When I was growing up in the 60s, there was a old fashioned service station that no longer sold gas, but what seemed strange was that this service station was at the intersection of two side streets. Does anybody remember any service stations that weren't on a major street?
Forum: General Discussion

The previous posting reminded me that as a altar boy in the 60s, since the three funeral homes that were used by parishioners of our parish were within a block of the church, the priest and altar boys would go to the chapel on the morning of the funeral to lead prayers. The casket was then placed on a rolling stand and everyone would accompany the casket and pallbearers to the church. After mass
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

The other day I was passing Harlem and Talcott and noticed a landscaping company mowing the grass at the empty lot at the corner or Harlem and Talcott. There are a couple of other large empty lots on Harlem in between the Kennedy and Talcott. I would assume property on Harlem would have some value either for condos or commercially. Does anybody know who owns these lots and why they would pay ta
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Thank You PK! I found the article, and I would like to use the word unbelievable, but this is is Chicago so nothing is too hard to believe. Part of the headline, reads Solution Baffles the City? So we have a known hazard that goes all the way back to 1893, and was written up in the paper in 1955. Here we are in 2013 and the "City That Works" sees no problem or hurry in fixing it.
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

I was traveling west on Ardmore off of Milwaukee Ave and whe I got to the 6200 block at Melvina the street narrowed to one lane. What is strange that is that what would normally be a lane was covered with grass anfd barriers to warn drivers. This strip was only alongside one house from the alley to Melvina. Once you cross Melvina Ardmore resumed as two lanes. Does anybody have any information
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In doing some genealogy research, I came across records that were put on microfilm by the LDS church. These were records of baptisms,marriages through 1915 from the various parishes in Chicago. I believe the cutoff was 1915 since for privacy purposes only records older than 75 years old could be used. What I find strange is how did they gain access and cooperation from the various parishes.
Forum: General Discussion

I ran across a condo complex built in a old church. The Church name was engraved in either Polish or possibly Ukranian so I could not tell the original name. The building is located at 2258 w. Huron in Ukranian Village. In trying to research I determined the name of the Parish was Sacred Heart of Jesus and that it must have closed in the early 90s. The stained glass windows were removed,
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For those readers who may have missed it. this website did a article on this line. http://forgottenchicago.com/features/the-bloomingdale-line/
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

As usual when researching, you stumble on other websites. Here are a few more concerning the Sears Catalog complex. Interesting website that I will have to spend some time with. Apparently it is devoted to old abandoned or razed buildings. It states that it explores America's gritty history. This link is specifically for the Sears complex, but it also has links to other sites dealing wit
Forum: General Discussion

Thank You. South of the tracks is St. Paul where at one time Ludwig drum was located. Next time I am in the area, I will take a look. Probably nothing to see, but it will help me visualize the layout.
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Thank You very much. Here is the link to a WTTW video made in 2009. It focuses on the tower, and it was sad to see the multi block 10 story tall catalog distribution building torn down, but it does you give you information about how huge the complex was that stretched for blocks with many buildings. There was a lab building that did nothig but test products. At one time there was a building
Forum: General Discussion

Can any rail fans provide any details about the rail operations at the old Sears Catalog Plant complex at Homan and Arthington? As late as the 70s there were still some receipts or shipments by rail. The complex was built when most of the the shipments and receipts were made by rail. Because of the size of the complex, this must have been quite a busy operation. Any idea as to what rai
Forum: General Discussion

There was a little league field called Churchill Field at Damen, Churchill and Bloomingdale. Is this where the team track was? My understanding is that at one time the elevated track was at street level. Is this where the "team track" was in operation? Otherwise, I can't visualize street level access for wagons at this site.
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Anybody have any idea for any plans for the old Olsen Rug site last used as a Macy's warehouse at Diversey and Pulaski? The property has been empty for years. There are no outward indications that it is for sale or lease. There are some lights on and you do see a security company car. Is this a case that it is less expensive to maintain a empty complex rather than pay the expense of knocking d
Forum: General Discussion

