General Discussion Forgotten Chicago Forum
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Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
nukleopatr
(192.77.161.---)
Date: March 01, 2010 08:18PM
kagillogly-
I also live in the neighborhood and was also wondering where the Wieboldt's on Milwaukee and Paulina. According to some internet research, it was located at 1275-95 N. Milwaukee Ave, which is the multi-story building across the parking Jewel/Kmart parking lot (the one with the Radio Shack and Blu Coral sushi restaurant on first floor on the Milwaukee side of the building). I dont know if the current building is the original Wieboldt's building, but the address ranges matches.
I will say *this* about the current building...when i first moved into the area about 15 years ago, the side of the building that faces the kmart parking lot (the back of the building) had no windows...they were painted in. Eventually windows were put in.
I also live in the neighborhood and was also wondering where the Wieboldt's on Milwaukee and Paulina. According to some internet research, it was located at 1275-95 N. Milwaukee Ave, which is the multi-story building across the parking Jewel/Kmart parking lot (the one with the Radio Shack and Blu Coral sushi restaurant on first floor on the Milwaukee side of the building). I dont know if the current building is the original Wieboldt's building, but the address ranges matches.
I will say *this* about the current building...when i first moved into the area about 15 years ago, the side of the building that faces the kmart parking lot (the back of the building) had no windows...they were painted in. Eventually windows were put in.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Elaine W
(192.175.17.---)
Date: March 16, 2010 08:46PM
FranCarmen (re--your post dated 2/26) the Polk Brothers on Belmont that you're thinking of was a few blocks west of the "L" tracks, maybe Racine rather than Paulina. The building was still standing as of a few years ago--if I get a chance to wander arouund that neighborhood, I'll look for the building and let you know.
I don't recall when Polk Bros. went out of business, but I remember going to one in South Chicago (south and east of Hyde Park, not sure exactly where it was) around 1991 or 1992, and they went out of business shortly thereafter.
I don't recall when Polk Bros. went out of business, but I remember going to one in South Chicago (south and east of Hyde Park, not sure exactly where it was) around 1991 or 1992, and they went out of business shortly thereafter.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
liz
(---.dsl.okcyok.swbell.net)
Date: March 16, 2010 09:32PM
from Wikipedia
The chain officially closed its doors in 1992 in a grand "going out of business" sale. But the company did not go bankrupt. The assets were rolled over into the Polk Bros. Foundation, today one of the Chicago area's largest charitable organizations. With assets of $385 million, the foundation last year dispensed 350 grants totaling $15.7 million to organizations. The foundation has funded organizations such as the Chicago Children's Choir, The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), and the University of Chicago. The Polks also had a vast investment portfolio that included stock in such bygone Chicago retailers as Wieboldt's and Goldblatt's. They also held thousands of acres of real estate around the country, most of it divested over the past 15 years. One of the last parcels, 60 acres (240,000 m2) prime in the Malibu Hills north of Los Angeles, has a sale pending.
A Menards currently occupies the rebuilt Polk Brothers store in Melrose Park.
The chain officially closed its doors in 1992 in a grand "going out of business" sale. But the company did not go bankrupt. The assets were rolled over into the Polk Bros. Foundation, today one of the Chicago area's largest charitable organizations. With assets of $385 million, the foundation last year dispensed 350 grants totaling $15.7 million to organizations. The foundation has funded organizations such as the Chicago Children's Choir, The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), and the University of Chicago. The Polks also had a vast investment portfolio that included stock in such bygone Chicago retailers as Wieboldt's and Goldblatt's. They also held thousands of acres of real estate around the country, most of it divested over the past 15 years. One of the last parcels, 60 acres (240,000 m2) prime in the Malibu Hills north of Los Angeles, has a sale pending.
A Menards currently occupies the rebuilt Polk Brothers store in Melrose Park.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Kchi
(---.dsl.chcgil.ameritech.net)
Date: November 12, 2010 11:45AM
Found a article announcing the construction of the Wielboldt's store on Milwaukee Ave. Was on the former site of the Lion store which burnt down. The date of the article is Nov 30,1898. It describes the building as four stories and basement high with frontage of 96 feet from 937-945 Milwaukee Ave going back 218 feet to Bauwans street (street must have been renamed later also believe the city renumbered the addresses) The building is described as being constructed of Roman pressed brick. The floors were to be constructed of pine covered by maple. There were to be two passenger and one freight. elevator. The building was to be 80,000 feet and a cost of $80,000.
The extraordinary thing is that as of the Nov 30th date, the excavation was complete annd the foundation was being worked on. THE INTENTION WAS FOR THE BUILDING TO BE READY FOR OCCUPANCY BY APRIL 15th. It tells you something about the manual labor back then, completing a building in last then 5 months. Nowdays with all the modern equipment,OSHA and unions it would probably take more than twice the time.
There is another article dated Mar 2,1915 which mentions Wielboldt's buying the adjoining property 1269- 1275 Milwaukee for an extension. Three stories and a basement.
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=422581271&sid=4&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=382401841&sid=5&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2010 11:57AM by Kchi.
