The Olson Park and Waterfall was located next to and part of a commercial enterprise known as Olson Rug Company. It was built as a sort of memorial to the Native Americans, who performed here during its existence.

The description states:
OLSON RUG COMPANY
2800 N. Crawford (Pulaski) at Diversey
CHICAGO
Tumbling waterfalls…hundreds of rare trees, shrubs, plants and flowers…clear pools…these and other beautiful sights are open free to visitors of the Olson Rug Co. Rock Gardens. This Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of Rugs, Carpets and Broadlooms dealing direct with the home, is known for low Factory-to-You Prices.
–As can be inferred from the text above, the card shown here was a promotional device for the company’s product. The park was located on the Northwest side of the city, and built in 1935. It remained until the business and property were acquired by Marshall Field in 1971. The park was demolished and replaced with a parking lot, used now for the Macy’s store in the old building.
As noted in the caption below the image, this card dates from the 1940s.

This image shows a series of flower beds in bloom in Humboldt Park, on the west side of Chicago.

The description states:
FLOWER GARDEN, HUMBOLDT PARK
The Chicago Park District is noted for the beauty of its outdoor floral displays. One of the large exhibits shown here is the flower garden in Humboldt Park, 50,000 square feet in area.
–The park is at some remove from the ones discussed previously, which are on or near the Chicago waterfront. This park was opened in 1877 and is on the register of historic places. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a portion of the flower show dedicated to chrysanthemum flowers, also known as mums, which is held in early October.

The description states:
CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWER SHOW
GARFIELD PARK
The Annual Chrysanthemum Show of the Chicago Park District in Garfield and Lincoln Park Conservatories is one of the largest and most beautiful in this country. This photograph was taken at Garfield Park, where the world’s largest conservatory under one roof is located.
–The event appears to have diminished in size over the years, and is now announced to be held only at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a portion of the flowers on display within the conservatory at Garfield Park in Chicago, Illinois during the Christmas Flower Show.

The description states:
CHRISTMAS FLOWER SHOW
GARFIELD PARK
The Annual Christmas Flower Show of the Chicago Park District in Garfield and Lincoln Park Conservatories features more than 10,000 seasonal blooms. This is a view of the Garfield Park exhibit.
–It appears from online sources that the Garfield portion of the show has been discontinued and the show is held along with others at the Lincoln Park Conservatory alone. The card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the large glass enclosed building called the Chicago Park District Conservatory. It’s function is to provide an enclosed space for plants that allows as much natural light in as possible.

The description states:
EXTERIOR, LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY
The Chicago Park District Conservatory in Lincoln Park houses a permanent collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants which rank high in the horticultural world. The original structure was erected in 1891. Four major flower shows are held there annually.
–The original greenhouse was built in the 1870s and its collections were moved here when this building was constructed in 1891. By the 1890’s Chicago had five such conservatories.
This card likely dates to the 1950s.

This image shows the interior of the Lincoln Park Conservatory during the annual flower show featuring plants for Easter and Spring.

The description states:
EASTER AND SPRING FLOWER SHOW
LINCOLN PARK
A view of the Easter and Spring Flower Show in Lincoln Park Conservatory — one of the major flower shows of the Chicago Park District presented each year in Garfield and Lincoln Parks.
–This show was first held in 1847 and is now held at Chicago’s Navy Pier. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

The building shown in this image was a retirement and convalescent center for members of the Masonic order and certain family.

The description states:
Rockford…Founded in 1834…Now has third largest population in Illinois…Seat of Winnebago County…Served by four railroads, hub of bus routes, 140 airport four miles north of city.
–The postcard description does not provide any further information on the building or its purpose. Typically such establishments were for members of the organization that built it.
It is believed that this building was razed and replaced by new structures on the same site.
This card likes dates from the 1930s.

This building housed the Tebala Shrine Temple for the Masonic Order, including several related organizations.

The description states:
This building is known as the Tebala Shrine Temple which houses the local A. A. O. N. M. S., Star in the East Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Crusader Commandery, White Shrine and other Masonic Orders. The auditorium seats 1735 persons. This temple is used for many musical and theatrical productions and civic gatherings.
–The lengthy abbreviations refer to the full names of the respective Shrine organizations. This building appears to be no longer in use, as the Tebala Shrine website points to a much newer building to the east of downtown Rockford.
This postcard likely dates from the 1930s.