July 30, 2011
4725-4735 Broadway
Santa matches! Good Time Shops of Style at 4725-4735 Broadway. Currently available on eBay, item 300582702814.
July 28, 2011
Cubs Lost the 1945 World Series and the war was over
Bill Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
And now Cubs Fans, I have held this secret for 66 years and now it's my duty to tell the Cubs fans the real reason. they blew the series
But first I want to set this up properly
The Set up
My 4th grade class at Stewart School was all for the Cubs winning the series, except one girl, Ruth Ann Zurke
She was second on my list of Girls to hate, right after Tokyo Rose.
The Tigers won, Ruth Ann was smug and took every opportunity to rub it in.
I wouldn't talk to Ruth Ann, all through 4th and 5th Grade
In 6th grade, girls changed and acted different so we started accepting their invitations
to birthday parties and thats when we discovered kissing games.
The very first girl I ever kissed was Ruth Ann Zurke I had to change my opinion of her drastically
At that moment she became my dream girl, Young love, we must have kissed three or 4 times that night .
Ruth Ann, I hope you are well
The Reason
In 1945 the War had ended and down stairs from us, lived a Navy Officer named Larry Satori who was before the war,
The Center and Captain of the Detroit Lions Foot Ball Team.
Larry and my Dad were drinking buddies. so they went out drinking, with some of Larry's old buddies to either the Red Lion or Golden Lion Inn. Larry had friends on the Tigers.
Now the Sheridan Plaza Hotel. is where all the Sports Figures stayed when the played at Wrigley Field .
Dad was out all night.
The next morning. Mom says go down stairs and see if your Father is there, so I went down stairs knocked on the door and I think it was Stan Hack (3B) who opened it up. I told him I was looking for my Dad and he wanted to know which one of a dozen, stinking, vomit laden guys was my Dad,
I pointed him out. and looking around I realized I was looking at most of the starting line-up for the Cubs.
They played later that day and the rest is history.
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
And now Cubs Fans, I have held this secret for 66 years and now it's my duty to tell the Cubs fans the real reason. they blew the series
But first I want to set this up properly
The Set up
My 4th grade class at Stewart School was all for the Cubs winning the series, except one girl, Ruth Ann Zurke
She was second on my list of Girls to hate, right after Tokyo Rose.
The Tigers won, Ruth Ann was smug and took every opportunity to rub it in.
I wouldn't talk to Ruth Ann, all through 4th and 5th Grade
In 6th grade, girls changed and acted different so we started accepting their invitations
to birthday parties and thats when we discovered kissing games.
The very first girl I ever kissed was Ruth Ann Zurke I had to change my opinion of her drastically
At that moment she became my dream girl, Young love, we must have kissed three or 4 times that night .
Ruth Ann, I hope you are well
The Reason
In 1945 the War had ended and down stairs from us, lived a Navy Officer named Larry Satori who was before the war,
The Center and Captain of the Detroit Lions Foot Ball Team.
Larry and my Dad were drinking buddies. so they went out drinking, with some of Larry's old buddies to either the Red Lion or Golden Lion Inn. Larry had friends on the Tigers.
Now the Sheridan Plaza Hotel. is where all the Sports Figures stayed when the played at Wrigley Field .
Dad was out all night.
The next morning. Mom says go down stairs and see if your Father is there, so I went down stairs knocked on the door and I think it was Stan Hack (3B) who opened it up. I told him I was looking for my Dad and he wanted to know which one of a dozen, stinking, vomit laden guys was my Dad,
I pointed him out. and looking around I realized I was looking at most of the starting line-up for the Cubs.
They played later that day and the rest is history.
July 27, 2011
The Street of Broken Dreams, Wilson and Broadway, Uptown Chicago, 1971
Image by photographer Howard Simmons originally ran in the Sun-Times in 1971. It's currently available on eBay. Item number 160628111098.
Excerpt from accompanying article: Wilson and Broadway, a raw intersection of unreal reality. Unlike the vivid, almost carnival like atmosphere of some skidrow areas, this part of town gently pulsates with a sort of pastel coldness that seems to go by unrecognized, except by regulars of the area.
Prior to gettting an assignment to photograph "the mood of the street," Wilson and Broadway meant nothing more to me than one of thousands of intersections that I have whizzed by on my way to somewhere else. This time my eyes were forced to see what they hadn't seen before.
I didn't have my bags, I didn't have a ticket, but I went on a trip! The story is the same old skidrow rerun. But the funk doesn't spew out at you; it oozes out until you're literally wading in it.
Strewn about the streets, amid commuters, children and folks from the various stores, there are wretched carbon-coby human beings, some strugging to get one more handout, enough to cop a little taste -- bottled happiness.
The night scene grabbed me about the same, but it nevertheless had a somewhat different mood. It seemed more [unclear]. Obviously, hip neighborhood youngsters, some no older than 10 or 11, joked with those carbon-copy cats, pitching pennies with them.
