A new role for arts venue
Regarding Richard Christiansen’s proposal for a center for the performing arts (“Where do we go from here?” March 2), wasn’t the Chicago Cultural Center supposed to be a venue for this purpose? Wasn’t the Museum of Broadcast Communications once housed there?
Suppose we gutted the building, preserving its exterior in much the same way that the Stock Exchange Building was done, and saving the artifacts such as the Tiffany Dome for later use. A taller venue could arise inside the shell.
I haven’t visited the building in more than a decade, but I believe it is underused. There was ballroom space on one floor, which was rented for weddings and other events. Why do we need more ballroom space when we have plenty of hotels in the downtown area?
Janet Lunsik / Skokie
THE ARTICLE BY Richard Christiansen brought back memories from about 25 years ago. At that time a small number of us in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra had an interest in antique instruments, and each owned a few examples. We hoped then for a musical instrument museum to open in Chicago, or at least a room in an existing museum where instruments could be on loan.
I spent time going from museum to museum asking about the possibilities and received the same answer from all of them: No thanks. In fact, in talking to the executive secretary of the Art Institute, I mentioned that the Metropolitan Museum in New York had a full department of musical instruments. The answer was: “We don’t care.”
A performance museum in Chicago seems as much a dream today as it was 25 years ago.
Will Scarlett / CSO trumpet, retired
– – –
Musical pathbreaker
The article and photograph about the Woman’s Symphony Orchestra (Flashback, March 2) brought back treasured memories of clarinetist Lillian Poenisch, the orchestra’s co-founder.
She not only brought women to the forefront of the musical world by helping to form this group, but she was also conductor of Chicago’s West Side Symphony Orchestra.
As piano soloist with that orchestra in 1951, I well remember the musical inspiration of Ms. Poenisch and the joy she inspired in all of us as we rehearsed and performed in the Gold Dome Building of Garfield Park.
I am overjoyed to see so many women in symphony orchestras around the world today, the beginnings of which must surely give credit to such talented pioneers as Lillian Poenisch.
Thanks to Nancy Watkins for bringing to mind this important part of Chicago’s musical past.
Joanne Stucka / Morton Grove
– – –
Prairie companion
Rick Kogan missed the most important resident of the Prairie Archives organization (Sidewalks, March 3): Hannah the golden retriever.
You have to ask to see her, as she’s usually under the front desk and always willing to visit, especially if you have a treat!
Richard McDaniel / Springfield
– – –
Pie palaces
In the Feb. 24 Sidewalks, we invited readers to submit their favorite places for pie. Here’s a sampling. For more recommendations, go to chicagotribune.com/pie.
For the best pie you have ever had you must visit the Norske Nook located in Osseo or Rice Lake, Wis.
When I lived in Eau Claire my friend and I would make a “pie run” to Norske Nook in Osseo.
My favorite was the pumpkin pie; it had cardamom as an added spice. My husband’s favorite was the raspberry pie, piled high with Cool Whip.
Beverly Johnson / Geneva
RECENTLY I FOUND terrific pie at First Slice, the cafe at Lill Street Pottery at 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Chicago. They have some terrific options and all are good. You can buy it by the slice or by the pie.
Karen Przypyszny/ Evanston
IN WATERTOWN, WIS., there’s a restaurant named “The Upper Krust.” It’s located on the Wisconsin Highway 16 bypass on the north side of the city. It is family owned and absolutely the best homemade pie that you can find.
I live in Lombard and will travel the 145 miles at least twice a year on my motorcycle just to get a slice of pie and a cup of coffee.
David Ringgenberg / Lombard
———–
Write us
Send mail to The Editor, Chicago Tribune Magazine, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, or to tribmag@tribune.com.
In the Feb. 24, 2008, issue of the Magazine, the painting featured on page 27 is titled “Rainy Day,” acrylic on wood panel, by Thomas Masters, of the Thomas Masters Gallery, 245 W. North Ave., Chicago.
