This is a thread to post about places that are no longer around in the general area of Cicero/Berwyn/Riverside/Lyons.
Feel free to drop a name, or talk about one posted.
Here's a short list to get it started:
1. Old Prague
2. Bunyons
3. The Silver Spur
4. The Sunset Inn
5. Chain of Fools
6. Bonnie Miss--the old Cicero Bottling Company
7. The Towne Revue
8. The Berwyn Theater
9. My Uncle's Place
10. Stein's
Town Revue?
My Uncles Place?
LOL!!!!
Tiffany's
Ah-------Bonnie Miss, loved the green soda!!
The Mineshaft
Nutbush City Limits
The rail tracks just north of Cermak Road where the old train line used to be
Paul Bunyon's statue on Ogden
The Spindle
Down the block from Bonnie Miss..........Jewel
Community Discount
Erwin Drug Store
The Drive In
Mr. G's
Hawthorne Shoes
Estele's
Cicero Society Hall
Falcon Hall
What am I forgeting Patsy?
Fairyland
Mario's Pizza
Service Merchandise
JC Penney
Sears
Hick's Hardware
Frank's Nursery
Blue Fountain
Miss Mayfields
Piper House (is it still there?)
Schoen's
ME
Quote from: ZORBA on December 07, 2008, 02:51:44 PM
Town Revue?
My Uncles Place?
LOL!!!!
Don't forget the Show of Shows--aka the Dreamway Inn. ;)
What was the name of that music shop on 31st Street...around Laramie?
Did they sell instruments or records?
11. The Jockey Club
12. The Midnite Hour Lounge
13. The Villa
14. Frelach's (probably misspelled, but you know what I mean)
Prosch Drug store, huge assortment of Tales From The Crypt
paperbacks. Great fountain for shakes and stuff (now Curves
and Grounds for Appeal)
Windsor Hobby Shop
Marie's Foods (everyone called it Roys)
The Knitting Corner (yes, I learned to knit there, knit 1, pearl 2 lol)
Harry's Barbershop
Raikes/Woolworths (remember the fire?)
Old Fire station
Roxy theater
Your good Pkd50!! I got married at St. Dionysus, reception to follow at the Falcon Hall.
It was just built, and no air conditioning!
The record store on 31st street I think was called DJ's, I think they sold musical instruments.
My girlfriend lived in the white 2 flat next door.
Remember the ice Cream Parlor kiddie corner from the duck pond?
I cannot recall that music store. But what was the name of the music store on Cermak. They sold both instruments and records. They had the old time booths that resembled a large telephone booth which was primarily used by classical buffs to play the album before they purchased it. This was in the days when stone cold classical peeps would examine the vinyl with a jewelers eye piece to ensure it was totally free of scratches or blemishes of any kind. They specialized more in classical instruments, although they did keep up with the times by having a good selection of guitars and percussion. You couldn't go in there and fool around ... they were very serious over there. I want to say Licthner's, but I don't think that's right.
De Mars on Cermak.
George/Sunset Inn made the best garlic ribeye sandwich I ever had and was a great place to just go sit and mingle with friends. You were made to feel totally welcome the moment you walked in.
what about DeVitos, right next door to Sunset? old man DeVito or his wife made the pizza. THIN. All the fish from his deep sea fishing expeditions hanging on the wall .... the big Swordfish. Also the old booths with the individual jukeboxes which Sunset Inn inherited when DeVitos went out of business.
Steins - worked there part-time. Had a kick ass reputation for not only good food but the hottest bar in the area. Lots of police intervention on Friday/Saturday nights. That bar is single handedly responsible for my hating the song "My Baby Does The Hanky Panky".
Kings - Hot Dogs on Roosevelt (can't still be there ... is it) the greasiest fries known to mankind.
Bishop's Chilli - Roosevelt, just a block west of Harlem.
National Bowling Lanes .... N/E corner at Cermak and Home - Currency Exchange is there now.
Forest Lanes (oh boy) - drinking, bowling, pool.
Is Sportsman Lounge still on Roosevelt?
PeeWee's on 26th across from VFW just past Ridgeland. Big time pool tournaments there.
nobody mentioned Copperfields? wow. If you had a Copperfields today in the DD ... you would very close to getting that area hopping again.
Setback South - across from Riverside Country Club (Setback North was in Oak Park). Excellent place to meet up with friends for drinks/food/music. I could be wrong but almost sure prior to being Setback South it was the Czech Lodge.
With a start time of 9:00 p.m., you first went to ... The Cottage, then by 10:00 p.m. to midnight/1:00 p.m. to Copperfields, then closed it down at the Setback South. Fire Alarm ? ... only loosers, police and fireman went there.
The ice cream shop across from the duck pond was the Sugar Shack
Beverly Records on Cermak
Mangum Chateau
Garv's
Fire Alarm
Two Sisters
Troy Store
Lil Debonair
Fox Studio
Quote from: ZORBA on December 07, 2008, 02:51:44 PM
Town Revue?
My Uncles Place?
LOL!!!!
Your uncle is Mike? I used to bounce there in the early 90's.... Man I could I tell you some stories <LOL> ;D ;D ;D
What was the name of the archery store on Cermak in Berwyn
Other places not there anymore.
1. Mayna's pizza, originally on 14th street, then on Cermak
2. BelAir drive in
3. Windy City Bowl on Cicero Ave. John Candy made a film there.
4. The bowling alley in Cicero on the 2nd floor, I believe Casa America has the building now.
5. Dempsey's on 58th Ave and Cermak.
6. Palace bowl in Cicero.
7. The old Berwyn Theather
8. Morton bookstore
9. The Pelican
10. Can't remember the name, but the movie theather where Best Buy is now
11. Casablanca flea market
12. Pepe's on Ogden
13. Bunyons
14. Majestics
15. Luchianos
16. Capri's
17. Pechter hardware
18. Western Electric
19. Danly's
20. Hot Point
21. GE
22. Clowns Alley
23. The King and I
24. Kentucky Liquors
25. Grandy's
26. Joe's Grill on Ogden
27. South Cicero Tavern
28. West Cicero/Berwyn little league
29. Valentine little league
30. Murphy Co.
31. Woolworths in Cicero
32. Big tops
33. Mickey's Deli
34. Artflo
35. Alexander McConachies I think I spelled it right.
36. The YMCA in Cicero on Austin and 25th St.
37. Mazzoni's ice on 26th street
38. Wishing Well's steak house
39. 2101 club
40. Carey's donut shop on 14th street and on Cermak
I gotta stop, I'm feeling old, and a little sad at the same time. Thanks Tanner................
This is really going back. A funeral Parlor (that's what they called it when I was 5) on
the corner 0f 31st street and 50th Ct, then they built the "Fireside Bank".
LeMans grocery store, downtown Hawthorne.
Mazzones Italian Ice was the biggest distributer of that in Chicago at one time
1. Dolly's--the sleazy, shit-hole candy store across the street from Leeman's.
2. The Old Sarge PX
3. TJ's Snack Shop--on 26th Street next to the fire station, across from Mazzone's.
4. Adamski Florists.
Oh, and is Ida Florists still around?
The Pilsner
Jim's Meat Market
North and South Berwyn Library
Club Algeirs
Lyons Den
Big Al's
Snow Flake (is it gone?)
Bonnie and Clyde's
Major's
Cock Robin
Svoboda's Meat Market on Cermak
Ed's Butcher Shop in Hawethorne.
Ok, a friend of mine was nice to email me to let me know that the music store I spoke of on Cermak was Balkan Music. There also was a Frank Kral Records on 58th & Cermak.
Major's in Downers is still going
Quote from: apatriot on December 07, 2008, 05:24:41 PM
Is Sportsman Lounge still on Roosevelt?
Holy shit, apat. My Dad was remeniscing about that place! No, it's now a realty office or something, between the pawn shop and landromat. I recall him talking about that being the joint they went to when they graduated high school or something...the big deal was either the served under age or stay open real late...will have to clarify. He said they started going down came when they added the extension on to the back, and tried to make it more a pub/food kinda joint. Nowadays that'd probably be preferable, but...
(oh, and that's going wayyyyy back...my ol' man's in his 70s)
Quote from: apatriot on December 07, 2008, 05:24:41 PM
Bishop's Chilli - Roosevelt, just a block west of Harlem.
Sounds good right about now...wish it was still there!
Ida's Florist---Gone, I think it is now a beauty shop. Remember the store right across
the street, we used to call it the Dragget (?) store. It had wooden floors, and was a smaller version
of a Troy Dept. store? My mother would be her "feather thicks" there, or Pszenia (?).
I meant the Major's on Ogden just west of Harlem
Marorette
1. Berwyn finer foods
2. Cicero finer foods
3. LaVergne pharmacy
4. King pharmacy
5. Moravchek funeral home
6. D'Andreas
7. Little Bavaria 25th PL. & Central
8. Jimmy's sports bar
9. Madigans in the mall, think I spelled it right
10. The penny fountain that used to be in the mall
11. Fingerhut bakery (many a birthday cake from there)
12. Browns chicken on Harlem and the one in Cicero
13. Barts on Cicero Ave
14. Checkers in Berwyn and in Cicero (Mustang54 favorite burger joint)
15. Cindy Qwik
16. Sportsman park, the horse track and car track (soon to be redeveloped)
17. Scathell's on Laramie Ave.
18. Houdek pharmacy 25th street and Central Ave.
Thanks again Tanner, I'm really getting depressed and feeling my age today. :(
The Weinkeller - Roosevelt & Ridgeland-ish
Bunyon's Hot Dogs - Ogden & Lombard
(most of these have closed since I've lived here:)
QuoteThe Weinkeller - Roosevelt & Ridgeland-ish
Parky's on Roosevelt
Botello's on Roosevelt >:(
WTF?Giovanni's on Roosevelt :(
Cairo Italian Deli on Roosevelt
Kings & Queens (Nicky's) on Roosevelt
Duke's Roadhouse on Roosevelt
The cigarette store on Roosevelt that sold bongs
(original)
Salerno's on 16th
the bar on 16th & Ridgeland (by AoF)
the butcher across from Freddy's
Casciani's/
Papa Joe's (best deep dish) :( on 16th
Fontano's on 16th
every place that ever opens next to Fuggedaboutit on 16th
Mother's Day on Cermak
Pet Supplies Plus on Cermak :(
Parente's on 26th St. :(
Cinnabon in the mall :(
Mr. Beef on Ogden
The cigarette store on Roosevelt that sold bongs
Now it makes sense... ;D
Quote from: delicate flower on December 07, 2008, 11:58:17 PM
Quote from: apatriot on December 07, 2008, 05:24:41 PM
Bishop's Chilli - Roosevelt, just a block west of Harlem.
Sounds good right about now...wish it was still there!
Looked the same. Going in or coming out.
Quote from: delicate flower on December 07, 2008, 11:37:06 PM
(oh, and that's going wayyyyy back...my ol' man's in his 70s)
You are soooooo out of touch. 70 is the new 50.
Calvert "for beauty"
Lucille Filmore's
Roxy Tavern
Richard's
Scholars
The Ritz Theatre on Roosevelt.
The Olympic Thetre
Shoppers World
Rizzo's Sports
Morrie Mages Sports
Crown Music
Kral Music
E.J Korvettes
Wags
The Airplane
The Cabin
The Copper Mug
Big Top
Gay View
Manor Pizza
The Alpine
Quote from: pkd50 on December 07, 2008, 03:30:52 PM
Down the block from Bonnie Miss..........Jewel
Community Discount
Erwin Drug Store
The Drive In
Mr. G's
Hawthorne Shoes
Estele's
Cicero Society Hall
Falcon Hall
What am I forgeting Patsy?
Falcon Hall...was that kitty corner from St Dionysious?
Yes I had one of my kids Baptised at St. D. and then the party there
I thought Falcon hall was in the middle of the block?
Manny Pearl's on 35th Street
Kings & Queens
Sorrento's on Cermak Road
Rizzo Sporting Goods
Pivonka's Mens Store
Peter Pan Restaurant
The Chariot
The Fire Alarm
Fashions by Eve
National Tea Food Store
The 5 & 10 store on Cermak Road
Pancer Crystals
Murphy's in the plaza
Falcon Hall was on the corner, the entrance was kinda in the middle on 49th Ave.
I think there was a bank across from it also.
Cicero in the day, had either a bank or Gin Mill on every corner.
Remember Hjnotskis (?) Hardware store on 29th street ?
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 08, 2008, 08:32:02 AM
1. Berwyn finer foods
2. Cicero finer foods
3. LaVergne pharmacy
4. King pharmacy
5. Moravchek funeral home
6. D'Andreas
7. Little Bavaria 25th PL. & Central
8. Jimmy's sports bar
9. Madigans in the mall, think I spelled it right
10. The penny fountain that used to be in the mall
11. Fingerhut bakery (many a birthday cake from there)
12. Browns chicken on Harlem and the one in Cicero
13. Barts on Cicero Ave
14. Checkers in Berwyn and in Cicero (Mustang54 favorite burger joint)
15. Cindy Qwik
16. Sportsman park, the horse track and car track (soon to be redeveloped)
17. Scathell's on Laramie Ave.
18. Houdek pharmacy 25th street and Central Ave.
Thanks again Tanner, I'm really getting depressed and feeling my age today. :(
I can't believe that the Brown's Chicken places are gone.
Whatever happened to Cindy Quik, anyways? When I was a little boy, she used to choreograph the school plays that I was forced to participate in at St Mary of Czestochowa. ;D
Cindy Qwik, originally had her dance studio in the basement of her house across from the duck pond.
Then she moved her space to Laramie Ave. Maybe we should google her. LOL!!
Art's cycle and toy shop two locations Cermak and 26th near Ridgeland.
