Documerica Challenge: Chicago, Illinois

Check out these photos of Chicago, Illinois, by Documerica photographer John White! In the first, the Sears Tower stands behind the Dan Ryan Expressway which saw 254,700 vehicles a day back then.

According to the Department of Transportation, it was the busiest highway in the United States. Wonder if Chicago still holds that record today?

This second image is a view from Lake Shore Drive. Back then and maybe still now, it was known as the city’s most spectacular street. The Field Museum of Natural History looms in the background.

A break from the cars, could you match up this scene along the Lake Michigan shoreline? Despite the close proximity to the bustling city, there were plenty of places to take a dip or launch your boat; with 29 miles of shoreline within city limits. How is the water quality today? Do those recreational activities still take place?

If you live in that area or plan to travel to it, grab your camera to show off what has changed or what looks the same!

Share your photos here. We can’t wait to see our world as you see it.

Not in Chicago? See how close Documerica came to home and send in your own ‘Then-Now’ match up!

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