This 'Hoods got split into 2 pieces. On our first visit there was, you guys, a tornado. No shit. The sirens went off while we were in the car. So we raced it back to the north side, mid-'Hoods. That was in November of 2013. So Bill and I went back in December of 2013 to finish her off. And, honestly, we went back again in 2015 during Open House Chicago to get INTO a few buildings that had been closed. The moral is that Bill and I can't get enough of South Shore. We've done the crap outta South Shore. We're pretty intimate with South Shore. At least the version that was available in 2013. Not sure what's changed in the interim.
Bill prepped this 'Hoods
Participants: Round 1 was Bill, Kelly and Kate. Round 2 was just Kelly and Bill
Highlights:
-South Shore Cultural Center (where the
Obamas got married. As did our friends John
and Christine!). Remember when we took
the elevator upstairs and just wandered around
the kitchen area? And that little art gallery dedicated
to Dr. Margaret Burroughs?
-the Francis Kenna apartments with those art deco
panels on em
-the Jackson Park Highlands Historic District.
cool houses. Remember that older couple that
was gardening and really got into what we were
doing? Bill gave em a packet.
-72nd street is where all the action is
-the Jeffrey-Cyril historic district had the big, old
high(er) rises.
-the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Closed cause
some bishop had died? Then closed again on our
2nd visit? The rare hard-to-get-into Catholic church.
That's usually reserved for the Lutherans.
-the Allen Miller house. designed by Bergen, a FLW
associate. Bill and I GOT to get some Prairie in.
-the Windsor Beach apartments....
-and then a tornado.
so...round 2 in December
-Mosque Maryam. Didn't get in, but walked around.
-south shore college prep high school
-a coupla more architecturally notable houses
-the New Regal theater, which we manage to get into
in 2015 during Open House Chicago. Gorgeous. Being renovated?
-South Shore historic Bungalow District. We love these.
-we then walked Rainbow Beach in the midst of snow
and ice. Had it all to ourselves, for sure. Very pretty in
a winter wonderland kind of way. Cold! Great views
of the skyline.
-we went in the South Shore public library, and the folks
there seemed super confused by our presence and lingering.
-St Luke Missionary Baptist, originally the 18th Church of
Christ. Couldn't get in here, either.
-Also couldn't access St. Margaret's Episcopal church.
I don't think St Luke's or St. Margaret's were on the original
itinerary. Now we were just riffing.
-found another random church! The Ministry Nehemiah
Urban Baptist Church. Formerly the South Side
Hebrew Congregation. We were hitting all the denominations!
-we tried DESPERATELY to find a place to eat that was
open, and landed at Yah's vegan. It was...fine. Pretty 'rustic.'
Closed down now.
my flickr album for both the Nov and Dec 2013 visits to South Shore
Bill's South Shore 'Hoods packet
Impressions: So much history and so many beautiful and architecturally significant buildings! Lovely beach! South Shore has seen better times. Economically depressed. Which makes options for dining and entertainment limited. A lot of trash and derelict buildings among the treasures. Loitering. But SOME of the neighborhood is well tended, and well loved. We went in the winter, which means that there wasn't a lot of action on the streets. But there were hints of vibrancy. It was certainly an interesting neighborhood with lots to see.
In Oct 2015 we visited more South Shore during Open House Chicago. With William we saw the inside of the New Regal Theater. Breathtaking. And we saw the recently renovated Stony Island Arts Bank. Here's an excerpt about it from the Open House Chicago web site (cause it's not in the packet):
"The temple-like former Stony Island Trust and Savings Bank is one of the last remnants of what was once a dense commercial strip along Stony Island Avenue. The gray terra cotta structure, originally the Stony Island Savings and Trust, was built in 1923 with a dramatic vaulted banking lobby. Its architect, William Gibbons Uffendell, also designed a number of other local bank buildings. It served a succession of financial institutions, but lost its tenants in the late seventies and remained vacant for many years. The building was saved from demolition at the last minute by artist Theaster Gates. Now, this landmark has been restored and reopened as the Stony Island Arts Bank, a hub for free arts and cultural programming for Gates' Rebuild Foundation. The building houses items from the library of Ebony and Jet magazine's founding publisher John H. Johnson; the record collection of seminal house DJ Frankie Knuckles; and several other notable artistic collections."
my Open House Chicago 2015 flickr album
here's my flickr photo set from John and Christine's wedding, held at the South Shore Cultural Center in 2014
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
'Hoods #31: Historic Pullman Oct 13 2013
This one was a little less than a regular 'hoods.
It was Historic Pullman's annual open house, so we didn't make a packet. Pullman makes plenty of its own literature.
And we didn't visit the greater Pullman neighborhood. The modern one. We'll have to do that another time!
Also? I want to go to the Pullman Porter Museum sometime. It's not far from Historic Pullman, and I still haven't been.
Since we've been, Pullman has been made (by Obama) a national monument. We actually signed the petition for it while there. Yay!
What is Historic Pullman? From wikipedia: "The Pullman National Monument, also known as The Pullman District and Pullman Historic District, is located in Chicago and was the first model, planned industrial community in the United States. The district is significant for its historical origins in the Pullman Company, one of the most famous company towns in the United States, and scene of the violent 1894 Pullman strike. It was built for George Pullman as a place to produce the famous Pullman sleeping cars."
Participants: Bill, William and Kelly
Highlights:
-the stables
-the greenstone church
-the market area
-we were granted access to 6 private residences
that day, because it was open house
-what remains of the factory
-random antique car show
-the public school
-garage sale!
-Bill bought Pullman honey
-neighborhood garden
-that funky little band that was playing the car show
The Florence hotel is never open. I wanna get in there.
You can visit Pullman's grave at Graceland cemetery (yet to be 'hoods-ed).
my flickr album for Oct 13 visit to Historic Pullman
pics from another, earlier visit in August of 2008
Impressions: Gorgeous. You can feel the weight of history. I loved, especially, getting to roll around in the old factory. A lot of hurt in those places, too. But so nice to see people living there and loving it and tending to the old spaces. It's hard, cause modern Pullman is not the cutest or safest of spaces. Not a lot of money down there. So historic Pullman is a little oasis in the middle of a neighborhood hit with some hard times. But maybe the designation as national monument will bring more tourists, more money, more options for the neighborhood. Like, there really aren't that many restaurants in Pullman. No real entertainment. I think there's a brewery down there now. Not sure if it has a tap room. But if we WERE to 'Hoods modern Pullman, not sure what we'd go to visit. You know? Except that Pullman Porter Museum. I gotta get on that!
It was Historic Pullman's annual open house, so we didn't make a packet. Pullman makes plenty of its own literature.
And we didn't visit the greater Pullman neighborhood. The modern one. We'll have to do that another time!
Also? I want to go to the Pullman Porter Museum sometime. It's not far from Historic Pullman, and I still haven't been.
Since we've been, Pullman has been made (by Obama) a national monument. We actually signed the petition for it while there. Yay!
What is Historic Pullman? From wikipedia: "The Pullman National Monument, also known as The Pullman District and Pullman Historic District, is located in Chicago and was the first model, planned industrial community in the United States. The district is significant for its historical origins in the Pullman Company, one of the most famous company towns in the United States, and scene of the violent 1894 Pullman strike. It was built for George Pullman as a place to produce the famous Pullman sleeping cars."
Participants: Bill, William and Kelly
Highlights:
-the stables
-the greenstone church
-the market area
-we were granted access to 6 private residences
that day, because it was open house
-what remains of the factory
-random antique car show
-the public school
-garage sale!
-Bill bought Pullman honey
-neighborhood garden
-that funky little band that was playing the car show
The Florence hotel is never open. I wanna get in there.
You can visit Pullman's grave at Graceland cemetery (yet to be 'hoods-ed).
my flickr album for Oct 13 visit to Historic Pullman
pics from another, earlier visit in August of 2008
Impressions: Gorgeous. You can feel the weight of history. I loved, especially, getting to roll around in the old factory. A lot of hurt in those places, too. But so nice to see people living there and loving it and tending to the old spaces. It's hard, cause modern Pullman is not the cutest or safest of spaces. Not a lot of money down there. So historic Pullman is a little oasis in the middle of a neighborhood hit with some hard times. But maybe the designation as national monument will bring more tourists, more money, more options for the neighborhood. Like, there really aren't that many restaurants in Pullman. No real entertainment. I think there's a brewery down there now. Not sure if it has a tap room. But if we WERE to 'Hoods modern Pullman, not sure what we'd go to visit. You know? Except that Pullman Porter Museum. I gotta get on that!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
'Hoods #30: River North, Sept 7 2013
I designed the River North 'Hoods.
It was one of mine and Bill's "date" hoods. Just the two of us!
Highlights: We visited a little bit of all 5
subsections of River North: the gallery district,
the theme restaurant district, the Cathedral district,
a design district, and Kingsbury Park. (see the packet
for more specifics!)
-we started by waiting 100 years for donuts at
the donut vault. worth it! chestnut glazed, y'all.
-then the Merchandise Mart, where they were
having some sort of canned food stacking art
competition. a delight.
-Assumption Catholic Church. Mother Cabrini!
-Montgomery Ward Park, with that giant ring
sculpture!
-and then the old Montgomery Ward offices
-the Chicago Ave Bridge, looking all run down
-Cabrini Green public housing remains, next door
to the lamborghini service station. Really?
-the Green Door Tavern. Had a little pre-lunch Green
Door Ale (two brothers)
-Mr Beef, adored (apparently) by Jay Leno. to us?
no Al's
-the gallery art district
-Ed Debevic's, popular with high school students
everywhere. Last time I'd been, for sure.
-the anti-cruelty society where Jeremy and I
met a 7 year old bull mastiff we really wanted
but couldn't fit in our apartment
-the Ohio House Motel
-the Rock N Roll McDonald's the saddest of all
McDonalds
-Castle, formerly Excaliber, formerly the Chicago
Historical Society, where we we spoken to through
a PA and told we couldn't get it
-that big ol YMCA
-Holy Name Cathedral
-that below ground level Coffee Shoppe on Superior
that I like that's in an old house. Still regret not getting
that cronut.
-couldn't get into the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James
-those mansions right there, and including, the Driehaus
museum
-the Hotel Cass
-Bloomingdale's home store, formerly the Medina Temple.
Bill told a story of William buying a piano from there
as it shifted ownership.
-the Lambert Tree Studios. Still wanna get in there.
Supposedly a nice courtyard in the middle?
-the place where the Boy Scouts of America were
started
-Courthouse Place. Very Richardsonian Romanesque.
-Harry Caray's weird architecture
-Marina City
-One IBM Plaza
-Trump Tower (holds a different connotation now)
-billion dollar drink on the Terrace on Trump. excellent
views. Including that naked dude reading his newspaper
on his bed in his apt, in full view of the Terrace.
packet for River North Hoods
my pics of River North on flickr
Impressions: Super pretty. Super interesting. Lots of great and different architecture. Lots of history. If you can get past the douchbaggery and the tourists, there's a lot to do and see. Museums. Art. Food. Dranks. Church. Mother Cabrini. Incredibly walkable. It was a lovely date day for Bill and I :)
Here's that time I visited the Driehaus museum with Kelly and Jeff
and here's that time Bill and Josh's choir sang inside the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James
It was one of mine and Bill's "date" hoods. Just the two of us!
Highlights: We visited a little bit of all 5
subsections of River North: the gallery district,
the theme restaurant district, the Cathedral district,
a design district, and Kingsbury Park. (see the packet
for more specifics!)
-we started by waiting 100 years for donuts at
the donut vault. worth it! chestnut glazed, y'all.
-then the Merchandise Mart, where they were
having some sort of canned food stacking art
competition. a delight.
-Assumption Catholic Church. Mother Cabrini!
-Montgomery Ward Park, with that giant ring
sculpture!
-and then the old Montgomery Ward offices
-the Chicago Ave Bridge, looking all run down
-Cabrini Green public housing remains, next door
to the lamborghini service station. Really?
-the Green Door Tavern. Had a little pre-lunch Green
Door Ale (two brothers)
-Mr Beef, adored (apparently) by Jay Leno. to us?
no Al's
-the gallery art district
-Ed Debevic's, popular with high school students
everywhere. Last time I'd been, for sure.
-the anti-cruelty society where Jeremy and I
met a 7 year old bull mastiff we really wanted
but couldn't fit in our apartment
-the Ohio House Motel
-the Rock N Roll McDonald's the saddest of all
McDonalds
-Castle, formerly Excaliber, formerly the Chicago
Historical Society, where we we spoken to through
a PA and told we couldn't get it
-that big ol YMCA
-Holy Name Cathedral
-that below ground level Coffee Shoppe on Superior
that I like that's in an old house. Still regret not getting
that cronut.
