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 Chicago is a family town.
As the special Focus section, Illinois' Most Influential Families, in this week's issue shows, families have played a huge role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of our city, from its origins as a swampy trading post through its emergence as an international commercial center. Perhaps more than in any other large American city, prominent families still occupy a central position in Chicago 's civic and financial firmament.
The tradition began with families like the Palmers, Swifts, Armours and Rosenwalds. They built old-style industrial empires in 19th-century industries like meatpacking and took upon themselves the problems of an infant metropolis. They created Chicago's basic infrastructure, along with many of its cultural and academic institutions.
In the 20th century, families such as the Smiths, Pritzkers and Crowns came to the fore. Banking, manufacturing and real estate produced their fortunes. Building on the legacy of their predecessors, they helped turn Chicago into a hub of modern corporate and financial capitalism. At the same time, they endowed the civic and charitable organizations of their era.
As the city enters a new century, a new generation of Chicago families has the opportunity to carry on the tradition. With names like Bucksbaum, Calamos and Reyes, they've built their fortunes on shopping malls, mutual funds and distribution. Now is the time for them to think about the legacy they'll leave their city.
We hope they'll take up the mantle of Chicago's founding clans. As families, they're in a unique position to understand and tackle the city's challenges. They live here. They attend our schools, shop in our stores and use our libraries, theaters and hospitals. Their futures are entwined with the city's.
Chicago's new first families will have many opportunities to shape the city's destiny. To compete in the 21st century, Chicago must address problems ranging from a lagging education system to a clogged transportation network. All these challenges call for the kind of leadership families have always provided in this town.
©2005 by Crain Communications Inc.
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