Nearby in a dark alley a chap found a perch between garbage cans, his bottle of happiness drained. It's a something-else set.
Excerpt from accompanying article: Wilson and Broadway, a raw intersection of unreal reality. Unlike the vivid, almost carnival like atmosphere of some skidrow areas, this part of town gently pulsates with a sort of pastel coldness that seems to go by unrecognized, except by regulars of the area.
Prior to gettting an assignment to photograph "the mood of the street," Wilson and Broadway meant nothing more to me than one of thousands of intersections that I have whizzed by on my way to somewhere else. This time my eyes were forced to see what they hadn't seen before.
I didn't have my bags, I didn't have a ticket, but I went on a trip! The story is the same old skidrow rerun. But the funk doesn't spew out at you; it oozes out until you're literally wading in it.
Strewn about the streets, amid commuters, children and folks from the various stores, there are wretched carbon-coby human beings, some strugging to get one more handout, enough to cop a little taste -- bottled happiness.
The night scene grabbed me about the same, but it nevertheless had a somewhat different mood. It seemed more [unclear]. Obviously, hip neighborhood youngsters, some no older than 10 or 11, joked with those carbon-copy cats, pitching pennies with them.
Nearby in a dark alley a chap found a perch between garbage cans, his bottle of happiness drained. It's a something-else set.
July 25, 2011
The Southern School, aka The School for Hillbillies, and "The Whorehouse of Chicago," Uptown Chicago, 1970
Excerpt from the Sun-Times, 1970. No truant officer chases the pupils of The Southern School, although somewhere in the files of the public school system each has a record of truancy, delinquency, retardation or incorrigibility.
They come willingly—even to summer school—in response to Patrick Zimmermann, who teaches them without pay. Zimmerman is a former public school teacher who has taken 15 poor white boys from Uptown and made them learn to read and behave and many have advanced beyond their grade level.
Zimmerman is a national merit scholar who holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Chicago. He started his school for "hillbillies" in January. He started it because as a white teacher without much seniority in the public school system, he was assigned to all-black schools. Zimmerman thinks black kids need black teachers and hillbilly kids need hillbilly teachers, of which there are "about three" in Chicago.
Believing that public schools have failed Uptown's 9000 poor Southern whites, he founded, administers, and currently serves as sole teacher in a special school for "his" people.
The Southern School started out as one class of 15 boys, but this fall another class will be added for boys, and possibly a third girls' class. A campaign is underway to raise $9600 ($3000 per teacher, $1000 for lunches, $1000 for equipment and books, etc.) to support the frugal school for the next year.
Zimmerman's is a school where he puts his arm around an emaciated little boy who is reading aloud. It's a school where records play during class. It's a school where a child would be free to bring a poster advertising a movie about prostitution because he would like to talk about it.
The subject, prostitution, is not irrevelant in an Uptown elementary school, says Zimmerman. This neighborhood is the city's whorehouse. A lot of kids hustle customers for girls--little kids. They can make $5.
Image currently for sale on eBay: 270787253926
July 24, 2011
Lewis A. Weiss Hospital Groundbreaking, Uptown Chicago, 1952
Relatives and friends of the late Louis A. Weiss, businessman and philanthropist for whom the hospital is named, participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for the new $2,500,000 memorial hospital on Marine Drive between Leland and Eastwood. Left to right are James R. Gersonde, former director of the Chicago hospital; Dr. Siegfried Strauss, president of the board of directors of the new hospital; Dr. John J. Sheinin, president of the Chicago Medical School; Dr. and Mrs. Jerome H. Hirschmann, son-in law and daughter of Lewis A. Weiss, and their son, Ricky Hirschmann, 4.
Image currently available on eBay. Item number: 270787829984
July 22, 2011
Tailspin, Corner of Argyle and Broadway
Unfortunately, I don't know which corner of Argyle and Broadway. Does anyone remember this place?
Howey's Old World Inn Matchbook, 5120 Broadway at Winona
Matchbook currently available on eBay: item 330586281085.
Sheridan and Hollywood, 1964
Sheridan and Hollywood, before a large number of highrises came in. (Image currently on eBay: 260817076402)
The view today:
View Larger Map
The view today:
View Larger Map
July 21, 2011
INDIANA JONES, BILL MATTESON AND THE UPTOWN CONNECTION
Bill Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
When I first saw Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark , I thought there was a familiarity to it but I couldn't put my finger on it.
Then on one of my last articles, I wrote about Phil Kaufman, Stewart School Class of 1950, who developed the Indiana Jones character .
I also loved the cliff hanger scenes that made up the entire movie.
As kids we were all into the Saturday Afternoon matinees at the Mode (pronounced mo day) Theater. Two westerns, two Serials and 10 cartoons
I am sure Phil Kaufman was no exception,
It is also Ironic that Harrison Ford also went to Stewart School
one of the Favorite Serials of the time was "Zorros Black Whip" starring Linda Sterling
My favorite Cowboy was Lash LaRue
The War ended in 1945 and within a couple of years War Surplus stores opened up, prices were reasonable, I remember paying . 50 for combat boots .25 for a fatigue hat .50 for a garrison belt and so on.