-couldn't get into the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James
-those mansions right there, and including, the Driehaus
museum
-the Hotel Cass
-Bloomingdale's home store, formerly the Medina Temple.
Bill told a story of William buying a piano from there
as it shifted ownership.
-the Lambert Tree Studios. Still wanna get in there.
Supposedly a nice courtyard in the middle?
-the place where the Boy Scouts of America were
started
-Courthouse Place. Very Richardsonian Romanesque.
-Harry Caray's weird architecture
-Marina City
-One IBM Plaza
-Trump Tower (holds a different connotation now)
-billion dollar drink on the Terrace on Trump. excellent
views. Including that naked dude reading his newspaper
on his bed in his apt, in full view of the Terrace.
packet for River North Hoods
my pics of River North on flickr
Impressions: Super pretty. Super interesting. Lots of great and different architecture. Lots of history. If you can get past the douchbaggery and the tourists, there's a lot to do and see. Museums. Art. Food. Dranks. Church. Mother Cabrini. Incredibly walkable. It was a lovely date day for Bill and I :)
Here's that time I visited the Driehaus museum with Kelly and Jeff
and here's that time Bill and Josh's choir sang inside the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James
Friday, March 11, 2016
'Hoods #29: East Lakeview June 29 2013
Bill organized East Lakeview!
Participants: Kelly, Bill and Kathy!
Highlights: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church and
school, which was closed for the day.
-St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Also closed.
But I think that's where I saw Brooke's
production of Madam Barker.
-Intellegentsia coffee
-remember Tavernetta?
-and that Thanksgiving eve we spent drunk
karaoke-ing at Friar Tuck's?
-I still need to get to this Pastoral
-the Century building that houses that
movie theater to which I 'walked it off'
after spraining my ankle. I've also rented
a car outta there.
-the building that houses the Urantia Foundation
(look it up!)
-the Surf-Pine Grove historic district
-Elks National Memorial and Headquarters!!!!
-a coupla monuments (Hamilton, Altgeld, Goethe)
in the park
-Dan Ryan Memorial Chapel in St. Joe's hospital!!!
-some super old, super sweet houses of some
super important people
-the Gen. Sheridan monument at Belmont (the
one on the horse)
-lunch at the Melrose Diner
-the Nettelhorst school (I think Berto works here!)
-walking and shopping Broadway, my old
playground
-Hawthorne Place historic district
-the Chicago City Day school (I think Aimee works
here!)
-Temple Shalom (couldn't get in)
-walking under LSD at Addison
-the totem pole
-Jarvis bird sanctuary
-Waveland Clock tower
-the lake!
'Hoods East Lakeview my flickr album
'Hoods East Lakeview packet
Impressions: This one was a doozy. I just remember being so tired at the end of this one that I didn't want to take one. more. step. So I sat on a bench and waited for a bus. For 20 minutes. Until I finally gave up and whimpered my way to the red line where, of course, I could NOT get a seat and swayed and grimaced all the way home. But it was STILL worth it! Cause we saw some pretty sweet stuff, y'all. I lived in Lakeview (Roscoe, between Halsted and Clark) for 2 years, so I've spent some significant time in this 'hood. Even so, Bill introduced me to some new stuff. Nice job, Bill. Nice job, 'Hoods!
We've also seen some Lakeview during Open House Chicago.
In 2015 we visited the Lakeview Presbyterian Church. AND we had the BEST tour of the Salvation Army Officer training college by Major Yoder. At times private. Pretty intimate, even.
2015 Open House Chicago flickr album
Participants: Kelly, Bill and Kathy!
Highlights: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church and
school, which was closed for the day.
-St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Also closed.
But I think that's where I saw Brooke's
production of Madam Barker.
-Intellegentsia coffee
-remember Tavernetta?
-and that Thanksgiving eve we spent drunk
karaoke-ing at Friar Tuck's?
-I still need to get to this Pastoral
-the Century building that houses that
movie theater to which I 'walked it off'
after spraining my ankle. I've also rented
a car outta there.
-the building that houses the Urantia Foundation
(look it up!)
-the Surf-Pine Grove historic district
-Elks National Memorial and Headquarters!!!!
-a coupla monuments (Hamilton, Altgeld, Goethe)
in the park
-Dan Ryan Memorial Chapel in St. Joe's hospital!!!
-some super old, super sweet houses of some
super important people
-the Gen. Sheridan monument at Belmont (the
one on the horse)
-lunch at the Melrose Diner
-the Nettelhorst school (I think Berto works here!)
-walking and shopping Broadway, my old
playground
-Hawthorne Place historic district
-the Chicago City Day school (I think Aimee works
here!)
-Temple Shalom (couldn't get in)
-walking under LSD at Addison
-the totem pole
-Jarvis bird sanctuary
-Waveland Clock tower
-the lake!
'Hoods East Lakeview my flickr album
'Hoods East Lakeview packet
Impressions: This one was a doozy. I just remember being so tired at the end of this one that I didn't want to take one. more. step. So I sat on a bench and waited for a bus. For 20 minutes. Until I finally gave up and whimpered my way to the red line where, of course, I could NOT get a seat and swayed and grimaced all the way home. But it was STILL worth it! Cause we saw some pretty sweet stuff, y'all. I lived in Lakeview (Roscoe, between Halsted and Clark) for 2 years, so I've spent some significant time in this 'hood. Even so, Bill introduced me to some new stuff. Nice job, Bill. Nice job, 'Hoods!
We've also seen some Lakeview during Open House Chicago.
In 2015 we visited the Lakeview Presbyterian Church. AND we had the BEST tour of the Salvation Army Officer training college by Major Yoder. At times private. Pretty intimate, even.
2015 Open House Chicago flickr album
'Hoods #28: Kenwood, May 19 2013
I planned this one!
Participants: Just Kelly and Bill in the beginning, then Kate and Ed join just before lunch
We explored all 3 sections of Kenwood. First we did Indian Village, in the far South East corner of Kenwood. Then we drove around in the more poverty stricken Northern Kenwood, stopping just once to walk around. And then we did a significant amount of walking in the prosperous Southern Kenwood neighborhood.
Highlights: kind of bullying our way into
Regents Park apartments to grab some
coffee at their cafe at the outset.
-the art deco decor on the Powhatan apt building
-pretty entrance on the Barclay building
-Mies Van Der Rohe's Algonquin apts
-Muddy Waters's house, waiting for demo
-the North Kenwood Landmark district, a bunch
of renovated homes, beautiful, in the middle of
a lot of decay
-King college prep
-Kenwood United Church of Christ, though
service underway and we didn't feel it'd be
right to bust in. We mostly just do that to
Catholic services.
-KAM-Isaiah Israel Temple. Closed. We've GOT
to get in there!
-getting bounced by the secret service from entering
Obama's street, so we slipped around the side of
KAM to get a look at another historic house,
the William O Goodman house, just a few houses
down from Obama. And then we were shoo-ed
away from THERE by the secret service.
Fairly aggressively. But then as we exited the street
a neighbor drove up and asked with disgust 'did
they just chase you off?' and when we said 'yes'
she drove off mumbling support for our plight.
Don't get me wrong. I have friends in the Secret
Service. The whole exchange was just pretty
hilarious.
-we then saw just a shit-load of old, cool houses
in South Kenwood that I did WAY too much
research on, including homes built by Civil War
vets, one owned by the victim of Leopold and Loeb,
etc. A lot were SUPER boomin. Lots of money in
South Kenwood. Then AND now.
-Drexel Blvd (slowly hitting ALL the Chicago Blvds)
with Drexel Fountain
-Rainbow/PUSH headquarters in a former Temple
-as we walked around the residential neighborhood
in South Kenwood that guy stopped us to ask us
what we were up to, got excited about 'Hoods, then
invited us into his friend's backyard to show us the
Burnham designed carriage house behind the Turner
house. NICE!
-lunch at Z and H MarketCafe
-the mosque that Muhammad Ali founded with a son
of Elijah Muhammad
-the Elijah Muhammad, Louis Farrakhan house with
suited security adjusting the lawn sprinklers
-Muhammad Ali's house
-those two early Frank Lloyd Wright homes that don't
LOOK FLW, and are in need of some tender love and
care. I think I heard the owners wanted to turn one into
a B and B, but the neighbors didn't want 'that' element
in the hood.
-the abandoned 5th Church of Christ Scientist building,
all fenced off.
-the Blackstone Public Library. Closed. Gotta get in
THERE, too.
-that adorable secret park that we found with a little
labyrinth
-those cool Atrium houses on Madison Park
'Hoods Kenwood packet
'Hoods Kenwood MY flickr album
Impressions: These really ARE 3 distinct neighborhoods, right on top of each other. There is SO much money in South Kenwood. And not in the North. There's a lot of history in both. It was a beautiful day for walking. Not a lot to DO in these neighborhoods. Mostly residential. With worship centers. A variety of them.
Participants: Just Kelly and Bill in the beginning, then Kate and Ed join just before lunch
We explored all 3 sections of Kenwood. First we did Indian Village, in the far South East corner of Kenwood. Then we drove around in the more poverty stricken Northern Kenwood, stopping just once to walk around. And then we did a significant amount of walking in the prosperous Southern Kenwood neighborhood.
Highlights: kind of bullying our way into
Regents Park apartments to grab some
coffee at their cafe at the outset.
-the art deco decor on the Powhatan apt building
-pretty entrance on the Barclay building
-Mies Van Der Rohe's Algonquin apts
-Muddy Waters's house, waiting for demo
-the North Kenwood Landmark district, a bunch
of renovated homes, beautiful, in the middle of
a lot of decay
-King college prep
-Kenwood United Church of Christ, though
service underway and we didn't feel it'd be
right to bust in. We mostly just do that to
Catholic services.
-KAM-Isaiah Israel Temple. Closed. We've GOT
to get in there!
-getting bounced by the secret service from entering
Obama's street, so we slipped around the side of
KAM to get a look at another historic house,
the William O Goodman house, just a few houses
down from Obama. And then we were shoo-ed
away from THERE by the secret service.
Fairly aggressively. But then as we exited the street
a neighbor drove up and asked with disgust 'did
they just chase you off?' and when we said 'yes'
she drove off mumbling support for our plight.
Don't get me wrong. I have friends in the Secret
Service. The whole exchange was just pretty
hilarious.
-we then saw just a shit-load of old, cool houses
in South Kenwood that I did WAY too much
research on, including homes built by Civil War
vets, one owned by the victim of Leopold and Loeb,
etc. A lot were SUPER boomin. Lots of money in
South Kenwood. Then AND now.
-Drexel Blvd (slowly hitting ALL the Chicago Blvds)
with Drexel Fountain
-Rainbow/PUSH headquarters in a former Temple
-as we walked around the residential neighborhood
in South Kenwood that guy stopped us to ask us
what we were up to, got excited about 'Hoods, then
invited us into his friend's backyard to show us the
Burnham designed carriage house behind the Turner
house. NICE!
-lunch at Z and H MarketCafe
-the mosque that Muhammad Ali founded with a son
of Elijah Muhammad
-the Elijah Muhammad, Louis Farrakhan house with
suited security adjusting the lawn sprinklers
-Muhammad Ali's house
-those two early Frank Lloyd Wright homes that don't
LOOK FLW, and are in need of some tender love and
care. I think I heard the owners wanted to turn one into
a B and B, but the neighbors didn't want 'that' element
in the hood.
-the abandoned 5th Church of Christ Scientist building,
all fenced off.
-the Blackstone Public Library. Closed. Gotta get in
THERE, too.
-that adorable secret park that we found with a little
labyrinth
-those cool Atrium houses on Madison Park
'Hoods Kenwood packet
'Hoods Kenwood MY flickr album
Impressions: These really ARE 3 distinct neighborhoods, right on top of each other. There is SO much money in South Kenwood. And not in the North. There's a lot of history in both. It was a beautiful day for walking. Not a lot to DO in these neighborhoods. Mostly residential. With worship centers. A variety of them.
Friday, March 4, 2016
'Hoods #27: Wicker Park, April 13 2013
Julie organized Wicker Park.
Participants: Julie, Neal, Kelly, Bill, Vicki, Dan (for a little bit)
Highlights: Alliance Bakery
-walking a bit of Division
-loading into Vicki's car :)
-walking around the Chicago Landmark
district in Wicker Park, lots of old beer
baron homes.
-getting completely disoriented by
Wicker Park's angle streets
-accidentally stumbling on Nelson
Algren's home!
-visiting Wicker Park proper
-When Dan just walked off and
never came back
-that super sweet Walgreens that
used to be a bank
-waiting 100 hours for a table at Big Star,
and it totally being worth it. Tacos.
