As a sidebar to the Happy Day topic, years ago I went to the Helen Brach mansion in Glenview with some friends for a Showcase House open house. I think we each paid $10 for a ticket and the money went to charity. The house was set far back from the road. It was a colonial-style building, if I remember correctly. A group of us toured the property; it was untouched and had the same decorati
Forum: General Discussion

I remember the "House of Tromba" restaurant. My family would make a trip to St. Adelbert's Cemetery (across the street from Tromba's) a few times a year to visit family graves. This was usually on Memorial Day and Mother's Day. Tromba's was much like a no-frills roadhouse; a bar an restaurant divided by a center wall. No air conditioning, gravel parking lot, I think a knotty pine in
Forum: General Discussion

Daveg, thanks for setting the record straight. It was late when I submitted the entry and my memory for politics prior to high school is sketchy at best. I am suprised Percy is still living.
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Hawthorne Melody was another popular brand in dairy products back then. I think it was from the Hawthorne Melody farms near Linconshire. The farm itself was a great tourist destination with a small train, gift shop, and viewing of the dairy barns. The train ride was popular with kids as it had some kind of wild west theme with cardboard figures scattered about the grounds.
Forum: General Discussion

I remember going to Fox River Grove in the '60s with my cousin for the Bell & Howell company picnics held there for many years. Three of my uncles worked there. We were give tickets for any food item and amusement park rides for the day. One year my cousin's boyfriend brought his boat for use on the river. When he tried to get it back on the trailer attached to his car (a convertible no
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

I don't know about the Bunker Hill golf course but I wonder if anyone remembers the dance pavillions at nearby Caldwell Woods? I guess I remember seeing one during a family picnic in the 60's. The dance floor was a structure covering the area of a small house. All wood, with a roof and dance floor raised about 3 feet from the ground. There was a wide flight of stairs at each end and benches
Forum: General Discussion

In the early 60's we would often walk to an orchard and greenhouse located on a triangular shaped piece of land bordered by Milwaukee Ave. on the west, Avers on the east, and School St. on the north. On the property were two ponies (one white and one brown) named popcorn and peanuts. I don't remember how we learned of the name since we never saw anyone on the premises. We stood by the fen
Forum: General Discussion

Haven't seen the bottled product in ages, but I buy the small packets of Kayo chocolate mix. It's like Swiss Miss and comes in regular or light. Mix with water or milk; serve warm or cold. I found it at the Sara Lee outlet stores; 5 packs for $1.00. Nice for the coming cold weather.
Forum: General Discussion

Thanks WayOut for the Henry's website. Suprised to find they are still in business. That familiar green and red sign brought back memories of summer nights when my cousin and I were sent to walk the couple blocks to Henry's to bring back a bag of burgers, fries, etc.
Forum: General Discussion

Whatever happened to Henry's Hamburgers? There was one on Milwaukee and Belmont--don't remember any others in the city. My friends and I were amazed that we could buy a 15 cent burger and 10 cent fries in the neighborhood. The other items were equally as cheap. It was popular until it closed, but I'm not sure when that was, or why. It was I think the first burger chain near us.
Forum: General Discussion

Yes, shekaago, that's the one; on Rutherford. Couldn't remember that name. The ice cream was delicious and I think there was a greater selection of flavors too back then. It's too bad it is no longer there--seems like all the ice cream places are in malls now. This store was standing room only on summer nights. You had to take a number and some people waited outside.
Forum: General Discussion

When Riverview Park was still in operation a nice fireworks display was featured on the 4th. This was a big deal in those days because it was before there were any Chicago displays or, I think, suburban displays. My folks didn't take us to the park but we got a great view from our second story back porch. Until the trees grew taller and blocked the view. Then a bunch of the kids on the blo
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Did anyone frequent this Baskins? I used to ride my bike down the side streets adjacent to Belmont from the Avondale area on summer nights to get a cone at this shop. It was bare-bones; just a few plastic chairs. And the owners always seemed peeved at the customers. But the ice cream was better than that served today in those mini-Baskins. I can't remember there being any other Baskins in t
Forum: General Discussion

There was a small supermarket on the southwest corner of Addison and Avondale up until the late 60s--Avondale Foods. A creaky wooden floored and dimly lit place with a meat market, about 2 store fronts in size. I think it had 1 checkstand consisting of a small wooden counter (a friend worked there during high school). Probably a Certified or Centrella. In those days there was no Blue Line at
Forum: General Discussion