In or about 1950, We all bought Leather Bomber jackets for about $10, From a War Surplus Store on Broadway just North of Montrose
this is exactly the same kind as worn by Indiana Jones.
We had Bull Whips, I bought mine from the Boy Scout Section, on the second floor in Goldblatts,
My friends Lionel Rowe , Don French. John Markin, Bob Carter and me, all had them
One day I was practicing in my backyard when our janitor said " try this' He picked up that whip and showed me a few tricks in whip handling
He was pretty darn good at it. He told me that he used to work in the stockyards and they used whips to fight , when there were Union problems
He also told me that a strand of piano wire on the end, instead of a cracker, could cut a persons appendage off
Actually he used different terminology .
He showed me how to braid a rawhide cracker or fall as it is properly known
and how to make a fall out of hemp rope that comes on the newspaper deliveries
The rawhide fall makes a sharp crack like a rifle the hemp fall makes a loud sound like a shotgun.
I mentioned in the other article that I probably helped little Harrison Ford safely across the street in my role as Patrol Boy
So it only stands to reason that since we're all from Uptown, well , here I am folks, a young leather jacketed Uptown kid with a bull whip and probably the Prototype and Role model for Indiana Jones.
Bill "wait till my grandkids read this one" Matteson
my girl friend, Eileen Griffin 4740 Kenmore , was pretty good with a Bull Whip also, we've been married for 55 years, she's still my girl friend.
and she's still cracking the whip
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
When I first saw Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark , I thought there was a familiarity to it but I couldn't put my finger on it.
Then on one of my last articles, I wrote about Phil Kaufman, Stewart School Class of 1950, who developed the Indiana Jones character .
I also loved the cliff hanger scenes that made up the entire movie.
As kids we were all into the Saturday Afternoon matinees at the Mode (pronounced mo day) Theater. Two westerns, two Serials and 10 cartoons
I am sure Phil Kaufman was no exception,
It is also Ironic that Harrison Ford also went to Stewart School
one of the Favorite Serials of the time was "Zorros Black Whip" starring Linda Sterling
My favorite Cowboy was Lash LaRue
The War ended in 1945 and within a couple of years War Surplus stores opened up, prices were reasonable, I remember paying . 50 for combat boots .25 for a fatigue hat .50 for a garrison belt and so on.
In or about 1950, We all bought Leather Bomber jackets for about $10, From a War Surplus Store on Broadway just North of Montrose
this is exactly the same kind as worn by Indiana Jones.
We had Bull Whips, I bought mine from the Boy Scout Section, on the second floor in Goldblatts,
My friends Lionel Rowe , Don French. John Markin, Bob Carter and me, all had them
One day I was practicing in my backyard when our janitor said " try this' He picked up that whip and showed me a few tricks in whip handling
He was pretty darn good at it. He told me that he used to work in the stockyards and they used whips to fight , when there were Union problems
He also told me that a strand of piano wire on the end, instead of a cracker, could cut a persons appendage off
Actually he used different terminology .
He showed me how to braid a rawhide cracker or fall as it is properly known
and how to make a fall out of hemp rope that comes on the newspaper deliveries
The rawhide fall makes a sharp crack like a rifle the hemp fall makes a loud sound like a shotgun.
I mentioned in the other article that I probably helped little Harrison Ford safely across the street in my role as Patrol Boy
So it only stands to reason that since we're all from Uptown, well , here I am folks, a young leather jacketed Uptown kid with a bull whip and probably the Prototype and Role model for Indiana Jones.
Bill "wait till my grandkids read this one" Matteson
my girl friend, Eileen Griffin 4740 Kenmore , was pretty good with a Bull Whip also, we've been married for 55 years, she's still my girl friend.
and she's still cracking the whip
July 20, 2011
Little Boy Lost
There really isn't much historical value to this photo, but I thought he had a sweet face. Willie Ripple was found wandering around by himself at Lawrence and Broadway in 1960. Eventually, his family claimed him.
Matchbook from the Green Mill
First vintage matchbook I've seen for the Green Mill, available at time of writing from eBay.
Item 300579861235
Mann's Million Dollar Rainbo Gardens, Clark and Lawrence, Chicago
An interesting postcard of the gardens.
Crews Bringing Supplies to Wilson Avenue Crib, 1950
From Wikipedia:
Water cribs are offshore structures that collect water from close to the bottom of a lake to supply a pumping station onshore. The name crib is derived from the function of the structure—to surround and protect the intake shaft. Cities supplied with drinking water collected by water cribs include Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York.
Cribs in Chicago, Illinois
The City of Chicago is supplied with drinking water from Lake Michigan. The first crib, the Two-Mile Crib was constructed as part of a scheme by Ellis S. Chesbrough in 1865. Water was collected and transported through a tunnel 60 feet below the lake surface to the Chicago Avenue pumping station. This was replaced by the Carter H. Harrison crib in 1900, which itself was intended to be replaced by the William E. Dever crib that was built alongside it in 1935. However increased water demand meant that the Carter H. Harrison crib continued in service until 1997.