The extraordinary thing is that as of the Nov 30th date, the excavation was complete annd the foundation was being worked on. THE INTENTION WAS FOR THE BUILDING TO BE READY FOR OCCUPANCY BY APRIL 15th. It tells you something about the manual labor back then, completing a building in last then 5 months. Nowdays with all the modern equipment,OSHA and unions it would probably take more than twice the time.
There is another article dated Mar 2,1915 which mentions Wielboldt's buying the adjoining property 1269- 1275 Milwaukee for an extension. Three stories and a basement.
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=422581271&sid=4&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=382401841&sid=5&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2010 11:57AM by Kchi.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Kchi
(---.dsl.chcgil.ameritech.net)
Date: November 12, 2010 12:06PM
Found another great article Mar 30,1935 about the Wielboldt's on Milwaukee Ave being robbed of $2,000 by five men, one with a machinegun and four with revolvers. They were pursued by police and 12 gunshots were exchanged before they got away.
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=443622362&sid=6&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2010 12:28PM by Kchi.
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=443622362&sid=6&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2010 12:28PM by Kchi.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Kchi
(---.dsl.chcgil.ameritech.net)
Date: November 12, 2010 12:19PM
The Tribune also ran a series of articles about successful businessmen in Mar 1953. The article dated Mar 7,1953 was about W.A.Wielboldt who was 96. It tells his story.
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=502152582&sid=6&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2010 12:37PM by Kchi.
http://quicksearch.chipublib.org/cgi-bin/cpl-gr.pl?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=502152582&sid=6&Fmt=10&clientId=11417&RQT=309&VName=HNP
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2010 12:37PM by Kchi.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Kchi
(---.dsl.chcgil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: December 02, 2010 12:50PM
Found this website for you department store fans. Limited information, but pictures of department stores from around the country.
Link with a old picture of the Wieboldt's store on Milwaukee.
http://www.dshistory.com/stores/wieboldts_chicago/
Link with a old picture of the Wieboldt's store on Milwaukee.
http://www.dshistory.com/stores/wieboldts_chicago/
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
tomcat630
(---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: December 03, 2010 01:51AM
A few Wiebolt's buildings stood empty for years. Lincoln/Ashland/Belmont, for example, almost 7 years. Finally converted to lofts in 1995-96.
At Yorktown Mall in Lombard was empty 5-6 years until Von Maur came in. River Forest, unfortunately was torn down by 1995.
Other stores flipped right away. HIP to Carson's, Startford Square to Penny's, and Randhurst to Bergners?
At Yorktown Mall in Lombard was empty 5-6 years until Von Maur came in. River Forest, unfortunately was torn down by 1995.
Other stores flipped right away. HIP to Carson's, Startford Square to Penny's, and Randhurst to Bergners?
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Kchi
(---.dsl.chcgil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: December 14, 2010 10:30AM
I've identified the following Wieboldt's location form a old ad:
State Street
Jefferson Square
Lincoln Mall
Lakehurst
Yorktown
Ford City
Randhurst
Oak Park
Evanston
Harlem and Irving
Lakeview
Milwaukee Ave
Lincoln Village
Meadowdale
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2010 10:36AM by Kchi.
State Street
Jefferson Square
Lincoln Mall
Lakehurst
Yorktown
Ford City
Randhurst
Oak Park
Evanston
Harlem and Irving
Lakeview
Milwaukee Ave
Lincoln Village
Meadowdale
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2010 10:36AM by Kchi.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
johncobb
(---.dps.state.ny.us)
Date: December 21, 2010 10:45AM
I remember Wiebolts, as a kid we used to hang out in the store.
SIGN MAKER... I visited the woman who sat at a stool in front of a sign machine where she would select the letters - stencils I think, then line them up on cardboard stock and run an ink roller over it all to make the Sale and other signage...
ELEVATOR OPERATOR... Riding up the old style elevator with a woman sitting on a stool, she would open the inner door that was more like a crisscrossed steel fence, then hit a foot peddal to open the outer doors. The amazing thing was that rotary handled lift control - she could run between floors fast or slow - depending if she was full or empty (with her 'fan' onboard)... The amazing thing was that the walls were open and covered with a steel mesh over a frame - you could see inside the elevator shaft as you zipped up or down...
S&H REDEMPTION CENTER... My Mom used to bring her books of stamps and we would go through to get a blanker or some other household items... Cool bonus for shopping at Chicago stores that gave this bonus...
SIGN MAKER... I visited the woman who sat at a stool in front of a sign machine where she would select the letters - stencils I think, then line them up on cardboard stock and run an ink roller over it all to make the Sale and other signage...
ELEVATOR OPERATOR... Riding up the old style elevator with a woman sitting on a stool, she would open the inner door that was more like a crisscrossed steel fence, then hit a foot peddal to open the outer doors. The amazing thing was that rotary handled lift control - she could run between floors fast or slow - depending if she was full or empty (with her 'fan' onboard)... The amazing thing was that the walls were open and covered with a steel mesh over a frame - you could see inside the elevator shaft as you zipped up or down...
