We just received our invitation in the mail and are very excited to be attending the premiere of this film next week!
Documentary -- The Wilson Corridor: Transitions in Chicago’s Uptown
Monday, Dec 6 7:00p
at Truman College, Chicago, IL
Truman College will present the documentary, The Wilson Corridor: Transitions in Chicago’s Uptown, at 7 p.m. Monday, December 6 in Novar Hall on the third floor of the college, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. The half-hour documentary, researched by students and shot and edited by filmmaker Roxane Assaf, celebrates the college’s history as a centerpiece for the Uptown neighborhood.
Price: Free
Phone: (773) 907-4040
November 30, 2010
November 28, 2010
Hotel Grasmere, 4621 Sheridan, Uptown Chicago, 1962
Just north of the Sheridan Plaza Hotel. We featured an old postcard image of the Grasmere in 2008. See it here: Grasmere Postcard.
November 27, 2010
Northeast Corner of Ashland and Wilson, 1907
Northeast Corner of Ashland and Wilson. Original image available (at time of posting) from here: Ashland and Wilson
As the corner looks today; it appears the top ornamentation was removed at some point:
View Larger Map
November 22, 2010
Matchbook from the Leland Hotel, Leland and Racine, Uptown Chicago
A downtown hotel in the art of Uptown!
To see historic images of the Leland Hotel that we posted back in 2007, go to: Leland Hotel
To see historic images of the Leland Hotel that we posted back in 2007, go to: Leland Hotel
November 20, 2010
Member Badge of Edgewater Golf Club, Chicago
According to the park district site, Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave., is on the site of the former golf club grounds:
Warren Park was created in the 1970s, born of both conflict and cooperation. The controversy began in 1965 when real estate developers offered to purchase the 94-acre private Edgewater Golf Club for $7.6 million from its members. Soon after the community learned that the buyers wanted to build high-rise apartments and a large shopping center on the site, a coalition of local groups known as the Allied North Side Community Organizations launched a major campaign to save the land as open space. Despite the strong community objection, however, the City re-zoned the site in 1968 to allow development to move forward.Original badge available (at time of writing) here: Edgewater Golf Club
When the city failed to support the park scheme, the commuity groups solicited the support of the State Government. In 1969, Governor Ogilvie signed a bill to make the private golf course into a state park. The governor announced that this would be "the first major state park in Illinois created in an urban area. By bringing a park to the people, instead of requiring them to go to a distant park, we shall mark an historic turning point in the battle to preserve open lands."
November 19, 2010
Searching the Skies for Sputnik II, Edgewater Beach Hotel, 1957
Moonwatcher at the Edgewater Beach Hotel.
November 18, 2010
W. C. Goudy School, 1937
Here I was just chatting about Goudy the other day; now look what I find.
Original image available (at time of writing) from here: Goudy School, 1937
Original image available (at time of writing) from here: Goudy School, 1937
November 17, 2010
Another Aeriel View of Edgewater, Chicago
A third image of Edgewater from above, circa 1933.
Get the original press photo, or see a larger view of it, here: Edgewater Aeriel View
Get the original press photo, or see a larger view of it, here: Edgewater Aeriel View
Vintage Edgewater Beach Hotel Enamel Compact
I have a compact from the Edgewater Beach Hotel in my personal collection that features the hotel on the lid. It seems their gift shop once produced a fair number of knickknacks.
This compact is unique in that it has a little clip to keep it on your keychain. When you flip it open, it says Edgewater Beach Hotel on the inside.
This compact is unique in that it has a little clip to keep it on your keychain. When you flip it open, it says Edgewater Beach Hotel on the inside.
1933 Aeriel View of Edgewater, Chicago, with Edgewater Beach Apartments
And here is another stunning view, this one focusing on the Edgewater Beach Apartments. Note the mansions surrounding it. There used to be hundreds of such gorgeous homes along Sheridan.
Aeriel View of Edgwater Chicago, 1936, with Edgewater Beach Hotel
What makes this image particularly stunning is not the Edgewater Beach Hotel, but the fact that so much of Edgewater itself has been captured in this 1936 image, including the Saddle and Cycle Club.