Other cribs include the Wilson Avenue crib, the Four Mile Crib, and the 68th Street crib. The 68th Street crib was the site of a fire that killed 70 workmen on the morning of January 20, 1909. The tunnels leading from the cribs are close to 200 feet beneath the lake and vary in shape from circular to ovular and in diameter from 10 to 20 feet. Lake water enters the cribs and flows through these tunnels to pumps at the Jardine Water Purification Plant (the world's largest) and the South Water Purification Plant, where the water is then treated. From there it is pumped to all parts of the city as well as 118 suburbs.
Until the 1990s, Crib Tenders lived on the cribs. Usually four man crews stayed aboard the cribs for a week at a time. Their duties included water testing, light maintenance, and dynamiting ice dams that formed against the cribs' walls. Crib facilities included rudimentary bathrooms, showers, and bunk rooms—and a fantastic view of the city and lake.
The massive amount of polluted water that flows into the lake from Chicago is beginning to affect the water quality—even four miles off shore. The City of Chicago has proposed a plan involving the construction of new cribs twelve or fifteen miles farther north.
The Chicago cribs have also been designated a "security zone". In 2002 complete security systems were installed, including video, motion detectors, microwave link, and door sensors, all with direct links to Chicago Police monitoring stations. Any craft that enters the buoyed security zone is subject to boarding, ticketing and impounding.
Wilson Avenue Crib in 1957.
Images currently on eBay here: 230648282559, 260818343779
Broadway in Uptown, 1970
You can see Gigio's Pizza in the background.
Available on eBay here: 230649573777
Available on eBay here: 230649573777
Sheridan Road, Uptown Chicago, 1939
I'm not sure what the crossroad is, but this is a stretch of Sheridan Road in Uptown in 1939.
Currently available on eBay here: 290589286840.
Currently available on eBay here: 290589286840.
July 19, 2011
Sneaking Drinks from the Hide-a-Way on Montrose
Editor's Note: Bill Matteson's story about bootlegging brought back some memories for this reader. We saw his story in the comments, and felt it deserved its own post. Thanks for a great story, Al!
When I was about 17 or 18 years old some friends and I were going to head up north to Ardmore Beach for a party and thought we'd pick up some booze first and in order to do that we had to find someone to buy it for us, which usually meant finding a bum to do the purchasing.
We decided the best tavern to stand out in front of was this basement dive called the Hide-a-Way on the south side of Montrose, just east of Hazel. After about ten minutes, this guy comes stumbling out and the first thing he says when he sees us is "stay away from me, cuz I ain't got no money and I'm dangerous." I told the guy we didn't want to roll him, all we wanted was for him to buy us some stuff and we'd be willing to buy him a bottle for himself. That he said would be no problem since we were buying. We gave him our money and order which we kept simple considering his condition.
It was the usual stuff teenagers got at the time: Boonesfarm, Ritchards, Wild Irish Rose, and some half pints. So he went back inside and we waited and waited, it took him about a half an hour to come back out with our stuff. We asked him what took so long, and he said the guy wouldn't sell it to him because he knew it was for those kids outside and it took him that long to talk him into it. We knew he was giving a line and figured he got a couple of shots on our money and there was nothing we could about it, so we went on our way.
When we got to Ardmore and passed the stuff out, I could'nt believe what I saw and realized why it took so long to get our stuff. He had opened up and drank just a little bit from each bottle.
Its over 40 years since that happened and I'm still friends with those guys. Whenever we get together and if we are talking about the Uptown days it seems like only yesterday that we were eating burgers at Jake's Pup in the Ruff before going to a Cubs game or the Uptown Theater.
Al
When I was about 17 or 18 years old some friends and I were going to head up north to Ardmore Beach for a party and thought we'd pick up some booze first and in order to do that we had to find someone to buy it for us, which usually meant finding a bum to do the purchasing.
We decided the best tavern to stand out in front of was this basement dive called the Hide-a-Way on the south side of Montrose, just east of Hazel. After about ten minutes, this guy comes stumbling out and the first thing he says when he sees us is "stay away from me, cuz I ain't got no money and I'm dangerous." I told the guy we didn't want to roll him, all we wanted was for him to buy us some stuff and we'd be willing to buy him a bottle for himself. That he said would be no problem since we were buying. We gave him our money and order which we kept simple considering his condition.
It was the usual stuff teenagers got at the time: Boonesfarm, Ritchards, Wild Irish Rose, and some half pints. So he went back inside and we waited and waited, it took him about a half an hour to come back out with our stuff. We asked him what took so long, and he said the guy wouldn't sell it to him because he knew it was for those kids outside and it took him that long to talk him into it. We knew he was giving a line and figured he got a couple of shots on our money and there was nothing we could about it, so we went on our way.
