Chicago’s Forgotten Moving Sidewalk over Lake Michigan

Today we delve into the fascinating history of Chicago's Lost Moving Walkway from the World's Fair. Join us as we uncover the remnants of this forgotten marvel of engineering that once mesmerized visitors during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Discover the incredible technological advancements of the time and the grandeur of this forgotten transportation system

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Bex Weinstein
Editor - Caroline Borgia
Host - Ryan Socash

» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[classic.cameras]

You dig up some of the most obscure and fascinating things that history has forgot. Especially in Illinois or New York history. Props to you man! Well done!

[vertskater]

Would love a whole breakdown of the Chicago worlds fair and its exhibits.

[icegiant]

The world's fairs in Chicago have always fascinated me. I have spent hours looking at old maps, then going to Google Maps and trying to see what is left. I would happily pay $1000 to go back in time and just walk around in those areas for just a day. When you realize what HAD been there, then see what is there today, it is sad, and blows my mind, people have no idea.

[theresehopkins]

I was born and raised in Chicago.... I never knew this!!!.... Bravo to you for telling this story that indeed has been forgotten.... even where it all started!!!... Respect... for your channel and the wonderful job that you do!!!.... Thank you!!! 😊❤

[fortress]

For me the best use of the moving walkways is when you're cutting it close for a flight and don't want to run to the terminal 1/2 mile away. You can walk at almost a run speed!

[yixnorb]

In the 60s there was a Travelator. A hotel bought a building across a busy street in San Diego and hotel personnel and customers needed to go back and fourth between the buildings often, safe from traffic. An exterior bridge between the buildings was erected with a MOVING WALKWAY on the bridge. It became a tourist curiosity attracting customers. Safely going over the street below.

[TomJosephi]

Your video on the moving sidewalks was very interesting. It's a great relief to use at airports to save the long walks to gates and where the luggage is picked up. My great grandfather was at the Chicao World's Fair because I have a booklet that had the tickets there. He represented a bicycle manufacturer from New York. I've been very fascinated by anything about the fair. I'm from Pittsburgh and I'm glad that George Westinghouse provided the electricity and George W. Ferris the Ferris Wheel ebcause they are both from Pittsburgh.

[TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.

[garyjarvis]

Always novel and interesting information seemingly lost in history. Your uncovering these relics is nicely presented and very entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

[microdesigns]

The moving walkways between the main terminal and terminal C at O'Hare airport are pleasing with the futuristic music and neon sculptures and illuminated walls. A few times I arrived late and ran on the walkways to get to my flight. It felt like I was running like an Olympic medal winner, or riding a bike with the wind blowing in my hair. And, I got to my flights on time, win, win, lol! 💨 ✈️

[DeanStephen]

I suggest reading Robert A. Heinlein’s “The Roads must Roll.”

[JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Great topic. Reminds me of flying in and out of ORD while living in Chicago. TFS! ❤

[claudiamiller]

There used to be several people-movers in Vegas - at Bally’s, Bellagio, Mirage and one at Caesars that took you right into the casino…all gone now….but the ones at the airport there are still in use.

[JasonMcCord-qkyb]

Phoenix Sky Harbor airport has a moving walkway in terminal 4. It’s been there for 40+ years. As a kid, I was fascinated by it. As you ride it, you can look out the windows and see planes parked at the gates and moving on the taxiway.

[StLouis-yuiz]

Great episode as usual. You should cover the 1904 World's Fair sometime soon! :]

[Backroad_Junkie]

Still waiting to see if you have anything on Riverview Park, which was located at Belmont and Western in the heart of Chicago...

[Bizzach]

Fun fact.... The band ZZ Top was originally named Moving Sidewalks.

[charlesclager]

You schooled me today. I had never heard of the walkways at the Chicago Exhibition. Good video.

[tedlawrence]

I was just 10 when my family visited the Fair. The sidewalk was fun. My father enjoyed watching Little Egypt do her dance. I am now 140 years old so do not get around much anymore. The Exposition was fantatic! Electricity exhibit and giant ferris wheel.

[joegordon]

It's such a simple thing, but I remember being fascinated with them as a kid, when you rarely saw them - usually only now and then on the underground at certain stations or at airports, and of course as a kid you had to run onto it then try and walk backwards (oblivious to the adults trying to actually use it to get somewhere, naturally, because you were having too much fun)