Kohlers Pharmacy 26th & Ridgeland.
M&D's Tavern, Ridgeland
Andy's Tavern, Ridgeland
Kreji's candies
Black Forest Inn, Oak Park & Vacin Fairway
Imperial Camera Shop
Colonial Camera Shop
Starostas Meat Market
Pup and Pop
Golden Drugs
What was the name of the place on Ogden Avenue...down by where the McDonald's is now.
Not Cock Robin. It was something else.
yeah what was that place called? Another one on Ogden was Cappy's Corner
Was it a Prince Castle maybe?
Quote from: TannerBoyle on December 09, 2008, 12:27:35 PM
What was the name of the place on Ogden Avenue...down by where the McDonald's is now.
Not Cock Robin. It was something else.
Clarks Custard.
Pup n' Pop???
Did anybody mention Shakey's Pizza yet?
Oh...and is Charm's still around?
Pep's Tacos, now a laundromat on Ogden.
Wagon Wheel restaurant now a McDonalds in the Cerm Plaza.
CUFCO appliance
Kaucky's Pharmacy
Quote from: ZORBA on December 09, 2008, 02:37:32 PM
Pup n' Pop???
Yes West of McDonalds on Ogden
East of McD's Clark Gas Station.
Just the opposite of places that aren't there anymore.
I think Henry's Hot Dog Stand has been on Ogden and Austin for over 50 years?
They still taste the same, and I always loved the fries. Umm- wish I lived closer,
Henry's would be my lunch today.
There was also a Golden's on Ogden & Maple
Murray's Deli on Ogden & Harlem
Marshall Savings and Loan
Murrays is now a bank. Was torn down over 30 years ago.
Beranek Pontiac, Cuculich Olds, Winkies, Valentine's Rest., Scissors Palace.
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on December 10, 2008, 09:20:31 AM
Just the opposite of places that aren't there anymore.
I think Henry's Hot Dog Stand has been on Ogden and Austin for over 50 years?
They still taste the same, and I always loved the fries. Umm- wish I lived closer,
Henry's would be my lunch today.
I started going there when Bunyon's shut down.
I was a Bunyon's man for thirty years...and even worked there one Summer back in 1988.
When they closed, it broke my heart. Lots of good memories with that place.
Where was Bunyon's? And why did it shut down?
Ogden and Lombard, where El Tio Loco is now. I think they guy who owned it got old and had no one to pass it along to. There was a huge (25' tall) statue of Paul Bunyon outside, it's at a route 66 museum somewhere in Pontiac or Springfield iirc.
His main employee passed too. Her name escapes me, she worked with Art for over 40 years.
then I blame Tanner for moving and not upholding the tradition.
they were counting on more than one hot summer back in 1988.
Bear.
You don't want to know what Tanner used for that special sauce they had... :666:
So Tanner, your the guy who used to screw up my order (NO ONIONS ON MY DOG) That was also the summer that Bunyon's started getting skimpy with their beef.......
Did anybody mention the Ritz Theater? Remember watching Blackhawk playoff games there.
Andy, what was the name of the disco on Ogden Ave, east of Ridgeland before it became the Skylight?
Captain Crow's T-shirt on Cermak Road next to the old Seneca Restaurant.
Andy, what was the name of the disco on Ogden Ave, east of Ridgeland before it became the Skylight?
HOLY SHIT!!!!! That was the Cottage..... Spent many a weekend cutting up the floor there...... I was the Cicero Disco Pepper.......
Ahhhhh yes, the Cottage, how could I have forgotten that. Wasn't there a disco on Cermak Road by the Olympic Theater too?
Your thinking of the Old Ambassador hall. Once in awhile someone would throw a dance party there.
Walgreens on Cermak & Austin ne corner, what was the name of the store that was there years ago? Community?? Buster Brown shoe store on Cermak in Cicero.
The Cabin Restaurant
Robert Hall
Lil Deb 'n Heir
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 10, 2008, 03:09:28 PM
Andy, what was the name of the disco on Ogden Ave, east of Ridgeland before it became the Skylight?
HOLY SHIT!!!!! That was the Cottage..... Spent many a weekend cutting up the floor there...... I was the Cicero Disco Pepper.......
LMFAO!!!
Gotta remember that one.
The newstand on Cermak and Austin.
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 10, 2008, 02:45:32 PM
Bear.
You don't want to know what Tanner used for that special sauce they had... :666:
So Tanner, your the guy who used to screw up my order (NO ONIONS ON MY DOG) That was also the summer that Bunyon's started getting skimpy with their beef.......
Are you crazy?! Are you on PCP?!
You had to work your way UP to making hot dogs in the Bunyon's Mafia.
I was the 14 year old little grease monkey who scrubbed the pots and pans in the back.
The closest I ever got to the front of the house was when the big Greek bastard who was running the place would scream back to me to fetch some pickles from the back walk-in, or whatever. ;D
1. The Missile....which then became Scatchell's, on Laramie.
2. Dean's--the greasiest greasy spoon diner that ever existed, also on Laramie...which was right next to the old Cigar store on 25th.
Is Paisan's still around?
Tanner, we were just talking about Bunyons yesterday and I see today the topic is here. IMO, Bunyons had the best Pepper & Egg .... EVER.
Was there a secret to it being so good?
Oh, God....and I swear that this is no bullshit, here.
This is my Bunyon's Pepper 'n Egg sandwich story:
I'm in the back, scrubbing the pots 'n pans. Story of my life when I worked at Bunyon's. Anyways, I come to a spatula at the bottom of the fucking sink...and it's caked with about 2lbs worth of egg on it.
It's so bad, I'm actually using a paint scraper to try and get it off.
Suddenly, a customer comes in. It's a busy Friday night. He orders a Pepper 'n Egg.
The guy from the front, who shall remain nameless just in case the statute of limitations hasn't run out yet, runs to the back and grabs the scummy, wet, soapy spatula out of my little hands. He then goes to the stove, and makes this guy's sandwich.
Sorry to ruin the memory...but maybe the dirtiness is what made it so good. ;)
There was a disco on 56th ct. and cermak. It was a mob joint. And it was call Charley Brown's. There was another disco on Joliet Road. Cagney's
Speaking of mob joints, most of you are probably too young to remember this. A very nice supper club type place on Cicero Ave called Nicky's MGM club.
Nicky"s MGM club, if you grew up in Cicero, your fathers and the tavern owners, always
visited Nickey's on Sunday afternoon to turn in bookie money. Us kids got to
run around the tables and drink cokes!!
Another Mob joint just popped into my mind--on 25th just west of Laramie.
The Cobra Lounge?
And, what was the name of the place on Cermak and Cicero? It had an ocean theme, if I remember correctly.
Wasn't it called the blue something or another?
Not there any more, The Millbridge Roller Rink. You could Skate Sunday afternoons
from 2 to 4 for like 50 cents!!
Do they still have roller skating at the St Mary of Czestochowa Social Center?
When I was a kid back in the day, that was where the action was on Friday night! :coreyhart:
Actually before St. Marys social center was built on that lot, the Old Woodbine School
was there. I remember going to kindergarten and my teachers name was Mrs. Jungles.
I just LOVED her,we kept in touch until she retired.
Quote from: pkd50 on December 10, 2008, 06:14:38 PM
Speaking of mob joints, most of you are probably too young to remember this. A very nice supper club type place on Cicero Ave called Nicky's MGM club.
Whaddya mean mob joint?
Very nice, respectable supper club. ;)
Windsor and Home Ave where Salerno's second restaurant in Berwyn used to be. There was an Italian restaurant there before it and Joe Conti used to headline there as the comedian. Anybody remember the name?
Quote from: apatriot on December 10, 2008, 05:11:57 PM
Tanner, we were just talking about Bunyons yesterday and I see today the topic is here. IMO, Bunyons had the best Pepper & Egg .... EVER.
Was there a secret to it being so good?
Yes there was "Tanners secret sauce ;D
Seriously, Bunyon's pepper & egg was awsome, but Barts on Cicero Ave blew it away.
Quote from: Terri on December 10, 2008, 03:42:48 PM
The newstand on Cermak and Austin.
He's on Cermak and East Ave now. Great guy.
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on December 10, 2008, 07:32:20 PM
Actually before St. Marys social center was built on that lot, the Old Woodbine School
was there. I remember going to kindergarten and my teachers name was Mrs. Jungles.
I just LOVED her,we kept in touch until she retired.
Betty Jungles! I think years later became a principal at Drexel. Nickys MGM was where a lot of Morton teachers hung out.
Nice N Easy on 35th & Central.
Charlie Browns later became Ducks Pond
I think the place on Windsor & Home was Bella something. I saw Tiny Tim there. Zorba, if I'm wrong about Nicki's being mobbed up, I'm sorry. I got bad info from a former neighbor who explained the whole "coffee house" concept to me. Anywho, it was a nice place. When we would go there we were recently married and were always broke, so it was a special occasion dinner place for us. Danny Rio was their entertainer in residence.
Pkd,
You forgot Gus also.
LOL!!!
They also had an interest in the KAKO cracker company located just east of East Avenue on Stanley.
I knew the sister and her kids. A very nice family. Is Kako Company still around? I'm going to be in Bridgeport today. I'll have to check out the bread basked at ArchView. By the way, that wasn't my Greek neighbor that taught me what Greek Lightning and coffee houses were. It was nice to have a few names that always got us up on the roof at Pegasus no matter how crowded it was. Can I add your name to my list next summer?
Only at Athena.
I know this place isn't in Berwyn or Cicero, but has anybody been to Costas in Villa Park on Ardmore near Roosevelt Road? offtopic
1. Ponderosa--say what you will, they had a great salad bar...and to a 10 year-old kid, the concept of an ice cream sundae bar is that of pure genius.
Speaking of the Mall...how could we forget The Smokehouse?
or Orange Julius ?
they had an Orange Julius?!?
Yup, on the second floor.
I believe there was another place called the Orange Bowl, as well.
One of the two served great(great to a 12 year old, at least) pizza slices, can't remember which.
The bar on Cermak and Cicero that had a ocean kind of a name was called the Surf. Later go be Tiffany. What about the Silver Spur across the street. Also how can we forget Mr. C's and the Blue Room.
Town Review and Show of Shows?
In the Mall, Farrell's
Quote from: pkd50 on December 11, 2008, 06:11:08 PM
Town Review and Show of Shows?
In the Mall, Farrell's
For the pigs trough?
I mean at Farrell's not Town Review or Show of Shows, although they had their share of pigs! ::)
Quote from: ZORBA on December 11, 2008, 08:47:28 AM
Pkd,
You forgot Gus also.
LOL!!!
They also had an interest in the KAKO cracker company located just east of East Avenue on Stanley.
Kako?? That's an interesting name for ANY company.... <LOL>
Hey, Ted!
And, this is actually a serious question--no bullshit.
Back in the day, were there any gay bars in Cicero or Berwyn?
Bars, specifically?
I know there were joints to hang out at.
Others have mentioned bars in Forest Park, Lyons, River Forest.
Quote from: TannerBoyle on December 11, 2008, 07:25:33 PM
Hey, Ted!
And, this is actually a serious question--no bullshit.
Back in the day, were there any gay bars in Cicero or Berwyn?
No, the gay bars in the area were the Nutbush and the Hideaway in Forest Park; Escapades and another bar on 65th street in the area of Chicago west of Midway airport and the Mineshaft in Lyons, which was in the triangle between Plainfield road, Ogden Avenue and 1st avenue, right across from the quarry.
There were no gay bars in either Cicero or Berwyn, that I know of. But, I did calculate that my house in Berwyn was within a 5 mile radius of 5 gay bars.
Both the Hideaway and Nutbush opened up in the mid 70s and Escapades was also open in the mid 70s. By the mid 2000's, those 3 bars were the longest opened and running gay bars in the entire Chicago area. Nutbush recently torn down (due to the condo craze in Forest Park) but Hideaway and Escapades are still open.
I purposely stayed away from Escapades (I think it was called InBetween or InExile back then) because it was near the Prime and Tender in Summit and my brothers and sisters always went dancing at the Prime and Tender. So, I usually hung out at the Hideaway or the Nutbush or went into Chicago.
The Forest Park bars closed at 2 AM but the Mineshaft and the Chicago/Garfield Ridge bars stayed opened unitl 4 AM so those places usually got more business between 2 AM and 4 AM.
FYI, I often think the reason Oak Park (and to some extent Berwyn) as well as Forest Park have had a larger than average gay population was due to those bars in Forest Park. Gays tended to move to or live in areas that had gay bars (just look what happened in Lakeview) so gays who decided to live in the western burbs tended to settle around this area because of the gay bars in Forest Park.
ted
I figured as much.
With the way Cicero/Berwyn was back in the day--made up of Greasers (and I'm talking about the '50s hooligan types, not Latinos), Pollacks, Czechs, Italians, and die-hard Hillbillies.....all of which were rabid bigots, I had my doubts as to whether a place like that could survive.
It's no surprise that Lyons had that element, though.
From what I understand, the old Lyons was just as bad, if not worse, than the old Cicero.
In the very early '70, there was a Lesbian bar on the corner of 32nd & 50 Ave or 49th Ct. I don't think it lasted too long, and I can't remember the name.
Lickalotapus ;D
I thought it was called "Scratch and Sniff". :-\
Zorba, it was the Orange Bowl that had the pizza slices. I agree about their greatness from a kid's perspective. They were outstanding.
I saw Kentucky Liquors mentioned--where exactly was that? They'd sell to anyone who looked over the age of 12, and I was there on numerous occasions during my teenage years (always someone elses car, however, so I don't rmember the location).
On Cermak Rd in Cicero
Block west of Austin, south side of street.