S&H REDEMPTION CENTER... My Mom used to bring her books of stamps and we would go through to get a blanker or some other household items... Cool bonus for shopping at Chicago stores that gave this bonus...
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
tomcat630
(---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: December 31, 2010 04:29AM
These are torn down:
Lakehurst
Randhurst
Oak Park
Lakehurst
Randhurst
Oak Park
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Chipast
(---.dsl.chcgil.ameritech.net)
Date: December 31, 2010 04:18PM
As well as the one on Church St in Evanston.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
WayOutWardell
(---.dsl.chcgil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: January 03, 2011 01:25AM
At around 4:20 in this old film, the camera passes by the Wieboldt's at Meadowdale Mall: [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aawp7b7JADE&feature=related]Come With Me To...Sleepy Hollow[/url]
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
mikehawk63
(---.dsl.chcgil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: January 07, 2011 01:42AM
The Wieboldt's on Milwaukee Ave now houses, among other things, offices of the Social Security Administration. I remember as a kid in the early '70s going to this store with my folks and being amazed that they had everything from groceries to a department selling stationery and pens to clothes and appliances!
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
tomcat630
(---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: January 15, 2011 02:12AM
The Loft development in the old Weibolts at Lincoln and Ashland should have been named after the store, but is Tower Lofts. It had nice 'Art Deco-ish' letters, 'Wiebolts', on side, but took them down, booo!
The Oak Park store was actually in River Forest, kitty corner from Marshall Fields at Harlem and Lake, SW corner. It had 'Art Deco' glass block windows, too bad wasn't remodeled.
The Oak Park store was actually in River Forest, kitty corner from Marshall Fields at Harlem and Lake, SW corner. It had 'Art Deco' glass block windows, too bad wasn't remodeled.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Chipast
(---.dsl.chcgil.sbcglobal.net)
Date: January 16, 2011 05:31PM
The Wieboldt's on N.Milwaukee Av closed in early 1976.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
Dunning1
(---.dhs.gov)
Date: December 14, 2011 07:00PM
Wieboldts at Harlem Irving used to have the best pound cake in the world in the grocery section they had on the first floor of their store at HIP. It was in an area that must now be the corridor on the north side of Carson's.
Interesting note about William Wieboldt...being somewhat of a cemetery affectionado, I had seen the impressive graves of Marshall Field, and the Scotts from Carson Pirie Scott, as well as the mausolem of Sears, Ward, and Shedd at Rosehill Cemetery. Always wondered where Wieboldt was buried. Finally located his and his wife's very simple graves at Wunder's Cemetery, at Clark & Irving Park Road, right along the fence with Jewish Graceland.
Interesting note about William Wieboldt...being somewhat of a cemetery affectionado, I had seen the impressive graves of Marshall Field, and the Scotts from Carson Pirie Scott, as well as the mausolem of Sears, Ward, and Shedd at Rosehill Cemetery. Always wondered where Wieboldt was buried. Finally located his and his wife's very simple graves at Wunder's Cemetery, at Clark & Irving Park Road, right along the fence with Jewish Graceland.
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
MIKETOUHY
(---.nap.wideopenwest.com)
Date: December 21, 2011 10:24PM
Wonder if there were any other Weboldt's stores with the diamonds on it just like the HIP location?
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
729 Brompton
(---.148-78-65.ftth.swbr.surewest.net)
Date: October 23, 2012 02:25AM
My brother worked and got fired from there. My mom used to take me and I hated going, but they had a candy counter where I first had Swedish fish. I remember they always had a nice soft tone ringing from time to time throughout the store. Never remember why though...
Re: Wieboldt's
Posted by:
ambrosemario
(---.hsd1.in.comcast.net)
Date: October 23, 2012 03:20AM
I saw a Polk Brother's Santa on a house in Canaryville this past Christmas season.
It was the first one I'd seen in many years. There cannot be many left. That promotion offered the choice of Santa or the less popular Frosty the Snowman. In regards to Steinberg-Baum, they had a store on 79th just east of Western. Of course, it's been gone for at least 40 years. Illinois Bell built a facility on that site. And I think that, too, may have since been torn down. Lastly, in 1969 I worked a summer job at the downtown Weiboldts store. As an employee, I could eat a very inexpensive lunch in their employee cafeteria or a discounted meal in their public restaurant. I usually ate at the latter because it was decorated in a beautiful Bavarian style, very similar in design to the Berghoff. I was just out of high school and eating there made me feel very grown up. Great memories.
It was the first one I'd seen in many years. There cannot be many left. That promotion offered the choice of Santa or the less popular Frosty the Snowman. In regards to Steinberg-Baum, they had a store on 79th just east of Western. Of course, it's been gone for at least 40 years. Illinois Bell built a facility on that site. And I think that, too, may have since been torn down. Lastly, in 1969 I worked a summer job at the downtown Weiboldts store. As an employee, I could eat a very inexpensive lunch in their employee cafeteria or a discounted meal in their public restaurant. I usually ate at the latter because it was decorated in a beautiful Bavarian style, very similar in design to the Berghoff. I was just out of high school and eating there made me feel very grown up. Great memories.
