This wonderful book St. Michael’s Parish, Chicago’s Old  Town  Legend, 1852-2002, documents a most colorful and unique history of one of the few churches that survived the Great Chicago Fire.The founding parishioners, of primarily German origin, rebuilt their church in only two years, an amazing testimony to faith. The book chronicles the story of the Chicago area from the late 1600’s quickly moving to the settlers of the 1700’s to the immigrants that came in the 1800’s. The specific location of St. Michael’s has its own interesting story including the donated land for the first church structure by the local immigrant brewer Michael Diversey in the area we now call “Old Town”.   

The book follows the history of the very strong willed parishioners and their clashes with various religious leaders. It also details the rich architectural history of the church and its famed stained glass windows. The church is filled with symbolism, and most parishioners are still trying to get an accurate count of the many angels depicted.