen, lived above the store and bought and restored historic properties in the area. The O’Donnell’s quite literally helped rebuild Lincoln Park from a gang ridden, run down neighborhood residential and commercial area, to the beautifully restored and prosperous neighborhood it is today.

He started to employ Irish students who were on work visas and staying at a nearby youth hostel. This became a decades long collaboration; through the years he helped thousands of Irish exchange students with summer employment and housing.

Dan was an invaluable support to the neighborhood residents and businesses. He was the go-to guy and would be found giving words of support or a hand shoveling snow. He would also organize support for the local food pantries, for hurricane relief all over the country, and for medical support for young travelers. Dan offered whatever support he could for anyone in need.

50-Year member of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeview


Honorary Dan O’Donnell Way

900 West Armitage Avenue

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 43
Alderman: Smith
Neighborhood: Old Town

Armitage Hardware
925 W. Armitage Avenue

d. January 19, 2021. Age 80.


Source

DePaul

https://coordinateproperties.com/blog/2021/4/29/april-2021-newsletter

Oprah Winfrey Way

Linda Zabors

Oprah Gail Winfrey was the founder and producer of the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” a nationally syndicated daytime television talk show from 1986 to 2011. She became one of the most influential people in American and one of the wealthiest. She turned the television talk show genre from trash talk into an opportunity for personal development and enrichment for her audience. She interviewed countless celebrities, and boosted the careers of many authors, television stars, and political figures.

She built Harpo Studios in 1990 (Harpo os Oprah spelled backwards). This is where she produced the “Oprah Winfrey Show, “ O Magazine, films, the Oprah’s Book Club, a media empire, and a national treasure. She moved to Chicago to break into television. Before launching her own show she worked for WLS Radio.

alum
East Nashville High School


Honorary Oprrah Winfrey WAY

100 North Carpenter Street
Absent

 

Approved:


Neighborhood: West Loop

b. January 29, 1954 in Mississippi

near
former location of Harpo Studios
1058 W. Washington


Source

https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/oprah-on-cleaning-out-harpo-studios_1

https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/g23067476/oprah-book-club-list/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_opr_ext_comm_org_us_g23067476&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0YGyBhByEiwAQmBEWrZg0qsqJ-JiRrMQOsXr3I3ctXcloJGEMDcCokPNCMFkjiT6hikNAxoCrwsQAvD_BwE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey