Creative collaboration is international through virtual reality. A group of history enthusiasts from Australia to Viet Nam, Britain to Romania, and throughout the United States came together to recreate the turbulent and dramatic events of a pre-computer time—when the innovations were radio, jazz, blues, abstract art, skyscrapers, tommy guns, automobiles, and short skirts.
Building the Chicago Loop from the 20′s has captured the style, setting, and character of the real city, complete with the Chicago River, State Street, Grant Park, near north and near south warehouse districts, the elevated train line, trolley cars, vintage shops and clubs, alleys, cathedral, police station, hospital, and restaurants.
As a shy newbie in Second Life, the very second day of arriving in this new culture, I instinctively sought a home—some place to learn and get my bearings. On the first day, I learned to change clothes and move around. Then doing a search on the word “Chicago,” the listing with the most visitors, read: Chicago Roaring ’20s.
Curiosity propelled me transport there even though I was clumsy and SL naive. It reminded me of moving to real life Chicago when I was 23 years old to attend the Art Institute of Chicago and to begin a career (though the last five-generations of my family lived in the city, I grew up around the Midwest). Wide-eyed and innocent, I sat in the Tribune Plaza, surrounded by tall buildings, with a view down the river, edged by skyscrapers. Gazing at all the twinkling windows, I felt overwhelmed by not knowing a single person that occupied all those spaces!
In Second Life, after first obtaining a free 1920′s outfit, I began to explore the Chicago 1920′s sim. As in the past, I stood overwhelmed on a recreation of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (a bridge I have crossed a thousand times in real life). Looking at all the tall buildings—but without the newer ones I also know well—I felt transported back to the time of my ancestors. And again I felt those knee-shaking shy and nervous feelings! But then I was more than welcomed in this virtual world; I was swept into taking both steps back in time and forward into an innovative international collaboration! This story chronicles my journey, as I assume the role of a young ambitious journalist who has the knack of being in the right places at the right times. The group plays out real events that defined the character of an era and of the great city I call home in both worlds.
Cover of the 100-pages e-book that grew from recreating major events of Chicago in the 1920's.
Murder, Mayhem, & Music chronicles the first part of the decade that inspired an escalation of every enticement begun from speakeasies, to innovative fashion, to rising mob control, to an artistic renaissance, to the building boom. It begins with my arrival in Chicago and a sketch of the cultural backdrop.
The story is supported by images and stories from the real history—in black and white contrast. The historical back bone is presented, giving both authenticity and a deeper exploration into the color of the era. Opening with the setting, the darker pages present the historical facts and the lighter pages chronicle the recreation.
In meeting Gigi Gartenberg early upon my arrival—two friends could not be more opposite. Yet she helps me on my way to learning how Chicago works and to establishing myself as a professional.
Brand new in town, a friend and I (a lady would never go alone) wander into the Boom Boom Lounge, the only place open in the Loop on a sunday afternoon. There we meet the soon-to-be-famous Gigi Gartenberg.
My first break through assignment as a journalist is the beauty pageant patterned after Miss America, which began in 1921. Earning an instant reputation, like the historical figures my role reflects, I find my dream job: editor and chief of The Chicagoan.
Falling into my dream job, I open my own publishing office. But soon I am visited by a well-dressed fellow offering me "protection" for a monthly fee.
As one of the country’s first women journalists, I become famous when I witness the murder of the mayor and have the scoop on the headline story. This murder combines the first real life major mob killing in 1920 of Big Jim Colosimo and the later assassination of Mayor Anton Cermak. Chief Shepham Moorlord investigates the murder while his beautiful entrepreneurial wife Starla Huntress Moorlord takes control of the city’s social agendas.
Entertainment and clubs bring everyone together on equal footing—those feet dancing to jazz and blues or attending the nightly burlesque shows.
The book is written and designed for a reader who knows nothing about virtual reality, as it is the story woven that has relevance both “in-world” and without. The illustrations are snapshots from the events taking place virtually, showing the creativity of the avatar characters and the atmosphere of the setting. The photographs tell a story visually, balancing with the story line that is easy, albeit rather sarcastic, to read.
The decade is relived through history that made Chicago famous.
The story continues—see The Chicagoan blog for infamous murders, prisoners, controversy, and romance.
Available as a download PDF for $.
[this is the first notice of the book for initial comments prior to publication.]
Please enjoy reading a free sample chapter. [to come]