Swiss Colony in the Mall
The french onion and cream of broccoli soup rocked
In the early and mid 70's, there was not one bar in Hawthorne were a minor could not get served.
Tony.
Your not kidding. Do you remember Grandy's on 49th Ave. You could pull up in front with your little red wagon and the old man would even bring it out and put it in for you. He was a savior to us when we were late teens. But thank God guys like him are gone, especially now that I have kids................
PS. Did you get my last PM?
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 12, 2008, 05:08:19 PM
Your not kidding. Do you remember Grandy's on 49th Ave. You could pull up in front with your little red wagon and the old man would even bring it out and put it in for you. He was a savior to us when we were late teens. But thank God guys like him are gone, especially now that I have kids................
Going back a bit further, for tips as a kid my dad would run to the
corner middle-of-the-block pub to grab his uncle a big ol' mug of brew...
Quote from: tony la on December 12, 2008, 05:03:12 PM
In the early and mid 70's, there was not one bar in Hawthorne were a minor could not get served.
Growing up in the mid 60's my dad used to be a regular on the weekends at the local tavern, Clover Tap. Sometimes my mom would go down too for a night out and I used to tag along once in a blue moon. I can still remember taking sips here and there out of her highball and no one gave it a second thought. I was under ten! How times have changed. Nowadays the parents would be arrested with DCFS getting called.
Pkd, that Tavern you mentioned on 32nd Street and 50th Ave., originally was owned
by the Pogvara Family, it was called Slims Spot. After he first sold it, it changed hands
a few times and when the 2 girls bought it, they only kept it about a year. I can't remember
the name either!
Grandy's was a hell of a place. I hung out at Lucky's in the middle of the block.
Ideal Hall
K of C dance hall, 2nd floor of Hicks Hardware. Was also home to St. Leonard's
while the church was being built in the '30's.
MacNeals gift shop and fountain on OPA and Windsor
Deer Lodge
Gunzo's
A&P
Poor Pat's
Lubben's Pour House
Wilk's
Is Errico's still around?
Nobody mentioned Carm's?
BTW, FoPa's Nutbush was previously Adron's Lounge (and gay in the mid-late 60's.)
If your talking about Gunzo's on Madison, they are still there.
Rizzo's Sporting goods .And going way back Tom Thumbs on Roosevelt RD
Quote from: pkd50 on December 11, 2008, 07:40:22 AM
I think the place on Windsor & Home was Bella something. I saw Tiny Tim there. Zorba, if I'm wrong about Nicki's being mobbed up, I'm sorry. I got bad info from a former neighbor who explained the whole "coffee house" concept to me. Anywho, it was a nice place. When we would go there we were recently married and were always broke, so it was a special occasion dinner place for us. Danny Rio was their entertainer in residence.
Bella Napoli
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 13, 2008, 07:07:16 PM
If your talking about Gunzo's on Madison, they are still there.
Gunzo's, the original, was where Holiday Truck Rental is on Harlem & Roosevelt. Next door to the A&P that burned down.
Gunzo's was the first store south of the alley. Wally "Gunzo" Humeniuk was a long time Berwynite. When the kids came down from
the ponds in Canada to Chicago, their second stop was Berwyn. Gunzo was also the Blackhawk's housing advisor. Kenny Wharram, Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, Chico Maki, both Espos, Doug Jarrett, all started in Berwyn digs and occassionally visited the neighborhood ice ponds.
Pierre Pilote and Doug Mohns lived on Grove Av. near Jackson Blvd in Oak Park.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dAyBKP64gX4/SUUDAXCMSSI/AAAAAAAAAQg/H3B0v9Q-Ts4/s320/WallyGunzo.jpg)
If I'm not mistaken, Chico Maki lived near 36th and Elmwood.
How could we forget the king and I on 23 pl and Larmie ave. Billy would open up at midnight and close at 6 in the morning and was alway packed. It was always a good stop and sock.
How about the Tenmore club across the street from the 25 st fire house
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 07, 2008, 07:29:04 PM
Quote from: ZORBA on December 07, 2008, 02:51:44 PM
Town Revue?
My Uncles Place?
LOL!!!!
Your uncle is Mike? I used to bounce there in the early 90's.... Man I could I tell you some stories <LOL> ;D ;D ;D
What was the name of the archery store on Cermak in Berwyn
Other places not there anymore.
1. Mayna's pizza, originally on 14th street, then on Cermak
2. BelAir drive in
3. Windy City Bowl on Cicero Ave. John Candy made a film there.
4. The bowling alley in Cicero on the 2nd floor, I believe Casa America has the building now.
5. Dempsey's on 58th Ave and Cermak.
6. Palace bowl in Cicero.
7. The old Berwyn Theather
8. Morton bookstore
9. The Pelican
10. Can't remember the name, but the movie theather where Best Buy is now
11. Casablanca flea market
12. Pepe's on Ogden
13. Bunyons
14. Majestics
15. Luchianos
16. Capri's
17. Pechter hardware
18. Western Electric
19. Danly's
20. Hot Point
21. GE
22. Clowns Alley
23. The King and I
24. Kentucky Liquors
25. Grandy's
26. Joe's Grill on Ogden
27. South Cicero Tavern
28. West Cicero/Berwyn little league
29. Valentine little league
30. Murphy Co.
31. Woolworths in Cicero
32. Big tops
33. Mickey's Deli
34. Artflo
35. Alexander McConachies I think I spelled it right.
36. The YMCA in Cicero on Austin and 25th St.
37. Mazzoni's ice on 26th street
38. Wishing Well's steak house
39. 2101 club
40. Carey's donut shop on 14th street and on Cermak
I gotta stop, I'm feeling old, and a little sad at the same time. Thanks Tanner................
We didn't, look at #23
Remember Sportmans Lounge on Roosevelt, and the old Striker Lanes on 13th and Harlem
And Striker took over Euclid bowl on 16th street...
We forgot Shortstop gas station on 16th and Lombard
Govener Lanes on Roosevelt, only had 8 lanes, Chicago Block Bakery, Saber Foods, Capetta Funeral Home, Louies and Joes Hot Dog Stand, Mc kinley School, these were all on Roosevelt Rd. Art Flo, Suburban Lanes, i could go on and on,
my Aunt lived on the Island, great place to hand out years ago, i forgot the Island Liquors, Town Barber Shop, Pats Pizzeria, Comfy Tap
VanDykes Dept. Store!!
Town Revue
The Spot
French 75
Petite Lounge
Merola's Club Algiers
Michael's Magic Touch
Weird Harold's News stand
Wow.
Now that's an all star line up.
Weinkeller, on Roosevelt just east of Ridgeland.
WEST of Ridgeland.
Two places I remember as a kid that were not mentioned in this thread.
1.Dog & Suds – on Ogden (I think Alden Nursing Home is there now)2. Frejlocks – Ice cream parlor / soda bar plus Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant and carry out. (On 26th street a few blocks East of Ridgeland) They also sold other food. There was always a rumor that somebody reported a fried rat mixed in a bucket of chicken from that place.
Quote from: ZORBA on December 15, 2008, 11:37:02 AM
WEST of Ridgeland.
Yep, just west. Closed when Turano expanded, I believe.
Quote from: JDMike on December 15, 2008, 08:30:36 AM
Town Revue
The Spot
French 75
Petite Lounge
Merola's Club Algiers
Michael's Magic Touch
Weird Harold's News stand
The 4901 Club (4901 W. Roosevelt Rd., Cicero). :o
Jewel Food Store in Cermak Plaza--was replaced by the Egg Store when the new Jewel/Osco was built across Harlem Avenue.
Quote from: grenouille on December 15, 2008, 04:42:46 PM
Jewel Food Store in Cermak Plaza--was replaced by the Egg Store when the new Jewel/Osco was built across Harlem Avenue.
There was also a very small Jewel at 6840 Windsor Ave, where Primary Care Associates is now located.
Good one Esad forgot that...Remember National at the Berwyn Finer...
Did you save your S&H green stamps? lol..
How bout Nepils butcher shop on Ogden and the toy store next to the Novi "garage"
Quote from: Bear on December 15, 2008, 05:52:50 PM
Good one Esad forgot that...Remember National at the Berwyn Finer...
Did you save your S&H green stamps? lol..
How bout Nepils butcher shop on Ogden and the toy store next to the Novi "garage"
S&H green stamps brings back memories for me. It was my job to help my mom lick the stamps and put them in the books - I can still remember it like it was yesterday. In our neighborhood we redeemed them at Cragin Department Store on Armitage which was just east of where Grand and Armitage meet. It was a neighborhood fixture for many, many years. That area is actually known as Belmont-Cragin in the city.
Quote from: MRS. NORTHSIDER on December 15, 2008, 06:14:06 PM
Quote from: Bear on December 15, 2008, 05:52:50 PM
Good one Esad forgot that...Remember National at the Berwyn Finer...
Did you save your S&H green stamps? lol..
How bout Nepils butcher shop on Ogden and the toy store next to the Novi "garage"
S&H green stamps brings back memories for me. It was my job to help my mom lick the stamps and put them in the books - I can still remember it like it was yesterday. In our neighborhood we redeemed them at Cragin Department Store on Armitage which was just east of where Grand and Armitage meet. It was a neighborhood fixture for many, many years. That area is actually known as Belmont-Cragin in the city.
There used to be a gyro joint there (Nick's?) in the 80s/90s on that triangle (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=41.919858,-87.752609&spn=0,359.991288&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.91679,-87.753237&panoid=ING6UVR3mteKlDhdO2fw-w&cbp=12,95.5676282433616,,0,19.322637696038157) ...it's now a Dunkin Donuts. I remember when the McDonald's on the SW "corner" went under...I knew then it was getting bad. Had to wait till we hit Grand/North for our greasy yuck when heading downtown.
Everyone I know, including cops in the area call it Belmont Cragin still
Quote from: bonster on December 15, 2008, 06:33:30 PM
Quote from: MRS. NORTHSIDER on December 15, 2008, 06:14:06 PM
Quote from: Bear on December 15, 2008, 05:52:50 PM
Good one Esad forgot that...Remember National at the Berwyn Finer...
Did you save your S&H green stamps? lol..
How bout Nepils butcher shop on Ogden and the toy store next to the Novi "garage"
S&H green stamps brings back memories for me. It was my job to help my mom lick the stamps and put them in the books - I can still remember it like it was yesterday. In our neighborhood we redeemed them at Cragin Department Store on Armitage which was just east of where Grand and Armitage meet. It was a neighborhood fixture for many, many years. That area is actually known as Belmont-Cragin in the city.
There used to be a gyro joint there (Nick's?) in the 80s/90s on that triangle (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=41.919858,-87.752609&spn=0,359.991288&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.91679,-87.753237&panoid=ING6UVR3mteKlDhdO2fw-w&cbp=12,95.5676282433616,,0,19.322637696038157) ...it's now a Dunkin Donuts. I remember when the McDonald's on the SW "corner" went under...I knew then it was getting bad. Had to wait till we hit Grand/North for our greasy yuck when heading downtown.
Sounds like "Jimmy's" to me.
Quote from: Bear on December 15, 2008, 05:52:50 PM
Good one Esad forgot that...Remember National at the Berwyn Finer...
Did you save your S&H green stamps? lol..
How bout Nepils butcher shop on Ogden and the toy store next to the Novi "garage"
Which Berwyn Finer? Cermak or OPA?
Fingerhut Bakery on Windsor/Grove. The little grocery store next door. Norbert's(sp) pharmacy on Stanley and OPA. Roxy Theater and Roxy Tap. Richard's (where Lalo's is). The Escape (where VCA is on Harlem). Arthur Treachers on Harlem in Riverside. The American Legion post where the Berwyn library is located.
The National was at the OPA location...The Fingerhut in the DD was called something else
before they bought it. It was the owners first name, damn, brain freeze. I would be there
at 6am to get donuts for the family, they would be warm, right out of the oven.
Quote from: Bear on December 15, 2008, 05:52:50 PM
Good one Esad forgot that...Remember National at the Berwyn Finer...
Did you save your S&H green stamps? lol..
How bout Nepils butcher shop on Ogden and the toy store next to the Novi "garage"
Nepils or Nipples ?
How about the grocery store where the banquet hall on harlem is now ? The banquet hall used to be Richards and now its Pierre's.
Nepils or Nipples ?
lol, yes Felix, that's what every kid called it.
We are all still kids at heart ! ;D
Since Richard's has come up twice, how about Richard's Lilac Lounge in Westchester, with Lulu's Boudoir where Chuck Salvo would entertain from time to time. I know it's not in the Berwyn/Cicero area, but. . .
Quote from: ESAD on December 16, 2008, 11:29:16 AM
Since Richard's has come up twice, how about Richard's Lilac Lounge in Westchester, with Lulu's Boudoir where Chuck Salvo would entertain from time to time. I know it's not in the Berwyn/Cicero area, but. . .
I do believe that is Hillside. Buona Beef and Walgreens are there now.
"It was the owners first name, damn, brain freeze"
HA!...It was Charlie's Bakery...Uncle Al defeated once again!
Quote from: Bear on December 16, 2008, 11:53:21 AM
"It was the owners first name, damn, brain freeze"
HA!...It was Charlie's Bakery...Uncle Al defeated once again!
That's interesting, because I believe Fingerhut's full name was Charles A. Fingerhut.
How about the hobby store on Windsor Ave and Clarence ?
Quote from: Felix Greco on December 17, 2008, 03:34:17 PM
How about the hobby store on Windsor Ave and Clarence ?
Windsor and Kenilworth, where the junk, er, antique store is located. Used to go there quite a bit. The owner looked like one of my high school math teachers. Models, Estes rockets, Cox planes/engines, etc. A back room comes to mind, but I don't remember what he had back there.
