Jefferson Park, Chicago c. 1873

Copelin and Son's stereoscopic card offers a glimpse into leisure at Jefferson Park in Chicago, a popular attraction for the city's residents. The stereoscopic format was a popular form of entertainment in the late 19th century, allowing viewers to experience a three-dimensional image through a special viewer. This card, produced by a commercial photography studio, was likely sold as a souvenir to visitors. The image itself presents a carefully composed scene of middle-class leisure: families boating on the lagoon, strolling along the pathways, or relaxing in the gazebo. The park itself, and the activities it offered, reflect a growing desire for accessible public spaces. Through careful research into city archives, period newspapers, and other historical documents, we can understand more about the social and cultural context of Jefferson Park and the role it played in the lives of Chicagoans during this period.