Vintage Balaban and Katz Magazines
If you're interested in the Uptown Theatre and other B&K theatres in Chicago, check out these magazines currently listed on eBay:
Balaban and Katz Magazine was published weekly, and included local advertisements and movie listings for all the B&K theatres, including the Uptown. Check out the auctions here: Balaban and Katz Magazine 1
and here: Balaban and Katz Magazine 2
.
And, if you haven't already done so, we offer a free downloadable PDF of the B&K issue featuring the Uptown Theatre. Check out the right sidebar.
Balaban and Katz Magazine was published weekly, and included local advertisements and movie listings for all the B&K theatres, including the Uptown. Check out the auctions here: Balaban and Katz Magazine 1
And, if you haven't already done so, we offer a free downloadable PDF of the B&K issue featuring the Uptown Theatre. Check out the right sidebar.
November 16, 2010
Joe's Steak House, 5356 N. Sheridan, Chicago, 1956
This location has been a restaurant for a long time; today it is Wing Hoe (or at least it was last time I checked).
Original image available here: Joe's Steak House
Jimmy Wong, Uptown Entrepreneur, 1964
While perusing eBay's treasures today, I found this photo of Jimmy Wong. From seller's caption: "Jimmy Wong, Pat Stevens studio model, Ondine, and Del Clark of WRSV FM 98.3 Skokie, Illinois. Del was interviewing restaurateur Jimmy Wong in one of his restaurants at 3058 W. Peterson, December 22, 1964. Jimmy Wong's restaurants were often called "the most publicized" in Chicago, but Jimmy Wong, entrepreneur and host, was more than a media-savvy businessman."
According to Wikipedia: "Chicago restaurateur Jimmy Wong bought property in the [Uptown] area in the 1960s and planned its rebirth as New Chinatown. He envisioned a mall with pagodas, trees and reflecting ponds to replace the empty storefronts. The Hip Sing Association, a Chinese cultural group, moved its Chicago offices to Argyle street in 1971, and by 1974 Wong and the Hip Sing Association owned 80% of the three-block stretch on Argyle. Wong had an accident and broke both hips, leaving him unable to follow through on his plans. In 1979 Charlie Soo, founder of the Asian American Small Business Association, took up the cause, and the area developed not solely as a Chinese enclave but also including Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Japanese businesses."
The original image is currently available here: Jimmy Wong, 1964
You can also see Jimmy Wong, along with Ald. Volini and Charlie Soo, in the 1960-1980 portal of the Roots of Argyle Mural.
To read more about the Argyle Mural, go here: Roots of Argyle.
"The entire Uptown community is grateful for his contribution," said Ald. Mary Ann Smith (48th). "He was the first one and, for a long time, the only one to have faith that good things could be established here. Because he set down roots here, eventually others followed. He reached out to a whole generation of new immigrants and helped them build their lives here."
According to Wikipedia: "Chicago restaurateur Jimmy Wong bought property in the [Uptown] area in the 1960s and planned its rebirth as New Chinatown. He envisioned a mall with pagodas, trees and reflecting ponds to replace the empty storefronts. The Hip Sing Association, a Chinese cultural group, moved its Chicago offices to Argyle street in 1971, and by 1974 Wong and the Hip Sing Association owned 80% of the three-block stretch on Argyle. Wong had an accident and broke both hips, leaving him unable to follow through on his plans. In 1979 Charlie Soo, founder of the Asian American Small Business Association, took up the cause, and the area developed not solely as a Chinese enclave but also including Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Japanese businesses."
The original image is currently available here: Jimmy Wong, 1964
You can also see Jimmy Wong, along with Ald. Volini and Charlie Soo, in the 1960-1980 portal of the Roots of Argyle Mural.
To read more about the Argyle Mural, go here: Roots of Argyle.
"The entire Uptown community is grateful for his contribution," said Ald. Mary Ann Smith (48th). "He was the first one and, for a long time, the only one to have faith that good things could be established here. Because he set down roots here, eventually others followed. He reached out to a whole generation of new immigrants and helped them build their lives here."
November 15, 2010
Early Description of Ravenswood, Chicago, 1893.
From John J. Flinn's book Chicago, the marvelous city of the West: a history, an enyclopedia, and a guide, originally published in 1893.
