I want to start by saying this is a great site. I am very interested in Nelson Algren and was wondering if anyone ever came across photos of Algren in his Wabansia Apartment? I know Shay published a few of them but I imagine there are others. Or do others know of any other sites that he frequented (i.e. bars) that may still be around? Thank you.
I recently purchased an old movie (DVD), made in 1963, called "Goldstein". Nelson Algren "makes an appearance in the film which he recounts the tale of Lostball Stahouska."
I wouldn't have known about this old movie had it not been for the Forgotten Chicago feature: The Extension And Removal Of Ogden Avenue. Two photographs in this feature article piqued my interest.
However, . . . be forewarned that the film is totally crazy. ;-)
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2012 03:48PM by nordsider.
I know his family home on S. King Drive is still standing - it was for sale a couple years ago. His other boyhood home on N. Troy street (discussed in City on the Make) is also still standing.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2012 01:11AM by Deejo.
I went to O'Rourkes http://www.chibarproject.com/Memoriam/O'Rourke's/O'Rourke's.htm just after Algren left Chicago for New Jersey because I had read Algren used to drink there. The Bar Tender told me Algren was a pain in the tail, and especially rude to women.
I remember Roger Ebert was sitting at the bar too. He describes the look of the place in the link above although I think the picture of O'Rourkes was a later incarnation of the place. I remember it as more of a corner location at Sedgewick and North. I remember the picture of Brenda Behan real well.