“Have you ever heard of the sugar plum tree?” These are the words etched into the base of the Eugene Field Memorial. The Eugene Field Memorial is also known as Dream Lady. This statue stands here in Lincoln Park. It honors a man who touched countless lives with his words.
Eugene Field was more than just a writer. He was a poet of childhood. He captured the hearts of children and adults alike. Born in 1850, Field became known for his humor column. It was called “Sharps and Flats” in the Chicago Daily News. But he truly shone as an author of poems for children.
The Eugene Field Memorial before us is not just a statue. It is a testament to the love and admiration. People had for Eugene Field. Following Field’s death, Chicago newspaper editors sought to raise funds for a memorial. School children donated pennies and nickels. The B.F. Ferguson Fund of the Art Institute of Chicago made a major gift.
Dedicated in 1922, the Eugene Field Memorial is the work of sculptor Edward Francis McCarten. He collaborated with the architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich. The result is this whimsical memorial. It is nicknamed “The Dream Lady”.
Look closely. You will see a bronze fairylike figure. This Dream Lady hovers protectively. She watches over two peacefully sleeping children. She dangles a small bunch of poppies. Poppies symbolize sleep and dreams.
The granite base has carved scenes. These scenes are from Field’s poems. Notice “The Fly Away Horse” and “Seein’ Things”. A stanza from “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod” is carved on the left side. Lines from “The Sugar Plum Tree” appear on the right.
The Eugene Field Memorial also features child-sized drinking fountains. These are located on each end of the base. They show that the memorial was created with children in mind.
Originally, the Eugene Field Memorial stood near the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Small Animal House. It now stands northeast of the Helen Brach Primate House.
Edward McCarten earned a Medal of Honor. The Architectural League of New York awarded it for this project. It was his first large commission. He later created the acclaimed Diana. He also created sculptures for the Helmsley Building in New York.
The Eugene Field Memorial is more than a monument. It is a celebration of childhood. It is a tribute to a man who understood the magic of dreams. It is a place where we can all reconnect with our inner child. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry. Remember the legacy of Eugene Field. Let this Dream Lady inspire you to embrace the power of imagination. Let her remind you of the simple joys of childhood.