-shopping Milwaukee
-the city's oldest Lutheran church
'Hoods Wicker Park my flickr album
'Hoods Wicker Park packet
Impressions: Hipsters, duh. But I'd like to get back into the neighborhood west of Milwaukee and north of Division with an AIA guide and get some background info on all the amazing houses we saw back there. Who used to live there? When? Dig deeper! Also, lots of good food to be had. Too old for drinking there, though. Too old.
Insider knowledge: If you're trying to grab a quick meal in Wicker, try Links. Good sausage, great beer list, and we've always easily managed a seat. Davenport's is good for cabaret. Bom Bolla was a delightful cava bar, gone already. Check out a play at the Den theater. There are often cool art exhibits upstairs in the Flat Iron building, and a small theater.
Kelly and Jeremy O brunch at Boundary then check out the Ark thrift store
bachelorette party in Wicker: the Blue Line lounge, the beachwood, the Flat Iron, Nick's beergarden
Participants: Julie, Neal, Kelly, Bill, Vicki, Dan (for a little bit)
Highlights: Alliance Bakery
-walking a bit of Division
-loading into Vicki's car :)
-walking around the Chicago Landmark
district in Wicker Park, lots of old beer
baron homes.
-getting completely disoriented by
Wicker Park's angle streets
-accidentally stumbling on Nelson
Algren's home!
-visiting Wicker Park proper
-When Dan just walked off and
never came back
-that super sweet Walgreens that
used to be a bank
-waiting 100 hours for a table at Big Star,
and it totally being worth it. Tacos.
-shopping Milwaukee
-the city's oldest Lutheran church
'Hoods Wicker Park my flickr album
'Hoods Wicker Park packet
Impressions: Hipsters, duh. But I'd like to get back into the neighborhood west of Milwaukee and north of Division with an AIA guide and get some background info on all the amazing houses we saw back there. Who used to live there? When? Dig deeper! Also, lots of good food to be had. Too old for drinking there, though. Too old.
Insider knowledge: If you're trying to grab a quick meal in Wicker, try Links. Good sausage, great beer list, and we've always easily managed a seat. Davenport's is good for cabaret. Bom Bolla was a delightful cava bar, gone already. Check out a play at the Den theater. There are often cool art exhibits upstairs in the Flat Iron building, and a small theater.
Kelly and Jeremy O brunch at Boundary then check out the Ark thrift store
bachelorette party in Wicker: the Blue Line lounge, the beachwood, the Flat Iron, Nick's beergarden
Thursday, February 25, 2016
'Hoods #26: Forest Glen, March 23 2013
Bill organized Forest Glen!
Including the neighborhoods of Edgebrook, Forest Glen, and Sauganash.
Participants: Vicki, Kathy, Kelly, Bill
Highlights: Old Edgebrook, a quaint
neighborhood in a forest preserve.
-with no curbs
-and several weird twig tee-pees
-that deer crossing the bridge over
the Chicago river
-train community
-lunch at that Irish bar
-Lutheran churches are NEVER open
-looking through old pics of Edgebrook
at the library
-ice cream!
-walking Devon
-the Queen of All Saints Basilica! Our 2nd
of 3 basilicas in the city limits,
at which they were totally prepping for
a wedding
-walking Sauganash historic district
in the WRONG shoes
'Hoods Forest Glen my flickr album
'Hood's Forest Glen Bill's flickr album
'Hoods Forest Glen packet
Impressions: Pretty much a suburb. Except with more mixed architecture. I mean, it's steps away from Skokie. It's super residential. Not a TON of food/drinking options. A good place to make and raise babies. And go to church. And make twig teepees.
Including the neighborhoods of Edgebrook, Forest Glen, and Sauganash.
Participants: Vicki, Kathy, Kelly, Bill
Highlights: Old Edgebrook, a quaint
neighborhood in a forest preserve.
-with no curbs
-and several weird twig tee-pees
-that deer crossing the bridge over
the Chicago river
-train community
-lunch at that Irish bar
-Lutheran churches are NEVER open
-looking through old pics of Edgebrook
at the library
-ice cream!
-walking Devon
-the Queen of All Saints Basilica! Our 2nd
of 3 basilicas in the city limits,
at which they were totally prepping for
a wedding
-walking Sauganash historic district
in the WRONG shoes
'Hoods Forest Glen my flickr album
'Hood's Forest Glen Bill's flickr album
'Hoods Forest Glen packet
Impressions: Pretty much a suburb. Except with more mixed architecture. I mean, it's steps away from Skokie. It's super residential. Not a TON of food/drinking options. A good place to make and raise babies. And go to church. And make twig teepees.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
'Hoods #25: Printers Row Jan 20 2012
Kate organized Printer's Row!
It was our 3rd anniversary!!!
And cold as BALLS!
I remember my little finger tips going numb moments into attempting a pic. Cold.
You know what doesn't stop a 'Hoods?
Cold.
Participants: Kate, Ed, Kelly, Bill, Tom, Sunny
Highlights: Ed treated us to lunch at Potbelly's!
-cool, cavernous architecture on Dearborn
mostly formerly related to printing, duh
-cute little printer's row park
-that book store
-empty Dearborn Station
-looks like the Jazz Showcase moved down
here? Dad used to love the Jazz Showcase.
-Kasey's tavern, old!
-rolling North on Dearborn: the Manhattan and
its creepy faces looking down, the Fisher building,
the Modandock
-Harold Washington Library
-dinner at Blackie's
-lots of ghost signs
'Hoods Printers Row packet
'Hoods Printers Row MY flickr album
'Hoods Printers Row Bill's flickr album
Impressions: I'll bet there are some RAD loft spaces here. Love the feel of the neighborhood. The old printing buildings are gorgeous. And dense. Not a lot of humans out on the street. But hard to judge if this was normal cause it was so freaking cold. There might be more street life on a nicer day. Not a TON of food or drink options. Feels real safe and clean and well-tended.
It was our 3rd anniversary!!!
And cold as BALLS!
I remember my little finger tips going numb moments into attempting a pic. Cold.
You know what doesn't stop a 'Hoods?
Cold.
Participants: Kate, Ed, Kelly, Bill, Tom, Sunny
Highlights: Ed treated us to lunch at Potbelly's!
-cool, cavernous architecture on Dearborn
mostly formerly related to printing, duh
-cute little printer's row park
-that book store
-empty Dearborn Station
-looks like the Jazz Showcase moved down
here? Dad used to love the Jazz Showcase.
-Kasey's tavern, old!
-rolling North on Dearborn: the Manhattan and
its creepy faces looking down, the Fisher building,
the Modandock
-Harold Washington Library
-dinner at Blackie's
-lots of ghost signs
'Hoods Printers Row packet
'Hoods Printers Row MY flickr album
'Hoods Printers Row Bill's flickr album
Impressions: I'll bet there are some RAD loft spaces here. Love the feel of the neighborhood. The old printing buildings are gorgeous. And dense. Not a lot of humans out on the street. But hard to judge if this was normal cause it was so freaking cold. There might be more street life on a nicer day. Not a TON of food or drink options. Feels real safe and clean and well-tended.
Friday, February 19, 2016
'Hoods #24: Gold Coast, Nov 18 2012
Bill planned this one.
It ended up being one of my favorites!
So much pretty in this neighborhood!
Participants: Bill, William, both of the Vicki-s, Kelly, Ed and Kate joined us at lunch
Highlights: ALL of the grand old mansions
at one time occupied by ALL of the important
Chicago folks (including Billy Corgan),
especially on Astor St
-the International Museum of Surgical Science
(I recommend to EVERYONE)
-the archbishop's sweet residence
-wooden alley
-the Latin school!
-lunch at the Chicago History Museum
(pretty sure actually in Lincoln Park,
but on the edge!)
-Richardsonian Romanesque!
-love all the plaques, Gold Coast!
-that lady in the riding gear who was obviously
on her way to or from her, um, rich lady horse!
-some Frank Lloyd Wright, thank you very much
-playboy mansion
-sweet hotels, and the Pump Room
-the Three Arts Club, back when it was still empty
-snacks at the 3rd Coast
-all the Lake Shore Drive Mansions
-the Fisher Studio houses (I wanna get in there!)
-where Frank Lloyd Wright once lived with Miriam...
TORN DOWN!
-the viagra triangle :)
-Oak Street, money
-that gazebo at Oak and Michigan
-East Lake Shore Drive historic district,
Benjamin Marshall!!!
-drinks at Coq D'or at the Drake Hotel!
'Hoods Gold Coast flickr album
'Hoods Gold Coast packet
About a year ago (?) Restoration Hardware bought the 3 Arts building and set up its shop in there, along with a super sweet little restaurant in its atrium. So...of course we had to go! Bill and William and husband and I visited in Dec 2015.
3 arts cafe
And during Open House Chicago in 2013 Bill, Brooke and I saw some sights in the Gold Coast.
the Alliance Francaise (they gave me a pin and a glass of wine)
the interior of the Charnley-Persky house (FLW and Louis Sullivan)
the Harvest Bible Chapel
the Newberry Library
Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts (where I bought a watercolor from an artist depicting a Chicago street scene)
and the Poetry Foundation.
Open House Chicago 2013
Oh, and that time we went to the Zebra Lounge!
and Nico Osteria
Impressions: LOTS of money. Lots of history. Lots of cool mansions. I wish I lived closer so I could take evening strolls here and look into the beautiful homes and see how truly rich people live.
It ended up being one of my favorites!
So much pretty in this neighborhood!
Participants: Bill, William, both of the Vicki-s, Kelly, Ed and Kate joined us at lunch
Highlights: ALL of the grand old mansions
at one time occupied by ALL of the important
Chicago folks (including Billy Corgan),
especially on Astor St
-the International Museum of Surgical Science
(I recommend to EVERYONE)
-the archbishop's sweet residence
-wooden alley
-the Latin school!
-lunch at the Chicago History Museum
(pretty sure actually in Lincoln Park,
but on the edge!)
-Richardsonian Romanesque!
-love all the plaques, Gold Coast!
-that lady in the riding gear who was obviously
on her way to or from her, um, rich lady horse!
-some Frank Lloyd Wright, thank you very much
-playboy mansion
-sweet hotels, and the Pump Room
-the Three Arts Club, back when it was still empty
-snacks at the 3rd Coast
-all the Lake Shore Drive Mansions
-the Fisher Studio houses (I wanna get in there!)
-where Frank Lloyd Wright once lived with Miriam...
TORN DOWN!
-the viagra triangle :)
-Oak Street, money
-that gazebo at Oak and Michigan
-East Lake Shore Drive historic district,
Benjamin Marshall!!!
-drinks at Coq D'or at the Drake Hotel!
'Hoods Gold Coast flickr album
'Hoods Gold Coast packet
About a year ago (?) Restoration Hardware bought the 3 Arts building and set up its shop in there, along with a super sweet little restaurant in its atrium. So...of course we had to go! Bill and William and husband and I visited in Dec 2015.
3 arts cafe
And during Open House Chicago in 2013 Bill, Brooke and I saw some sights in the Gold Coast.
the Alliance Francaise (they gave me a pin and a glass of wine)
the interior of the Charnley-Persky house (FLW and Louis Sullivan)
the Harvest Bible Chapel
the Newberry Library
Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts (where I bought a watercolor from an artist depicting a Chicago street scene)
and the Poetry Foundation.
Open House Chicago 2013
Oh, and that time we went to the Zebra Lounge!
and Nico Osteria
Impressions: LOTS of money. Lots of history. Lots of cool mansions. I wish I lived closer so I could take evening strolls here and look into the beautiful homes and see how truly rich people live.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
'Hoods #23: Fulton Market area of the West Loop Sept 30 2012 and Feb 23 2013
Technically the 2012 visit was a preview and the REAL 'hoods happened in 2013. But hey. Whatever.
In 2012 we brunched at Ina's (now gone) and visited the Randolph Street Market. It got us into the plumber's union building. And we bought some sweet vintage items.
Randolph Street Market and Ina's
On Feb 23 2013 we had an ACTUAL 'hoods. I planned this one.
Participants: Kelly, Kate, Ed, Bill, Jeremy L, Julie
Highlights: husband got a pork belly at Grant Park packing
-pre-brunch at Publican Quality Meats
(sweet, sweet charcuterie plate!)
-for REALS brunch at the Publican
(sweet, sweet slabs of bacon!)
-shopping on Lake (cutlery and fishes)
-walking over the expressway
-site of the Haymarket riot
-drankin at the Haymarket brewery
-checkin the restaurants and markets on Fulton
-bansky
-eyeballing the art galleries
-no more hologram museum!
-coffee at la colombe (now all over the city)
-packer schopf gallery
-harpo studios
-all the warehouses, and warehouse architecture
-jantiques
-MORE coffee at Jupiter Outpost
-that cat at the Mars gallery (the center of some
sort of energy vortex?)
