Dearest William,
I felt the need to write after seeing you on State Street the other day. You looked well. Retirement from the mayor’s office suits you more and more. I hear talk of a new canal that might open up our city to progress. I’ve seen your name attached to it, I hope it goes well for you. They also say you speak of railroads, I find it hard to believe Chicago will ever be home to them, but you have always been a dreamer Mr. Ogden, I see no reason for you to stop now.
It’s been many months since we’ve seen each other. I hesitate to remember the last time as you were so brash with me, but I suppose that’s what I needed. It can be hard for a lady to let go of something so wonderful, sometimes her hands must be pried off her prize. You always told me you would never settle and I suppose I wasn’t ready to believe you.
I remember when you first came to Chicago. The city was on fire with word that a handsome bachelor had come to town. You were friends with that infernal Charles Butler. I never knew what you saw in him. But you made so much money so quickly, it felt as if every woman in the city wanted to stand next to you. Remember how we met? It was the night you were to win as the city’s first mayor. It was raining I remember, the horses were sinking in the mud in the streets! You got a bit of dirt on my dress and bent down to clean it off. Even as a newly-elected mayor you were a gentleman. And what a wonderful night! We danced till the sun came up and then danced for a whole other day. I knew then I was dancing with a butterfly.
You have always been so committed to Lady Chicago haven’t you William, fixing her streets and sidewalks. Don’t think I don’t know you paid for much of that with your own money. I know how freely you give to her. I only wish you were able to give a living, breathing woman the same kind of passion. But you are a leopard and I can never change your spots.
I hope your mother and sister are well. I know how much you care for them,
Your loving mistress
P.S. I heard you were going to buy a lumberyard in Peshtigo. I’m certain that will be beneficial for you.
O'Hare Arpt., IL
So many historical in-jokes, so little time.
Ha! Thanks for seeing them Michael! It was fun to write.
[...] Yankees – New York wanted Chicago to work very badly. The Illinois Michigan Canal (built in 1848) would ensure a waterway from New York to the West. If this canal worked, New York would dominate. When the canal was in talks, the land around the proposed canal became very valuable and land speculation was out of control. People were buying and selling land really fast, you could become a millionaire or lost it all in a matter of minutes. Lots of New Yorkers came to the play the game. Our first mayor, William Butler Ogden, came from New York to check on some land and ended up staying – thank goodness he did. I love him. [...]