Ravenswood. Situated on the Milwaukee division of the Chicago & North Western railway, 5 miles from the City Hall. Its contiguity to the city makes it a very desirable residence suburb for Chicago people whose business demands their close attention. The town had its origin in the formation of a
syndicate organized in 1868; L. A. Willard. Martin Van Ajlen, Judge G. M. Wilson, D. A. Jones, S. Hodges, C. P. Leland, C. T. Brown, A. F. Seerberger and M. Ladel being its principal promoters. The town was named after a village in New Jersey. Ravenswood has nothing in its history to particularly distinguish it from other suburban towns. Until 1886 it gave no promise of becoming so populous and popular a suburb. But few houses were built by the syndicate. Mr. Leland was at that time auditor of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana roads, and through him scores of lots were sold to the employes of the road. Many of them had hardly settled there when they were compelled to move. The road consolidated with the Lake Shore and the general offices were moved to Cleveland, Ohio. This
depopulated the town and it became a veritable "deserted village." Following closely came the panic of 1873, leaving it deader than ever. It remained so until the country intervening filled up and the city expanded. Annexation did wonders for Ravenswood. Since that eventful time the town has been given most all the modern improvements. Every street has been macadamized and presents a broad, pleasant and shady thoroughfare. The town has been connected with the Lake View gas system. The Lake View High School is located at the southeast corner of the town. It is one of the completest schools in outfit and thoroughness of training in the country. Besides this there are two excellent graded schools. Four denominations have found homes in Ravenswood and have built fine houses of worship. In 1882 the
citizens formed a public library association and built a two-story, plain stone, library building. It now contains a well-selected library, which is open to the public every evening. There is a hall in the building that is used for public entertainments.
Ravenswood. Situated on the Milwaukee division of the Chicago & North Western railway, 5 miles from the City Hall. Its contiguity to the city makes it a very desirable residence suburb for Chicago people whose business demands their close attention. The town had its origin in the formation of a
syndicate organized in 1868; L. A. Willard. Martin Van Ajlen, Judge G. M. Wilson, D. A. Jones, S. Hodges, C. P. Leland, C. T. Brown, A. F. Seerberger and M. Ladel being its principal promoters. The town was named after a village in New Jersey. Ravenswood has nothing in its history to particularly distinguish it from other suburban towns. Until 1886 it gave no promise of becoming so populous and popular a suburb. But few houses were built by the syndicate. Mr. Leland was at that time auditor of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana roads, and through him scores of lots were sold to the employes of the road. Many of them had hardly settled there when they were compelled to move. The road consolidated with the Lake Shore and the general offices were moved to Cleveland, Ohio. This
depopulated the town and it became a veritable "deserted village." Following closely came the panic of 1873, leaving it deader than ever. It remained so until the country intervening filled up and the city expanded. Annexation did wonders for Ravenswood. Since that eventful time the town has been given most all the modern improvements. Every street has been macadamized and presents a broad, pleasant and shady thoroughfare. The town has been connected with the Lake View gas system. The Lake View High School is located at the southeast corner of the town. It is one of the completest schools in outfit and thoroughness of training in the country. Besides this there are two excellent graded schools. Four denominations have found homes in Ravenswood and have built fine houses of worship. In 1882 the
citizens formed a public library association and built a two-story, plain stone, library building. It now contains a well-selected library, which is open to the public every evening. There is a hall in the building that is used for public entertainments.
Early Description of Edgewater, Chicago, 1893.
From John J. Flinn's book Chicago, the marvelous city of the West: a history, an enyclopedia, and a guide, originally published in 1893.
Edgewater. Situated on the Evanston division of the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul railroad, XX miles from the City Hall, on the north shore of Lake Michigan, and within driving distance from the business center. Edgewater is one of the prettiest suburbs in the country. Its situation is charming. Commencing at the shore of the lake the land rises by a gentle and almost imperceptible slope till it reaches an elevation of from ten to twenty-five feet above the lake. Before the country was opened up the land was covered with a dense growth of trees. The ash, the elm, the white birch, the oak and the maple alike thrive and grow beautiful, nourished by the fertile soil.
