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Chicago in the Roaring 1920s

Clason's Chicago Street and Transportation Guide, published by The Clason Map Company in about 1920, offers a comprehensive overview of Chicago and its suburbs.  

The map includes an extensive index of streets, organized alphabetically and positioned along the sides for easy reference. This index provides detailed listings and grid references to assist in locating specific streets within Chicago. An inset map of the Chicago Business District highlights key streets, buildings, and transportation hubs, aiding navigation in the city’s central commercial area. The primary map covers the entire city of Chicago and its suburbs, depicting a detailed street grid, major transportation routes, and points of interest.

Transportation information is a key feature of the guide. The extensive network of streetcar and railway lines crisscrossing the city is clearly marked with distinct lines and symbols, showing routes and connections essential for public transportation users. Major thoroughfares such as Belmont Avenue, Fullerton Avenue, North Avenue, Chicago Avenue, Madison Street, and Roosevelt Road are prominently marked, indicating their importance in the city’s traffic system. Additionally, a diagram explaining the Chicago street numbering system is included, crucial for understanding addresses and navigating the city efficiently. 

Published around 1920, this map reflects Chicago’s urban landscape during a period of significant growth and development. The city’s population was rapidly increasing, and the transportation infrastructure was expanding to meet the needs of residents and businesses. Streetcars and railways were the primary modes of public transportation, and their detailed representation underscores their importance in daily life.