Cornutes United and Growing—2015

CHICAGO, IL— “It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago. She outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them.” — Mark Twain, 1883

Chicago was only 46 years old when Mark Twain wrote those words, but it had already grown more than 100-fold, from a small trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River into one of the nation’s largest cities, and it wasn’t about to stop. Over the next 20 years, it would quadruple in population, amazing the rest of the world with its ability to repeatedly reinvent itself.

And it still hasn’t stopped. Today, Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, has become a global city, a thriving center of international trade and commerce, and a place where people of every nationality come to pursue the American dream.

As a multicultural city that thrives on the harmony and diversity of its neighborhoods, Chicago today embodies the values of America’s heartland-integrity, hard work and community and reflects the ideals in the social fabric of its 77 distinct neighborhoods. Chicago is home to: 237 square miles of land; an estimated three million people; dozens of cultural institutions, historical sites and museums; more than 200 theaters; nearly 200 art galleries; more than 7,300 restaurants; 77 community areas containing more than 100 neighborhoods; 26 miles of lakefront; 15 miles of bathing beaches; 36 annual parades; 19 miles of lakefront bicycle paths; 552 parks; and United States President Barack Obama.

Chicago is recognized across the United States as a very passionate sports town. The city is home to two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams: the Chicago Cubs of the National League (NL), who play in Wrigley Field on the North Side; and the Chicago White Sox of the American League (AL), who play in U.S. Cellular Field on the South Side; the Chicago Bears, one of the last two remaining charter members of the National Football League (NFL), who play in Soldier Field; the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most recognized basketball teams in the world, who play at the United Center; the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) began play in 1926, and are one of the “Original Six” teams of the National Hockey League (NHL)and also plays at the United Center; the Chicago Fire Soccer Club is a member of Major League Soccer (MLS) and plays at Toyota Park in suburban Bridgeview; and the Chicago Sky is a professional basketball team based in Rosemont, Illinois, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and play their home games at the Allstate Arena.

Early Chicago

Chicago’s first permanent resident was a trader named Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a free black man apparently from Haiti, who came here in the late 1770s. In 1795, the U.S. government built Fort Dearborn at what is now the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive (look for the bronze markers in the pavement). It was burned to the ground by Native Americans in 1812, rebuilt and demolished in 1857.

A Trading Center

Incorporated as a city in 1837, Chicago was ideally situated to take advantage of the trading possibilities created by the nation’s westward expansion. The completion of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in 1848 created a water link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, but the canal was soon rendered obsolete by railroads. Today, 50 percent of U.S. rail freight continues to pass through Chicago, even as the city has become the nation’s busiest aviation center, thanks to O’Hare and Midway International airports.

The Great Fire of 1871

As Chicago grew, its residents took heroic measures to keep pace. In the 1850s, they raised many of the streets five to eight feet to install a sewer system – and then raised the buildings, as well. Unfortunately, the buildings, streets and sidewalks were made of wood, and most of them burned to the ground in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Chicago Fire Department training academy at 558 W. DeKoven St. is on the site of the O’Leary property where the fire began. The Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station at Michigan and Chicago avenues are among the few buildings to have survived the fire.

“The White City”

Chicago rebuilt quickly. Much of the debris was dumped into Lake Michigan as landfill, forming the underpinnings for what is now Grant Park, Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. Only 22 years later, Chicago celebrated its comeback by holding the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, with its memorable “White City.” One of the Exposition buildings was rebuilt to become the Museum of Science and Industry. Chicago refused to be discouraged even by the Great Depression. In 1933 and 1934, the city held an equally successful Century of Progress Exposition on Northerly Island.

Hull House

In the half-century following the Great Fire, waves of immigrants came to Chicago to take jobs in the factories and meatpacking plants. Many poor workers and their families found help in settlement houses operated by Jane Addams and her followers. Her Hull House Museum is located at 800 S. Halsted St.

The Reunion

This historical city was the backdrop for Cornute Family Reunion – 2015: United and Growing which got under way Thursday night July 30th with the “Early Bird Hangout” event held at Cenita’s – Chairman of the Chicago Reunion Committee – house. The Early Bird Hangout allowed family members to relax a bit from their hectic travels, socialize with some new and old family, find their family lines on the family tree banner all while enjoying some good ole eat, drink and be merry Chicago hospitality.

A great time was had by all throughout the evening and the tone was set for the balance of the weekend. So, with our fun meters pegged and the thoughts of the next day’s activity we retired for the evening.

Unfortunately, many family members had to cancel at the last minute due to unexpected events or illnesses. We hope that things have returned to normal where possible and that we missed you all dearly and hope that we’ll see you all in 2017.

Friday morning July 31st began the open part of our day and many family members began the sightseeing phase of their trip by visiting many of the cultural and historic offerings of Chicago. The infamous Lollapalooza was in full effect between July 29 and July 31, 2015 and some family were able to partake in that extravaganza.

Time quickly passed and excitement grew in anticipation of the main event. The banquet event, hosted by Michael Peterson and the Chicago Family Reunion Committee, was held in a lovely backyard setting at Michael’s home.

We were welcomed by a stirring and heart-felt poem/message, entitled “Why We Have Family Reunions” written and delivered by Bathsheba Wyatt-Draper. (See “Why We Have Family Reunions” article). Bradley Walker provided an entertaining monologue and Eric Thomas, former member of the R&B vocal group The Independents, rocked the house with a live performance setting the tone for the evening. Now, the party was on. The music was bumping, we ate, we laughed, we danced, we drank, we shared some family history and we handed out some well-deserved awards.

The baton was passed from the Chicago Family Reunion Committee to the Cincinnati Family Reunion Committee led by Ewann Pleasant-Clay. Needless to say we were all pretty much worn out, but stoked, by the end of the evening where a great time was had by all.

Saturday morning August 1st began with the family gathering at beautiful Centennial Park in Orland Park, IL dawned in our Family United and Growing Cornute 2015 T-shirts for the family group photo. After the photo session many of us got together for a great breakfast at the awesome Cracker Barrel then it was more free time to enjoy the sites of the city.

Sunday August 2nd was a very relaxed day headlined by a family picnic at Forest Park. Everyone had a very exciting time throughout the day but began to relax as early evening approached and tiredness began to settle in. Soon we began bidding our farewells with hugs and kisses as this wonderful FAMILY REUNION was winding to an end. We all started heading to the wind but surely looking forward ‘til we meet again in CINCINNATI – 2017.

To the Chicago based Cornute Family Reunion Committee we would like to offer a huge THANK-YOU for your hospitality and a superb job well done.