rare pacific garden mission autochrome glass slides hidden away for over 60 years in safe found during demolition

as demolition of the early 20th century building housing the storied pacific garden mission - more commonly known as the "old lighthouse" - was drawing to a close, a battered and broken floor safe was found in the rubble. the diminutive, baked enameled black safe, with wood compartmentalized interior, was partially hidden under a field of old blank stationary, bibles and postcards that had spewed out when it busted open upon impact. the safe was either forgotten or left behind, since most of the ephemera possessed little historical significance as it relates to the mission's current narrative.

i was taken aback that the safe existed, and equally disappointed that i failed to find it during countless hours documenting and salvaging the early 20th century building shortly before the wrecking machines dug in. a last minute sweep of the building as it was being rattled by the wrecking ball left me empty handed. my mind was likely elsewhere, as i recall spending a great deal of time documenting and then extracting anything and everything from the studios where the radio drama series "unshackled" was recorded.

looking back several years later, the most important discovery was without a doubt the small metal box containing a seemingly random pile of autochrome glass slides containing powerful imagery of one of chicago's old skid row districts, and the men who lived there during the mid-20th century. the street was occupied by haphazard flophouses with interiors divided by chicken wire, lit by single drop lights, and liquor stores catering to the destitutes and drifters.

the safe was a true portal to the past, consisting of paperwork, photographs, books and glass sides tucked away and long forgotten since the 1950's. the autochrome (early color process) images wonderfully depict life inside the facility as well as outside, on the streets of state street's former skid row district.  whether it's the elderly woman serving a hot meal, including a fine slice of pie in the missions's cafeteria, or nicely cleaned and starched clothing being assigned to a new tenant, the collection of slides offer a rare glimpse into the everyday life of the "old lighthouse."

some of the images are deeply saddening, with individuals likely refusing a shelter packed with prayer service and rules/ regulations, camped on the streets and sidewalks equipped with paper bags containing bottled liquor and scraps of cardboard used to build their improvised dwellings to sleep off perpetual hangovers (note: several glass slides and negatives are currently being digitized as of this writing).

documenting and removing artifacts tied to the mission and its popular radio show, "unshackled," was a necessary obligation, since it was the last notable vestige of state street's former skidrow district. the images taken, the pieces salvaged, and the slides - discovered by accident - collectively contribute to a richly historic narrative that needs to live on.

the pacific garden mission is still in operation, renowned as a refuge for individuals seeking shelter and care. first established in 1877, the mission moved their headquarters to the state street location in the early 1920's. it was there that the radio drama "unshackled" broadcast dramatic personal transitions in faith. in 2008, the chicago public school system opted to demolish the building for new development (the mission had moved out after their new building was completed). the neon cross that adorned the facade for so many years, was removed and reincorporated into the mission's new building.

from a previous post written nearly a decade ago, "we found several 1950's -era signs relating to the mission, prayer services, etc. ceiling light fixtures from the 1920's and 1950's were found (in some cases, hidden above false ceilings). the "shackled" radio program studios contained custom-made "acoustic" mid-century ceiling dome fixtures, along w/ triangular milk glass shade "on air" wall fixtures. a perfectly preserved ornamental tin ceiling was uncovered as well. located on what was once called "murderers row" or the "old skid row district."