Chicago has a rich history, and cornerstone laying ceremonies have been an important tradition for many significant buildings in the city. One notable example is the cornerstone laying ceremony for Chicago’s Water Tower and Pumping Station on historic North Michigan Avenue. CeremonialSupplies.com, the best one-stop-shop on the net for all items related to groundbreaking ceremonies, grand opening events, corporate and military functions, such as ceremonial groundbreaking shovels, grand opening ribbon and giant ceremonial scissors, with customized printing on mats, event carpets, tablecloths and more, is proud to celebrate the cornerstone laying ceremony of Chicago’s historic Water Tower.
The cornerstone laying ceremony for the Chicago Water Tower took place on September 9, 1867. The Water Tower, designed by architect William W. Boyington, was part of a larger project that included a pumping station to address the city's water supply needs. The ceremony marked the beginning of construction for the Water Tower and Pumping Station, and it was attended by various dignitaries and officials. Prominent figures in Chicago at the time of the groundbreaking ceremony were such notables like Cyrus McCormick, no relation to the spice family, the inventor and businessman behind the McCormick reaper. Cyrus McCormick had a significant impact on agriculture and played an important role in Chicago’s industrial growth. Industrialist and inventor of the “pullman” cart that revolutionized travel, George M. Pullman, and Marshall Field, businessman and leading retail industry personality, were all high-profile personalities who would have been included to the grand opening, or rather “dedication”, of the Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station. Grand Opening ceremonies or Dedication ceremonies usually involve speeches and a ribbon cutting. CeremonialSupplies.com is a proud online provider of personalized custom printed grand opening ribbons of sizes ranging from 4" wide to 10" and 12" wide, and 25 yards long.
The Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station was completed in 1869, and had its dedication during the term of Mayor John B. Rice. However the project was initiated and overseen by Ellis S. Chesbrough, the city's first Commissioner of Public Works, who was responsible for the development of the city's early water supply and sewage systems. Ellis S. Chesbrough served in his role from 1856 to 1873, spanning various mayoral administrations. While Mayor John B. Rice was in office during the completion of the Water Tower and Pumping Station, it's essential to note that Chesbrough played an important role in the development and implementation of Chicago's early infrastructure projects. What makes the Water Tower particularly notable is its survival of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. While much of the city was destroyed by the fire, the Water Tower, built from Joliet limestone, withstood the flames. It became a symbol of Chicago's resilience and determination to rebuild. Today, the Chicago Water Tower is one of the few remaining structures from the pre-fire era. It stands as a historic landmark on North Michigan Avenue and is known for its distinctive castle-like appearance, which was used as the model for the White Castle, castle logo. The Water Tower and Pumping Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Cornerstone laying ceremonies are symbolic rituals that mark the beginning of construction for a new building. They often involve placing a ceremonial stone or block at the building's corner, sometimes with a time capsule containing significant items or documents. These ceremonies are attended by various dignitaries, community members, and construction workers. It is an architectural ritual as old as man. Remember all your celebratory events of historical nature, and remember CeremonialSupplies.com, the best online one-stop-shop for customized ceremonial groundbreaking shovels, shovel stands, and presentation display cases, grand opening custom printed ceremonial ribbons, giant grand opening ribbon-cutting scissors, stanchions and posts with assortment of velvet rope in different colors, custom logo printed mats and event carpets, corporate and military functions, the next time a ceremonial event comes up in your organizational calendar! Count on CeremonialSupplies.com for the best crafted quality items at friendly prices, superb customer service, and prompt and efficient shipping wherever you are! Click here for a quote.