Its founders bought 250 acres of land there in 1884, and gave the future town the name of Edgewater. It was at that time a wilderness of woods and underbrush. For nearly two years the work went on. Just enough of the original forest was cut down to admit of building and laying out streets. The streets were laid out sixty-six feet wide, and every one of them was macadamized. Between the street and the sidewalks, a broad space was left and sodded. Stone sidewalks were laid throughout and between the street and the walks, at distances of thirty-three feet, additional trees were set out. The matter of drainage was especially attended to. Competent engineers superintended the laying of the pipes underground, and every joint and connection was made tight before being covered up. Besides this care the system has been so devised that no objectionable encroachment can be made to the injury of the service. The matter of lighting was not neglected. A company was formed and an electric light plant put up at a cost of $60,000. It is the most complete for its size in the country. When the improvements were completed, one hundred houses were erected, costing from $5000 to $16000 exclusive of the lot. The architecture is varied and pleasing, Queen Anne and Colonial style being frequently used. The material used is brick, stone
and wood. An effort was made to avoid building any two houses alike, and hence a pleasing variety and contrast was obtained.
Edgewater has two handsome church structures. The Church of the Atonement is said to be the only correct Gothic church in the country. The material is red sandstone, and the interior decorations are both elaborate and elegant. The Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church is the handsomest structure of the denomination outside of the city. There is also a finely equipped and
graded school, to which educational facilities will be constantly added for
the benefit of the community. The public stable is one of the suburb's
attractions.
Edgewater. Situated on the Evanston division of the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul railroad, XX miles from the City Hall, on the north shore of Lake Michigan, and within driving distance from the business center. Edgewater is one of the prettiest suburbs in the country. Its situation is charming. Commencing at the shore of the lake the land rises by a gentle and almost imperceptible slope till it reaches an elevation of from ten to twenty-five feet above the lake. Before the country was opened up the land was covered with a dense growth of trees. The ash, the elm, the white birch, the oak and the maple alike thrive and grow beautiful, nourished by the fertile soil.
Its founders bought 250 acres of land there in 1884, and gave the future town the name of Edgewater. It was at that time a wilderness of woods and underbrush. For nearly two years the work went on. Just enough of the original forest was cut down to admit of building and laying out streets. The streets were laid out sixty-six feet wide, and every one of them was macadamized. Between the street and the sidewalks, a broad space was left and sodded. Stone sidewalks were laid throughout and between the street and the walks, at distances of thirty-three feet, additional trees were set out. The matter of drainage was especially attended to. Competent engineers superintended the laying of the pipes underground, and every joint and connection was made tight before being covered up. Besides this care the system has been so devised that no objectionable encroachment can be made to the injury of the service. The matter of lighting was not neglected. A company was formed and an electric light plant put up at a cost of $60,000. It is the most complete for its size in the country. When the improvements were completed, one hundred houses were erected, costing from $5000 to $16000 exclusive of the lot. The architecture is varied and pleasing, Queen Anne and Colonial style being frequently used. The material used is brick, stone
and wood. An effort was made to avoid building any two houses alike, and hence a pleasing variety and contrast was obtained.
Edgewater has two handsome church structures. The Church of the Atonement is said to be the only correct Gothic church in the country. The material is red sandstone, and the interior decorations are both elaborate and elegant. The Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church is the handsomest structure of the denomination outside of the city. There is also a finely equipped and
graded school, to which educational facilities will be constantly added for
the benefit of the community. The public stable is one of the suburb's
attractions.
Description of Argyle Park, 1893
My condo is near Argyle and Winthrop, in an area once known as Argyle Park. Here is an early description from John J. Flinn's book Chicago, the marvelous city of the West: a history, an enyclopedia, and a guide
, originally published in 1893.
