Dramatic program on Great Chicago Fire nears in Glen Ellyn

The Glen Ellyn Historical Society will recognize the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire with a dramatic presentation at 2 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. Historian and actor Terry Lynch will appear as Patrick O’Leary, husband of Catherine O’Leary, who was blamed for the fire.

In October 1871, the city of Chicago burned for two days, destroying thousands of buildings and killing an estimated 300 people. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the blaze, Lynch, in character as Mr. O’Leary, will discuss the theories surrounding the start of the fire, as well as the results.

Was O’Leary’s wife, an Irish immigrant named Catherine, to blame? Could it have been someone else? Could it have been a meteorite? After the blaze, the reconstruction of the city quickly sparked an era of unsurpassed economic development and population growth. Hear how this led to new urban centers, as well as a new style of architecture.

Admission costs $8, $6 for GEHS members, and $5 for students age 18 and younger. Refreshments will be served. Call 630-469-1867 for information and check the website at gehs.org.