Racing past Apeco Marina

August 18, 1974. A boat speeds past Marina City in a race that was part of Chicago’s 17th annual Lakefront Festival.

Racers reached speeds of 85 mph as they competed for cash prizes, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Fila captured this image. People at Marina City are watching the race from the marina level – under the large “Apeco Marina” sign – and from the plaza level.

“Apeco” stood for American Photocopy Equipment Company, which manufactured and marketed photocopy machines starting in 1952. In 1968, Apeco entered the marina products industry. Its focus shifted in 1985 to costume jewelry and its name changed to Lori Corporation. Since 1995, it has been known as Comforce Corporation, supplying personnel to other companies for management and engineering assignments.