Lanyon Family Papers

The Lanyon Family Papers consists of photographs and ephemera about the Lanyon family who settled in the Chicago beginning in 1867. Dick Norman Lanyon, the donor’s grandfather, was born in Mineral Point, Wisconsin in 1852. Dick, or D.N. Lanyon, worked in various professions including as a sign painter and as the Lessee and Manager of the Englewood Opera House located at Englewood Avenue [62nd Street] between Wentworth and Princeton Avenues. He also owned a business that milled and ground fire clay for the steel industry. Between 1930 and 1934, he wrote four letters to his daughter, Maude, and his son-in-law, Billy. In these letters he notes the effect of the Great Depression and its effect on his rental apartments, the coming Century of Progress fair, some ideas on criminal justice and how in 1934, he had become the oldest, continuous resident of Englewood.

Dick was one of five brothers. Charles H. Lanyon, was born in 1849 in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He arrived in Chicago in 1874, settled in the Englewood neighborhood and established his saddle and harness maker business at 6238 South Wentworth Avenue. John B. Lanyon also arrived in 1874 and established Lanyon Undertaking at 415 West 63rd Street. His son, Lester, and granddaughter, Esther, would take over the business.