10/09/2026
Today we remember the , which occurred 155 years ago, October 8–10, 1871. The fire destroyed one-third of the city, but the new brick and masonry Italianate-style buildings that rose from the ashes afterward (the “Post-Fire” buildings) defined the style of downtown Chicago for decades. This was the environment in which Cohasset Punch was developed and popularized for almost 100 years. Take a trip back in time:
1. & 5.) 207 W Madison (built as 196 Madison): Built c. 1870s, Demolished 1986. Ladner Bros. "Home of Cohasset Punch" from 1916–1919 (Prohibition), and again from 1933–1986. Currently site of a parking structure.
2.) 146 Dearborn (now 10 S Dearborn): Built 1872, Demolished 1892. Site of the first Williams & Newman saloon from 1885–1892. Demolished to make way for Henry Ives Cobb’s 14-story Hartford Building, itself demolished in 1967 for First National Plaza (now Chase Tower).
3.) 124 Dearborn (now 10 N Dearborn): Built 1872, Demolished 1923. Site of Williams & Newman’s second location, where Cohasset Punch was created. Demolished to make way for the 11-story Covenant Club building (extant).
4.) 115 E. Lake (now 75 W. Lake): Built c. 1870s, Demolished 1948. Currently site of a parking structure.