The back room was actually just a continuation of the front but
Art had many models back there that he had assembled. Boy I
spent many an hour there, he did have just about everything.
Quote from: Bear on December 17, 2008, 04:08:52 PM
The back room was actually just a continuation of the front but
Art had many models back there that he had assembled. Boy I
spent many an hour there, he did have just about everything.
Art. Thanks for the name, I had it rattling around but could quite get it. Wasn't Art's the name of the store?
I was a "check writer" at Wm. A. Lewis. (Where the Models buy Their Clothes) in Cermak Plaza. Most of the clothes were polyester. It was not a self - service store. The old salesladies sat in a row at the back of the store and helped customers as they came in. Once they sold something, they took the clothes and customer to me where I wrote it up in the woman's salesbook and took the clothes and customer to the register and wrap station. On Sundays, you didn't get a lunch period, they had a hotplate in the back and made sausage or sandwiches for you to choke down and head out to the floor.
Dont know how many of you are old enough to remember this one but Patsy might growin up in Hawthorne. The greek couple that had the woody station wagon outside Sportsmans Park on Laramie had one of the best hot doges around. They parked on the sidewalk along the fence.
Quote from: oldberwynite on December 14, 2008, 11:20:10 PM
my Aunt lived on the Island, great place to hand out years ago, i forgot the Island Liquors, Town Barber Shop, Pats Pizzeria, Comfy Tap
Louie & Joes was good. Then Joey opened on 16th and Central and has now been in Broadview for years. Remember Roma Pizza, they had a great pizza. Comfys then became Walkers, and then Paces Place. Van Dykes department store,Reds Grill,and Plant 10.
Yep. Louie & Joes was very good. Where in Broadview now?
Mustang, I had forgotten those delicious hot dogs, until you brought
them up! Yes, extremely good, and if I remember right mustard, relish and onions only?
Quote from: apatriot on December 19, 2008, 04:53:47 PM
Yep. Louie & Joes was very good. Where in Broadview now?
On Roosevelt, if I'm not mistaken.
Quote from: ESAD on December 17, 2008, 05:06:58 PM
Quote from: Bear on December 17, 2008, 04:08:52 PM
The back room was actually just a continuation of the front but
Art had many models back there that he had assembled. Boy I
spent many an hour there, he did have just about everything.
Art. Thanks for the name, I had it rattling around but could quite get it. Wasn't Art's the name of the store?
Yup owner and store name... Art's Hobby Shop
Jack Sharky's Hobby Shop behind Olymipic Savings, on Lombard.
Joe Parks Rexall Drug, southeast corner Cermak & Ridgeland
ModernAge Appliances
Figatner-Scott Paints
Robert Hall Clothes
Figatner-Scott Paints is still there. I buy 20 gallons every couple months from them for work.
-Rob
Geez Rob, are you guys rough on the walls or what?
Louies and Joes was owned by Louie Maccio who now owns the window place on cermak, cant think of the name, and Joe Caruso owns Cs on Cermak in Broadview, Mustang remember the 25 cent juicy juice sandwich, french bread dipped inthe beef juice, sometimes you got lucky and got some beef shreddings LOL
Quote from: oldberwynite on December 20, 2008, 08:05:07 AM
Louies and Joes was owned by Louie Maccio who now owns the window place on cermak, cant think of the name, and Joe Caruso owns Cs on Cermak in Broadview, Mustang remember the 25 cent juicy juice sandwich, french bread dipped inthe beef juice, sometimes you got lucky and got some beef shreddings LOL
And you picked out the beef shreddings and savored each one! LOL!!
It's spelled Maschio.
And they own Air Tite.
Although, not a place, but does anybody remember the old guy who used to go up and down the alleys/streets sharpening knives?
Sure do, if I recall his green cart had large yellow spoked wheels like a horse carriage would have.
He must have done a great job, as he would come down Clarence ringing his bell, several
people would bring knives out for sharpening.
Quote from: rbain on December 19, 2008, 09:24:14 PM
Figatner-Scott Paints is still there. I buy 20 gallons every couple months from them for work.
-Rob
Well Rob, it's good to know some Berwyn fixture has survived at least as long as I have! I simply rattled off businesses I figured would be gone by now, as I haven't seen any of them since June, 1972............
BTW, we bought benzine by the gallon from Figatner and used it as paint thinner/cleaner. It also worked in blowtorches and Coleman lamps instead of the more expensive "white gas", as my Dad called it. Benzine is today rather difficult to buy, due to it's recognized carcinogenity. Berwynson
Hello Chicagoland! My first post on BTF thanks to reading this memorable thread. I'll list a few places and just get started. 1)Frehlachs-also had the Big Boy and always thought Colonel Sanders office was to the left of front door. 2) Windsors (arts? ok Arts) I also put lot of time in that place. Scared all my neighbors with stuff I got there. 3) Cock Robin/National Lanes- was hit by a car crossing Cermak right there) 3) Korvettes - santa claus!! 4) Kentucky liquors-funny you mentioned them selling to minors... next to produce store with fruit and veg on the sidewalk 4) just about everyones easy access gangway!! 5) Troy Store 22nd and Ridgeland. 6) Berwyn Theatre- on the roof. 7) old round cement kid pool at Clyde Park on 27th and 61st. 8) Bunyons- repeat but just gotta add them to my list 9) carnival at Lombard and Cermak next to bike shop- still there I think annually 10) "the corner store" Name? se corner 29th and Ridgeland 11) What was name of the big place with all the white plaster statues to paint at about Highland and cermak on north side ? 12) Bennys Pizza- still there at 26th and Oak Park? also love Als and Salernos. 13) remember both newstands on cermak at Austin and East on Cermak. 14) is that little store there just across from Morton East fieldhouse? 15) still have the cobblesone/brick streets in Cicero?... like by austin viaduct.
Brick streets are all gone. And the little store on 24th street by the field house is gone (it's now an apartment) and the pool on 27th and 61st is still there. And Benny's pizza is still there.
That pool must have been redone though in last 40 years. no? thanks for reply. How about the winter ice rink built and maintained by neighborhood hockey players on NE corner of Clyde Park? We all put tons of work into that spot every winter.----- The corner store I mentioned was on SE corner of 28th and ridgeland ...not 29th. Did it have a name?
14) is that little store there just across from Morton East fieldhouse?
That store across from the field house was on the N/E corner of 24th street and 59th Ave. It's no longer a store, it's an apartment now. And yes the pool has been remodeled. Sorry to tell you but the hockey rink is gone, all the hockey people moved, it sits empty now, the soccer players don't play in the snow. ;D
So, I guess Cicero Stadium has bunch of boxing events. WTF!
Yeah floor hockey is dead at the stadium.. But the boxing is pretty cool there. One of my former ball players left baseball for boxing (wise choice) he just turned pro recently and had a fight at the stadium. Remember the name Adrian Granados, he's undefeated as a pro and moving up the ranks quickly.
Oak Park Ave south of th el tracks
Cole's Pub
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 21, 2008, 03:12:24 AM
Yeah floor hockey is dead at the stadium.. But the boxing is pretty cool there. One of my former ball players left baseball for boxing (wise choice) he just turned pro recently and had a fight at the stadium. Remember the name Adrian Granados, he's undefeated as a pro and moving up the ranks quickly.
What weight class?
Anderson Furniture on Stanley, it's Able Printing now. Colonial Camera on Windsor, now OOT/Martin-Air.
Damn good call, loved Colonial. For any camera buffs there is a great store in LaGrange
across from the tracks, south side.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on December 21, 2008, 09:44:11 AM
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 21, 2008, 03:12:24 AM
Yeah floor hockey is dead at the stadium.. But the boxing is pretty cool there. One of my former ball players left baseball for boxing (wise choice) he just turned pro recently and had a fight at the stadium. Remember the name Adrian Granados, he's undefeated as a pro and moving up the ranks quickly.
What weight class?
OPS
Adrian boxes right now at 140lbs (Welterweight-140-147lbs) Great boxer, but an even better young man. I'm very proud of him. He's negotiating his next fight to be taken place in Mexico.
PS. How come when I press additional options, it doesn't give me an option to add an attachment. some times certain topics do this. I was going to attach the poster from the fight in Cicero.
Quote from: Brown on December 20, 2008, 10:46:12 PM
6) Berwyn Theatre- on the roof.
When were you there? My husband's grandfather was a building engineer and my husband was an usher and later a manager in the early 70's. We met at the theatre in '81.
Went to the two theatres on 22nd in 60' and 70's....and cinema where Best Buy is in NR in70's My parents came to Berwyn from Chicago in late 40's. Still have family in Berwyn today.
I went to ST. Leonards with a George Brown. I remember the family had
St Bernards along with carts to pull the kids in.
Quote from: Clam Diver on December 21, 2008, 12:47:30 PM
PS. How come when I press additional options, it doesn't give me an option to add an attachment. some times certain topics do this. I was going to attach the poster from the fight in Cicero.
It's not just certain topics, but certain boards don't have it enabled as an option for any topics within. The Local Area Business board is one.
(http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/Themes/babylon/images/icons/linktree_main.gif)
Try an attachment now. I think I got the perms right.
Pilsner Restaurant
"Finest Bohemian Cooking"
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/mcr_312/Berwyn/PilsnerRestaurant.jpg) (http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/mcr_312/Berwyn/PilsnerRestaurant.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Quote from: bonster on January 03, 2009, 12:01:01 AM
Pilsner Restaurant
"Finest Bohemian Cooking"
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/mcr_312/Berwyn/PilsnerRestaurant.jpg) (http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/mcr_312/Berwyn/PilsnerRestaurant.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Oh, I loved that place. They had some great food and wonderful rye bread. I heard they went back to Europe. Anyone know for sure?
St. Anthony's Bank - 15th & 49th Ct, Cicero
Puttrum (Not sure of the spelling) corner store - 15th & 49th Ct, Cicero
V.F.W. - 1434 S 49th Ct, Cicero
Scrapp's - 1440 S 49th Ct, Cicero
Mr. Central's - 14th & 49th Ct, Cicero
2 beauty shops on 1400 block of 49th Ct, Cicero
Russell's Pharmacy - 14th & 49th Ct, Cicero
The Hardware Store - 14th & 49th, Cicero
The Fruit Store - 14th & 49th, Cicero
Carey's Bakery - 14th & 49th, Cicero
the Discount Store - 14th & 49th, Cicero
Don's Flower Shop - 14th & 49th, Cicero
The Jewelery Store - 14th & 49th, Cicero
3 funeral homes in the 1400 block of 50th Ave
Mayna's Pizza - 14th & 50th, Cicero
My Mom :'(
many friends and loved ones :'(
Ah all that above, good old memories, also know as the "Grant Works" area.
An area of Italians and Lithuanians.
Patsy,
Was Grant Works ever a desirable area to live? I lived in Hawthorne for 7 years. I really like it there. I remember that GW was not too nice, and Blvd. Manor was the place to live, but we couldn't afford it at the time.
What are the Grant Works boundaries?
I used to house sit up in that NE corner (1300 and somewhere between Cicero & Laramie) in the 80s, and I thought it was fine...never had a problem.
My Ciceronian coworker says the bad part is below 18th or so, from Cicero Ave. to just before Laramie.
Quote from: bonster on January 03, 2009, 09:07:01 PM
What are the Grant Works boundaries?
I used to house sit up in that NE corner (1300 and somewhere between Cicero & Laramie) in the 80s, and I thought it was fine...never had a problem.
My Ciceronian coworker says the bad part is below 18th or so, from Cicero Ave. to just before Laramie.
You were in Grant Works.
Grant Works, I believe, was from Roosevelt to 16th and from Laramie to Cicero.
I may be mistaken.
The hub of activity was 14th and 49th.
Lived in Grant Works from when i got married in 72 until 88. It was fine had no problems there through the years. I was on 12th and 51st and could jump on the Ike at Laramie and be at the old Chicago Stadium in 7 minutes. That was the best thing about living there.
Quote from: ZORBA on January 03, 2009, 09:26:06 PM
The hub of activity was 14th and 49th.
Yeah. I don't remember the specific joints Puttintange mentioned, but I remember that's where we went for stuff like bread, milk, za, etc.
Don't remember where we picked up the occasional keg. I think Mustang got them for us.
Proud to say I lived in Grant Works from 1964 to 1990. Saw many changes. Miss the old days when you could sit out on the front porch and talk with the neighbors. :'(
As kids we played outside until the street lights came on. In the summer we played outside in front till Mom was ready to go to bed. You could leave your door unlocked and windows open.
My brother used to leave his 10 speed bike on the porch, unlocked. :o
My brothers and I were never involved in the gangs, we knew many of them and were even friends with some.
The fun part of growing up in Grant Works was going to Morton East and telling everyone you went to Roosevelt, that actually scared people. ::) Not that I was big, bad or scary.
Most of the trouble was on 14th and 49th Ave & 48th.
My block was pretty quiet, the parents watched out for all the kids and treated you like family. We kids respected the adults, calling them Mr. or Mrs. _____.
At my house everyone just called my parents Mom & Dad. I can't think of anytime my parents turned away a kid from our door. Even in the middle of the night, if someone came for help my parents would open the door.
Yep, things change and that's just life!
Pkd50, Hawthorne was a nice little area all of it's own, just as the other
areas were at the time I was growing up. What you have to remember is each of these
little pockets, had their own ethnic groups going. It is hard even for me to believe
my group 8th grade graduation picture were only polish names, except for one girl who
came in from the south that year, Anderson was her last name.
Our mothers rarely let us go out of the neighborhood, for fear something bad would happen
to us. Each section had it's own schools, stores, churches and even industry if you needed to work in
your neighborhood. There was no need to go else where. Remember Alcodole factory? (sp?)
Grant works and other area's became real to us, when we went to Morton East, and became
diversified!
