This railroad lantern, archived by the Blue Island Historical Society, serves as a tangible link to the industrial legacy of the Calumet region. Patented in 1932 by Carl H. Larson, this lantern, designed for conductors, showcased innovative features such as electric batteries and facilitated quick lamp switching to address bulb failures (Stewart, “Adlake Lantern”). Yet, beyond its functional attributes, the Adlake lantern encapsulates a narrative deeply intertwined with the industrial trajectory of Chicago. The origins of the Adlake company trace back to the mid-19^th century when J. McGregor Adams, a principal founder, collaborated with railroad magnate John Crerar, the same benefactor of the University of Chicago science library (“Adams and Westlake” Made in Chicago Museum). Initially partners at Crerar, Adams and Co., they ventured into business after the Civil War, having previously worked with New York-based Morris K. Jesup & Co. However, their offices in downtown Chicago fell victim to the Great Chicago Fire, compelling them to rebuild with assistance from Crerar. Around the same time, English inventor William Westlake, operating his own railroad goods firm, faced a similar fate with his establishment, Cross, Dane & Westlake, lost to the fire. Lacking sufficient resources for reconstruction, Westlake sought partnership with Adams (Randolph, “Adams & Westlake Heritage”).

The amalgamation of Westlake’s inventive prowess and Adams’ financial backing from Crerar culminated in the establishment of Adams & Westlake Co. in 1874. Over the late 1800s, the company diversified beyond railroad accessories, venturing into household items like stoves, brass bed frames, and bicycles (Pacyga, “Industrialization”). This diversification mirrored the rapid industrial expansion post-Civil War, characterized by mass production fueled by immigrant labor, and spurred by the burgeoning railroad network. Despite success, William Westlake departed from the company in 1885, citing undervaluation of his inventions and industry stress, leaving Crerar and Adams at the helm. By then, the company had become a household name, boasting factories in New York City and Philadelphia (“Adams and Westlake” Made in Chicago Museum).

Following the deaths of Crerar and Adams, the company shifted its focus back to transportation-related manufacturing by the 1920s. During WWI, Adlake redirected surplus capacity to support the United States military. By 1927, the company’s Chicago plant faced spatial constraints, prompting a relocation to Elkhart, Indiana, mirroring broader trends of manufacturing decentralization and urban evolution (Indiana Historical Society, “Railroad History Materials”). As Chicago’s industrial landscape evolved, with companies migrating to suburban areas for cost-efficient resources, Adlake adapted, seeking new prospects beyond the city limits and within the Calumet region. Over time, its manufacturing focus diversified to include car parts and aluminum windows, with the Elkhart plant still operational today, primarily producing locks, latches, and curtains.

The Adlake lantern epitomizes the challenges and triumphs of industrial growth. Its narrative mirrors the dynamic evolution of America’s industrial landscape, characterized by competition, market fluctuations, and technological progress. Despite facing decline, Adlake’s legacy remains a testament to innovation and entrepreneurial resilience. As a tangible artifact, this lantern provides valuable insights into technological advancements, labor practices, and economic trends of its era. By exploring the rise and fall of Adlake through the lens of this lantern, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of business evolution and the lasting impact of industrialization on the Calumet and society as a whole.

—Adera Craig, ’25 (Environmental Science and Biological Sciences, CEGU minor)