The Mahlon D. Ogden mansion, on the site that has been occupied since the early 1890s by the Newberry Library (the north side of Walton Street, between Dearborn and Clark), was saved from destruction by a combination of luck and the timely application of soaked carpets to the building's exterior in order to protect it from flying sparks and large pieces of flaming wood that whirled through the air and spread the fire. The view here is from behind the house, looking southeast. Along with the Bellinger home on North Hudson Street, the Ogden Mansion was reportedly the only residence in the path of the fire that survived. The New England (Congregational) and Unity (Unitarian) Churches, on the east side of Dearborn between Walton and Delaware streets, were both destroyed. All three buildings faced Washington Square Park, which is bordered by Dearborn, Walton, Clark, and Delaware streets.
Mahlon Ogden was from the small town of Walton, New York, located on the Delaware River about fifty miles east of Binghamton. He followed the path of his brother William in moving to Chicago. Both would become wealthy and number among the young city’s most prominent citizens, contributing much to civic life. William was elected its first mayor in 1837, while Mahlon pursued a very successful career as an attorney and later became a judge.