When we got to Ardmore and passed the stuff out, I could'nt believe what I saw and realized why it took so long to get our stuff. He had opened up and drank just a little bit from each bottle.
Its over 40 years since that happened and I'm still friends with those guys. Whenever we get together and if we are talking about the Uptown days it seems like only yesterday that we were eating burgers at Jake's Pup in the Ruff before going to a Cubs game or the Uptown Theater.
Al
July 18, 2011
UPTOWN FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Bill Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
As kids we made our own entertainment . there were a few us us that hung around together, usually with nothing to do, so we improvised
On Friday nights we would meet, usually me and Jimmy Thomas, and sometimes Norm Sobiesk and Roy Henry.
We would check out the "Pretzel Benders Tavern" on Leland Ave and around 8: PM there was always a fight that would end up on the Street. two drinking buddies would end up pounding the daylights out of each other. the fight was always broken up before the 122 squad arrived. On a good evening we could see two or three fist fights. When I got home my Mom wanted to know who was fighting and why, my Dad just wanted to know who won.. later on about 11 PM the Ladies of the evening would occasionally get in a fight, over territory , even the ladies had turf wars, Now we liked to watch them fight because most of them didn't wear any panties and we were in our glory, when they would roll around on the ground and we could see all those parts we weren't supposed to know anything about. A "home run" right there in front of us.
I would tell mom and Dad about ladies fighting Mom would asked who and why . Dad wanted to know who won.
But I couldn't tell them any thing else about what was going on.
We liked watching the ladies fight, it was more interesting and way more fun.
Sometimes we would climb upon the garage roofs behind Ma Bakers Brothel on Leland Ave and watch the goings on there , or at least until we got caught and chased away
I might add that the garages behind the Apartment buildings ran from end to end the whole length of the street , there would be about 3' Gangway that opened into the backyards so for the most part we could travel through the alleys on the roof tops.
In the afternoon and early evening we would pitch pennies on the Sidewalk by Liebermans Drug Store, Usually with 4 0r 5 guys, the one closest to the line
got to keep all the pennies. I was pretty good at it.
Years Later. at a Daughters wedding, In order to kill some time, A couple of guys started lagging quarters to the back wall in the Reception Hall.
I wiped them all out, I ended up with $30.00 in Quarters.
I guess, once learned, Uptown Skills are hard to lose.
Bill "last of the two-bit hustlers" Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
As kids we made our own entertainment . there were a few us us that hung around together, usually with nothing to do, so we improvised
On Friday nights we would meet, usually me and Jimmy Thomas, and sometimes Norm Sobiesk and Roy Henry.
We would check out the "Pretzel Benders Tavern" on Leland Ave and around 8: PM there was always a fight that would end up on the Street. two drinking buddies would end up pounding the daylights out of each other. the fight was always broken up before the 122 squad arrived. On a good evening we could see two or three fist fights. When I got home my Mom wanted to know who was fighting and why, my Dad just wanted to know who won.. later on about 11 PM the Ladies of the evening would occasionally get in a fight, over territory , even the ladies had turf wars, Now we liked to watch them fight because most of them didn't wear any panties and we were in our glory, when they would roll around on the ground and we could see all those parts we weren't supposed to know anything about. A "home run" right there in front of us.
I would tell mom and Dad about ladies fighting Mom would asked who and why . Dad wanted to know who won.
But I couldn't tell them any thing else about what was going on.
We liked watching the ladies fight, it was more interesting and way more fun.
Sometimes we would climb upon the garage roofs behind Ma Bakers Brothel on Leland Ave and watch the goings on there , or at least until we got caught and chased away
I might add that the garages behind the Apartment buildings ran from end to end the whole length of the street , there would be about 3' Gangway that opened into the backyards so for the most part we could travel through the alleys on the roof tops.
In the afternoon and early evening we would pitch pennies on the Sidewalk by Liebermans Drug Store, Usually with 4 0r 5 guys, the one closest to the line
got to keep all the pennies. I was pretty good at it.
Years Later. at a Daughters wedding, In order to kill some time, A couple of guys started lagging quarters to the back wall in the Reception Hall.
I wiped them all out, I ended up with $30.00 in Quarters.
I guess, once learned, Uptown Skills are hard to lose.
Bill "last of the two-bit hustlers" Matteson
July 17, 2011
July 12, 2011
Lawrence and Kenmore and Part Time Bootlegging
Bill Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
About 1949, I was lucky enough to land a job at Gary's Payless Drug Store that was in Wilton Hotel, which was known earlier as the Viceroy Hotel and was situated on the S.W. corner of Lawrence and Kenmore, just kittycorner from the New Lawrence Hotel.
My friend Bobby Johnston was moving away and he recommended me to Gary the Pharmacist. The job was to keep the coolers filled with beer and pop, sweep up, take orders, and make deliveries. I remember they sold a lot of Rhiengold, Tavern Pale, Fox Deluxe beer, and Ballantine Ale.
