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Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate!

For the last decade, I’ve spent the 4th of July in Chicago, my hometown. We usually barbecue, hang out with family, and sometimes go to the fireworks the night before.

This year Chicago didn’t have fireworks in Grant Park. The city has no money. As much as I enjoy a good fireworks show, I agree the money is better spent elsewhere.

But when I did go to the fireworks downtown, I often passed the former Harrison Hotel (left), built in 1928. The building’s exterior still resembles the image on this luggage label, although the hotel is now a Travelodge.

In recent history this Travelodge also kept some rooms as an SRO (single room occupancy) for long term guests, although I can’t find any mention of that now.