-FANCY drinks at the Aviary!
'Hoods fulton market flickr album
'Hoods fulton market packet
Here's the time we saw Story Sessions at City Winery
Here's the time we at at NEXT for my birthday!
Here's the time we visited both CH and Rhine Hall distilleries
at Little Goat
Impressions: Good eats! I love old factory and warehouse architecture. I'm sad that all of the ACTUAL meat packaging businesses and warehouses are being pushed out. But all of the new businesses are sexy and delicious. Interesting intersection of art galleries, expensive food, and old-school industry. Kind of exciting, in a 'changing neighborhood' kind of way. I mean, I love a loft space. Hope it retains some of its charm and doesn't become soul-less. Also? Someone bring back that hologram museum!
In 2012 we brunched at Ina's (now gone) and visited the Randolph Street Market. It got us into the plumber's union building. And we bought some sweet vintage items.
Randolph Street Market and Ina's
On Feb 23 2013 we had an ACTUAL 'hoods. I planned this one.
Participants: Kelly, Kate, Ed, Bill, Jeremy L, Julie
Highlights: husband got a pork belly at Grant Park packing
-pre-brunch at Publican Quality Meats
(sweet, sweet charcuterie plate!)
-for REALS brunch at the Publican
(sweet, sweet slabs of bacon!)
-shopping on Lake (cutlery and fishes)
-walking over the expressway
-site of the Haymarket riot
-drankin at the Haymarket brewery
-checkin the restaurants and markets on Fulton
-bansky
-eyeballing the art galleries
-no more hologram museum!
-coffee at la colombe (now all over the city)
-packer schopf gallery
-harpo studios
-all the warehouses, and warehouse architecture
-jantiques
-MORE coffee at Jupiter Outpost
-that cat at the Mars gallery (the center of some
sort of energy vortex?)
-FANCY drinks at the Aviary!
'Hoods fulton market flickr album
'Hoods fulton market packet
Here's the time we saw Story Sessions at City Winery
Here's the time we at at NEXT for my birthday!
Here's the time we visited both CH and Rhine Hall distilleries
at Little Goat
Impressions: Good eats! I love old factory and warehouse architecture. I'm sad that all of the ACTUAL meat packaging businesses and warehouses are being pushed out. But all of the new businesses are sexy and delicious. Interesting intersection of art galleries, expensive food, and old-school industry. Kind of exciting, in a 'changing neighborhood' kind of way. I mean, I love a loft space. Hope it retains some of its charm and doesn't become soul-less. Also? Someone bring back that hologram museum!
Monday, February 15, 2016
'Hoods #22: East Rogers Park June 3 2016
Bill organized this one.
But I actually LIVE in East Rogers Park.
So I'm pretty invested in this neighborhood. I've been here 12 years and counting. There are parts that are difficult (the crime). But I LOVE other parts (the beach, the multicultural community, the laid-back hippy component, the arts, the growing gay community, etc). I believe in it. And I have high hopes that it will get safer and safer as time goes by.
Participants: Bill, Julie, William, Kelly, joined by Ed and Kate at the LA&M, joined by Brooke and Jeremy L for dinner
Highlights: brunch at Pillars (which is gone already.
It's currently a Philly's Cheesesteak joint. But always
empty? So probably will turn over again at some
point.)
-Armadillo's pillow (great used bookstore)
-Flatts and Sharpe (husb takes guitar lessons here)
-Bruno's with its frieze of Chicago
-the Loyola campus, including its chapel
-LA&M Leather archives and museum. Amazing.
-Charmer's cafe on Jarvis (also gone already).
-checking out the Walter Burley Griffen and
having the owner hang out the window to introduce
himself
-drinks at the Lighthouse
-Frank Lloyd Wright's Bach house
-the Farcroft building, with its creepy gargoyles. Magic concentrator?
-Fargo beach
-the beach houses on East Lake Terrace
-the former grandeur of Howard, including the Broadmoor,
the Howard theater, the Paulina building, Werner bros
storing, etc
-the El at Howard
-the West Ridge/Historical Society already closed for the day
(and now moved to another location!)
-walking Morse and Glenwood
-dinner on the patio at the Heartland Cafe
'Hoods East Rogers Park flickr album
'Hoods East Rogers Park packet
Rogers Park alley scenes
Rogers Park alley walk 2015
Rogers Park Arts Fest 2013
and 2009
our first farmer's market 2010
Rogers Park during and after the superbowl blizzard of 2015
melting beach 2015
and melting 2009
storm sky 2010
winter beach 2013
winter beach 2010
winter in the Rog 2009
summer beachin in the Rog
and in 2013
and 2010
artists of the wall 2009
artists of the wall 2010
artists of the wall 2011
artists of the wall 2012
artists of the wall 2014
as part of Open House 2013 we did the interior of the Emil Bach house, and Cat's Cradle B and B
family picnic at beach 2013
supermoon at beach 2013
more beach. i love my beach.
and again
and some more
beach grillin
yup
grillin on labor day 2009
with Brooke
sloshball 2012
chili cookoff at the glenwood
the lighthouse 2009
the oasis 2009
the nice!
that year we went to every taqueria on Clark. every. one.
But I actually LIVE in East Rogers Park.
So I'm pretty invested in this neighborhood. I've been here 12 years and counting. There are parts that are difficult (the crime). But I LOVE other parts (the beach, the multicultural community, the laid-back hippy component, the arts, the growing gay community, etc). I believe in it. And I have high hopes that it will get safer and safer as time goes by.
Participants: Bill, Julie, William, Kelly, joined by Ed and Kate at the LA&M, joined by Brooke and Jeremy L for dinner
Highlights: brunch at Pillars (which is gone already.
It's currently a Philly's Cheesesteak joint. But always
empty? So probably will turn over again at some
point.)
-Armadillo's pillow (great used bookstore)
-Flatts and Sharpe (husb takes guitar lessons here)
-Bruno's with its frieze of Chicago
-the Loyola campus, including its chapel
-LA&M Leather archives and museum. Amazing.
-Charmer's cafe on Jarvis (also gone already).
-checking out the Walter Burley Griffen and
having the owner hang out the window to introduce
himself
-drinks at the Lighthouse
-Frank Lloyd Wright's Bach house
-the Farcroft building, with its creepy gargoyles. Magic concentrator?
-Fargo beach
-the beach houses on East Lake Terrace
-the former grandeur of Howard, including the Broadmoor,
the Howard theater, the Paulina building, Werner bros
storing, etc
-the El at Howard
-the West Ridge/Historical Society already closed for the day
(and now moved to another location!)
-walking Morse and Glenwood
-dinner on the patio at the Heartland Cafe
'Hoods East Rogers Park flickr album
'Hoods East Rogers Park packet
Rogers Park alley scenes
Rogers Park alley walk 2015
Rogers Park Arts Fest 2013
and 2009
our first farmer's market 2010
Rogers Park during and after the superbowl blizzard of 2015
melting beach 2015
and melting 2009
storm sky 2010
winter beach 2013
winter beach 2010
winter in the Rog 2009
summer beachin in the Rog
and in 2013
and 2010
artists of the wall 2009
artists of the wall 2010
artists of the wall 2011
artists of the wall 2012
artists of the wall 2014
as part of Open House 2013 we did the interior of the Emil Bach house, and Cat's Cradle B and B
family picnic at beach 2013
supermoon at beach 2013
more beach. i love my beach.
and again
and some more
beach grillin
yup
grillin on labor day 2009
with Brooke
sloshball 2012
chili cookoff at the glenwood
the lighthouse 2009
the oasis 2009
the nice!
that year we went to every taqueria on Clark. every. one.
'Hoods #21: Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Record Row May 12 2012
I organized this one.
And learned a LOT about this part of Chicago just south of the Loop.
Participants: Kelly, Bill and Neal (small one!). Neal left before dinner, so this was the first of Bill and Kelly's accidentally romantic 'Hoods meals.
Highlights: lunch at Reggie's (starting with music)
-a tour of Chess Records (which took a million
years to start. In fact, we waited so long, we had to leave
before the end of the tour, in order to make our
NEXT tour. BUT, the tour was led by Willie
Dixon's grandson! And we were such an interested
group that he let us get into one of the storage closets
where they keep old instruments not on display.
Neal and Bill got to handle Willie Dixon's upright
bass. It was pretty cool.)
-tour of the Glessner house on Prairie Ave (so cool,
but why no pictures, Glessner house?)
-and THEN a tour of the Clarke house, Chicago's
oldest house. So many tours this day!
-we then had a hard time finding somewhere to SIT
DOWN for a second and have, like, a coffee. So there's
THAT to know about the 'hood.
-we pooped around Chicago's Women's park
-then we scoped whatever other mansions were left on
Prairie Ave.
-we walked by a portion of McCormick place I'd never
seen from the ground.
-Quinn chapel, important in the civil rights movement
-the Chicago Daily Defender and Illinois Auto Club
-some old press/printing buildings, too. This neighborhood
has a LOT of legacies.
-rolling back up Michigan Ave we looked at the remains
of both Record Row (old record companies) and of
Motor Row (old car dealerships).
-and then a romantic dinner for two at Gioco
On Dec 26 2012 Bill and I went back to supplement.
-We had ANOTHER romantic meal, this time at
the Chicago Firehouse restaurant
-and then we took, like, a 3 hour tour of the Second
Presbyterian Church of Chicago, with all of its Tiffany
windows. We were the only 2 folks there visiting, and
there were, I think, 3 docents on duty. So they were
VERY thorough in their informal tour and let us crawl
all over the place.
'Hoods Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Records Row May and Dec 2012 flickr album
'Hoods Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Records Row packet
map of 'Hoods Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Records Row
I LOVED this one. I didn't know ANYTHING about any of the 3 parts of this neighborhood until I started researching. I really feel like I took some ownership of this neighborhood that I definitely never had before.
And learned a LOT about this part of Chicago just south of the Loop.
Participants: Kelly, Bill and Neal (small one!). Neal left before dinner, so this was the first of Bill and Kelly's accidentally romantic 'Hoods meals.
Highlights: lunch at Reggie's (starting with music)
-a tour of Chess Records (which took a million
years to start. In fact, we waited so long, we had to leave
before the end of the tour, in order to make our
NEXT tour. BUT, the tour was led by Willie
Dixon's grandson! And we were such an interested
group that he let us get into one of the storage closets
where they keep old instruments not on display.
Neal and Bill got to handle Willie Dixon's upright
bass. It was pretty cool.)
-tour of the Glessner house on Prairie Ave (so cool,
but why no pictures, Glessner house?)
-and THEN a tour of the Clarke house, Chicago's
oldest house. So many tours this day!
-we then had a hard time finding somewhere to SIT
DOWN for a second and have, like, a coffee. So there's
THAT to know about the 'hood.
-we pooped around Chicago's Women's park
-then we scoped whatever other mansions were left on
Prairie Ave.
-we walked by a portion of McCormick place I'd never
seen from the ground.
-Quinn chapel, important in the civil rights movement
-the Chicago Daily Defender and Illinois Auto Club
-some old press/printing buildings, too. This neighborhood
has a LOT of legacies.
-rolling back up Michigan Ave we looked at the remains
of both Record Row (old record companies) and of
Motor Row (old car dealerships).
-and then a romantic dinner for two at Gioco
On Dec 26 2012 Bill and I went back to supplement.
-We had ANOTHER romantic meal, this time at
the Chicago Firehouse restaurant
-and then we took, like, a 3 hour tour of the Second
Presbyterian Church of Chicago, with all of its Tiffany
windows. We were the only 2 folks there visiting, and
there were, I think, 3 docents on duty. So they were
VERY thorough in their informal tour and let us crawl
all over the place.
'Hoods Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Records Row May and Dec 2012 flickr album
'Hoods Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Records Row packet
map of 'Hoods Prairie Ave/Motor Row/Records Row
I LOVED this one. I didn't know ANYTHING about any of the 3 parts of this neighborhood until I started researching. I really feel like I took some ownership of this neighborhood that I definitely never had before.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
'Hoods #20: Uptown April 21 2012
Anne organized the Uptown 'Hoods!
Participants: Anne, Dan, Bill, William, Kelly, Ed, Kate, Tom and Jeremy L join us for dinner
Highlights: Breakfast at the Golden House Restaurant
(pigs in a blanket!)
-Talking with the owner of Shake, Rattle and Read
(currently working on shutting down forever. sad.)