Now, concerning the deliveries, it was illegal for a minor to handle or deliver alcohol. So, I had to carry $2.00 in my back pocket, and If I was stopped by the cops I was to tell them that "some guy" I never seen before gave me the two dollars to make the delivery.
I made a lot of deliveries in the area and the tips were pretty good, except when I delivered to the 910 Lawrence Building, they had a doorman who wouldn't let me inside; he would take the package up to the apartment, collect, then give me the proper change. He kept the tips.
One day I made a delivery and told the doorman that the customer had to sign for their prescription. He let me in, delivered the package, and told the customer that the doorman was taking the tips. I got a good tip and he got in trouble.
One day I was near the phone and no one was around. I took an order for a bottle of gin and some 7-up.
The customer told me to bring change for a twenty. I put the bottles in a bag, found Gary the druggist and explained the situation to him. He thanked me for being such a conciseness kid and I made the delivery and brought him the change.
One day, one of the older boys in the neighborhood wanted to know if I knew an old "Muskhead" that could get him some beer. I said sure, I can get you the beer, and I would even deliver it. Now, I could get 5 quarts of Prima Pilsner beer for a $ 1.25, a 5th of Guckenheimer whiskey was $1.98.
I would take orders from some friends I knew, making a modest markup, and life was good.
A Muskhead was a guy who only drank "Muscatel" or 'Muskiedoodle," as we called it those days. Those who drank Port wine were just plain old winos.There was always a couple of winos hanging out on the corner they could get us anything we wanted, for a price.
Well, I put them out of business.
Bill Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
About 1949, I was lucky enough to land a job at Gary's Payless Drug Store that was in Wilton Hotel, which was known earlier as the Viceroy Hotel and was situated on the S.W. corner of Lawrence and Kenmore, just kittycorner from the New Lawrence Hotel.
My friend Bobby Johnston was moving away and he recommended me to Gary the Pharmacist. The job was to keep the coolers filled with beer and pop, sweep up, take orders, and make deliveries. I remember they sold a lot of Rhiengold, Tavern Pale, Fox Deluxe beer, and Ballantine Ale.
Now, concerning the deliveries, it was illegal for a minor to handle or deliver alcohol. So, I had to carry $2.00 in my back pocket, and If I was stopped by the cops I was to tell them that "some guy" I never seen before gave me the two dollars to make the delivery.
I made a lot of deliveries in the area and the tips were pretty good, except when I delivered to the 910 Lawrence Building, they had a doorman who wouldn't let me inside; he would take the package up to the apartment, collect, then give me the proper change. He kept the tips.
One day I made a delivery and told the doorman that the customer had to sign for their prescription. He let me in, delivered the package, and told the customer that the doorman was taking the tips. I got a good tip and he got in trouble.
One day I was near the phone and no one was around. I took an order for a bottle of gin and some 7-up.
The customer told me to bring change for a twenty. I put the bottles in a bag, found Gary the druggist and explained the situation to him. He thanked me for being such a conciseness kid and I made the delivery and brought him the change.
One day, one of the older boys in the neighborhood wanted to know if I knew an old "Muskhead" that could get him some beer. I said sure, I can get you the beer, and I would even deliver it. Now, I could get 5 quarts of Prima Pilsner beer for a $ 1.25, a 5th of Guckenheimer whiskey was $1.98.
I would take orders from some friends I knew, making a modest markup, and life was good.
A Muskhead was a guy who only drank "Muscatel" or 'Muskiedoodle," as we called it those days. Those who drank Port wine were just plain old winos.There was always a couple of winos hanging out on the corner they could get us anything we wanted, for a price.
Well, I put them out of business.
Bill Matteson
July 11, 2011
July 10, 2011
912-916 Ainslie, Uptown Chicago
Here's another image sent in by Alan Gornik from the book Directory to Apartments of the Better Class Along the North Side of Chicago, 1917.Click to enlarge view.
The description reads: These medium-sized, high-grade apartments of six rooms, two baths, sun parlor, breakfast room, are excellent values at the rental schedule of $100 to $110 per month. The building is of buff brick construction and has English basement with built-in vacuum cleaning system, vacuum vapor heat, large amusement or club room, and an all-cement back yard.
The description reads: These medium-sized, high-grade apartments of six rooms, two baths, sun parlor, breakfast room, are excellent values at the rental schedule of $100 to $110 per month. The building is of buff brick construction and has English basement with built-in vacuum cleaning system, vacuum vapor heat, large amusement or club room, and an all-cement back yard.
906-910 Ainslie, Uptown, Chicago
Thanks to Alan Gornik, a frequent reader, for sending this in. It comes from the Directory to Apartments of the Better Class Along the North Side of Chicago, published in 1917. Click to enlarge. Note that the floor plan include a maid's room! You can see how it currently looks here.
The description reads: These new high-class residential apartments have six large rooms with two baths and shower, beside front and rear sun room, both heated.
