“Grant Park is his legacy to the city he loved.” These words etched on the plaque of the Aaron Ward Montgomery Bust resonate deeply. Aaron Montgomery Ward was more than just a businessman. He was a visionary who fought tirelessly to preserve Chicago’s lakefront. Let’s delve into the story behind this bust and the man it honors.
The Aaron Ward Montgomery Bust stands here as a tribute to a man who shaped not only retail but also the very landscape of Chicago. Ward founded the world’s first mail-order retail business in 1872. It soon evolved into the nation’s leading department store chain. But his legacy extends far beyond commerce.
In 1890, Ward embarked on a twenty-year legal battle. He wanted to keep Grant Park “open, free, and clear.” He faced intense public criticism for opposing construction of buildings on Chicago’s “front yard.” He even told the Chicago Tribune how he doubted undertaking it. This was because he did not know how long it would take him. He wanted to preserve a park for the people against their will. Despite the costs to his reputation and fortune, Ward persevered.
In 1910, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in his favor. This secured Grant Park’s future as an open space. Ward’s dedication ensured that Chicago’s lakefront would remain a treasure for generations to come.
The Aaron Ward Montgomery Bust itself has an interesting story. Russian-American artist Milton Horn created it. The sculpture is a smaller version of a larger bust. That bust was added to the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame in 1972. Montgomery Ward & Company donated this smaller version in 1993. The Montgomery Ward Foundation and Friends of the Parks funded its installation.
Initially, the Aaron Ward Montgomery Bust was located elsewhere in Grant Park. It was removed to make way for Millennium Park. In 2005, it was rededicated at its current site. This bust serves as a constant reminder of Ward’s role as “watch dog of the lakefront.”
Ward’s mail-order business revolutionized retail. Traveling across the Midwest, he observed farmers’ resentment toward middlemen. They drove up the prices of goods. He saw an opportunity to connect rural areas with urban centers through railroads. Ward’s company purchased dry goods at wholesale prices. He then sold them directly to consumers at a low markup. His first catalog in 1872 was a single-page list of 150 items.
Ward also introduced the money-back guarantee. Montgomery Ward & Company grew steadily. By 1886, its catalog spanned 240 pages with 10,000 items. By 1913, annual sales reached a staggering $40 million.
Beyond his business acumen, Ward was a private and charitable man. He avoided the social scene and shunned public attention. He anonymously gifted food and coal to the poor. He insisted on receiving no recognition for his generosity.
Standing before this Aaron Ward Montgomery Bust, we’re reminded of Ward’s vision. He saw the potential for a great city park. He fought to protect it from commercial development. He believed he was doing the city a favor. He never understood why he was not appreciated for his efforts.
The Aaron Ward Montgomery Bust is a symbol of one man’s unwavering commitment. It ensured that future generations could enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Chicago’s lakefront. It is truly his gift to the future.