Still true today BP...there are people in Chicago hoods
who think Harlem Ave, is the boon docks and have never been that far west.
Every time I have taken a city cab back from either airport, not one driver
has known where Berwyn is.
I know what you mean. Growing up in a Lugan neighborhood, I could say the last name but please don't ask me to spell them. ???
We were consider the hillbillies when we first moved on the block back in '64. My brothers and I stuck out with our red hair. Everyone else had blond hair.
We never really had to leave our corner of Cicero, we had almost everything right there.
Mom shopped for clothes at Alden's on Cicero & Roosevelt or at Goodman's on 18th and Cicero.
Life was good and you knew your neighbors.
Today, I think I could tell you about 5 names of my neighbors. It's really sad the way things are today.
I still like sitting on my front porch, but now "some people" pass by looking at me, like what are you doing here?
"I still like sitting on my front porch, but now "some people" pass by looking at me, like what are you doing here?"
Ah keep the faith, porch sitting is still alive and well in Berwyn. However after seeing
some footage of Clint in GranTorino I may kick it up a notch next season.
Another place NOT there anymore------------Becker Bros.
a (carbon ?) factory on the corner of Laramie and 35th Street.
Also a card factory, can't think of the name, was also around that area.
Quote from: Bear on January 04, 2009, 04:45:25 PM
"I still like sitting on my front porch, but now "some people" pass by looking at me, like what are you doing here?"
Ah keep the faith, porch sitting is still alive and well in Berwyn. However after seeing
some footage of Clint in GranTorino I may kick it up a notch next season.
It's tempting to conclude that the decline of porch-sitting is a result of the decline of Western Civilization, but I think it probably has more to do with the invention of Air Conditioning... Visit a neighborhood where A/C is a rare luxury and you'll see plenty of people on the stoop. Sitting on the porch is much less appealing when it's nice and cool inside.
-Rob
That's not necessarily true. I remember many hot summer nights, even cool fall
nights where my neighbors (who all had air and heat) rather sit around and shoot the
sh-t with each other rather then be bored, cool or warm in their houses.
Quote from: rbain on January 04, 2009, 06:02:51 PM
Quote from: Bear on January 04, 2009, 04:45:25 PM
"I still like sitting on my front porch, but now "some people" pass by looking at me, like what are you doing here?"
Ah keep the faith, porch sitting is still alive and well in Berwyn. However after seeing
some footage of Clint in GranTorino I may kick it up a notch next season.
It's tempting to conclude that the decline of porch-sitting is a result of the decline of Western Civilization, but I think it probably has more to do with the invention of Air Conditioning... Visit a neighborhood where A/C is a rare luxury and you'll see plenty of people on the stoop. Sitting on the porch is much less appealing when it's nice and cool inside.
-Rob
I haven't heard that term in a long long time.
Does anybody remember playing "pinners" or "porch ball"?
Felix, never heard those terms, but we used to pitch the rubber ball used
for fast pitch off the exact edge of the steps on the stoop to
play catch if nobody was around to have a game.
-95mph Wilbur Wood Bear off the Pershing brick
Western Electric Hawthorne Plant
That's what pinners is.
And I highly doubt you hit 95 on anybody's radar gun, let alone witha rubber ball against Pershings brick.
The hardest thrown ball on Pershings brick was from a former alumn who later pitched professionally (I believe in the Padres organization).
I saw the guy split a brand new rubber ball in half against the wall.
Late 70's.
Fast pitch boxes at all grammar schools with a playground.
Quote from: Felix Greco on January 05, 2009, 06:56:10 AM
Fast pitch boxes at all grammar schools with a playground.
Right underneath the signs that read NO BALL PLAYING
Playgrounds with very high slides - no platform at the top, merry-go-rounds, and especially high flyers! I grew up in Chicago, the park next to the school had a high flyer right next to the fence. For those of you who don't know what they were, imagine a pole with at least 4 rope and wood ladder - like things hanging from it. Everyone grabs a ladder and you run in a circle, at some point everyone picks up their feet and you fly around the pole. At our school, if you fell you could end up slamming into the fence. Of course, all our playgrounds had asphalt surfaces. One point just before we moved to Berwyn (circa 1975), they put rubber mats under the swings and other equipment.
I remember riding on the handlebars of my brother's bike without having to wear a helmet.
The parks with asphalt, the super high slides without a platform.
It's amazing we are still alive. ;D
Quote from: Puttintange on January 05, 2009, 07:31:36 AM
I remember riding on the handlebars of my brother's bike without having to wear a helmet.
The parks with asphalt, the super high slides without a platform.
It's amazing we are still alive. ;D
And before riding the bike using clothes pins to hold baseball cards that are now probably worth big bucks against the spokes to make noise!!
Quote from: Bear on January 04, 2009, 10:24:43 PM
... -95mph Wilbur Wood Bear off the Pershing brick ...
Quote from: ZORBA on January 04, 2009, 10:28:28 PM
... And I highly doubt you hit 95 on anybody's radar gun ...
I highly doubt Wilbur Wood hit 95 MPH either.... <LOL>
Quote from: Ted on January 06, 2009, 07:39:50 AM
Quote from: Bear on January 04, 2009, 10:24:43 PM
... -95mph Wilbur Wood Bear off the Pershing brick ...
Quote from: ZORBA on January 04, 2009, 10:28:28 PM
... And I highly doubt you hit 95 on anybody's radar gun ...
I highly doubt Wilbur Wood hit 95 MPH either.... <LOL>
The only way Wilbur Wood could hit 95mph was in his car! He was the Sonny Jurgensen of the White Sox. A beer bellied type athlete who could go out on a Sunday and pitch both games of a doubleheader. Like Sonny he was a Sunday afternoon idle of a lot of overweight men!
He was also their idol as well!!!!
Got his autograph in the mid 70's at an autograph session sponsored by the old Olympic Savings and Jack Phelan Chevy (I believe) on Ogden Avenue.
Wilbur Wood, Bill Melton, and Eddie Leon (anybody rememeber THAT guy?)
Celebrity Olds on Ogden. Their schtick was having athletes in to sign autographs. I got Mike Krukow's once, and went back another time to get Bill Buckner's. Unfortunately, he never showed up. As a 10 or 11 year old, I was crushed, and never liked him after that--I always thought that the ball rolling through his legs in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series was karmic payback for him standing me up in 1978.
Yes, you're right.
May have been Celebrity Olds.
I remember they had a yellow backdrop with their logo affixed in front of which the pictures would be taken.
Don't rememeber any Cubs autograph sessions, though the one I'm talking about happened more in the mid 70's. 74-75, maybe???
Baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet----------Jack Phelan.
Thor Washing Machine Co.
Danly Machine Co.
Sunbeam Corp.
Kropp Forge Co.
Barrett Roofing Co.
O'Keefe Brothers Coal Co.---- These 6 were in Grant Works Area, I think.
Goss Printing Press Co. Cicero
Dvorak Buick
Diamond T Truck C.--- behind Western Electric west of Kostner.
Al's Auto Graveyard, on Ogden ??
cement trash cans (most of them)
Als Auto WAS on Ogden, just before Austin.
Ok........I got one, does anyone remember a car salesman that had a real bad rug. Older guy, his shirt was in real bad shape. He usually had like striped slacks and plaid sportscoat. He sometimes had a hat on. I know he worked for almost every car dealer on ogden. He would always send post cards to you if he ever talked to you. His name was Marty.
Quote from: tony la on January 13, 2009, 06:04:00 PM
Ok........I got one, does anyone remember a car salesman that had a real bad rug. Older guy, his shirt was in real bad shape. He usually had like striped slacks and plaid sportscoat. He sometimes had a hat on. I know he worked for almost every car dealer on ogden. He would always send post cards to you if he ever talked to you. His name was Marty.
HEY....thats a person not a place. People that are gone? now that's a huge list. Generally speaking.....legal citizens.
Yes, but he worked at every dealer on Ogden at one time or another.
Quote from: Brown on January 13, 2009, 05:24:54 PM
cement trash cans (most of them)
I still gots mine; it's in mint condition!
Quote from: ZORBA on January 06, 2009, 08:11:27 AM
He was also their idol as well!!!!
Got his autograph in the mid 70's at an autograph session sponsored by the old Olympic Savings and Jack Phelan Chevy (I believe) on Ogden Avenue.
Wilbur Wood, Bill Melton, and Eddie Leon (anybody rememeber THAT guy?)
..and the great Dick Allen!
Quote from: eno on January 13, 2009, 07:51:50 PM
Quote from: ZORBA on January 06, 2009, 08:11:27 AM
He was also their idol as well!!!!
Got his autograph in the mid 70's at an autograph session sponsored by the old Olympic Savings and Jack Phelan Chevy (I believe) on Ogden Avenue.
Wilbur Wood, Bill Melton, and Eddie Leon (anybody rememeber THAT guy?)
..and the great Dick Allen!
I remember Norm Van Leer at Olympic....with Jerry Sloan I think
Quote from: eno on January 13, 2009, 07:51:50 PM
Quote from: ZORBA on January 06, 2009, 08:11:27 AM
He was also their idol as well!!!!
Got his autograph in the mid 70's at an autograph session sponsored by the old Olympic Savings and Jack Phelan Chevy (I believe) on Ogden Avenue.
Wilbur Wood, Bill Melton, and Eddie Leon (anybody rememeber THAT guy?)
..and the great Dick Allen!
Yes, he was there also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Were you there as well eno?????
Does anyone remember a furniture store, on Ogden, called Kufco's? We use to get athletes' autographs from there on Saturday nights.
Thor Washing Machine Co.
Danly Machine Co.
Sunbeam Corp.
Kropp Forge Co.
Barrett Roofing Co.
O'Keefe Brothers Coal Co.---- These 6 were in Grant Works Area, I think.
I remember Barrett Roofing on 16th and 51st (GW)
Danly, Sunbeam, and Kropp Forge were all on Laramie Ave or past closer to Central (not GW)
As far as O'Keefe and Thor, I have no clue.
Prosch Drug store
Norbert's drug store Stanley and Oak Park Ave
Berwyn Lumber yard
Carms beef on Roosevelt Rd
The Clinton Tap at 16 st and Clinton Ave N/W corner
The Black Forest aka Big Daddy's later on
Aquarius records Windsor and Grove where La Noltes is at
The sugar shack Stanley and Grove
The Berwyn Dairy on 27and Ridgeland
Clark custard on Ogden Ave
Pup and Pop on Ogden
The red onion bar Ogden and Highland
What about the super block! Illinois T.V, the original Berwyn Home Video, Fagans, Dino's Hot Dogs, an auto parts store,and of course the empty bank building.
Bill's Junk Shoppe at Oak Park and Roosevelt. Best source of beer signs and vintage bungalow fixtures EVAH!
Quote from: ZORBA on January 13, 2009, 08:04:34 PM
Quote from: eno on January 13, 2009, 07:51:50 PM
Quote from: ZORBA on January 06, 2009, 08:11:27 AM
He was also their idol as well!!!!
Got his autograph in the mid 70's at an autograph session sponsored by the old Olympic Savings and Jack Phelan Chevy (I believe) on Ogden Avenue.
Wilbur Wood, Bill Melton, and Eddie Leon (anybody rememeber THAT guy?)
..and the great Dick Allen!
Yes, he was there also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Were you there as well eno?????
Zorba:
I was not at the autograph signing; but I treasure the memories of watching many games at Comiskey and watching ALL of the guys you mentioned (and Dick Allen) play baseball as they were a talented and entertaining bunch. I fell out of love with baseball after the 1994 strike...things have never been quite the same.
eno
Eno,
That's why you have to follow calcio and Serie A.
Quote from: eno on January 13, 2009, 07:45:45 PM
Quote from: Brown on January 13, 2009, 05:24:54 PM
cement trash cans (most of them)
I still gots mine; it's in mint condition!
Me too (but it is not in mint condition)... how do I get rid of it? <LOL>
Quote from: Ted on January 14, 2009, 06:26:39 PM
Quote from: eno on January 13, 2009, 07:45:45 PM
Quote from: Brown on January 13, 2009, 05:24:54 PM
cement trash cans (most of them)
I still gots mine; it's in mint condition!
Me too (but it is not in mint condition)... how do I get rid of it? <LOL>
Ted: do you think the town might take care of removing them if we called our respective aldermen? It would make more space for the regulation dumpsters.
Several years ago I think Pechous (former #1) passed
some deal where the city would come out and remove them
if you wanted. There was a large photo spread in the Lifeless touting this "service"...
But Eno, if you have one in great shape I would leave that pup just
because. Think of it...Most people have no clue what they were.
And I think they are cool...Those units would make a great
yard bbq/fire pit if moved from the alley.
Quote from: Bear on January 14, 2009, 08:37:33 PM
And I think they are cool...Those units would make a great
yard bbq/fire pit if moved from the alley.
Good Lord you are a twit. Nothing more appetizing than chowing down a steak cooked over something which housed dirty diapers and dog shit all summer.
Quote from: Puttintange on January 14, 2009, 06:43:39 AM
Thor Washing Machine Co.
Danly Machine Co.
Sunbeam Corp.
Kropp Forge Co.
Barrett Roofing Co.
O'Keefe Brothers Coal Co.---- These 6 were in Grant Works Area, I think.
I remember Barrett Roofing on 16th and 51st (GW)
Danly, Sunbeam, and Kropp Forge were all on Laramie Ave or past closer to Central (not GW)
As far as O'Keefe and Thor, I have no clue.
