Hey Everybody,
The October UASC meeting will be this Wednesday, October 30th, at Jak's
Tap, 901 West Jackson, a few blocks east of our past regular meeting
location. Business should start at 7:00, our Guest Speaker around 8:00,
and I'm sure many will arrive early in time to get some snacks or even
dinner before the meeting. For those who have not been there before,
there is a $5 parking lot just east of Jak's, on the north side of
Jackson. See for maps, menus, and other information.
This month's Guest Speaker will be Patrick T. McBriarty, author of the
recently published book "Chicago River Bridges". This is an excellently
researched 330-page hardcover book, eight years in the making, and the
winner of the 2013 Henry N. Barkhausen Award for original research on
Great Lakes Maritime History.
Patrick also recently completed with Chicago filmmaker Stephen Hatch the
documentary, Chicago Drawbridges, which they independently produced and
first aired on Chicago public television in April and May of 2013. It
chronicles the importance of the bridges in the making of the Windy City
from the first wood footbridge, built by a tavern owner in 1832, to the
iconic structures of today crossing the Chicago River. It was broadcast
again this summer on Chicago public television on August 18 and on
September 1.
In addition Patrick has authored two children's books on bridges:
"Bridges of All Kinds" and "Drawbridges Open and Close." See
for more information on Patrick and his works.
We have a lot to discuss going into the end of the year, so I look
forward to seeing you all there.
Cheers,
John Bell