A Parisienne in Chicago
3700 South Ellis Avenue
The boardinghouse where Marie and Léon Grandin stayed upon their arrival in Chicago in August, 1892 was located at this address.
“A very pretty house, it stood on the corner of Ellis Avenue and one of the cross streets. The usual small, funereal plots of grass were in front but at least some pretty vines hid the foundation stones and entwined the posts of the porch, which had seven or eight steps, as is customary. We were welcomed by a servant and as we entered, the room brought to mind my stay in New York …The ceilings are very high and the rooms are spacious, as big as those of our painters’ and sculptors’ workshops. Similarly, they have a staircase which is a sort of gallery that leads to the second floor. In this immense hall, which was decorated with original wall hangings and eclectic choice of furnishings, the overall effect was unexpectedly charming.” (34-35)
