Chicago's Original Boat Tours

We've seen a lot of Chicago history in the past 72 years. When Albert Borgstrom started Wendella with one boat (pictured above) in 1935, the Chicago Cubs, were beginning a season that would see 100 wins and a World Series berth against the Detroit Tigers. The Board of Trade Building was the tallest in Chicago and Edward Kelly was its Mayor. There was Sears, Roebuck and Company, but no Sears Tower. Michigan Avenue was still just Michigan Avenue, it wouldn't be called the Magnificent Mile for another 12 years. George Halas was still the coach of the Bears.

During our first season, Jazz great Ramsey Lewis was born, heavyweight fighter Joe Lewis defeated Primo Carena to start his career and George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess made its debut at Boston's Colonial Theater. Gustav V was King of Albert's native Sweden, George V was nearing the end of his reign in England, and closer to home, Franklin Roosevelt was still in his first term.

Today, the Borgstrom family still owns and operates Wendella. Chicago remains an mecca for world class architecture and, with any luck, 2005 will also see the Cub's return to the World Series!

On this page, we've assembled facts, pictures, tidbits and trivia from our last 70 years. We'll be adding content to this page throughout the year, so come back often. Maybe you'll see a name you know; a picture that brings back memories or just something that makes you smile.

Wendella's All Time Roster.

We had been fortunate through the years to have great people join our family. Not only individuals, but If you explore our roster, you'll find entire families have worked here. Its the dedication of these people that have made Wendella a safe, enjoyable, friendly place to be.

If you see your name, or the name of someone you know, or don't see your name and we missed you, please contact us, we'd love to hear from you.

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Before there was Wendela

We're really excited about this find! We've talked a lot about the Original Wendela (see picture of it below) and company founder Albert Borgstrom. Well, we found a picture of the boat before the fire and the renovation that changed boat tours in Chicago! Buried deep in the archives, it was unearthed just recently.

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The Original Wendela

Here you will find some pictures of the original Wendela, put in service in 1935 as Chicago's original sightseeing tour boat. Legend has it that a couple from Evanston sold the boat to Albert after it had been involved in a fire. He made all necessary repairs, added a docent and began offering tours for $.25

By the way, that's not a typo. Originally, the Wendella was spelled with only 1 "L."

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Fun Pictures

Our pictures aren't all buildings and boats. This link will get you to some out of the ordinary shots.

Send us your Photo's

We've shown you our's not let's see your's. We're looking for pictures you've taken at Wendella.

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