Constructed between 1882-1883, the sumptuous Palmer mansion had an eighty foot high tower and an octagonal hall that rose three stories. The interior was decorated in a variety of styles including a Louis XVI-style salon.

In the picture gallery, Bertha Palmer displayed the art she acquired in Europe, which later formed the foundation of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collections. The house was demolished in 1950. Madame Grandin arrived in Chicago with a letter of introduction which allowed her to meet Bertha Palmer. They became friendly and from a letter in the collection of the Chicago History Museum, it appears that for a period of time, Madame Grandin gave Mrs. Palmer weekly French lessons.

“After lunch, we would always take a walk. One of the most beautiful routes was along the aristocratic Lake Shore Drive in the northwest section of the city where the “kings of gold” live. With marble facades and monumental staircases, every aspect of these homes is elegant, including antique doors, and massive turrets. A large, square turret distinguishes the home of Mrs. Potter Palmer. The house is a veritable feudal manor which everyone in Chicago calls “the castle.” (81)