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Image for event: Lost Chicago Department Stores

Register 116 Seats Remaining

Lost Chicago Department Stores

Presented by Leslie Goddard
2025-06-25 19:00:00 2025-06-25 20:00:00 America/Chicago Lost Chicago Department Stores Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Wednesday, June 25
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-25 19:00:00 2025-06-25 20:00:00 America/Chicago Lost Chicago Department Stores Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

For decades, Chicago was home to some of America's grandest department stores. 


Clustered along a mile-long stretch of State Street, stores like Marshall Field's; Carson, Pirie, Scott; Sears; Wieboldt's; Montgomery Ward's; and Goldblatt's set new standards for retail innovation, customer service and visual display. Generations of Chicagoans trekked to these stores for holiday shopping, celebrations, and fun. 


In this illustrated lecture, historian and author Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., revisits Chicago's fabulous retail emporiums and explores their rise and fall. 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | History | Cultural |

Des Plaines Public Library
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Phone: (847) 827-5551
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Mon, May 05 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, May 06 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, May 07 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, May 08 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, May 09 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Sat, May 10 9:00AM to 5:00PM
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About

The 1501 Ellinwood Street library building is the realization of a longheld dream of the library board, staff and community partners. Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, the four story, 82,000 square foot building represents the community's commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and a center for family activities. A grand central staircase and large windows provide a wealth of natural light and illuminate the building at night.

Upcoming events

Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival
Wed, May 07, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Japan has been a fascinating tourist attraction for decades. Educator Yvonne Wolf will give a brief overview of Japan and welcome Spring the Japanese way, through the cherry blossom festivals.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Friday Night Films - September 5
Fri, May 09, 6:30pm - 8:10pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of an international, independent or documentary film.
Yin Yoga
Sat, May 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
This event is full
Staging and Preparing Your Home for the Summer Market
Sat, May 10, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
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Teen Take & Make - DIY Suncatcher
Mon, May 12, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, May 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion - Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Tue, May 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Poverty: A Discussion with Matthew Desmond
Tue, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join bestselling author Matthew Desmond in conversation with award-winning journalist, Natalie Moore.
Happy Notes
Wed, May 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making uplifting cards for hospitalized kids! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
Big Bold Perennials - Presented by Heather Prince
Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Discover how to add height and drama into your garden with big, bold, bodacious perennials.
20s & 30s Book Club - Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Wed, May 14, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, May 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting where teens plan programs and participate in library events while making new friends.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Film Screening - A Complete Unknown
Sat, May 17, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the feature film A Complete Unknown.
Teen Take & Make - DIY Suncatcher
Mon, May 19, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Happy Tails
Wed, May 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
All furry pets deserve to play in style! Join us as we make a posh no-sew fleece tug toy for a pup or feline in need and earn service hours. For teens in grades 7-12.
Adult Board Game Night
Wed, May 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Meet fellow board gamers! Play our games or bring your own.
Thursday Evening Book Discussion - Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Thu, May 22, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room C
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature
Wed, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Learn how animals and plants are being studied to solve today's problems.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Rescheduled
Yin Yoga
Fri, May 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New date Saturday, May 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
Let's Learn Mahjong - two-part workshop
Tue, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
This Mahjong workshop introduces participants to the traditional game of Mahjong and its benefits. An experienced instructor will cover the basic rules, strategies, and hands-on practice.
Pink Pony Club Karaoke Night
Wed, Jun 04, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A 20's and 30's event. Before you can say "Good luck, babe," come sing to cause a scene at our Pink Pony Club themed karaoke night! Must be 21+.
SAT Practice Test
Sat, Jun 07, 9:00am - 1:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
Find out your starting score and identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking the SAT Practice Test presented by iAchieve Learning.
Life Drawing at the Library 2025 - Now in the Canvas
Sat, Jun 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Canvas
Learn to draw the human body with a clothed model, located in The Canvas on the 4th floor. Drop in with no registration required; open to adults, seniors, and teens.  
Yin Yoga
Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion - Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein
Tue, Jun 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago Presents - King Lear
Mon, Jun 16, 6:15pm - 9:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago presents a theatrical reading of Willliam Shakespeare's King Lear
Walk & Talk: Animal Tracks & Habitats
Wed, Jun 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library
Join us on a "Walk & Talk" program with the Forest Preserves of Cook County!
Pre-Civil War Quilts: - Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
Wed, Jun 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Connie Martin presents a slide program about Pre-Civil War quilts and their significance to the freedom of slaves through the Underground Railroad.
Rescheduled
Yin Yoga
Wed, Jun 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New date Saturday, June 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
Film Screening - The Brutalist
Sat, Jun 21, 12:45pm - 4:15pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
jA free screening of a feature film The Brutalist.
Lost Chicago Department Stores - Presented by Leslie Goddard
Wed, Jun 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Slide presentation by Leslie Goddard about Chicago's lost department stores.
See all events