-the Uptown post office
-the Aragon lobby (couldn't get any deeper on THIS visit)
-historic Castlewood Terrace, where all the OLD school
movie stars lived, back in the day
-walking and shopping Argyle/littleVietnam
-Essanay studios (with a fine staged performance of
"Sounds of Silents" by Dan and Bill)
-St Boniface cemetery, and a poem read by Anne
-day drinking at Carol's Pub
-walking through Sheridan Park to get back to Broadway
-drinks at the Green Mill
-dinner at Tank noodle
'Hoods Uptown flickr album
'Hoods Uptown packet
Here's that time in 2013 when I got a small peek into the shuttered Uptown Theater cause they were using it for filming on the Transformers movie
Here's Brooke performing at the Green Mill in 2014
another Green Mill/Paper machete visit in 2012
this set includes Owens in the Paper Machete at the Green Mill in 2015
Here's the time that Brooke and I went to the Vintage Pop Up at the Aragon theater
and Chinese New Year on Argyle Feb 2016
Participants: Anne, Dan, Bill, William, Kelly, Ed, Kate, Tom and Jeremy L join us for dinner
Highlights: Breakfast at the Golden House Restaurant
(pigs in a blanket!)
-Talking with the owner of Shake, Rattle and Read
(currently working on shutting down forever. sad.)
-the Uptown post office
-the Aragon lobby (couldn't get any deeper on THIS visit)
-historic Castlewood Terrace, where all the OLD school
movie stars lived, back in the day
-walking and shopping Argyle/littleVietnam
-Essanay studios (with a fine staged performance of
"Sounds of Silents" by Dan and Bill)
-St Boniface cemetery, and a poem read by Anne
-day drinking at Carol's Pub
-walking through Sheridan Park to get back to Broadway
-drinks at the Green Mill
-dinner at Tank noodle
'Hoods Uptown flickr album
'Hoods Uptown packet
Here's that time in 2013 when I got a small peek into the shuttered Uptown Theater cause they were using it for filming on the Transformers movie
Here's Brooke performing at the Green Mill in 2014
another Green Mill/Paper machete visit in 2012
this set includes Owens in the Paper Machete at the Green Mill in 2015
Here's the time that Brooke and I went to the Vintage Pop Up at the Aragon theater
and Chinese New Year on Argyle Feb 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
'Hoods #19: Old Town March 25 2012
Ed organized Old Town.
Founder Ed!
He's not much of a computer guy, so his packet was actually hand written on yellow legal paper.
Bill couldn't control himself and made a supplementary packet when he got home.
So, there's that :)
Participants:Kate, Ed, Tom, Bill, William, Kelly, Jeremy L (joined for dinner)
Highlights: Breakfast at Delightful Pastries
(did we visit another one of those on the Portage Park 'Hoods?)
-home of the first Gay Rights Org
-speaking of home, saw lots of old ones
-the longest tour in American, at St. Michael's church. I mean,
we go on a lot of tours. And can handle almost anything. But
this one was so long we had to leave before it was over. So much
info on all the bible stories included in the windows. So. Many.
-seeing a show at Second City about the 'history of Chicago'!
-Old Town Ale House. LOVE.
-shopping on Wells
-the artist residences on Burton
-ribs at Two Anchors
'Hoods Old Town flickr album
'Hoods Old Town packet
here's when we saw Colonna at Zanie's in 2013
Here's when Kate and I went to Bistro Margot and Old Town Ale House after the Chicago History museum in 2014
Founder Ed!
He's not much of a computer guy, so his packet was actually hand written on yellow legal paper.
Bill couldn't control himself and made a supplementary packet when he got home.
So, there's that :)
Participants:Kate, Ed, Tom, Bill, William, Kelly, Jeremy L (joined for dinner)
Highlights: Breakfast at Delightful Pastries
(did we visit another one of those on the Portage Park 'Hoods?)
-home of the first Gay Rights Org
-speaking of home, saw lots of old ones
-the longest tour in American, at St. Michael's church. I mean,
we go on a lot of tours. And can handle almost anything. But
this one was so long we had to leave before it was over. So much
info on all the bible stories included in the windows. So. Many.
-seeing a show at Second City about the 'history of Chicago'!
-Old Town Ale House. LOVE.
-shopping on Wells
-the artist residences on Burton
-ribs at Two Anchors
'Hoods Old Town flickr album
'Hoods Old Town packet
here's when we saw Colonna at Zanie's in 2013
Here's when Kate and I went to Bistro Margot and Old Town Ale House after the Chicago History museum in 2014
Thursday, February 11, 2016
'Hoods #18: the Pedway Feb 18 2012
Bill organized Pedway 'Hoods.
Unfortunately, a lot of the Pedway is closed on the weekends. But we made do with what we could get into! And we visited a bunch of places that the Pedway connects, as well.
Participants: Bill, William, Kelly, Dan, Anne, Ed, Kate, Kathy, Julie
Highlights: the light show at the Bean
-dinner at the Walnut Room
-thoroughly exploring the interior of the former Marshall Fields
with special insight from William, former employee!
-the Chicago Cultural Center tour
-that film location off the alley. Wasn't it from a Transformers?
-Millennium station
-Beard Papa cream puffs (now gone) in a nearly empty Block 37
(now MUCH more boomin)
-Illinois Center
-getting bounced from the Court building
-Daley Plaza
*We should summer supplement and go on a week day. Check out some of the portions that were closed to us.
Pedway 'Hoods flickr album
'Hoods Pedway packet
Unfortunately, a lot of the Pedway is closed on the weekends. But we made do with what we could get into! And we visited a bunch of places that the Pedway connects, as well.
Participants: Bill, William, Kelly, Dan, Anne, Ed, Kate, Kathy, Julie
Highlights: the light show at the Bean
-dinner at the Walnut Room
-thoroughly exploring the interior of the former Marshall Fields
with special insight from William, former employee!
-the Chicago Cultural Center tour
-that film location off the alley. Wasn't it from a Transformers?
-Millennium station
-Beard Papa cream puffs (now gone) in a nearly empty Block 37
(now MUCH more boomin)
-Illinois Center
-getting bounced from the Court building
-Daley Plaza
*We should summer supplement and go on a week day. Check out some of the portions that were closed to us.
Pedway 'Hoods flickr album
'Hoods Pedway packet
Monday, February 8, 2016
'Hoods #17: Logan Square Jan 15 2012
This was our 2 year anniversary!
I planned this one.
Participants: Kelly, Jeremy L, Bill, William, Ed, Kate
Highlights: Jeremy and I stopping in that Norwegian
Lutheran church and folks getting REAL excited
thinking they were getting some newer, younger,
Norwegian speaking congregants. Sorry we
ducked out as service started. Didn't want to raise
too many expectations.
-Lula for brunch. Million dollar slow drip coffee.
-wearing the wrong shoes for slogging through the
snow. Had to borrow a pair of dry socks from Bill
that afternoon for bowling.
-walking logan Blvd
-New Wave Coffee to warm up!
-that French Patisserie that's closed now
-Wolfbait
-walking Milwaukee Ave
-and then Kedzie Blvd. There was a lot of walking
for mid-January Chicago.
-finally, let's drink at Revolution
-and conclude with some Fireside Bowl!
'Hoods Logan Square flickr album
'Hoods Logan Square packet
There is a LOT more eating and drinking that can happen here.
Here's Ma and I hitting up Cafe con Leche, the farmer's market, and some sort of street fest in Logan Square in 2013
Here's Brooke and I rocking Jam and the Farmer's Market in Oct 2015
Here's our friend Claire in a Jug Band competition at the Logan Square Auditorium in Oct 2015
part of this set has us eating at Longman and Eagle for my birthday in 2014
etc.
I planned this one.
Participants: Kelly, Jeremy L, Bill, William, Ed, Kate
Highlights: Jeremy and I stopping in that Norwegian
Lutheran church and folks getting REAL excited
thinking they were getting some newer, younger,
Norwegian speaking congregants. Sorry we
ducked out as service started. Didn't want to raise
too many expectations.
-Lula for brunch. Million dollar slow drip coffee.
-wearing the wrong shoes for slogging through the
snow. Had to borrow a pair of dry socks from Bill
that afternoon for bowling.
-walking logan Blvd
-New Wave Coffee to warm up!
-that French Patisserie that's closed now
-Wolfbait
-walking Milwaukee Ave
-and then Kedzie Blvd. There was a lot of walking
for mid-January Chicago.
-finally, let's drink at Revolution
-and conclude with some Fireside Bowl!
'Hoods Logan Square flickr album
'Hoods Logan Square packet
There is a LOT more eating and drinking that can happen here.
Here's Ma and I hitting up Cafe con Leche, the farmer's market, and some sort of street fest in Logan Square in 2013
Here's Brooke and I rocking Jam and the Farmer's Market in Oct 2015
Here's our friend Claire in a Jug Band competition at the Logan Square Auditorium in Oct 2015
part of this set has us eating at Longman and Eagle for my birthday in 2014
etc.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
'Hoods #16: Roscoe Village/North Center November 13 2011
Julie planned out Roscoe Village for us.
I almost felt MORE conspicuous in this neighborhood for being an outsider than in, say, Pilsen or Ukrainian Village (where someone actually came out and said 'well YOU'RE not Ukrainian.'
Let's just say there were a LOT of young, white, fit, mothers pushing very expensive strollers. Don't get me wrong. I'm painting the neighborhood with a really broad stroke here. I get it. Just an observation.
Participants: Julie, Anne, Dan, Dan's mom, Kelly, Ed, Kate, Bill, William
Highlights: Is this the first 'hoods where we're sporting our
hoodies with the 'hoods patch? That can't be right. I'll have
to look into that.
-vegan cheesecake is disgusting
-I have GOT to get back to those antique stores on Belmont
and get me some Riverview memorabilia
-cop art
-walking under the Belmont flyover, that will soon be torn
down
-Ed's hairstylist in the heart of Roscoe
-Riverview tavern
-PRAM IN A BAR!
-getting thrown off of WGN property!
-Architectural Artifacts
-Margie's candy, the 2nd location
-Half Acre
-the Bad Apple
Roscoe Village/North Center 'Hoods flickr album
Roscoe Village/North Center 'Hoods packet
This is such a big neighborhood. I feel like this one needs another visit to fill in some gaps.
We DO (or DID) go to Architectural Artifacts pretty often. Love it.
several Architectural Artifact visits
I almost felt MORE conspicuous in this neighborhood for being an outsider than in, say, Pilsen or Ukrainian Village (where someone actually came out and said 'well YOU'RE not Ukrainian.'
Let's just say there were a LOT of young, white, fit, mothers pushing very expensive strollers. Don't get me wrong. I'm painting the neighborhood with a really broad stroke here. I get it. Just an observation.
Participants: Julie, Anne, Dan, Dan's mom, Kelly, Ed, Kate, Bill, William
Highlights: Is this the first 'hoods where we're sporting our
hoodies with the 'hoods patch? That can't be right. I'll have
to look into that.
-vegan cheesecake is disgusting
-I have GOT to get back to those antique stores on Belmont
and get me some Riverview memorabilia
-cop art
-walking under the Belmont flyover, that will soon be torn
down
-Ed's hairstylist in the heart of Roscoe
-Riverview tavern
-PRAM IN A BAR!
-getting thrown off of WGN property!
-Architectural Artifacts
-Margie's candy, the 2nd location
-Half Acre
-the Bad Apple
Roscoe Village/North Center 'Hoods flickr album
Roscoe Village/North Center 'Hoods packet
This is such a big neighborhood. I feel like this one needs another visit to fill in some gaps.
We DO (or DID) go to Architectural Artifacts pretty often. Love it.
several Architectural Artifact visits
Friday, February 5, 2016
'Hoods #15: Lincoln Square Sept 10 2011
'Hoods Lincoln Square was certainly the drunkest 'hoods we've had. So far.
I planned this one to coincide with their German Fest. So, yeah.
Participants: Kelly, Julie, Bill, Jeremy L. Tom joined later for beer. John and Christine met us for the parade.
Highlights: baumkuchen for breakfast
-visiting Dankhaus. And running into that guy in leiderhosen in the elevator
who asked us what we were up to with those packets. When we explained
he offered to take us up to the levels that weren't open to the public.
Also? The near rooftop balcony! 'Hoods magic! We later saw him again
in the parade and lost our minds! His name was Martin!
-starting the drinking at the Huettenbar
-sausage and beer and pretzels at the fest
-the German American parade!
-that dude with the hat with the majestic feather who offered to, um, tickle
us with it. You know. For good luck.
-shopping on Lincoln
-Louis Sullivan!
-back to the fest for more beer!
-when Bill ran into a parent from his school and he had to keep it together
and pretend like he wasn't raging drunk.
-the rooftop at Gene's for more beer and German snacks
-being so drunk and tired at the Brauhaus that we barely directly addressed
each other while we ate dumplings and kraut.
