Hidden Remains: The Farm in the Zoo
Dr. Lester E. Fisher was the director of the Lincoln Park Zoo from 1962 until 1992. During his first year in that position, the construction of the Farm in the Zoo commenced, and he had the difficult task of dealing with an unexpected finding while the foundation was being dug for the main barn, pictured below. Dr. Fisher very graciously met with me and shared stories of his tenure at the zoo, and told me about the hidden remains that were uncovered in 1962. The photographs and documents presented here, are mentioned during our fifteen minute conversation.

The 15-minute conversation.
The 2 1/2-minute anecdote.



By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

Dr. Lester E. Fisher, January 14, 2008, at the time of our conversation.

Common Council document about "pigs and other animals" getting into the cemetery grounds, courtesy of the Illinois Regional Archives Depository.

Common Council document about cattle destroying the shrubbery in the cemetery grounds, courtesy of the
Illinois Regional Archives Depository.


Pamela Bannos © 2021