The phrase “Calumet 412” once stood for the phone number of one of Chicago’s most famous brothels, but these days it just refers to one of our favorite Tumblr pages. Calumet 412 is run by an amateur historian, and it’s one of the best visual histories of “the city that works” that we’ve found. You’ll find ancient photos from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, Vivian Maier street photos from the 1960s, early 20th century ads, and even old cartoons complaining about how quickly Chicagoans walk.
All images from Calumet 412
Untitled, 1957, Chicago, Vivian Maier
The Lagoon at the 1893 Columbian Exposition
Subway construction at Milwaukee and Ashland, 1943
Southbound view of Lake Shore Drive at Bryn Mawr, 1954