-that chunk of the Berlin wall at the el station
Lincoln Square 'Hoods flickr album
Lincoln Square 'Hoods packet
We also just generally like to eat and drink in Lincoln Square.
this set includes some pics from Luella's Southern kitchen, which I highly recommend.
for Husband's 39th birthday we spent some time at Barba Yianni and Lincoln Square Lanes
and 41 at the Brauhaus and Lincoln Square Lanes
we used to bocce for bad balls in the park there
bocce in 2007
holy crap, here's us at the German fest in 2006!
I planned this one to coincide with their German Fest. So, yeah.
Participants: Kelly, Julie, Bill, Jeremy L. Tom joined later for beer. John and Christine met us for the parade.
Highlights: baumkuchen for breakfast
-visiting Dankhaus. And running into that guy in leiderhosen in the elevator
who asked us what we were up to with those packets. When we explained
he offered to take us up to the levels that weren't open to the public.
Also? The near rooftop balcony! 'Hoods magic! We later saw him again
in the parade and lost our minds! His name was Martin!
-starting the drinking at the Huettenbar
-sausage and beer and pretzels at the fest
-the German American parade!
-that dude with the hat with the majestic feather who offered to, um, tickle
us with it. You know. For good luck.
-shopping on Lincoln
-Louis Sullivan!
-back to the fest for more beer!
-when Bill ran into a parent from his school and he had to keep it together
and pretend like he wasn't raging drunk.
-the rooftop at Gene's for more beer and German snacks
-being so drunk and tired at the Brauhaus that we barely directly addressed
each other while we ate dumplings and kraut.
-that chunk of the Berlin wall at the el station
Lincoln Square 'Hoods flickr album
Lincoln Square 'Hoods packet
We also just generally like to eat and drink in Lincoln Square.
this set includes some pics from Luella's Southern kitchen, which I highly recommend.
for Husband's 39th birthday we spent some time at Barba Yianni and Lincoln Square Lanes
and 41 at the Brauhaus and Lincoln Square Lanes
we used to bocce for bad balls in the park there
bocce in 2007
holy crap, here's us at the German fest in 2006!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
'Hoods #14: Andersonville August 28 2011
Kate organized Andersonville.
A lot of us live(d) in/near Andersonville so we were pretty familiar with the 'hood already. But we STILL discovered a lot!
That's the beauty. Though we might do a good amount of eating or drinking in a certain neighborhood, we rarely take the time to get a picture of the neighborhood, as a whole. With its history and architecture, etc. 'Hoods.
Participants: Ed, Kate, Kelly, Jeremy L, Anne, Dan, Tom
Highlights: Svea for brunch. The viking! My fave brunch spot in the 'hood.
-the Swedish American Museum, adorbs. In which we saw the typewriter
Nelson Algren used to write 'The Man With the Golden Arm' which I'd learned
about in the Ukrainian Village 'Hoods, then read (then watched the movie).
'Hoods touching! I also learned that Walgreens was Chicago, and Swedish!
-shopping. I bought a lamp shade at the Brown Elephant. I'm sitting under it now.
-the silly little Edgewater Historical Society
-drinks on the patio at the Edgewater Lounge (sadly, now gone)
-the Woolly Mammoth
-aquavit and frozen glogg at Simon's
-and then? Getting to go downstairs in Simon's and seeing where the old
speakeasy was. With a bullet hole in the old secret door! Was it called the No No Club?
-and then somehow Ed found the painting that used to hang at the Nisei in
the midst of all the crap piled in the basement!
-dinner at the Hopleaf :)
Andersonville 'Hoods flickr album
Andersonville 'Hoods packet
Again, we spend a lot of time in Andersonville.
When Kelly and Jeff and the kids visited and we went to the Swedish Museum and ate outside at Lady Gregory's
When we went to the new Pastoral
I think that the Koval distillery counts as Andersonville?
when we did the City Made fest, Sofo, and the patio at Hopleaf
one of a million times I've seen or participated in You're Being Ridiculous at Mary's Attic
Kate's bachelorette party was all Andersonville, including Farraguts, and a bar that's no longer there
Billiam's bachelor party was at Konak
Anteprima and Atmosphere with the ladies
and a few visits to one of a few Jewish Delis
etc.
A lot of us live(d) in/near Andersonville so we were pretty familiar with the 'hood already. But we STILL discovered a lot!
That's the beauty. Though we might do a good amount of eating or drinking in a certain neighborhood, we rarely take the time to get a picture of the neighborhood, as a whole. With its history and architecture, etc. 'Hoods.
Participants: Ed, Kate, Kelly, Jeremy L, Anne, Dan, Tom
Highlights: Svea for brunch. The viking! My fave brunch spot in the 'hood.
-the Swedish American Museum, adorbs. In which we saw the typewriter
Nelson Algren used to write 'The Man With the Golden Arm' which I'd learned
about in the Ukrainian Village 'Hoods, then read (then watched the movie).
'Hoods touching! I also learned that Walgreens was Chicago, and Swedish!
-shopping. I bought a lamp shade at the Brown Elephant. I'm sitting under it now.
-the silly little Edgewater Historical Society
-drinks on the patio at the Edgewater Lounge (sadly, now gone)
-the Woolly Mammoth
-aquavit and frozen glogg at Simon's
-and then? Getting to go downstairs in Simon's and seeing where the old
speakeasy was. With a bullet hole in the old secret door! Was it called the No No Club?
-and then somehow Ed found the painting that used to hang at the Nisei in
the midst of all the crap piled in the basement!
-dinner at the Hopleaf :)
Andersonville 'Hoods flickr album
Andersonville 'Hoods packet
Again, we spend a lot of time in Andersonville.
When Kelly and Jeff and the kids visited and we went to the Swedish Museum and ate outside at Lady Gregory's
When we went to the new Pastoral
I think that the Koval distillery counts as Andersonville?
when we did the City Made fest, Sofo, and the patio at Hopleaf
one of a million times I've seen or participated in You're Being Ridiculous at Mary's Attic
Kate's bachelorette party was all Andersonville, including Farraguts, and a bar that's no longer there
Billiam's bachelor party was at Konak
Anteprima and Atmosphere with the ladies
and a few visits to one of a few Jewish Delis
etc.
'Hoods #13: Hegewisch/East Side July 24 2011
You guys.
This one was hilariously a hot mess.
Not cause of how Bill planned it.
He did a great job, as usual.
It's just that Hegewisch is...difficult to love. And it was raining. And I dropped my brand new phone in a puddle. And we could NOT find anywhere to eat.
Lucky #13?
Participants: Bill, Kelly, Anne
Highlights: desperately looking for somewhere that serves coffee in the AM
-wishing we could tour the Ford plant
-trespassing at the Lock and Dam
-visiting what the internet promised to be a nature preserve, which appeared
never to have been...um...finished. Maybe never even started? Certainly
not open to the public. Balls.
-going to that grocery that publicized 'the BEST kabobs' and then realizing
that they meant 'raw/uncooked kabobs.' So instead we bought apples and
cheese sandwiches and took them to the saddest park ever.
-the prison toilets at the saddest park ever.
-the folks doin it in the weeds at the saddest park ever.
-what I kind-of remember being missiles in the saddest park ever?
-Bill debuts his 'hoods phone case
-that memorial to the fallen at a Union uprising. Had seen better days.
-that rad Serbian Orthodox church. Seriously, very cool.
-where Illinois touches Indiana.
-discovering that wild parrots live under I-90! That was REALLY cool,
actually!
-Alright, Calumet Fisheries was exceptional.
-the Blues Brothers Bridge!
-taking our fried fishies and eating them al fresco at the lakefront.
Ok, looking back, there WERE some pretty depressing parts of this 'hood. But also? Some pretty awesome parts.
I guess that's the point of 'Hoods!?!
Hegewisch/East Side 'Hoods packet
Hegewisch/East Side 'Hoods flickr album
This one was hilariously a hot mess.
Not cause of how Bill planned it.
He did a great job, as usual.
It's just that Hegewisch is...difficult to love. And it was raining. And I dropped my brand new phone in a puddle. And we could NOT find anywhere to eat.
Lucky #13?
Participants: Bill, Kelly, Anne
Highlights: desperately looking for somewhere that serves coffee in the AM
-wishing we could tour the Ford plant
-trespassing at the Lock and Dam
-visiting what the internet promised to be a nature preserve, which appeared
never to have been...um...finished. Maybe never even started? Certainly
not open to the public. Balls.
-going to that grocery that publicized 'the BEST kabobs' and then realizing
that they meant 'raw/uncooked kabobs.' So instead we bought apples and
cheese sandwiches and took them to the saddest park ever.
-the prison toilets at the saddest park ever.
-the folks doin it in the weeds at the saddest park ever.
-what I kind-of remember being missiles in the saddest park ever?
-Bill debuts his 'hoods phone case
-that memorial to the fallen at a Union uprising. Had seen better days.
-that rad Serbian Orthodox church. Seriously, very cool.
-where Illinois touches Indiana.
-discovering that wild parrots live under I-90! That was REALLY cool,
actually!
-Alright, Calumet Fisheries was exceptional.
-the Blues Brothers Bridge!
-taking our fried fishies and eating them al fresco at the lakefront.
Ok, looking back, there WERE some pretty depressing parts of this 'hood. But also? Some pretty awesome parts.
I guess that's the point of 'Hoods!?!
Hegewisch/East Side 'Hoods packet
Hegewisch/East Side 'Hoods flickr album
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
'Hoods #12: Bridgeport June 4 2011
I planned myself a birthday 'Hoods in 2011
It was a doozy!
Participants: Bill (through the ice cream), Kate, Kelly, Andy, Jeremy O, Dan, Anne, Nick and Ed and Husband joined us for the game
Highlights: breakfast at that super old-school diner
-being mistaken outside the Ramova theater for investors,
presumably because of the packets
-Kate buying me a slap bracelet at the toy store
-record shop
-Lutheran church closed, per usual
-Henry Palmisano Park
-that bakery (where, again, we were asked what we were up to. And then warned
against visiting, well, about half of the neighborhoods we'd already visited. She
asked if we'd been to Buckingham fountain yet. I don't think she got it.)
-walking under the expressway
-bubbly creek
-that I and M canal park
-outrunning the rainstorm by about 15 seconds
-getting the last table at Bridgeport coffee
-Schaller's Pub
-White Sox and fireworks!
Bridgeport 'Hoods flickr album
Bridgeport 'Hoods packet
It was a doozy!
Participants: Bill (through the ice cream), Kate, Kelly, Andy, Jeremy O, Dan, Anne, Nick and Ed and Husband joined us for the game
Highlights: breakfast at that super old-school diner
-being mistaken outside the Ramova theater for investors,
presumably because of the packets
-Kate buying me a slap bracelet at the toy store
-record shop
-Lutheran church closed, per usual
-Henry Palmisano Park
-that bakery (where, again, we were asked what we were up to. And then warned
against visiting, well, about half of the neighborhoods we'd already visited. She
asked if we'd been to Buckingham fountain yet. I don't think she got it.)
-walking under the expressway
-bubbly creek
-that I and M canal park
-outrunning the rainstorm by about 15 seconds
-getting the last table at Bridgeport coffee
-Schaller's Pub
-White Sox and fireworks!
Bridgeport 'Hoods flickr album
Bridgeport 'Hoods packet
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
'Hoods #11: Albany Park May 22 2011
Neal planned our 11th outing,
Albany Park 'Hoods!
Participants: Bill, William, Dan, Anne, Neal, Julie, Kelly, Jeremy L
Highlights: crepes
-Cambodian museum and memorial, with traditional music practice in the lobby :)
-when walking around looking at houses near the river, that lady who invited
us into her backyard to check out her sweet garden. 'Hoods magic!
-Running into Julie and Neal's friend who was throwing a yard sale
-Albany Park proper with its 'waterfall'
-North Park University (didn't even know that this existed)
-paletas next to that school
-that dad teaching his kid cricket on the sidewalk
-Neal and his post office balls
-quick stop for kabob!
-driving the Bohemian National Cemetery in the rain
-North Park Village Nature center, with its red-winged black birds and its tadpoles
and its not very cautious deer.
-and the bib bim bop that ruined me for all others.
Albany Park 'Hoods flickr album
Albany Park 'Hoods packet
Albany Park 'Hoods!
Participants: Bill, William, Dan, Anne, Neal, Julie, Kelly, Jeremy L
Highlights: crepes
-Cambodian museum and memorial, with traditional music practice in the lobby :)
-when walking around looking at houses near the river, that lady who invited
us into her backyard to check out her sweet garden. 'Hoods magic!
-Running into Julie and Neal's friend who was throwing a yard sale
-Albany Park proper with its 'waterfall'
-North Park University (didn't even know that this existed)
-paletas next to that school
-that dad teaching his kid cricket on the sidewalk
-Neal and his post office balls
-quick stop for kabob!
-driving the Bohemian National Cemetery in the rain
-North Park Village Nature center, with its red-winged black birds and its tadpoles
and its not very cautious deer.