A capacious and imposing entrance gives access to the apartments. The living rooms have mahogany finish and dining rooms and chambers are enamelled in white. A built-in vacuum cleaning system is provided for the free use of tenants. A Kewaunee smokeless furnace of surplus capacity insures ample heat. Hot water furnished day and night.
The building is located in a residential neighborhood about reproach, convenient to churches, schools, and transportation. It is one-half block from the lake and an excellent bathing beach, and the same distance from Sheridan Road.
The owner gives the tenants' comfort his personal attention.
No expirations occur until May 1, 1918.
For further information, address Mr. T. C. Hollenberger, 910 Ainslie Street.
Telephone: Edgewater 4956
The description reads: These new high-class residential apartments have six large rooms with two baths and shower, beside front and rear sun room, both heated.
A capacious and imposing entrance gives access to the apartments. The living rooms have mahogany finish and dining rooms and chambers are enamelled in white. A built-in vacuum cleaning system is provided for the free use of tenants. A Kewaunee smokeless furnace of surplus capacity insures ample heat. Hot water furnished day and night.
The building is located in a residential neighborhood about reproach, convenient to churches, schools, and transportation. It is one-half block from the lake and an excellent bathing beach, and the same distance from Sheridan Road.
The owner gives the tenants' comfort his personal attention.
No expirations occur until May 1, 1918.
For further information, address Mr. T. C. Hollenberger, 910 Ainslie Street.
Telephone: Edgewater 4956
Lawrence El Stop with Aragon Ballroom in Background
July 9, 2011
Lawrence and Kenmore, Uptown Chicago, 1959
I had to do a double take when I saw this image. It's the corner of Lawrence and Kenmore, currently occupied with a strip mall and the restaurant Dib. The old terracotta was stunning. Get the original image on eBay.
Here's the Google street view:
View Larger Map
Here's the Google street view:
View Larger Map
Broadway and Lawrence Near the Green Mill, Uptown Chicago, 1947
You can see the Green Mill marquee in the background.
Original caption reads: New Sun paper being sold at Broadway and Lawrence. Judy Klein, Charles Hansen, Betty Manning, and Edward Schaefer are questioned by Jim Campbell from WBBM, Sept 29 1947.
Original image available on ebay.
Original caption reads: New Sun paper being sold at Broadway and Lawrence. Judy Klein, Charles Hansen, Betty Manning, and Edward Schaefer are questioned by Jim Campbell from WBBM, Sept 29 1947.
Original image available on ebay.
Firebomb at the Cairo Supper Club, 4017 N. Sheridan, Chicago, 1964
Today, the location is Nick's Uptown, but it was once a popular nightclub known as the Cairo Club. This original press photo, available on eBay (search Cairo Club), shows the aftermath of a bomb thrown through the window.
Dorothy Wada and Young Appalachian Artists, 1970
Photo of Dorothy Wada and some sidewalk artists from 1970 that ran in the Sun-Times. Excerpt from the original article:
Four days a week these children mill around the neighborhood — skipping over cracked sidewalks littered with broken glass. They "play car" in rusty autos junked in empty lots. Or they "just set around ... but you kin fall down and get hurt doin' that ... so it's funner at scouts..." On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the children participate in a unique program that Miss Wada invented three summers ago. It's now accepted as a new form of scouting and is being used in several other areas of Chicago. "We had few troops in Uptown in 1967," Miss Wada said. "Traditional programs didn't appeal to the Southern white lifestyle and we couldn't get either Scouts or leaders to join."
The article goes on to describe how Miss Wada brought bags full of craft materials and games to the streets, and coaxed the children out "pied piper style" to come play. Eventually, she gathered more than 1000 children at six sites in Uptown and two at other locations in the city. It was harder to get leaders. Because of the violence in Uptown, many were afraid to walk the streets. "There's been a rash of shootings in the neighborhood lately," Miss Wada said, "but we just keep believing that nobody's going to hurt us as long as we're helping the children."
Original photo available on eBay (search Girl Scouts)
Jesus People Soup Kitchen, 4707 N. Malden, 1986
Currently on eBay. Original caption reads: Robert Burke enjoys a slice of pizza yesterday as a mobile pizza parlor, Love Kitchen, from Michigan visited the Jesus People USA soup kitchen in Uptown. / More than 500 needy people made their way to the lot in front of an Uptown neighborhood soup kitchen yesterday for an unusual meal. Lots of free, piping hot pepperoni pizza and cheese pizza was being served by the Love Kitchen, a 45-foot mobile pizza parlor that rolled into town from Michigan to dispense pizza to the poor. The mobile restaurant, owned by Little Caesar's, a pizza chain with headquarters near Detroit, set up shop in front of the Jesus People, USA kitchen at 4707 N. Malden.
Original photo available at time of writing from eBay
Uptown Resident, 1971
While perusing the offerings on eBay, I came across this photo of an Uptown resident taken in 1971. A little more digging, and I found that the photographer, Howard Simmons, is quite well known. Here's an article on the recovery of some of his work: Howard Simmons.
July 7, 2011
President Obama to Celebrate Birthday at Historic Uptown Chicago Venue
Well happy birthday, Mr. President!