Argyle Park. Situated on the Evanstpn division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R., five and a half miles from the City Hall. The history of Argyle Park dates back but a few years. W. C. Goudy owned the land upon which it stands, and to develop it he procured the construction of the railroad. Upon the completion of the road he conceived the idea of building an ideal suburban town. With this end in view he laid out the streets and avenues of generous proportions, platted the ground into lots 50x150 feet, built a depot, macadamized the streets, put in stone curbings and laid concrete sidewalks. To provide a water supply he had the town connected with the Lake View water system. For lighting purposes the town was connected with the gas works. The sanitary conditions of the town are perfect,
there being a double system of sewerage, one to the north and one to the south. Building restrictions and all the little details that go to make the whole perfect have been attended to. A regular force of men is employed to keep the streets in repair, to remove the garbage and to clean the snow from the sidewalks in winter. The Sheridan drive has done wonders for the town as well as for all the North Shore. Many of the residents of Argyle Park never use the steam cars as a means of transportation. A much more charming mode of getting to and from their places of business is a drive of thirty minutes along the incomparable Sheridan road and through matchless Lincoln Park.
, originally published in 1893.Argyle Park. Situated on the Evanstpn division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R., five and a half miles from the City Hall. The history of Argyle Park dates back but a few years. W. C. Goudy owned the land upon which it stands, and to develop it he procured the construction of the railroad. Upon the completion of the road he conceived the idea of building an ideal suburban town. With this end in view he laid out the streets and avenues of generous proportions, platted the ground into lots 50x150 feet, built a depot, macadamized the streets, put in stone curbings and laid concrete sidewalks. To provide a water supply he had the town connected with the Lake View water system. For lighting purposes the town was connected with the gas works. The sanitary conditions of the town are perfect,
there being a double system of sewerage, one to the north and one to the south. Building restrictions and all the little details that go to make the whole perfect have been attended to. A regular force of men is employed to keep the streets in repair, to remove the garbage and to clean the snow from the sidewalks in winter. The Sheridan drive has done wonders for the town as well as for all the North Shore. Many of the residents of Argyle Park never use the steam cars as a means of transportation. A much more charming mode of getting to and from their places of business is a drive of thirty minutes along the incomparable Sheridan road and through matchless Lincoln Park.
Elevated Train Car, 1939
Interior of one of the new elevated train cars, 1939.
Original image available for sale here: Chicago L Train Elevated Car 1939
Original image available for sale here: Chicago L Train Elevated Car 1939
November 13, 2010
W. C. Goudy School, Chicago
Seller has it listed here: W. C. Goudy
November 12, 2010
1923 Stutz, with Edgewater Beach Hotel, Edgewater Chicago
This looks like it might have been taken at the Saddle and Cycle Club, with the Edgewater Beach Hotel in the background.
Seller's caption: 1923 Stutz Motor Co. Car in 1961. Charles Carpenter puts a 1923 auto tag on his 1923 Stutz Automobile. Harry C. Stutz (1876 in Ohio - 1930) was a United States automobile entrepreneur, engineer, and innovator in the automobile industry. Stutz grew up caring for and repairing agricultural machinery on the family farm. Automobiles and engines fascinated him. Stutz built his first car in 1897, and then a second auto using a gasoline engine of his own design and manufacture. In 1905, he designed a car for the American Motor Car Company. He soon left the new company and founded an enterprise that he later renamed it Stutz Motor Company. He was also instrumental in creating the Stutz Fire Engine Company, as well as the H.C.S. Motor Car Company in 1919. In 1929 he formed the Stutz-Bellanca Airplane Company.
Get the original image here (available at time of writing): 1923 Stutz
Seller's caption: 1923 Stutz Motor Co. Car in 1961. Charles Carpenter puts a 1923 auto tag on his 1923 Stutz Automobile. Harry C. Stutz (1876 in Ohio - 1930) was a United States automobile entrepreneur, engineer, and innovator in the automobile industry. Stutz grew up caring for and repairing agricultural machinery on the family farm. Automobiles and engines fascinated him. Stutz built his first car in 1897, and then a second auto using a gasoline engine of his own design and manufacture. In 1905, he designed a car for the American Motor Car Company. He soon left the new company and founded an enterprise that he later renamed it Stutz Motor Company. He was also instrumental in creating the Stutz Fire Engine Company, as well as the H.C.S. Motor Car Company in 1919. In 1929 he formed the Stutz-Bellanca Airplane Company.
Get the original image here (available at time of writing): 1923 Stutz
Montrose Harbor, 1991
A beautiful day at Montrose Harbor, with Chicago skyline in background. Purchase the original press photo here: For the Birds
November 11, 2010
1933 Oldsmobile Ad Featuring Edgewater Beach Hotel
Original magazine ad featuring the Edgewater Beach Hotel.