-and the bib bim bop that ruined me for all others.
Albany Park 'Hoods flickr album
Albany Park 'Hoods packet
'Hoods #10: Garfield Park March 13 2011
William debuted as 'Hoods coordinator with
'Hoods #10: Garfield Park!
Participants: Kelly, Julie, Bill, William
Highlights: a little bit living the Wire
-that guy who was directing traffic, though he clearly was not authorized
to do so. Friendly, though :)
-Ruby's, civil rights movement central locale
-unfortunate amounts of trash and empty lots
-the most GORGEOUS basilica in the city! With a choir rehearsing and everything!
-Bill first brings out our official 'Hoods patches! Thanks, Bill!
-Garfield Park, proper, and all the goose poop. And wanting to get in
that fieldhouse!
-pretty Garfield Park conservatory
-weren't those Frank Lloyd Wright townhouses?
-catfish nuggets
Garfield Park 'Hoods flickr album
Garfield Park 'Hoods packet
* I GOTTA go back and get in that fieldhouse. Also, isn't the old headquarters for Sears here?
'Hoods #10: Garfield Park!
Participants: Kelly, Julie, Bill, William
Highlights: a little bit living the Wire
-that guy who was directing traffic, though he clearly was not authorized
to do so. Friendly, though :)
-Ruby's, civil rights movement central locale
-unfortunate amounts of trash and empty lots
-the most GORGEOUS basilica in the city! With a choir rehearsing and everything!
-Bill first brings out our official 'Hoods patches! Thanks, Bill!
-Garfield Park, proper, and all the goose poop. And wanting to get in
that fieldhouse!
-pretty Garfield Park conservatory
-weren't those Frank Lloyd Wright townhouses?
-catfish nuggets
Garfield Park 'Hoods flickr album
Garfield Park 'Hoods packet
* I GOTTA go back and get in that fieldhouse. Also, isn't the old headquarters for Sears here?
Monday, February 1, 2016
'Hoods #9: Ukrainian Village Feb 13 2011
On Feb 13 2011 we hit 'Hoods #9
Ukrainian Village!
I planned this one.
Participants: Julie, Neal, Kelly, Bill, William, Jeremy L, Ed, Kate
Ukrainian Village 'Hoods flickr album
Ukrainian Village 'Hoods packet
Highlights: When the director of the Ukrainian Culture museum freaked out when
he saw us coming and called the front desk to see if he'd forgotten
a planned tour (he hadn't), then he showed up to give us a private tour anyways!
-that beautiful church with the blue dome,
-when we went to the Ukrainian Museum of Modern Art we accidentally
showed up at a gallery opening but they welcomed us warmly,
-Bill and William consider that aloe drink for their tini martini party,
-the Louis Sullivan church that was closed but when Kate opened the door
we found an older gentleman vacuuming in his slippers and an
apron with different pastas featured on it, who invited us in and gave us
yet another private tour!
-the photo booth at the Rainbo Club,
-Nelson Algren,
-Old Lviv Ukrainian buffet.
This one was heavy on 'Hoods magic. Heavy.
Ukrainian Village!
I planned this one.
Participants: Julie, Neal, Kelly, Bill, William, Jeremy L, Ed, Kate
Ukrainian Village 'Hoods flickr album
Ukrainian Village 'Hoods packet
Highlights: When the director of the Ukrainian Culture museum freaked out when
he saw us coming and called the front desk to see if he'd forgotten
a planned tour (he hadn't), then he showed up to give us a private tour anyways!
-that beautiful church with the blue dome,
-when we went to the Ukrainian Museum of Modern Art we accidentally
showed up at a gallery opening but they welcomed us warmly,
-Bill and William consider that aloe drink for their tini martini party,
-the Louis Sullivan church that was closed but when Kate opened the door
we found an older gentleman vacuuming in his slippers and an
apron with different pastas featured on it, who invited us in and gave us
yet another private tour!
-the photo booth at the Rainbo Club,
-Nelson Algren,
-Old Lviv Ukrainian buffet.
This one was heavy on 'Hoods magic. Heavy.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
'Hoods #8: Pilsen Jan 16 2011
Our 1 year anniversary!
Kate designed our 8th 'Hoods, Pilsen!
Participants: Tom, Sunny, Kate, Ed, Kelly, Bill, William, Julie, Anne
Highlights: 'Hoods' first bus ride,
-eating at Nuevo Leon (an institution, which sadly burned down
a few months ago),
-re-enacting uprisings,
-that tres leches cake,
-St. Jude relic,
-murals,
-the National Museum of Mexican Art,
-drankin,
-the coal powered plant,
-Thalia hall before its renovation,
-thrift shopping,
-Bill reveals the 'Hoods logo for the first time!
Pilsen 'Hoods flickr album
Pilsen 'Hoods packet
Emily and Paul actually got married in Pilsen. Ignore the pics of Husband and I drinking in Bridgeport beforehand, and us reception-ing back in Bridgeport AFTER. The wedding proper, and drinks at Dusek's both TOTALLY count as Pilsen specific experience!
Emily and Paul's wedding!
Mom and I actually pre-'Hoods-ed Pilsen a tiny bit back in July 2008
Mom and I pre-'Hoods Pilsen July 2008
And Husband and I finally saw a show at Thalia hall this past July 2015. AND we ate at Dusek's!
Thalia hall and Dusek's
Kate designed our 8th 'Hoods, Pilsen!
Participants: Tom, Sunny, Kate, Ed, Kelly, Bill, William, Julie, Anne
Highlights: 'Hoods' first bus ride,
-eating at Nuevo Leon (an institution, which sadly burned down
a few months ago),
-re-enacting uprisings,
-that tres leches cake,
-St. Jude relic,
-murals,
-the National Museum of Mexican Art,
-drankin,
-the coal powered plant,
-Thalia hall before its renovation,
-thrift shopping,
-Bill reveals the 'Hoods logo for the first time!
Pilsen 'Hoods flickr album
Pilsen 'Hoods packet
Emily and Paul actually got married in Pilsen. Ignore the pics of Husband and I drinking in Bridgeport beforehand, and us reception-ing back in Bridgeport AFTER. The wedding proper, and drinks at Dusek's both TOTALLY count as Pilsen specific experience!
Emily and Paul's wedding!
Mom and I actually pre-'Hoods-ed Pilsen a tiny bit back in July 2008
Mom and I pre-'Hoods Pilsen July 2008
And Husband and I finally saw a show at Thalia hall this past July 2015. AND we ate at Dusek's!
Thalia hall and Dusek's
'Hoods #7: Humboldt Park Nov 7 2010
I planned our 7th 'Hoods, Humboldt Park!
Participants: Bill, William, Kelly, Jeremy L, Julie, Neal, Kate, Tom, Jo
Highlights: It's when we discovered Jens Jensen,
-Roeser's bakery,
-gorgeous Humboldt Park proper with its audio tour,
-the big flags,
-walking Division,
-delicious Puerto Rican food,
-murals,
-being slowly followed by that cop car and asked to
be careful by our waitress
Humboldt Park 'Hoods flickr album
Humboldt Park 'Hoods packet
Emily and Paul lived in Humboldt Park for awhile, giving us plenty of excuse to get back there occasionally.
Pozoleria in Humboldt pre-book club 2014
jibaritos in Humboldt
*Getting to that Puerto Rican museum is still on my list! It was closed the day we 'Hoods-ed.
Participants: Bill, William, Kelly, Jeremy L, Julie, Neal, Kate, Tom, Jo
Highlights: It's when we discovered Jens Jensen,
-Roeser's bakery,
-gorgeous Humboldt Park proper with its audio tour,
-the big flags,
-walking Division,
-delicious Puerto Rican food,
-murals,
-being slowly followed by that cop car and asked to
be careful by our waitress
Humboldt Park 'Hoods flickr album
Humboldt Park 'Hoods packet
Emily and Paul lived in Humboldt Park for awhile, giving us plenty of excuse to get back there occasionally.
Pozoleria in Humboldt pre-book club 2014
jibaritos in Humboldt
*Getting to that Puerto Rican museum is still on my list! It was closed the day we 'Hoods-ed.
'Hoods #6: Portage Park Sept 11 2010
On Sept 11 2010,
'Hoods #6
Portage Park!
Anne designed this one.
Participants: Jo, Kelly, Anne, Neal, Julie
Highlights: punchki,
-the little art fair at Portage Park proper,
-6 corners,
-yet another stranger stopping us to ask us what we're up to,
getting excited, and then
sharing a bunch of info about the neighborhood
-that giant costume shop,
-the Portage theater,
-all of those bungalows,
-the Polish church,
-that fabulous Polish food
Portage Park 'Hoods flickr album
Portage Park 'Hoods packet
'Hoods #6
Portage Park!
Anne designed this one.
Participants: Jo, Kelly, Anne, Neal, Julie
Highlights: punchki,
-the little art fair at Portage Park proper,
-6 corners,
-yet another stranger stopping us to ask us what we're up to,
getting excited, and then
sharing a bunch of info about the neighborhood
-that giant costume shop,
-the Portage theater,
-all of those bungalows,
-the Polish church,
-that fabulous Polish food
Portage Park 'Hoods flickr album
Portage Park 'Hoods packet
'Hoods #5: Lincoln Park Aug 21 2010
On Aug 21 2010 We embarked on 'Hoods #5.
Lincoln Park.
Lincoln Park is big, y'all. So it wasn't, by any means, a complete tour of the neighborhood.
But we hit a LOT.
And it was hot as BALLS.
Participants: Brooke and Jeremy L (for lunch), Tim, Kelly, Tom, Kate, Ed, Anne, Tom's lady friend at the time
'Hoods Lincoln Park flickr album
Tom made this packet. He was a task master. Kept us running!
'Hoods packet Lincoln Park
Highlights: Frances' diner,
-the most expensive block in Chicago,
-meeting Kate's friend who was an anthropologist for Northwestern
who'd lived in the neighborhood since the 70s and had stories to tell,
-Italian ice,
-Henry Darger's house (I went home that night and immediately watched that
documentary on him and his outsider art),
-Oz Park,
-all kinds of plaques for historically and architecturally significant buildings,
-Lincoln hall
I've also visited Lincoln Park Zoo about a million times. Here are a few.
Lincoln Park Zoo Dec 2008
Lincoln Park Zoo June 2011
Lincoln Park Zoo Oct 2012
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 2012
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Dec 2013
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Dec 2014
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Dec 2015
Also? Bill and I do Open House Chicago every year. Which isn't 'Hoods. But it's 'Hoods adjacent. And in 2013 we did a BUNCH of Lincoln Park:
the Brewster apartments,
the Laflin building at Lincoln Park Zoo,
the Moody Church,
the National Shrine of Saint Frances of Cabrini,
the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago (Solon Beman!),
St. Clement Church,
and the Sedgwick Studio.
So, though there are a bunch of pics from the Gold Coast in this collection (which we did on the second day of Open House) I feel I'd be remiss if I didn't include this flickr set, too.
Open House Chicago 2013, during which we did a CRAP TON of Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park.
Lincoln Park is big, y'all. So it wasn't, by any means, a complete tour of the neighborhood.
But we hit a LOT.
And it was hot as BALLS.
Participants: Brooke and Jeremy L (for lunch), Tim, Kelly, Tom, Kate, Ed, Anne, Tom's lady friend at the time
'Hoods Lincoln Park flickr album
Tom made this packet. He was a task master. Kept us running!
'Hoods packet Lincoln Park
Highlights: Frances' diner,
-the most expensive block in Chicago,
-meeting Kate's friend who was an anthropologist for Northwestern
who'd lived in the neighborhood since the 70s and had stories to tell,
-Italian ice,
-Henry Darger's house (I went home that night and immediately watched that
documentary on him and his outsider art),
-Oz Park,
-all kinds of plaques for historically and architecturally significant buildings,
-Lincoln hall
I've also visited Lincoln Park Zoo about a million times. Here are a few.
Lincoln Park Zoo Dec 2008
Lincoln Park Zoo June 2011
Lincoln Park Zoo Oct 2012
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 2012
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Dec 2013
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Dec 2014
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Dec 2015
Also? Bill and I do Open House Chicago every year. Which isn't 'Hoods. But it's 'Hoods adjacent. And in 2013 we did a BUNCH of Lincoln Park:
the Brewster apartments,
the Laflin building at Lincoln Park Zoo,
the Moody Church,
the National Shrine of Saint Frances of Cabrini,
the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago (Solon Beman!),
St. Clement Church,
and the Sedgwick Studio.
So, though there are a bunch of pics from the Gold Coast in this collection (which we did on the second day of Open House) I feel I'd be remiss if I didn't include this flickr set, too.
