Three reasons, as I said in my Docent interview. 1). When I first moved to Chicago, I took a bunch of tours, and was so impressed by the docents’ knowledge, professionalism & ability to tell a compelling story-and they were having so much fun! 2). My grad studies in Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology-I enjoyed analyzing architectural remains-temples, palaces, houses-to interpret social behavior & cultural values. 3). Our historic 1911 house in Evanston. Shepley Rutan & Coolidge (Chicago office) were the architects, and I became a bit of an amateur architectural historian. I later met with the successor firm’s archivist, who made copies of all my research-because the records of the Chicago office had been lost.
I try to take them to the Marquette Building - it is virtually a tutorial in Chicago architecture (especially if we can also look at nearby buildings), and the lobby is such a jewel box.
Last year, my river cruise was filmed by Al Arabiya TV, the “CNN of the Middle East” as part of a travel documentary for the Middle East, especially the Gulf Region, to encourage tourism to Chicago (dubbed in Arabic). I felt honored, and given my studies in the Ancient Near East, I was very pleased to play this role.
The charming, accomplished Daisy Grace, who presented me with a card detailing her educational achievements & professional associations, joined my cruise and then fell asleep. Daisy is a highly trained service animal-her jobs include Seizure Alert dog for her owner and Pet Therapy Partner for hospital patients & crime victims. (very smart Border Collie Mix.)
For personal reasons, I’d have to say Lake Point Tower, where I lived when I first moved here, a beautiful building both impressively large & sensuous (a rare combination). I arrived just after the 4th of July & from our 63rd fl unit looked out & saw the fireworks. I tell this story on the cruise.
Visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, in Dec. 2010, I decided on crossing off a bucket list achievement-swimming at Ipanema Beach in a bikini. Not so adventurous, it turns out-I was about the most conservatively dressed person on the beach. Plenty of grandmothers were more daring. And coming from wintery Chicago, I stood out by being an unhealthy fish belly white amidst so many gorgeous people with head to toe tans.
As Docents, we wear so many different hats-educator, interpreter, storyteller, entertainer, Ambassador for the city. Wearing that last hat, I am fascinated by all the visitors from far flung destinations whom I meet-people from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Reykjavik, Iceland, Malta, Madagascar and Tahiti are some of the more exotic ones. It is wonderful and a great honor to share our knowledge and love of Chicago architecture with them.
Here's Cynthia with fellow CAC Docent, Brian Kelly!
Location