One large building near the middle of the block at 53rd and State (on the East Side of State) was the large "South Side" garage for the Herald American/Chicago American/Chicago Today newspaper, that stored and repaired the Newspaper delivery trucks. There were small businesses across the street--an ice cream parlor and the like.
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

nordsider, thanks for the link.....Photo of the McCormick Works right on the West Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River-----they actually petioned and were granted permission to fill in the West Fork--think it went almost to the Bridewell jail. Like, West Fork, Marquette and Joliet, Chicago Portage--that West Fork. Clout. That is why Western Avenue dips a bit lower south of Blue Islan
Forum: General Discussion

McCormick Works burned down in maybe the late 50's or very early 1960's--it had on it's tower an old time blue neon sign in large letters reading "McCormick Works"--mysterious since the building wasn't lit up and probably there were no city street lights since south of Blue Island was McCormick Works property.
Forum: General Discussion

I don't think there were any single family dwellings in that neighborhood until the 1920's Chicago style brick bungaloes filled in the few remaining open spaces. Probably everyone worked for a living.
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Is there a 50 car garage still in existence near Belmont and Sheffield. John May the Mechanic who was killed in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, used to bring his dog Highball there and visit with the 2 owners of the garage. Or does anyone know when it was torn down?
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.............they were also called "Company Houses". Possibly were initially rented to employees of McCormick Reaper Works just a short distance to the south. They were sold to private owners early on--original residents moving on to the open spaces (and suburban living) of North Lawndale. County Assessor's Office says these houses are 2 story. They were 3 story until the sewer
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)