I came across this page which mentions an Puerto Rican presence in Woodlawn in the past. Ive never heard of this before, anybody know anything about it?
Just speculation, but I would think the Puerto Rican community in Woodlawn would have been centered in its eastern section.
For example, the Kimbark Theater, Kimbark & 63rd, was showing Spanish-language movies in the '50s, but I found no evidence that any other of the theaters were.
In my endeavors I came across your flikr account and a picture of an old ad for Casino Moderne featuring the Mike Hernandez band. One of the commentors mentioned how woodlawn had a pr community in the past. Very interesting stuff
I was rather surprised to hear that there was a Puerto Rican community back in my grandfather's old neighborhood, Loomis & Jackson. Evidently St. Jarlath's Church, which used to be on Paulina between Adams and Jackson, was designated as an outreach for Puerto Ricans in Chicago.
There were alot Puerto Ricans at Holy Cross, 65th-Maryland in Woodlawn in the 50's. They even had a church group that I think was called the Knights of San Juan. Also remember seeing a parade on 63rd. A decade later though they seemed to have migrated to Englewood.
[b]That's sure something new to me. I'm from back of the yards and Woodlawn is like another city to me. I thought that woodlawn was like high class much higher than back of the yards.[/b]
I would say that your right about that Richard. Woodlawn was developed for the higher middle class over time it became working class and ultimately a slum. In its heyday Professors, Doctors, Politicians, Entertainment figures all called Woodlawn home. Woodlawn is littered with greystones on double lots and mini mansions much like Bronzeville. A stark contrast to the housing that was developed around the stockyards.