O'Keefe Coal delivered our heating fuel to our bungalow on Harvey Ave. until my Dad converted to oil. Their old Mack dump trucks were green, driven by a huge chain mounted outside of the frame, to drive the rear wheels- you could easily see the chain from a distance. I believe their yard was located on 16th. Street in Cicero. They brought about 15 tons, dumped it in the street out front, truck left, a big black guy with a shovel & huge wheelbarrow remained behind, loaded the 'barrow by hand and hauled it to the basement window which opened into the "coal bin". It took him nearly the whole day; often he asked for a drink of water at the back door. Coal is not very heavy stuff, it was a BIG pile!
Did anybody mention Keska's little store on 26th and 61st Ave yet?
I used to buy Pac Man ice cream bars there. Man....were those tasty!
Tanner, was Tanner Boyle the racist kid who used all the racial slurs in the Bad News Bears or was that a different character?
That was him.
He only has a couple of lines like that, though. For the most part, he was just a shit stirrer. ;)
Quote from: TannerBoyle on January 26, 2009, 01:02:10 AM
Did anybody mention Keska's little store on 26th and 61st Ave yet?
I used to buy Pac Man ice cream bars there. Man....were those tasty!
middle of the block on north side of 26th?
Quote from: Brown on January 26, 2009, 02:04:50 AM
Quote from: TannerBoyle on January 26, 2009, 01:02:10 AM
Did anybody mention Keska's little store on 26th and 61st Ave yet?
I used to buy Pac Man ice cream bars there. Man....were those tasty!
middle of the block on north side of 26th?
Yep.
Quote from: TannerBoyle on January 26, 2009, 02:06:22 AM
Quote from: Brown on January 26, 2009, 02:04:50 AM
Quote from: TannerBoyle on January 26, 2009, 01:02:10 AM
Did anybody mention Keska's little store on 26th and 61st Ave yet?
I used to buy Pac Man ice cream bars there. Man....were those tasty!
middle of the block on north side of 26th?
Yep.
Keskas was name? ok. There was shitload of stores aand bars that never had signage and I never knew names. Like that bar right across from Keskas Lombard and 26th. What was that place called?
Well. I've been gone for 32 years, having gone to school in Milwaukee and moved to California after graduation. I wouldn't know what's gone and what remains, but I think the loss of the Berwyn Theatre was an act of wanton vandalism. I never thought much of it way back in the day, but in retrospect, it was an interesting and storied place; it would have been great to have retained it.
Ditto Old Prague. Frejlach's had great food.
I'm depressed now, but thanks for the update.
Good health and Happy New Year to all Berwynites who read this.
Jim
Communities that have a theater have an incredible resource for attracting hundreds of people to their business district on a regular basis.
When did that theater burn down?
Looking at the photos Felix posted a few weeks back of all the fires, what the heck was going on in Berwyn back then? Don't like a building so folks torched it?
Quote from: hockeyholic34 on January 28, 2009, 11:15:50 PM
Well. I've been gone for 32 years, having gone to school in Milwaukee and moved to California after graduation. I wouldn't know what's gone and what remains, but I think the loss of the Berwyn Theatre was an act of wanton vandalism. I never thought much of it way back in the day, but in retrospect, it was an interesting and storied place; it would have been great to have retained it.
Ditto Old Prague. Frejlach's had great food.
I'm depressed now, but thanks for the update.
Good health and Happy New Year to all Berwynites who read this.
Jim
Are you a Sharks fan hockeyholic? Singletary as haed coach of niners......whadya think? You think Chargers defensive coordinator will be a head coach soon?
OPS:
Your comment is a plus for preservation. Yet when there is a movemnet on to save something, it is always asked: what's so historic about that? Many times it stands for what's inside and what it has or can contribute to the community, though the theater building was magnificent. I must say though that is not the case in every instance, just because it's old does not always mean it should be saved. I believe it burned down in the early 80's, maybe 82.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 11:25:41 PM
Communities that have a theater have an incredible resource for attracting hundreds of people to their business district on a regular basis.
When did that theater burn down?
Looking at the photos Felix posted a few weeks back of all the fires, what the heck was going on in Berwyn back then? Don't like a building so folks torched it?
OPS,
Sure it wasn't dislike for the buildings? The topic of burned down structures may need to have its own thread.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 11:25:41 PM
Communities that have a theater have an incredible resource for attracting hundreds of people to their business district on a regular basis.
When did that theater burn down?
Looking at the photos Felix posted a few weeks back of all the fires, what the heck was going on in Berwyn back then? Don't like a building so folks torched it?
Many of the 1980/90s Cermak Rd. fires of the prominent corner buildings were the result of arson most likely inspired by insurance fraud.
They couldn't pay their JUICE loans or their PROTECTION money....................
Quote from: TannerBoyle on January 26, 2009, 01:02:10 AM
Did anybody mention Keska's little store on 26th and 61st Ave yet?
I used to buy Pac Man ice cream bars there. Man....were those tasty!
Alan Keska is thinking of opening another store. The original Keska's was on the N/E corner of 26th street and 59th Ct.
Regarding the Berwyn Theatre. This site gives you the low down on the Theatre and what happened. Please read the comments below the article, as those comments give MORE information than the actual article.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/2866/
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 11:25:41 PM
Communities that have a theater have an incredible resource for attracting hundreds of people to their business district on a regular basis.
When did that theater burn down?
Looking at the photos Felix posted a few weeks back of all the fires, what the heck was going on in Berwyn back then? Don't like a building so folks torched it?
The Berwyn theatre did not "burn down" the Ridgeland restaurant did have a fire that spread to the upstairs apartments. The restaurant was on Cermak rd in the same block as the Berwyn Theatre.
The owners of the Berwyn Theatre chose to demolish the entire building.
That theatre should have been preserved. Most theatres have historic qualities and many are restored for different uses. The Berwyn Theatre marquee alone should have been saved. That marquee let everyone know you were in Berwyn. I loved it. Let's recreate it somehow!
Quote from: Brown on January 31, 2009, 01:54:52 PM
That theatre should have been preserved. Most theatres have historic qualities and many are restored for different uses. The Berwyn Theatre marquee alone should have been saved. That marquee let everyone know you were in Berwyn. I loved it. Let's recreate it somehow!
Too bad the "market forces" were against these theaters surviving. Remember Berwyn had about 4 theaters.
Quote from: Brown on January 31, 2009, 01:54:52 PM
That theatre should have been preserved. Most theatres have historic qualities and many are restored for different uses. The Berwyn Theatre marquee alone should have been saved. That marquee let everyone know you were in Berwyn. I loved it. Let's recreate it somehow!
Too bad the owners of the theaters did not agree with your thinking.
Oh man!!!!! That marquee alone was an advertiser, marketers and promoters dream. Location is perfect! So many different uses for that theatre could have generated income.
Well I suppose I'm pissing into the wind years later. Just bums me out to think about what happened to that gem. Sounds to me like fire destroyed plenty but theatre and marquee could have been salvaged. I truely think the city could have found a way to preserve it all.......tried harder......got landmark status. That building is so cool......has so many memories for many of us....you would think we would have tried harder to preserve a gem we even renamed "the Berwyn". Doesn't get much more significant than that .
Quote from: Brown on January 31, 2009, 03:30:09 PM
Well I suppose I'm pissing into the wind years later. Just bums me out to think about what happened to that gem. Sounds to me like fire destroyed plenty but theatre and marquee could have been salvaged. I truely think the city could have found a way to preserve it all.......tried harder......got landmark status. That building is so cool......has so many memories for many of us....you would think we would have tried harder to preserve a gem we even renamed "the Berwyn". Doesn't get much more significant than that .
The fire did not destroy the building. Stores on each side remained intact. The theater remained intact. Most of the apartments on the second floor remained intact. The owner used the opportunity to demolish the entire structure. The "market forces" made the building less profitable and the owner took the opportunity to unload the property.
Brown: "you would think we would have tried harder to preserve a gem we even renamed "the Berwyn". Doesn't get much more significant than that"
Brown, it had historial value fer sure, and could have gotten landmark status. Didn't happen. It should have.
Quote from: apatriot on January 31, 2009, 06:00:07 PM
Brown: "you would think we would have tried harder to preserve a gem we even renamed "the Berwyn". Doesn't get much more significant than that"
Brown, it had historial value fer sure, and could have gotten landmark status. Didn't happen. It should have.
Up until VERY recently--and I'm talking just over the past 3 or 4 years or so...no one wanted to remember the past when it came to the Cicero/Berywyn area.
Even now, to look back on the past--on the way you grew up, and loved growing up, in Cicero marks you as a racist. ;)
Tanner, I know exactly what you're getting at....that theme of racism is one one of primary examples of that "twin city" concept too. But Its over now. The "wall" came down years ago....IMO. I grew up on those same Cicero streets as you but those old school beleifs are better not preserved for my kids.
Quote from: apatriot on January 31, 2009, 09:02:51 AM
Regarding the Berwyn Theatre. This site gives you the low down on the Theatre and what happened. Please read the comments below the article, as those comments give MORE information than the actual article.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/2866/....
Apat, thank you so much for this link! I had no idea the Berwyn had burned, and knew little of it's actual history. I sent cinematreasures some info about that street intersection as I remember it around 1953. Berwynson
I'm the one who posted on Cinema Treasures about how the theatre wasn't damaged. I vaguely remember a photo in the Berwyn Life taken after the demolition where the mayor and some aldermen posed amid the rubble. There was something funny going on...
REMINISCE:
PRINCE CASTLE
The prelude to Cock Robin on Cermak off Home Ave. My Mom worked at Prince Castle and every once and awhile, she would bring home a couple of bags of steakburgers for us. They also used a square ice cream scoop that made
it really easy to make a double or triple scoop cone.
ROBERT HALL CLOTHES
When the value goes up, up, up
And the prices go down, down, down
Robert Hall is the reason,
and I don't remember the rest....as little girls, we would go there to get our Easter dress and our "shorty coat" or jacket. The jackets were made out of a material that felt like cotton balls and they had one button at the neck. They came in pastel colors and were covered in heavy plastic bags on the racks. We loved them. It was a first sign of spring.
ANDES CANDIES
On the southeast corner of Cermak & Oak Park. I loved the smell when you walked in.
EDITH RASPIS (Sp?) DANCE STUDIO
Right around the corner on Cermak from Andes Candies. That's where I took ballet lessons. Not only did she teach dance, but we had 15 minutes of learning the french words for the dance moves after class...plie, jete, arabesque...we had to write the words and draw stick figures showing the move.
THE COZY KITCHEN
On Cermak kitty-corner from the Berwyn Theater. I worked there when I was 16. It had two counters and six tables. Let's just say, I was the only waitress that brought her lunch to work! Made a lot of Malts & Fries when the show let out.
SQUARE DANCING AT HIAWATHA SCHOOL
Self-explanatory
And just walking to every one of these places....
Chicago Auto Parts, on Ogden, a bit west of Ridgeland, the main guy there was a nice Italian named Vern.
He couldn't understand how my 430-Lincoln equipped old jalopy could eat up Golden 500 U-Joints (warranteed forever), every few weeks!
And, do they still sell Christmas trees on whatever vacant lots are left along Cermak Rd.? Northeast corner of East Ave./Cermak was open lot, my Dad always shopped for ours there
4th. of July always found a stand set up selling fireworks just west of Harlem, on Cermak, Northwest corner. Legal in N. Riverside?
VOTAVA GARAGE,....N/E corner Ogden avenue at Hamlin
Did he have a son named Robert ? The Bob Votava I knew lived on Oak Park Av. around 16th/18th and he was caring for a very elderly Father. Bob and his Mom had something to do with the starting of the Berwyn Beautiful Awards. That's going back many years, so my memory is not complete.
Three Brothers; Joe, Frank and Charlie ran the place. They handled alot of guys cars and their beer trucks, and alot cars for other nice people too.
I knew a Robert Votava in high school, Morton East, ca. 1959. Berwynson
Someone earlier mentioned Mayna's Pizza. I remember Tony and Ducky having the best pizza and pasta around. They moved like three times. First location on 14th st. Second on Cermak just east of Oak Park Ave. Third was east of the old Jewel on the south side of Cermak between Laramie and 53rd..
Does anyone remember the name of the pizza place that was at Euclid and Roosevelt on the Northwest corner back in the early 80's? Not A1 that was a little east of this place.
Quote from: Noble Falcon on May 17, 2009, 11:59:31 AM
Someone earlier mentioned Mayna's Pizza. I remember Tony and Ducky having the best pizza and pasta around. They moved like three times. First location on 14th st. Second on Cermak just east of Oak Park Ave. Third was east of the old Jewel on the south side of Cermak between 50th and 51st..
Does anyone remember the name of the pizza place that was at Euclid and Roosevelt on the Northwest corner back in the early 80's? Not A1 that was a little east of this place.
I had to correct myself on the last Mayna's location. S/s Cermak between 50th and 51st. East of the old Jewel/Uhaul...
Quote from: mustang54 on January 26, 2007, 08:45:05 AM
Quote from: jqpublic on January 25, 2007, 10:41:07 PM
Korvettes had the best record department in Cook County.
Without a doubt!!
Quote from: berwynson on August 19, 2007, 07:54:23 PM
FWIW: My all-time favorite-tasting beer was called "Duplikator Starkbier", which I bought at the old Korvettes store across Harlem from Berwyn Plaza. They had a huge selection of imports.
Quote from: ZORBA on June 13, 2008, 03:18:01 PM
Got my first (and only, thank God) Bay City Rollers LP at Korvettes.
Quote from: apatriot on January 21, 2009, 10:53:21 PM
Mustang, just an fyi, but I worked in record department at E.J.Korvettes just after I graduated High School. It was extensive. Tony Bennett came to do a signing there ... it was nice.
Quote from: PamF on March 17, 2009, 02:18:44 PMEJ Korvettes and the Cinema theater were on the No. Riverside side of Cermak/Harlem. There was also a Puppy Palace and a Steak place. And before it was a shopping center it was a tree nursery.