Shoreline, that's the one I was thinking of when I thought "Estelle's". I think it had a milk pail or a large clock circled with neon lights. Always wanted to go inside. Thanks.
Forum: General Discussion

I got to thinking about the many supermarkets that have come and gone which offered a nice choice of grocery shopping year ago. One site here mentioned the passing of Elliots on Montrose. I remember Mayflower on Elston and briefly on Addison and Central. Is Butera still in business? Of course A&P and National Tea have been gone for years and were the Jewel and Dominicks of the day, altho
Forum: General Discussion

Thanks, greatzambo. Didn't think anyone remembered the place. I used to go there for drinks with friends after work and then to dinner. It was another nice place to frequent in those days. I now remember the wing-backed chairs and I seem to remember the color green was dominant, and plaid? It was a cozy, comfortable establishment to frequent.
Forum: General Discussion

Daveg, I didn't know so many events and films took place at the old bank building but knowing the interiors, I can see why. As to current use, I think I saw somewhere that the Chamber of Commerce had offices on the mezzanine. I remember there being a back entrance at the time. I wonder who holds title to the property now. I doubt it is the family that ran the bank when I was there. Th
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

I stopped when I saw the name Noel Bank. My mom told me that the bank I worked at was once the Noel Bank and now called Fairfield Savings and Loan, when I was in college in the 70s. My mom said my grandfather lost $5 in the Noel Bank during the depression. The building is very impressive; all gray marble and dark wood. The perimeters of the lobby have raised office and teller areas. La
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Thanks Shoreline. That's it! Great places to go before you were of legal drinking age. Yes, I remember Goodman and many other performers who may have started out playing in those places. I recall the place on Harlem had Sunday afternoon performances. Can't remember the name.
Forum: General Discussion

Does anyone remember the name of the coffee houses that proliferated in the '70s? I remember there was one near Loyola U. and one on north Harlem Ave. They served non-alcoholic beverages and snacks and you sat on pillows on the floor. It seemed that they had great bookings too. I think I saw Steve Goodman perform one time.
Forum: General Discussion

I always enjoyed shopping at Elliots. It was just the right size to make shopping less stressful. They had a good selection for a smaller store and the deli was the best. Easy parking too. Good sales and convenient to pick up a last minute lottery ticket. It will be missed.
Forum: General Discussion

Great memories. I used to go there with friends from college and if I remember correctly, they had great burgers.
Forum: Forgotten Chicago Sightings

On the Northeast side of the Belmont/Kimball intersection there was a very large printing company, I.S. Berlin Press. I can't find any references on the net but I do remember it took quite a while to demolish the place as it was built for the weight of the printing machines. The building came right up to the sidewalks on both streets, as I recall.
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

If I'm not mistaken, didn't Flo's on Randolph have a giant container of pickles on each table to snack on before your meal? Also, I remember there was a balcony above the front door. A swing hung up there featuring a pretty girl in a sexy outfit. I guess in warm weather only.
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http://www.planet99.com/chicago/restaurants/como_inn.html Here is a pretty interesting link for Como Inn. I went there a few times with office groups and others and loved the food. Do you remember the intimate little cubby hole booths with drapes? I guess for romantice types or planning mob hits?
Forum: General Discussion

Do you remember the store on Central and Montrose (I think called Carr's). I'm sure it was privately owned and was one-of-a-kind. They sold a variety of dime store stuff and candy, but specialized in party wares. Tablecloths, tiny plastic baskets and mints and netting to make wedding and shower favors. The store was crammed with counters and wooden drawers which held all the craft supplies for
Forum: Forgotten Chicago Sightings

If you miss Lutz there is a place on Milwaukee Ave. in Glenview called Jolanes which may fill the void. It is an Austrian cafe which features elegant pastries and a variety of hot and cold entrees: sandwiches, quiches, salads, etc. Wide selection of wines, beers and imported sodas. High ceilings and dark wood paneling and furniture. Also (like Lutz) a lovely outdoor dining patio in the summ
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William A. Lewis -- "Where the models buy their clothes." Remember that slogan?
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Thanks CFL, that explains the purpose of those little holders.
Forum: General Discussion