What is a team track?
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

I would like to hear from people their memories of how the mission and use of the Chicago Park District has changed over the decades. My memories in the 60s of my local park was they had many programs like gymnatisc and craft classes as well as team sports. The huge field house had a large auditorium with a stage and I remember going to shows at Halloween, Christmas, Easter etc. When the 70
Forum: General Discussion

Well the old Blue Angel site at Miwaukee and Central is available again. The previous owners of the Blue Angel tried to turn the place into a drinking establishment,named Finnegans. Today I drove past and saw a orange sign in the window advertising the site as available for lease. Also a month or two ago they razed a building next door to the Walgreens that was last used as a payday loan offi
Forum: General Discussion

At one time I thought I read that they were going to knock down the elevated roadway at Western and Belmont that was built so that through traffic could bypass the entrance to the park. Was this ever done?
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

In a previous posting someone mentioned the Jingles at 2220 N. Damen http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/22443 Don't know when it actually closed but in a Chicago Tribune article about playgrounds in 1941, the address was already listed as a vacant lot. I also ran across a theather named the Round-Up at 2860 N. Milwaukee http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/5466 What is interesting
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Just recently noticed when driving down Cicero near Irving Park, the name Grayland Theater above the store sign for work clothes. The name is imbedded in the brick and if you look at the following link with a picture, the name must have been covered up for years and the name is now displayed. http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/6108
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Not to be cynical, but this is Chicago, there is a difference between criminal extortion and "legal extortion". Before you can get extorted by "criminals", I would assume that back then is the same way the system works today, the "extortion" usually starts with "campaign contibutions" to the alderman. Next it helps if the lawyer and insurance broker you h
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Ran across this website that gathered historical photos of Chicago from various other websites. http://chicagopast.com/
Forum: General Discussion

I found a article in the Tribune archives dated 7/1/34 titled "How to Reach The New Brookfield Zoo" The article has a map and mentions that you cpould get to the zoo by four methods Road, rail, street car and elevated. However the instructions indicated "Visitors using the elevated lines must also change to the Lagrange Street Car one half block south of the Douglas Park line at
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

While looking up something else, I ran across a Display ad for Savoy Food Stores. The ad gave a phone number asking grocers whether they wanted to become a Savoy store so I assume it operated similar to a Centrella or a Certified. It also mentioned looking for the Savoy emblem and there were products shown with the Savoy brand named. The ad also mentioned that the brand name was around sinc
Forum: General Discussion

Thank You for the information, it brings back memories. With your information, I found a ad from July 1964 in the Tribune archives. It was located at 102 S Cicero. They advertised themselves as being an all electic restaurant and that you would be seated by stewardesses. Hours 11-1 am 3am on Friday and Saturday. Their menu consisted of 14 full dinners priced from $1.25 - $ 4.25 and 14
Forum: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

I was always curious about some of the hotels that seem to be out of place found in neighborhoods. One of the hotels I pass quite often is the Hotel Elinore on Cicero and Belmont. My assumption has been that these hotels were for transients and some of them evolved into nothing more than flop houses. Did any of these hotels ever operate as regular hotels, or were they built as residential hot
Forum: General Discussion

Does anybody remember anything about a restaurant that may have been made out of a portion of a airplane body. I seem to remember when I was a cub scout in the early 60s, for selling so many raffle books, our pack took a group of us to such as restaurant. Being a kid, I did not pay any attention to where it was, but if I had to guess, I would assume around Midway.
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I was digging through some old boxes and ran across a old program from the 70s for a dinner dance that my parents attended. This program had advertising from the various local businesses and well wishes from families. It was fun remembering the old businesses now mostly all gone as well as most of the people like my parents. I remember back in the 60s and 70s my parents attending many dinner
Forum: General Discussion

Two "restaurants" that I remember were at the corner of Armitage ad Western. round The Clock on the SE corner and Top Notch on the NE corner. Across the street was the old Oak show, and Margies which is still there.
Forum: General Discussion

I found this website that is in keeping with the theme of "Forgotten Chicago". http://www.craigslostchicago.yolasite.com/ Would enjoy hearing about other websites people have founnd in preserving Chicago's past.
Forum: General Discussion