Descriptive inventory for the Lidia Preble visual materials, 1959-2002, bulk 1979-1999

Provenance statement:

Materials were a gift of Preble, Lidia and Preble, Robert C., Jr. (1998.0188) and Preble, Lidia (2003.0249).

Terms governing use:

Credit photographer.

Restriction(s):

Advance appointment required to view material from cold storage.

Alternate format available:

Parts of this collection have been digitized. Please contact the Rights and Reproductions department at rightsrepro@chicagohistory.org for more information.

Please cite this collection as:

Lidia Preble visual materials (Chicago History Museum), with a detailed description, date, and box/folder number of the specific item(s).

Color photographic prints (15,500), negatives (15,500) and transparencies (2,300) of Chicago (Ill.) architecture, construction and attractions photographed by Lidia Preble between 1959 and 2002. The collection contains exterior views of the built environment, predominantly in the downtown area, documenting construction of new buildings and roadworks, as well as demolitions; many photographs are taken from Marina City Towers and other high-rises, including the Sears Tower Observatory and Standard Oil Building. Images also document public art and exhibitions, including sculptures, the Cows on Parade and Suite Home Chicago exhibits, and the Mural Building. Also included are public events and buildings related to Polish-Americans, such as the 1981 Solidarity demonstration, churches, and parades. Additional Chicago events represented in the collection include the February 1979 blizzard, the 1980, 1983, and 1985 Chicago Marathons, 1987 construction at the Chicago Historical Society, the 1982 funeral of Chicago Cardinal John Cody, and the 1994 soccer World Cup parade and opening game.

Lidia Preble, a non-professional photographer, was an original resident of Marina City Towers and lived there for more than 50 years before leaving the Chicago area around 2012.