Open House Chicago 2013, during which we did a CRAP TON of Lincoln Park
Let us know if you use one of our packets! It'll make our day!
Kate had a great idea.
If you, any of you out there in the web universe, use one of our packets to explore a Chicago neighborhood, take a pic of yourself with the packet in context.
And send it to us!
And we'll feature you on our blog!
Cause that's kinda the whole point.
I mean, I'm using this site to catalogue our adventures. Yes.
But also, if we can convince more folks out there to try a neighborhood they've never tried before, that would be AWESOME.
And if our packet makes taking the leap that much easier for any of you, fantastic!
Please, let us know!
Don't get me wrong. Our packets aren't necessarily complete, or visually astonishing, or even always accurate. Especially the ones from early on. A lot has changed in Chicago since 2010. So you'll want to check and make sure some of the places that we visited are still open! And there might be NEWER openings that you'd want to visit. But the packets usually include some history about the neighborhood (ripped right off of the internet). And some architectural info. I mean, they're a good starting point. You do what you must with them.
Seriously, though.
A pic. To us. We'd love it.
If you, any of you out there in the web universe, use one of our packets to explore a Chicago neighborhood, take a pic of yourself with the packet in context.
And send it to us!
And we'll feature you on our blog!
Cause that's kinda the whole point.
I mean, I'm using this site to catalogue our adventures. Yes.
But also, if we can convince more folks out there to try a neighborhood they've never tried before, that would be AWESOME.
And if our packet makes taking the leap that much easier for any of you, fantastic!
Please, let us know!
Don't get me wrong. Our packets aren't necessarily complete, or visually astonishing, or even always accurate. Especially the ones from early on. A lot has changed in Chicago since 2010. So you'll want to check and make sure some of the places that we visited are still open! And there might be NEWER openings that you'd want to visit. But the packets usually include some history about the neighborhood (ripped right off of the internet). And some architectural info. I mean, they're a good starting point. You do what you must with them.
Seriously, though.
A pic. To us. We'd love it.
'Hoods #4: Hyde Park May 15 2010 (and some supplements)
On May 15 2010 we held our 4th 'Hoods.
This time?
Hyde Park.
Participants: Jeremy O, Andy, Jo, Megan, Kelly, Anne, Tom
What's irritating about this one is that I absolutely made the packet.
And I CANNOT find a copy of it. Not even a saved version on any of my old computers.
Balls.
So, if you were on this one and have a copy,
for the love of sweet baby Jesus, please scan it and send it on to me.
It's the only missing piece in my collection!
It plagues me...
But I DO have a billion pictures.
'Hoods Hyde Park flickr album
Highlights: The University of Chicago campus,
-the Oriental Institute,
-that chapel,
-turning the corner and stumbling on that little a cappella
group rehearsing in the courtyard and their voices
reverberated in the quiet,
-the weird juggling and ball rolling student activity on the green,
-the bicycle race happening on the midway,
-looking for wild parrots (and not finding any),
-Valois cafeteria,
-Promontory Point,
-the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park (while dodging the
lascivious activity in the bushes)
For the purposes of personal completion, I have supplemented Hyde Park on a couple of occasions.
Bill, Kelly W-I and I visited on November 22 2014
Again, packet-less. I think we just used the AIA guide on this one.
'Hoods Hyde Park supplement Nov 2014
Highlights: the Loredo Taft sculpture on the midway,
-as well as his sculpture studio,
-that Mies Van Der Rohe building,
-eating at Medici,
-more Oriental Institute,
-Robie House,
-that little teeny tiny chapel with the quintet rehearsing
If I REALLY want to get completion-est about it, Brooke and I visited Hyde Park on July 28 2010 as part of our 'summer of fun.'
Hyde Park, summer of fun
Highlights: the Smart museum (that houses some of the Robie house furniture), and more Medici eating.
And on July 21 2012 my Frank Lloyd Wright club visited and toured the Robie House. And guess where we ate? Medici. Stuck in a rut. I KNOW there's other good food in Hyde Park. Next time!
Robie House pics
Well, and technically, Husband and I also visited Hyde Park in Sept of 2008. We ate some ribs at the Wooded Isle in Jackson Park, then went to the Court Theater on the U of C campus to see Caroline or Change. But we got there a little early. So we took a walk around campus.
Going to see 'Caroline or Change' at the Court theater
Apparently I go to Hyde Park all the time. It's a delight.
This time?
Hyde Park.
Participants: Jeremy O, Andy, Jo, Megan, Kelly, Anne, Tom
What's irritating about this one is that I absolutely made the packet.
And I CANNOT find a copy of it. Not even a saved version on any of my old computers.
Balls.
So, if you were on this one and have a copy,
for the love of sweet baby Jesus, please scan it and send it on to me.
It's the only missing piece in my collection!
It plagues me...
But I DO have a billion pictures.
'Hoods Hyde Park flickr album
Highlights: The University of Chicago campus,
-the Oriental Institute,
-that chapel,
-turning the corner and stumbling on that little a cappella
group rehearsing in the courtyard and their voices
reverberated in the quiet,
-the weird juggling and ball rolling student activity on the green,
-the bicycle race happening on the midway,
-looking for wild parrots (and not finding any),
-Valois cafeteria,
-Promontory Point,
-the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park (while dodging the
lascivious activity in the bushes)
For the purposes of personal completion, I have supplemented Hyde Park on a couple of occasions.
Bill, Kelly W-I and I visited on November 22 2014
Again, packet-less. I think we just used the AIA guide on this one.
'Hoods Hyde Park supplement Nov 2014
Highlights: the Loredo Taft sculpture on the midway,
-as well as his sculpture studio,
-that Mies Van Der Rohe building,
-eating at Medici,
-more Oriental Institute,
-Robie House,
-that little teeny tiny chapel with the quintet rehearsing
If I REALLY want to get completion-est about it, Brooke and I visited Hyde Park on July 28 2010 as part of our 'summer of fun.'
Hyde Park, summer of fun
Highlights: the Smart museum (that houses some of the Robie house furniture), and more Medici eating.
And on July 21 2012 my Frank Lloyd Wright club visited and toured the Robie House. And guess where we ate? Medici. Stuck in a rut. I KNOW there's other good food in Hyde Park. Next time!
Robie House pics
Well, and technically, Husband and I also visited Hyde Park in Sept of 2008. We ate some ribs at the Wooded Isle in Jackson Park, then went to the Court Theater on the U of C campus to see Caroline or Change. But we got there a little early. So we took a walk around campus.
Going to see 'Caroline or Change' at the Court theater
Apparently I go to Hyde Park all the time. It's a delight.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
'Hoods #3: Beverly March 2010
On March 28 2010 we had our 3rd 'Hoods.
Bill hosted this one.
Beverly!
Participants: Bill, William, Vicki, Julie, Kelly, Anne, and Bill's parents for dinner and icecream
Highlights: our first Frank Lloyd Wright house,
-that guy stopping us to ask us what we were doing as we walked the streets and then
telling us all about the little blue flowers that blossom on the ridge that runs through
Beverly (thus, Blue Island?),
-the castle,
-the private guided tour of that art collection at Ridge Park,
-Beverly bakery,
-that pizza joint (was it Joe's?),
-rainbow cone.
Beverly 'Hoods flickr album
Beverly 'Hoods packet
*I feel like there's a Beverly Arts Center that I need to get to
Bill hosted this one.
Beverly!
Participants: Bill, William, Vicki, Julie, Kelly, Anne, and Bill's parents for dinner and icecream
Highlights: our first Frank Lloyd Wright house,
-that guy stopping us to ask us what we were doing as we walked the streets and then
telling us all about the little blue flowers that blossom on the ridge that runs through
Beverly (thus, Blue Island?),
-the castle,
-the private guided tour of that art collection at Ridge Park,
-Beverly bakery,
-that pizza joint (was it Joe's?),
-rainbow cone.
Beverly 'Hoods flickr album
Beverly 'Hoods packet
*I feel like there's a Beverly Arts Center that I need to get to
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
'Hoods #2: Chinatown Feb 14 2010 and June 14 2012 supplement
Our second 'Hoods, Chinatown, didn't have a packet.
We went in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
Participants: Nate (lunch), Jeremy O and Andy (through the parade), Bill and William and Julie and Neal and Jackie (after lunch), Kelly and Jeremy L
Highlights: dim sum at Phoenix,
-the New Year parade,
-the dragons in the shops,
-dinner at Little Three Happiness
Chinatown 'hoods flickr set
In June of 2012 I took myself on a 'hoods supplement to visit Ping Tom park and the Chinese-American museum.
Chinatown 'hoods supplement flickr set
And then, well, don't know if this counts as a supplement,
But this Christmas I convinced my family to do Chinatown.
We went to Everest and popped into a few shops.
Christmas in Chinatown 2015
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
'Hoods #1: Bronzeville, Jan 2010 and June 2014
On January 16 2010 we had our inaugural 'hoods.
I planned this one.
Participants: Bill, William, Jeremy O, Jo, Anne, Tom, Julie, Neal, Ed, Kelly
Highlights: chicken and waffles
-that nice guy at the Bronzeville neighborhood museum,
-the animatron Mayor Washington at the DuSable museum,
-the local coffee shop,
-the Douglas memorial,
-shuffling through the snow,
-all of the history that we saw and learned pertaining to the Black Metropolis and
the Great Migration,
-the statue of the dude with the shoe soles all over him.
bronzeville packet
bronzeville pics
On June 24 2014 Bill and I did a supplement 'Hoods and toured IIT, which sits in Bronzeville. No packet for the supplement. Just these pics.
IIT bronzeville supplement pics
I planned this one.
Participants: Bill, William, Jeremy O, Jo, Anne, Tom, Julie, Neal, Ed, Kelly
Highlights: chicken and waffles
-that nice guy at the Bronzeville neighborhood museum,
-the animatron Mayor Washington at the DuSable museum,
-the local coffee shop,
-the Douglas memorial,
-shuffling through the snow,
-all of the history that we saw and learned pertaining to the Black Metropolis and
the Great Migration,
-the statue of the dude with the shoe soles all over him.
bronzeville packet
bronzeville pics
On June 24 2014 Bill and I did a supplement 'Hoods and toured IIT, which sits in Bronzeville. No packet for the supplement. Just these pics.
IIT bronzeville supplement pics
Monday, January 25, 2016
In the beginning...
So, in November or December of 2009 a group of us were having a drink at Cunneen's in Rogers Park. I was sitting next to Ed. Ed has a lot of good ideas. Especially when we've been drinking. We began bemoaning the fact that we were in a rut. Same bars (no offense Cunneen's. Love ya!). Same restaurants. Same Same. Ed makes a decision. In 2010 we were gonna shake it up. New bars. New restaurants. New New! Now, I'm not super certain how everything went down. Drinking. But I do know that we somehow, together, came up with a magnificent plan. Every month a different neighborhood. Ed's the thinker. I'm the planner. And so I took it upon myself to make our drunken dreams a reality. And I picked a date. And I picked a neighborhood. And I planned. And I researched. And I made a map. And I made a packet. And on Jan 16 2010 a group of us met in the midst of a snow shower for our very first 'Hoods. Bronzeville! I knew nothing about Bronzeville before I embarked on this adventure. And by the time we'd gone to the museums, visited the coffee shop, walked the streets, ate the food, talked to the experts, soaked up the history...I felt like I was just a tiny bit closer to my hometown. Also? I was hooked. We have never quite made it to one per month. But we've kept it up. Over 6 years. 43 neighborhoods so far. And we're still kickin.
We take turns picking neighborhoods and planning our day.
The aim is to get a good a feel for the neighborhood NOW as well as its history.
So we have to eat there at least once.
We go to whatever museums the neighborhood has to offer.
We visit any historic districts or sites.
We shop.
We drink at a bar.
We admire the architecture.
We share all of the pertinent information with the group via a packet, that we carry with us and reference throughout the day.
We wear ourselves out.
We take a million pictures.
We experience a version of Chicago that we've never experienced before.
And then we do it all again 4-8 weeks later. Different neighborhood.
Here I mostly aim to chronicle our efforts.
I'll post our packet and a link to my flickr album of that neighborhood.
You ready?
We take turns picking neighborhoods and planning our day.
The aim is to get a good a feel for the neighborhood NOW as well as its history.
So we have to eat there at least once.
We go to whatever museums the neighborhood has to offer.
We visit any historic districts or sites.
We shop.
We drink at a bar.
We admire the architecture.
We share all of the pertinent information with the group via a packet, that we carry with us and reference throughout the day.
We wear ourselves out.
We take a million pictures.
We experience a version of Chicago that we've never experienced before.
And then we do it all again 4-8 weeks later. Different neighborhood.
Here I mostly aim to chronicle our efforts.
I'll post our packet and a link to my flickr album of that neighborhood.
You ready?
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