Quote from: BRoWN on December 20, 2008, 10:46:12 PM
3) Korvettes - santa claus!!
Korvette Summer (http://pleasantfamilyshopping.blogspot.com/2007/11/korvette-summer.html)
My mom just mentioned that my grandmothers went to Cermak Plaza to shop at "Newberry's" ?
Said they liked their notions department for sewing & knitting supplies at reasonable prices.
Gateway to Berwyn? Cermak Plaza......Gateway to Cermak Plaza? Murphys back door
Right by the pet department
Mortons Steakhouse in Westchester just closed down today.
Quote from: BRoWN on June 28, 2009, 01:36:08 PM
Gateway to Berwyn? Cermak Plaza......Gateway to Cermak Plaza? Murphys back door
Or Penney's back door...
Remember when Penney's had their anniversary and had that huge cake made with the little
"capsules" buried inside? Each held a piece of paper that said how big of a discount you would get or how much money you won or whatever? It was a gigantic mess once all the "stada bubbas" ripped through all the pieces of cake...fun to watch.
"stada Bubbas", I haven't heard those words since leaving Cicero and
my polish neighbors!!
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on June 29, 2009, 05:16:46 AM
"stada Bubbas", I haven't heard those words since leaving Cicero and
my polish neighbors!!
The term was almost interchangeable with she or her around my mom's family!
Believe correct spelling is "BABA", old lady, this would be in Czech, the Polish had a different word.
"DEDEK", the word for an old man, derogatory, more like "old fart", is pronounced as though the first "D" is a "DY".
"BABKA" also means old lady; my sister always spelled it "bupka" when writing to our mother. Neither my sis, nor I, learned Bohemian, which I have always regretted. Now, everyone is dead in the family who knew the language.
So it goes..........
Berwynson
Quote from: berwynson on June 29, 2009, 08:42:41 PM
Believe correct spelling is "BABA", old lady, this would be in Czech, the Polish had a different word.
"DEDEK", the word for an old man, derogatory, more like "old fart", is pronounced as though the first "D" is a "DY".
"BABKA" also means old lady; my sister always spelled it "bupka" when writing to our mother. Neither my sis, nor I, learned Bohemian, which I have always regretted. Now, everyone is dead in the family who knew the language.
So it goes..........
Berwynson
It's actually "Babi" (BUBby); short for "Babicka" (BUbeechka"); Dedecek (D-YE-de-check) does not mean "old fart"; it means "grandfather". Also, it's ""stary baby" (pronounced STAH ree BUH bee)"; which means "old grannies".
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner"...
This is how you get laid guys with no question...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo
Quote from: A.Malina on June 29, 2009, 08:52:55 PM
Quote from: berwynson on June 29, 2009, 08:42:41 PM
Believe correct spelling is "BABA", old lady, this would be in Czech, the Polish had a different word.
"DEDEK", the word for an old man, derogatory, more like "old fart", is pronounced as though the first "D" is a "DY".
"BABKA" also means old lady; my sister always spelled it "bupka" when writing to our mother. Neither my sis, nor I, learned Bohemian, which I have always regretted. Now, everyone is dead in the family who knew the language.
So it goes..........
Berwynson
It's actually "Babi" (BUBby); short for "Babicka" (BUbeechka"); Dedecek (D-YE-de-check) does not mean "old fart"; it means "grandfather". Also, it's ""stary baby" (pronounced STAH ree BUH bee)"; which means "old grannies".
Our Polish grandmother/granny was called "babcia", pronouced BOB-SHA... I never heard stary baby, Polish accent or not. Stada Baba is just what I remember hearing, not the actual spelling...
Quote from: Classof67 on June 29, 2009, 10:16:06 PM
Quote from: A.Malina on June 29, 2009, 08:52:55 PM
Quote from: berwynson on June 29, 2009, 08:42:41 PM
Believe correct spelling is "BABA", old lady, this would be in Czech, the Polish had a different word.
"DEDEK", the word for an old man, derogatory, more like "old fart", is pronounced as though the first "D" is a "DY".
"BABKA" also means old lady; my sister always spelled it "bupka" when writing to our mother. Neither my sis, nor I, learned Bohemian, which I have always regretted. Now, everyone is dead in the family who knew the language.
So it goes..........
Berwynson
It's actually "Babi" (BUBby); short for "Babicka" (BUbeechka"); Dedecek (D-YE-de-check) does not mean "old fart"; it means "grandfather". Also, it's ""stary baby" (pronounced STAH ree BUH bee)"; which means "old grannies".
the above applies only to Czech -- I know the Polish versions are slightly different.
Quote from: A.Malina on June 29, 2009, 08:52:55 PM
Quote from: berwynson on June 29, 2009, 08:42:41 PM
Believe correct spelling is "BABA", old lady, this would be in Czech, the Polish had a different word.
"DEDEK", the word for an old man, derogatory, more like "old fart", is pronounced as though the first "D" is a "DY".
"BABKA" also means old lady; my sister always spelled it "bupka" when writing to our mother. Neither my sis, nor I, learned Bohemian, which I have always regretted. Now, everyone is dead in the family who knew the language.
So it goes..........
Berwynson
It's actually "Babi" (BUBby); short for "Babicka" (BUbeechka"); Dedecek (D-YE-de-check) does not mean "old fart"; it means "grandfather". Also, it's ""stary baby" (pronounced STAH ree BUH bee)"; which means "old grannies".
Thank you for this; as I said, we failed to properly learn the language, just repeated words and phrases as we heard them. One thing I can add with certainty is that many of the Czech family names were definitely German-sounding, even though the Bohemians generally hated Germans- (Hoffman, Slechta, Hofraiter, Frejlach (mmm, good ice cream!!).
What happened to the cigar store with the wooden indian out front on 25th & larimie ave the whole block is gone ? I left cicero in 1975 been back a few times grew up around 23rd & 50th still remember good old Cicero school. and walking to Morton East every day. As a kid watching and playing in the towne hotel on 22nd & between Cicero and 49th ave after the fire and the gun shop on the corner of 49th where the owner was killed in a holdup.some old places i remember.
Ray,s grill on 22nd & 61ct
the old gas station on 22nd across from al's pizza
cicero bowl which was up stairs across from Morton book store
Dean's go-cart and truck stop on cicero across from hawthorne race track the guy who owned it was Al and his son was Dean who later opened up Deans coffee pot on the coner of 22nd and larimie then moved to the place next to the cigar store with the indian on larimie ?
Heres one Sammy the little guy who came around and emtyed all the pinball machines threw all the change in the trunk of his car.( he bought my mom's car after she passed it was a blue chevelle) a couple of times he scraped the gas tank.
Ah the good old day's
Steve
Great stuff nasby!
Ray's grill on 22nd & 61ct sounds delicious.
can't believe I'm getting hungry over a place that doesn't exist.
Quote from: nasby57 on August 25, 2009, 03:15:56 PM
What happened to the cigar store with the wooden indian out front on 25th & larimie ave the whole block is gone ? I left cicero in 1975 been back a few times grew up around 23rd & 50th still remember good old Cicero school. and walking to Morton East every day. As a kid watching and playing in the towne hotel on 22nd & between Cicero and 49th ave after the fire and the gun shop on the corner of 49th where the owner was killed in a holdup.some old places i remember.Ah the good old day's Steve
Hey, interesting! Sounds like your time frame is maybe close to mine; What years did you grow up around 23rd. and 50th? Do you remember when 25th. St. had a couple of blocks of stores maybe near Laramie (52nd.), or maybe bothe east and west of Laramie? There was a little amusement arcade there someplace, which had small real-shooting rifles, my Dad took me there once as a kid. Berwynson
I have a vague recollection of those shooting rifles,
I think the bullet was even smaller than a .22 and your target
was a brass circle that would fall with a hit.
You'll put your eye out kid.
Are you sure Ray's Grill was at 22nd and 61st Ct.? I remember a grill of some sort at 22nd and Lombard, on the Lombard side of the building at the nortwest corner where the KFC is now. My father use to meet me at the corner and and we would grab a burger and go to see a movie at the Olympic. Can't really remember anything at 22nd and 61st Ct.
Ok i grew up in cicero between 1963 & 1975 and do'nt remember the arcade.
but rays grill was in the middle of the block two blocks off austin there was a little candy store on the corner and a dress store next to it i think it was called two sisters if i'm thinking right. Demars was on the next corner. Across the street was a card shop and a liquor store. Ray use to sell motorcycles in front on the weekends till the cops said no way to that had a bally pinball in front and put a pool table and another pinball in the back room and would pay out as needed.
Did anyone know that Manny Pearl had a brother who had a liquor store on 22nd st one block past austin a block away from Ray's it was called Morie's liquors he had a Pabts blue ribbon sign in front.
And i cant forget all the doctors offices on the corner of austin walk in and you cant see a thing from all the smoke.
Also climbing the hill to go see a movie at the belair drive in.
fannie may candy store on cicero and 22nd
how about the knotty pine on 35th st is that still there had a good cheeseburger.
Steve
Two Sisters I think was on the block between 60ct and 61 Ave., south side. Demars was on the southwest corner of 22nd and 61 Ave., where the video store is now. I lived in that area until about '80. Yes, I do vaguely remember the grill near Two Sisters, and I do remember the candy store.
Quote from: EC on August 26, 2009, 07:37:05 AM
Are you sure Ray's Grill was at 22nd and 61st Ct.? I remember a grill of some sort at 22nd and Lombard, on the Lombard side of the building at the nortwest corner where the KFC is now. My father use to meet me at the corner and and we would grab a burger and go to see a movie at the Olympic. Can't really remember anything at 22nd and 61st Ct.
There WAS a hamburger joint just west of Lombard, on north side Cermak, but not on the corner. I would say it might have been the second storefront to the west of Lombard, not in the middle of the block, tho, it was a big place, like 2 stores wide, my sister hung out there when she cut school from Morton, took me there as a little kid a few times. We are talkin' here REALLY far back in time, now, maybe late '40s or 1950.
The place was called "Wimpy's", or maybe the kids just nicknamed it that.
Like my post said, it was on the Lombard side of the building. I know it was there until at least '64 or '65. The building was later torn down, about '68(?) for a parking lot for Olympic Savings and Loan who was on the southwest corner of the intersection. Now the location is a KFC. Brings back a lot of memories.
That's one i remember the olympic bank across the street was Art's toy shop can't forget walking in Arts on that creeky old floor with my step dad looking at the Orange krate's telling pop i'd do all the chores for the next year if i could get one!
I rode that cool looking bike home. one year later it was stolen.
Doe's anyone remember the name of the Realtors office on the next corner my uncle worked there for a long time. Was it (Cermak road realtors) .
Here is one you might not remember Baby Tot's Studio on 22nd street between 58th and 59th they took baby pictures had 7 guys working for them at one time.
Is Morton or Cicero cab company still around?
Morton was on 22nd around 54th ave
Cicero was next to the police station on 25th st.
steve
Quote from: nasby57 on August 31, 2009, 01:35:18 PM
That's one i remember the olympic bank across the street was Art's toy shop can't forget walking in Arts on that creeky old floor with my step dad looking at the Orange krate's telling pop i'd do all the chores for the next year if i could get one!
Art's was about in the middle of the block, north side. Same block Konik's Shoe Store. And Imperial Camera Shop (Harold Soffer owned it).
Olymipic Savings, south side, building had a little store in back on Lombard side owned by Jack Sharkey, The Hobby Shop. Got quite a few of my Lionel accessories from him, time frame very early 50's! God, can I be THAT old???
Berwynson
Forward to late 60s and early 70s.....Arts was still there mid block but to the east was an open corner lot with a carnival annually.
I lived in Brookfield when we were first married in the 70's. Does anyone remember a little Italian restaurant on Ogden, across the street from the Brookfield Restuarant, they had a fireplace and you could often find the owner's cat asleep in front of it?
Also, there was a restaurant on Odgen in Lyons that looked like a castle, and I believe it went through several name changes ???
Was that the restaurant that had the Comedy Womb upstairs in the back?
Come to think of it, wasn't it call "Pizza Palace" at one time?
Quote from: EC on September 04, 2009, 07:30:24 AM
Was that the restaurant that had the Comedy Womb upstairs in the back?
That's the one, we called it the Comedy Tomb.
Quote from: mindymay on September 03, 2009, 03:40:14 PM
I lived in Brookfield when we were first married in the 70's. Does anyone remember a little Italian restaurant on Ogden, across the street from the Brookfield Restuarant, they had a fireplace and you could often find the owner's cat asleep in front of it?
Also, there was a restaurant on Odgen in Lyons that looked like a castle, and I believe it went through several name changes ???
I believe it was called Enzo's.
A Berwyn boy did well as a comic at the Tomb,
Joey? Bobby? Fiala. He did get on Carson a couple times.
Before closing for demolition, the Comedy Womb building (not sure if it included the up the stairs portion) was The Pines. Bar and steak joint.
BTW, The Comedy Womb produced a few successful comedians. One was Judy Tenuta:
http://www.youtube.com/v/q1ridwVQq4I&hl=en&fs=1&
She was different ... to say the least.
LOL ... like I have time to get my feet bound .... LOL
I thought the Pines was on Harrison Street in Forest Park, west of Harlem, south of the x-way. The building is still there as well as the sign but the business closed about two years ago.
Remember the Mazzones outlet on 26th St. 1 block west of Austin?
In the late '70's , we lived in a building across from the Wishing Well,( now that was a decent restaurant,) and would walk to Mazzones for hand packed italian ice. I think it was $1 per quart. I do remember my favorite was, coconut, orange and root beer.
Quote from: Peridot 16 on September 21, 2009, 08:28:07 PM
Remember the Mazzones outlet on 26th St. 1 block west of Austin?
