How The Gift of Swans Shaped Two Cities - Chicago and Lakeland
I recently returned from an incredible vacation alongside my girlfriend, exploring the vibrant city of Chicago. Amidst the countless experiences we had, one particular highlight stood out—our visit to the magnificent Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Walking through the meticulously designed animal exhibits, I was in awe of the remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail. It was during this visit that I stumbled upon a book celebrating the first 150 years of the Lincoln Park Zoo, immersing myself in the captivating story of how this remarkable institution came to be.
The year was 1868, and Chicago was a city bursting with energy and growth. It was in this vibrant metropolis that four unique passengers arrived—a quartet of trumpeter swans, an unexpected gift from the Commissioners of Central Park in Manhattan. These elegant creatures found their new home in a quiet pond within a burgeoning park on the outskirts of the city. Little did anyone know that this moment would mark the birth of Lincoln Park.
Now, let's fast-forward to present-day Lakeland, where a similar tale of swans captured our hearts. While many locals are familiar with the story, it's worth revisiting for those who are new to our city. Back in the 1950s, our beloved swans faced challenges, with their numbers dwindling due to various illnesses and the presence of not-so-friendly alligators. The news of their diminishing population deeply affected both travelers and residents alike.
Enter Mr. and Mrs. Pickhardt, two passionate Lakelanders stationed on a UK Air Force Base, who learned of the swans' plight from afar. Mrs. Pickhardt took it upon herself to write a heartfelt letter to none other than Queen Elizabeth II, humbly requesting a pair of her royal mute swans as a gift for our city. In a stroke of good fortune, the Queen graciously agreed, offering her support to the cause.
Yet, the journey to bring the regal swans across the Atlantic was not without its hurdles. Fundraising efforts commenced, and while the initial drive yielded only a modest sum, neighboring cities such as Orlando and St. Pete stepped in to help raise the necessary funds. As the preparations were underway, a misfortune struck—an oil barge sank in the river where the swans resided, resulting in a delay. However, with determination and patience, the birds finally arrived in Lakeland on a momentous day in February 1957.
The arrival of these magnificent creatures sparked excitement throughout the city. However, a small twist awaited us as the male swan briefly went missing, causing a flurry of search efforts and an unforgettable headline in The Ledger. But true to the resilience of our community, the swan was located and reunited with its partner, setting the stage for the growth of our very own royal swan family.
Lincoln Park Zoo Swan Story
The story behind the swan gift is intertwined with the vision and determination of two extraordinary brothers. Oliver B. Green, serving as the comptroller of the Illinois-Michigan Canal, played a pivotal role in transforming North American commerce by linking the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. His brother, Andrew Haswell Green, a prominent figure in New York City, contributed to the establishment of renowned cultural institutions such as Central Park and, later, The Bronx Zoo.
Upon their arrival, the four swans captured the hearts of Chicagoans, much like our beloved swans in Lakeland. The Chicago Board of Public Works Annual Report of October 1869 acknowledged this thoughtful gesture from the Commissioners of Central Park, stating that it "afforded much pleasure to the visitors."
Amongst the swans, another ambitious project emerged—the construction of a new Water Tower near the lake, designed to stand the test of time and become a symbol of the city. Just two years after this report, the Great Fire devastated Chicago, reducing homes, businesses, and public buildings to ashes. In the face of this catastrophe, tens of thousands sought refuge in Lincoln Park, where the zoo and its first animal building, a wooden timber structure constructed in 1870, miraculously survived. While the original animal building was eventually replaced by a more impressive brick-and-stone edifice in the 1880s, both the zoo and the Water Tower endured, solidifying their status as iconic landmarks of Chicago.
As the city began to rebuild, so too did Lincoln Park Zoo. By 1873, the park was home to over three dozen species, including buffalo, bears, eagles, wolves, and, of course, 13 swans. The following years witnessed the construction of wolf and fox dens, as well as a sea lion pool. In 1880, fencing was erected around the bear pits to prevent their nighttime escapades throughout the park.
With the expansion of animal exhibits and facilities, questions about funding naturally arose. In 1878, a proposal was made to introduce an admission fee, but the Park Commissioners made a resolute decision—Lincoln Park Zoo would forever remain free to all visitors.
The early 1900s witnessed the creation of some of the iconic buildings we recognize today—the Bird House in 1904, Café Brauer in 1908, and the Lion House in 1912. As Chicago's population soared past two million residents, the zoo estimated a similar number of annual visitors. Lincoln Park Zoo had seamlessly integrated into the city's culture—a verdant oasis amidst the urban center, offering free access to wildlife and becoming a cherished civic treasure.
Over the decades, Lincoln Park Zoo has evolved, focusing on animal welfare, naturalistic habitats, and educational programs. The management transitioned from the Chicago Park District to the nonprofit Lincoln Park Zoological Society. The zoo's commitment to conservation, scientific research, and learning extends beyond city limits, impacting communities around the globe. Today, Lincoln Park Zoo stands as a testament to its enduring legacy—connecting Chicagoans and tourists alike with wildlife in the heart of a bustling city. For an astonishing 150 years, the zoo has remained open and accessible to the public every day of the year, a beacon of awe and wonder in the urban landscape.
Lincoln Park v. Lake Morton
Reflecting on the history of Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Morton, it's fascinating to imagine alternate paths our cities might have taken. The book I acquired from the Lincoln Park Zoo, chronicling the remarkable impact it has had on Chicago, resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of the love and pride we share in our own city of Lakeland.
Throughout our lives, Lakelanders hold dear the cherished memories of feeding ducks and swans at Lake Morton, strolling amidst the shimmering Christmas lights adorning Lake Mirror, and immersing ourselves in the joy of exploration at the miniature Publix inside Explorations V (now The Florida Children's Museum). These shared experiences, whether in Chicago or Lakeland, trace back to the humble beginnings of a pair of swans.
As we celebrate the extraordinary histories of Lincoln Park and Lake Morton, let us honor the profound connections we have to our respective cities. These stories, memories, and dreams shape our identities and bind us together as a community. So, whether captivated by the tales of Lincoln Park Zoo or inspired by the enduring legacy of our swans, let us embrace the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, knowing that the most extraordinary stories often arise from the most unexpected of creatures—our beloved swans.
“Almost every Chicagoan has a story about or memory of Lincoln Park Zoo. It is tightly woven into the fabric of our city, and into the fabric of our lives. It reaches into our hearts and brings us closer to nature, closer to one another, and sometimes ourselves. Its history is our history — and, so, is best told by us; we who have visited it delighted in it, supported it, worked for it, helped build it, wrote about it, were inspired by it, experienced our first kiss in it and Brough our children and grandchildren to it. This collection of stories, poems, drawings, and photos illustrate the ways in which Lincoln Park Zoo has affected people, what the zoo means to each of them, and what they dream for its future.””
Let us treasure the remarkable narratives that have unfolded in both Chicago and Lakeland. May we always hold deep appreciation for the journeys that have shaped our cities, and may these stories continue to inspire us to create our own tales of adventure and resilience. As we forge ahead, let us remember the enduring impact of those who came before us and the extraordinary connections we share, forever bound by the indomitable spirit of our cities and the cherished creatures that have become their icons.