A Parisienne in Chicago
Gunther's Confectionary
“Mr. Gunther’s candy shop is the largest in Chicago and his prosperity is entirely due to his energy and intelligence. As a young man, he came to America from Germany and began to make his own candy that he sold in a little wooden stall. Energetic, persevering and gifted with a rare intelligence, he promptly became a rich man…In spite of his age he continues to run the store and to oversee all of the employees, activities that are important to his success. Very erudite, he has always spent a lot of his free time studying but his true passion is collecting. Eclectic in taste, he has assembled paintings, stones, autographs, and old furniture which he displays on the second floor of his shop. Several of his beautiful paintings are of the Flemish school and are singed by masters. He also has autographed letters from George Washington to his wife and to Lafayette, and one letter from Napoleon. Although he is of German origin, good old Mr. Gunther really loves France and speaks French very well. In fact, I met him at the “French Club.” He was one of its most zealous founders.” (99)