Posted in today's Chicago Sun-Times: Now comes word that the historic Aragon Ballroom in Uptown will be the site for the concert on Aug. 3 in celebration of President Barack Obama’s 50th birthday and re-election benefit. The Aragon will also be the venue for the private dinner with President Obama at $35,800 per couple. One of the acts being considered is Chicago’s own Jennifer Hudson. Obama’s birthday is Aug. 4.
Stewart School, June 1950
Have you ever wondered what Uptown Chicago History correspondent Bill Matteson looked like back in the day? He is the second from the left in the bottom row. (Click to enlarge.)
July 6, 2011
Lake View High School, Chicago, 1943
Original image available for purchase at time of writing from eBay here (search Lake View High School)
Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, 1963
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. during a press conference at the National Conference on Religion and Race at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago, 1963.
Original image available on ebay at time of writing
Original image available on ebay at time of writing
1963 Press Photo of the Aragon Ballroom, Uptown, Chicago
Original image available on eBay at time of writing
July 3, 2011
Uptown, Stewart School, and the Hollywood Connection
Bill Matteson
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
What is the Uptown connection with Josey Wales, Indiana Jones, pod people from Outer Space, and Demonic Possession?
What has all this to do with Stewart School? Well, I am glad you asked.
My graduating class of Stewart School, June 1950, had some talent. Dan Greenburg is an accomplished writer and actor. Phil Kaufman is an actor, writer, producer, and director
Phil Kaufamn wrote the dialog for "The Outlaw Josey Wales." He started out to direct, but had a confrontation with Clint Eastwood and was fired as the director. Phil (I can call him Phil because we were classmates) then went on to direct the remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers."
It was Phil who came up with the storyline for "The Ark of the Covenant" to start off the Indiana Jones series, which starred Harrison Ford, who also went to Stewart School starting in about 1948. The Star Wars series also went with Harrison Ford. I call him Harrison Ford because I don't know him that well, but when we were at Stewart, I probably helped him safely across the street in my role as patrol boy, therefore giving him a heroic role model to look up to and model Han Solo and Indiana Jones after.
Dan Greenburg is a well-rounded author and actor, and was in about 10 films. He wrote over 24 TV sitcom pilots. He also wrote the screenplay for "The Guardian," which he adapted from his novel "The Nanny,"
and that movie was directed by William Friedkin
William Friedkin is probably one of the best, if not The Best director in Hollywood. Billy Friedklin directed the "French Connection" and "The Exorcist." Billy went to Stewart School, but I think he graduated in 1949; I don't really remember him.
Speaking of the Exorcist, which was a "true" story that was happening to a 12 yr old boy in St Louis. in about 1946 or 1947. My job was to report to the class all information that I could find from all the newspapers, and magazines at the time.
I also reported about the UFO wreck at Roswell; I have always held a morbid curiosity for strange and paranormal occurrences, and still do.
I find it strange to have the writers, actors and directors of the top Hollywood hits of all time come out of our Uptown neighborhood.
Uptown Chicago History Correspondent
What is the Uptown connection with Josey Wales, Indiana Jones, pod people from Outer Space, and Demonic Possession?
What has all this to do with Stewart School? Well, I am glad you asked.
My graduating class of Stewart School, June 1950, had some talent. Dan Greenburg is an accomplished writer and actor. Phil Kaufman is an actor, writer, producer, and director
Phil Kaufamn wrote the dialog for "The Outlaw Josey Wales." He started out to direct, but had a confrontation with Clint Eastwood and was fired as the director. Phil (I can call him Phil because we were classmates) then went on to direct the remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers."
It was Phil who came up with the storyline for "The Ark of the Covenant" to start off the Indiana Jones series, which starred Harrison Ford, who also went to Stewart School starting in about 1948. The Star Wars series also went with Harrison Ford. I call him Harrison Ford because I don't know him that well, but when we were at Stewart, I probably helped him safely across the street in my role as patrol boy, therefore giving him a heroic role model to look up to and model Han Solo and Indiana Jones after.
Dan Greenburg is a well-rounded author and actor, and was in about 10 films. He wrote over 24 TV sitcom pilots. He also wrote the screenplay for "The Guardian," which he adapted from his novel "The Nanny,"
and that movie was directed by William Friedkin
William Friedkin is probably one of the best, if not The Best director in Hollywood. Billy Friedklin directed the "French Connection" and "The Exorcist." Billy went to Stewart School, but I think he graduated in 1949; I don't really remember him.
Speaking of the Exorcist, which was a "true" story that was happening to a 12 yr old boy in St Louis. in about 1946 or 1947. My job was to report to the class all information that I could find from all the newspapers, and magazines at the time.
I also reported about the UFO wreck at Roswell; I have always held a morbid curiosity for strange and paranormal occurrences, and still do.
I find it strange to have the writers, actors and directors of the top Hollywood hits of all time come out of our Uptown neighborhood.
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