Palmer Castle to be Torn Down in 1945

On September 10 1945, the Times reported the impending demolition of the iconic Potter Palmer mansion, often called a castle, on Lake Shore Drive. For 63 years, this showplace of Chicago, once home to the famous Palmer family, had stood as a symbol of grandeur, particularly under the influence of Mrs. Potter Palmer, a dominant figure in Chicago society. She hosted royalty and dignitaries during the 1893 Columbian Exposition, making the home famous for its elegance and hospitality. After passing into the hands of millionaire Vincent Bendix in the 1930s, who briefly revived its former glory, the mansion was eventually slated for demolition to make way for a skyscraper, prompting nostalgia for its storied past and a call for preservation.