17 West Adams Street by Chipka
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Description
I have a long history with a particular Chicago landmark. During my years at Columbia College, Chicago—first as a student, and then as a part-time employee—I’d fallen in love with the Berghoff restaurant. Recognized as an “authentic” German beer hall, the Berghoff was opened in 1898 by Herman Joseph Berghoff. I didn’t know very much about him. I knew that he had brothers and that they started brewing beer that was pretty good in that European beer sort of way. In short, it was excellent! Almost as good as that Czech stuff. The thing is, Berghoff Beer was first brewed in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The surprising thing is my actual, tenuous connection to the Berghoff family…well, at least to good old Herman. I lived in Dortmund, Germany for three months, and Herman Berghoff was originally from Dortmund. I’ve been to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and parts of Dortmund are rather frighteningly like Fort Wayne, Indiana…only in German. They have a good zoo in Dortmund, and a pretty swanky airport too: the security personnel are quite efficient and quite cute (with their Euro-sleek haircuts and cheekbones of death.) They serve Czech beer there, and I think it’s immensely ironic that I met Czech people in Dortmund, but that no one in Dortmund really knew anything about Berghoff Beer (a big deal in these Chicago-parts of the world.) Now that I’m back in Chicago, I get email—quite regularly—from friends in Dortmund, and they’re only moderately interested in even seeing Chicago. Admittedly, a trans-Atlantic flight would be a bit expensive for them, and as I think more and more about it, why would they come all the way from Germany just to drink German beer originally brewed by an expatriate of their own city? Actually when I try to answer that question, my mind goes into boggle-mode. And now, I wonder, if/when I return to Dortmund (my paltry DVD collection is there) will I somehow be reminded of the Berghoff Restaurant and Berghoff Beer? Only time will tell.
I took this picture yesterday, I think…or the day before. I was on Adams street, heading back to Corey’s place to help him remain sane in the face of…well…lets just say that recovery would be easier without construction workers who only work when one is trying to sleep. I’m always amazed at how Adams Street looks and so as I was ON Adams street (with my camera) I decided to scare the kind people at a big chain drug store and stand in their revolving door and nab this shot of their neighbor across the street.
I like this shot and the mood of it, and I hope you enjoy it as well. And as always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re having a great week. Corey sends his regards as well, and when he’s more sufficiently rested and recovered, he’ll be back to posting and commenting, as will I. Hopefully, I can do a bit of catching up, but as things are a bit busy, it might be a moment before I can get to everyone’s galleries, but rest assured, I see and I enjoy quite a lot in those times when I’m bopping back and forth from the computer.
Comments (23)
NefariousDrO
Hey, I've been there! Every once in a while I recognize some of the places in your shots of Chicago, but this is the first time that I think I may have actually stood in the same place you took this shot, even. What a weird feeling that is, too. All that aside, I love the light in this, and the color on those buildings. Lovely shot!
danapommet
Super capture and outstanding narrative. Dana
MagikUnicorn Online Now!
Sweet shot
jocko500
very wonderful to see history
Wolfmanw
Wonderful Capture
Digitaleagle
Love the mood of this shot, wonderful POV and detial awesome lighting!
lick.a.witch
I know nothing about beer - save that hops are in there somewhere - yeast too, I believe, but I do know what I like, and I really like this. I love arched windows. Even in a modern building they give a depth not there where the sharpened corners of the more prevalent squared variety abound. They are also inviting.... Constuction workers; I know a wonderful chap who will do anything for a croissant! Need the plug pulled?? ^=^ Super capture Chip!
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
durleybeachbum
Such an attractive scene! I love that style and buildings that are still human in scale. A superb image, and so glad you weren't whisked off by the door, although that might have made a great shot!
flavia49
splendi image!! I love the vividness of hue and the story!
MrsRatbag
And my connection to this is that I actually had dinner there once when meeting up with some friends in Chicago, so I have stood where you stood to take this shot. Excellent capture!
helanker
Another excellent and amusing narrative and a beautiful picture for our joy. Thanks for sharing both :-)
lucindawind
fantastic colours and shot !
MrsLubner
Stunning. The warmth of the color brings out the warmth of the age. Very appealing.
Meisiekind
I'm pretty sure I would like the Berghoff too. I like German beer and German food... Make a mental note to make sure we go there should I see you guys early nxt yeatr!! Stunning shot Chip!
RodS Online Now!
Excellent shot, my friend! I love all the little details in the buildings, and even the reflections in the windows. And the colors are just delightful! Outstanding, Chip!
minos_6
It's nice to see more traditional buildings still able to compete with modern architecture. Here we have particularly warm colours next to the glass and steel neighbour - an attractive contrast. We need some better beers in London. Maybe I should sample some Chicago-German (Chicaman?) beer - could you send me a case over? ......
sandra46
I LOVE IT! GREAT IMAGE!!
Orinoor
In many ways, the world is such a small place and everyone seems to know everyone else. I'm fond of very dark beer, but any story about beer catches my attention and the photo of the building is so very right for your description. I love your tales, it always brings so much more to the picture, with history and character.
beachzz
Your fotos do always trigger such amazing reactions; we all seem to have some connection to each of them in some odd way. This time I really don't, except to know that I sure would LIKE to be there, try that beer and stand in that same spot.
myrrhluz
Excellent POV, color, and light! I love all the reflections in the near windows! Very interesting narrative. Noisy construction! Just what Corey needs! I hope they go against the norm and complete their work quickly.
sawade
Hi Chip, a wonderful impression of an old street and I think, a modern Charles Dickens would write some cruel stories of her inhabitants, all the best Bernd
KateBlack10
Really nice shot - looks like it could be in Germany or maybe even Fort Wayne, ha :)