Hyde Park & The University of Chicago

 On a recent Friday, Dana and I set out to make the most of the vast resources in Chicago. We began in Hyde Park, at the University of Chicago, just blocks from where our great grandmother Dorothea Seery grew up. Frances Vandervoort of the Hyde Park Historical Society invited us to meet at her home, from which she led us to the Regenstein Library. There, Frances helped us get started on our first archival expedition. Her know-how and encouragement continues to fuel us along!
 At the archives, we hoped to find dance or community photographs to help build the Chicago chapter of our ancestors' story. After a few hours of searching through box after box of vintage photos, menus, and other Chicago memorabilia, we found some stunning interior shots of the old Hyde Park Hotel, where Dorothea Seery went dancing in the 1920's. There are still many more boxes to go through... maybe more puzzle pieces will turn up at this archive.
 
 

Dana going through a box, modeling the stylish gloves we wore while searching the archives.



Me, Frances Vandervoort of the Hyde Park Historical Society, and Dana.
Regenstein Library, University of Chicago.