Historic Central Camera store goes up in flames during unrest in Chicago

The historic Central Camera store along Route 66 in downtown Chicago burned Saturday night amid unrest over the death a few days ago of an African-American man in Minneapolis police custody. The store’s neon sign, however, appeared to be intact.

A reporter with the CBS-TV affiliate in Chicago reported the store 332 S. Wabash Ave. was looted, then burned.

Here’s the video from the scene:

Central Camera posted photos of the damage on its Facebook page:

It also has set up a GoFundMe.com page to help rebuild:

Don Flesch, a third-generation owner of the store, told the CBS reporter he was philosophical about the loss.

“It’s what’s going on, it’s reality so you deal with it,” he said. “It’s that simple.”
Flesch said he was most angry about the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis that touched off the unrest there, in Chicago, and elsewhere around the country. […]
Flesch also said this was by no means the end of Central Camera.
“I’m going to rebuild and make it just as good or better, so I’m not depressed at all,” he said.

Flesch said he also rescued the first camera his grandfather sold when the store originally was located at 31 E. Adams St. The business dates to 1899.

Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest Monday near downtown Minneapolis. Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the side of Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes — including almost three minutes after Floyd became unresponsive, according to the criminal complaint filed against Chauvin.

Chauvin several days later was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers were fired. The FBI and Minnesota state police also are investigating.

Floyd’s death touched off protests and some arson and looting at several large cities, including Chicago. Floyd’s death drew condemnation from officers and police chiefs across the country. Minnesota officials also say “anarchists” from outside the area are instigating some of the violence.

(Hat tip to David Clark; an image of the Central Camera sign in Chicago in 2009 by d76 via Flickr)

4 thoughts on “Historic Central Camera store goes up in flames during unrest in Chicago

  1. Terrible news. I’ve shopped there since the late 60’s. They left Adams street around 1908 and had a store in the 100 block of south Wabash until they moved to 230 S. Wabash around 1929. Just a bunch of great people. I bought my first Leica there.

  2. Oh my God, I’m heartbroken. This is my camera store. Whenever I’m in Chicago, I go in there. I probably visited 6 times in the year prior to Covid. Also, they have my TDC stereo camera in for repair.

    How does destroying a 100 year old business run by the nicest people you’ll ever meet advance social justice?

    This is sickening.

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