Get it here: Edgewater Oldsmobile Advertisement
Get it here: Edgewater Oldsmobile Advertisement
Demolition of Edgewater Beach Hotel
Original caption reads:
In her death throes, the Grand Dame of Chicago's Sheridan Road, the Edgewater Beach Hotel, is revealed as solidly built, clinging to existence with a vengeance. The hotel, closed in 1967, is to be replaced with a $75 million high rise apartment complex.
Original Sheridan Park National Register Historic District Sign, circa 1985
A circa 1985 metal sign for the Sheridan Park National Register Historic District. Currently available at auction here: Sheridan Park Historic District Sign
Honolulu Harry's at Wilson and Clarendon, 1956
Of all the buildings in Uptown that I mourn the loss of the most, it's this one. It stood on the corner of Clarendon and Wilson:
So you can imagine how my heart nearly stopped when I spotted this image. I have another picture somewhere of when it housed the Bulldog and Whistle earlier on; I knew Honolulu Harry's was on this stretch, but I had never made the connection before. And I've never seen the building photographed from this angle.
Follow this link and get it here:
Honolulu Harry's!!!
Seriously, finding this image totally made my day.
So you can imagine how my heart nearly stopped when I spotted this image. I have another picture somewhere of when it housed the Bulldog and Whistle earlier on; I knew Honolulu Harry's was on this stretch, but I had never made the connection before. And I've never seen the building photographed from this angle.
Follow this link and get it here:
Honolulu Harry's!!!
Seriously, finding this image totally made my day.
Advertisement for the Green Mill Gardens, Uptown Chicago, 1917
When most people thinks of the Green Mill, they picture the intimate little jazz club on Broadway. Few realize how massive--and I mean massive--the club once was.
A few weeks ago I won at auction this advertisement for the Green Mill Sunken Gardens from 1917, and the postal carrier brought it today, much to my delight. (It was otherwise a day for bills. Ugh.)
The fact that you can get a southern chicken dinner for a buck and a quarter is amazing enough...but check out the seating. Two thousands seats in the garden section, and that's just the outdoor portion of the club, open only during the warmer months.
I went ahead and scanned this one at high res, so feel free to use it for your graphics applications. However, if you're going to put it on your Web site or use it commercially, please credit our Web site.
Still can't quite picture how the Green Mill accommodated 2000 people? Well, here's an image we posted in early 2009:
The garden section is approximately where the auditorium portion of the Uptown Theatre now stands.
A few weeks ago I won at auction this advertisement for the Green Mill Sunken Gardens from 1917, and the postal carrier brought it today, much to my delight. (It was otherwise a day for bills. Ugh.)
The fact that you can get a southern chicken dinner for a buck and a quarter is amazing enough...but check out the seating. Two thousands seats in the garden section, and that's just the outdoor portion of the club, open only during the warmer months.
Still can't quite picture how the Green Mill accommodated 2000 people? Well, here's an image we posted in early 2009:
The garden section is approximately where the auditorium portion of the Uptown Theatre now stands.
November 10, 2010
Sheridan, North from Foster, Edgewater Chicago, 1936
A rare treat! Most images from this decade that I've seen are postcards. Note that only one lane of traffic is going north.
November 9, 2010
Barouge Lounge and Liquor Town, Wilson Avenue, Uptown Chicago 1955
Maybe I'm a little tired tonight, but I don't recognize this intersection of Wilson offhand, and can't quite make out the name of the hotel in the background. Can anyone enlighten me?
Get the original here: Barouge Lounge
Get the original here: Barouge Lounge
The Sands Motel, 1955, with the Edgewater Beach Hotel in the Background
For perspective, this is where the new Dominick's at Sheridan and Foster is located.
Wilson and Broadway from the El Tracks, 1955
Wilson and Broadway in 1955, with all those gorgeous old buildings still intact.
Seriously, vintage views of this stretch always make me want to weep. What a beautiful block it once was.
Get the original image here: Wilson and Broadway, 1955
Note: When you follow these links and shop eBay, we earn a teeny-tiny portion of the sale, which helps us buy these images ourselves and share with community members.
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