Encyclopedia o f Chicago
Interpretive Digital Essay : Water in Chicago
Essay: People and the Port
Photo Essays:
Solitary Lives
City of Bridges
Chicago Harbors
Essay: Using the Chicago River
Photo Essays:
Goose Island
Indiana Dunes
Essay: Sanitation in Chicago
Photo Essays:
The Sanitary and Ship Canal
Water-Related Epidemics
Essay: Water and Urban Life
Photo Essays:
Houses and Water
Shoreline Development
Growing Up Along Water
Solitary Lives along Chicago’s Lakes and Waterways

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Crib Tenders

Old 68th Street Water Intake Crib and Construction on New Crib, 1908-1909

The nineteenth-century cribs were replaced with more modern facilities in the twentieth century. All of these construction projects were dangerous and complicated operations. Seen here in this photograph from late 1908 or early January 1909 is the old 68th Street water intake crib alongside a temporary wooden structure built to facilitate construction of a new crib. On July 20, 1909, this temporary structure burst into flame, killing 60 workers in the disaster.

See also: Water Supply; South Shore

Workers at 68th Street Water Intake Crib, 1908-09

This photograph, taken in late 1908 or early January 1909, shows men working on both sides of the 68th Street Water Intake Crib. This was dangerous work; on January 20, 1909, 60 workers died in a fire at the site.

See also: South Shore; Construction

Victims of the 68th Street Water Intake Crib Disaster, 1909

A fire at the 68th Street water intake crib on January 20, 1909, left 60 workers dead. Seen here is a worker who survived the disaster.

See also: South Shore; Water Supply

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