In the late '70's , we lived in a building across from the Wishing Well,( now that was a decent restaurant,) and would walk to Mazzones for hand packed italian ice. I think it was $1 per quart. I do remember my favorite was, coconut, orange and root beer.
I loved both of those places...On a side note I drove by 31st and Central and seen the old Whateverfour has been torn down... :usa:
I can't remember what whateverfour was called before it was
whateverfour? As a kid, I remember the business as being
just another nice neighborhood tavern, as there were one on
practically every corner!
Patsy you may not be old enough to remember but my dad was telling me of taverns in the middle of the blocks way back!
(and they were very loose on who they would sell to!)
Quote from: Bonster on September 24, 2009, 10:35:26 AM
Patsy you may not be old enough to remember but my dad was telling me of taverns in the middle of the blocks way back!
(and they were very loose on who they would sell to!)
Gee....Ya think!? lol.
He recalled his uncle sending my dad to get huge mugs of beer for him when he was just a li'l kid!
(http://www.barbandgreg.com/images/Emoticons/chug.gif)
Quote from: Bonster on September 24, 2009, 10:51:06 AM
He recalled his uncle sending my dad to get huge mugs of beer for him when he was just a li'l kid!
(http://www.barbandgreg.com/images/Emoticons/chug.gif)
)UH.... Kentucky Liquors was in the middle of the block. Just sayin.
Middle of a residential block? Damn!
No. Kentucky was on 22nd in Cicero...west of Austin. But......taverns in middle of block on Ridgeland between 28th and 26th with some homes and apts too
Quote from: Bonster on September 24, 2009, 10:35:26 AM
Patsy you may not be old enough to remember but my dad was telling me of taverns in the middle of the blocks way back!
(and they were very loose on who they would sell to!)
My boyfriend used to live by the old Jack's Tavern (a middle of the block tavern) in Cicero. When he was 6, he would go there to buy his parents a quart of beer and a pack of smokes. Of course, Dorothy could look out the door and see if his parents were on the porch to make sure....but they still sold to kids back then.
Quote from: billyjean on September 04, 2009, 02:21:11 PM
Before closing for demolition, the Comedy Womb building (not sure if it included the up the stairs portion) was The Pines. Bar and steak joint.
BTW, The Comedy Womb produced a few successful comedians. One was Judy Tenuta:
http://www.youtube.com/v/q1ridwVQq4I&hl=en&fs=1&
She was different ... to say the least.
LOL ... like I have time to get my feet bound .... LOL
Judy grew up next door to a good friend of mine in Oak Park on Euclid Avenue.
I just don't know where the years have gone! I remember my mother
saying that too, wow it is true you do turn into your mother!!
So I am old old enough to remember the middle of the block Gin Mills!
Jocko and Jerry's 31st and 50th, Grandy's on 49th Ave, Mc Conachie's
26th Strret, just to name a few!
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on September 23, 2009, 03:20:26 PM
I can't remember what whateverfour was called before it was
whateverfour? As a kid, I remember the business as being
just another nice neighborhood tavern, as there were one on
practically every corner!
Whatever IV was called The Crest Lounge.
;) How about GoTane gas station on 31st/Ogden?
I knocked down a gas pump at that station, when I was 16!
I had my dad's big old plymouth, pulled in too sharp and ended up on
top of the pump!
Some kid my age, who was working there, told me to hurry up and
leave, he would say, someone hit it and ran! Got away with that one.
LOL!!
another (older) thread in this vein...
"Gone But Not Forgotten"
http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=242.0
Quote from: HenriettaPussycat on October 05, 2009, 10:40:11 PM
;) How about GoTane gas station on 31st/Ogden?
My boyfriend worked there for a couple of years. He still talks fondly about that job.
Quote from: Noble Falcon on May 17, 2009, 11:59:31 AM
Does anyone remember the name of the pizza place that was at Euclid and Roosevelt on the Northwest corner back in the early 80's? Not A1 that was a little east of this place.
This ..... ?
http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=8937.msg154015#msg154015
I think he may be talking East & Roos, tho...
Quote from: Bonster on January 26, 2010, 10:52:03 AM
Quote from: Noble Falcon on May 17, 2009, 11:59:31 AM
Does anyone remember the name of the pizza place that was at Euclid and Roosevelt on the Northwest corner back in the early 80's? Not A1 that was a little east of this place.
This ..... ?
http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=8937.msg154015#msg154015
I think he may be talking East & Roos, tho...
...Though Joseph's was on the SE corner of East/Roosevelt; that was a great little eye-taylian shpot!
Sorry it was a little pizza place at the southwest corner of Euclid and 12th Street. It is set back toward the alley. Last time I seen it was a Dr's office.Early to mid 80's :usa:
Quote from: Noble Falcon on January 26, 2010, 06:30:30 PM
Sorry it was a little pizza place at the southwest corner of Euclid and 12th Street. It is set back toward the alley. Last time I seen it was a Dr's office.Early to mid 80's :usa:
Are you referring to Giovanni's Pizza/Ribs?
That was at Grove and 12th right eno? This was a little place popular in the 80s. Owned by the Bernette family.. :usa:
Hudson Motor Car Company Dealerships
http://home.comcast.net/~sarahdyoung/hudsondealerships2.html
Berwyn, IL:
(http://home.comcast.net/~sarahdyoung/MapleMotorSales_BerwynIL_1953.jpg) (http://home.comcast.net/~sarahdyoung/MapleMotorSales_BerwynIL_1953.jpg)
Maple Motor Sales, Berwyn, IL. The building had 12,562 sq. feet of new car, service and showroom area
in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. Richard Mazzuca, general manager of this dealership declares [in December
1953 Hudson Dealer News], "My partner, Peter Carrara and I were former Hudson salesmen. We believe Hudson
to be the finest road car ever built. We believe that the Jet will bring us the business of many economy minded
people. That's why we choose hudson and we believe that aggressive merchandising is going to pay off. We're
not araid of the future. That's why we invested our money in a Hudson dealership. We've six salesmen on the
selling team and we're doing good business."
Nepil's Supermarket and Johnny's Standard Station at Oak Park and Ogden
There is a lot of mention of the Comedy Womb on the couple of previous pages in this thread. I saw this card while browsing e-bay.
I remember that place
1st job-Amphenol 18th&54th Cicero. My cousin worked across the street@Williams-Bowman Rubber Co.
1st sport coat-Jack's Mens Shop Cermak Rd in Cicero
1st car-Mahoney-Sirovatka Buick Cermak Rd in Cicero
1st bus solo-West Town @ 13th&Oak Park north to 800 S. Oak Park to the Southern theatre in Oak Park.
1st date-walk to Oakwyn theatre for Saturday cartoon festival. Between Oak Park&Grove
Pass Kriza's Butcher shop next to Oakwyn-best buchta in burbs. Verner's in Cicero, 2nd place.
Intersection of Cermak&Oak Park-Andes Candies, Berwyn Ntl Bank, Walgreens, Newstand. In back of
newstand, original Esquire restaurant. Above restaurant, Claire Powell Dance Studios. Some of Claire's
dancers were on call by Magnam's Chateau. Esquire fire(?) re-opened one block east. This is my 1st post.
I left area in 1972. A lot of places have come and gone since. More on the way.
I'm new to the site and found this subject to be most interesting! I have Parents who are still in Berwyn & have been since 1971. I remember "Hoft Drug Store" where my Father would send me for a newspaper every morning before school. It was closed but the papers were by the front door and I believe it was a quarter and I'd leave it on the pile of newspapers. I also remember just east of Hoft was a store called "Jamie's" they sold food and alot of miscl. items. I also remember because I worked there as a kid the Berwyn News Agency located @ 32nd & Grove I see there's a Bar there now!
You must have known Kevin who worked for Gus at the news agency, he was guy who drove the step van like an Indy driver.
This was in the early seventies and I don't remember anyone by name. I would go there sometime after midnite and my job was to roll and tie the papers for the morning routes!
What about "Grant Works"? Heard it all my life, WTH was it, or where T.H. was it?
berwynson
Roosevelt to 16th, Cicero Ave to Laramie.
Was that area always called Grant works? I remember it was called that as the
Italian immigrants were moving in, but before that it was a predominately Lithuanian
neighborhood. St. Anthony's school was a Lithuanian speaking church and school.
Patsy, the area has always been known as "Grant Works" all the way back to its beginnings in 1890. The area was built up due to the opening of the Grant Locomotive Works that set up a factory building locomotives in the neighborhood. They built housing for the workers that would work there. The plant did not last long and closed a short time later. I believe the original Grant Locomotive Works buildings still stand off of Roosevelt. As you said, ethnically the neighborhood was Italians and Lithuanians. In the 1960s southern whites began to move in, and in the 1970s the first Mexicans came into Cicero through Grant Works. I personally find that neighborhood to be the most fascinating in Cicero.
Here is an original promotional poster advertising the Grant Works subdivision in 1891 from my collection. Note in the middle of the poster where it says "Grant Locomotive Works Addition at the Southwest Corner of 12th and West 48th St's. (Cicero Ave. used to be known as 48th Ave.)."
(Click twice to Enlarge)
(http://i.imgur.com/LzBlr.jpg) (http://imgur.com/LzBlr)
Interesting Frank, thanks.
I know that Cicero goes east of Cicero Ave. down Roosevelt and a little south of Roosevelt. What are the boundaries? Is that also called Grant Works?
I thought if you went east on Roosevelt towards the viaduct, Cicero ended on the other side
of the viaduct which I think the 1st Street was Kenneth and the Chicago boundary.
The eastern border is kind of funny. Grant Works stops at Cicero Ave, the Town of Cicero extends to the viaduct (47th Ave. is the last street in Cicero). The first street in Chicago is Kolmar. The area where Western Electric was is also Cicero, it was originally known as Hawthorne, IL. But then you go south to where the race track is was sort of "kicked" out of Cicero and became part of Stickney.
Berwynguy, have you been over that way lately? I totally forgot about 47th St. and
your right Kolmar Ave. There used to be a lot of 2 flat big brick bungalow's along those
streets, wonder if they are still standing?
Patsy, I was there today, I took a friend of mine on an "old neighborhood tour." The buildings are pretty much still standing. It's amazing because once you go in that same area (Roosevelt-16th St.) in the area just east of Kostner (4400 West) the neighborhood is absolutely decimated. I mean TOTALLY in ruins. It looks like something out of a post apocalyptic sci-fi movie. Half of what was originally there is gone and half of the half that still remains is either boarded up, burned out, or ready to literally fall over. It's truly sad. That part of North Lawndale (Kostner-Pulaski) was once a neat little Bohemian neighborhood called Merigold.
Many of Merigold's residents moved to Berwyn when the neighborhood turned very bad by the 1950s. Some of the businesses and institutions from there that moved to Berwyn were Joseph Nosek Funeral Home which was originally at 1511 S. Pulaski and Sokol Tabor which was originally at 13th & Karlov. Ironically both of those businesses moved to 16th St. within a block or so of each other.
Quote from: berwynguy on March 13, 2011, 07:32:36 PM
Many of Merigold's residents moved to Berwyn when the neighborhood turned very bad by the 1950s. Some of the businesses and institutions from there that moved to Berwyn were Joseph Nosek Funeral Home which was originally at 1511 S. Pulaski and Sokol Tabor which was originally at 13th & Karlov. Ironically both of those businesses moved to 16th St. within a block or so of each other.
how do you know about this?
My aunt & uncle worked at Western Electric in Cicero. I remember them referring to it as Hawthorne. My aunt referred me there for p/t work when I was in college. The place was huge, even had there own medical facility. I remember going to fill out a job application...getting a call to come in for an interview, was hired and had to take a physical exam.
Worked in the office, starting wage $5.50 an hour.
Quote from: Peridot 16 on April 15, 2011, 07:19:56 PM
My aunt & uncle worked at Western Electric in Cicero. I remember them referring to it as Hawthorne. My aunt referred me there for p/t work when I was in college. The place was huge, even had there own medical facility. I remember going to fill out a job application...getting a call to come in for an interview, was hired and had to take a physical exam.
Worked in the office, starting wage $5.50 an hour.
My high school buddy, Charlie, who continued on to college in a big way, while I fiddled with cars, got offers from W.E. and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines in Hartford, CT. He agonized over that decision, stayed in Cicero, went with W.E., not real long, some years, was laid off, and wound up doing relatively menial employ while possessing a Masters in Engineering! I left Berwyn in '72, seeking a new life away from the disgusting politics of Crook County, while Charlie stayed, the big difference today being he amassed a nice retirement nest egg, and I did not. He visited my Wife & I last month while we spent the winter in Laughlin, Nevada. Charlie remains one of the very few friends I made while at Morton East who still matters to me..... berwynson
Charlie would drive back to Berwyn from Iowa almost every weekend to participate in the nonsense that went on in Berwyn.He would roar when George would floor the Imperial in neutral then drop it into drive, a cloud of smoke was left behind from burning both oil and bald tires.Naturally this was after a bottle of home made wine from the basement on Harvey Ave.
'Tis a real shame, that so few of us here have spent so long a time, a LIFETIME, like the senator, and share the ironies, good clean fun, and the agonies, of early-youth in Berwyn! Today's concerns: drugs and their "trailings", "taggers", crooked Cicero leaders, unwinnable healthcare issues, high taxes, high crime rates, ahhhh,
shit. Being 20 or 21 then is obviously NOT like being 20 today..........
berwynson
The big difference today these little shit punks aren't able to physically stand up to anyone without a group or a weapon.If you were to put any of these little punks, without weapons, up against some of the tough kids we went to school with, I don't think they would be so tough,or maybe they would end up in a river or trunk.
Back in the day we settled things with fists. This website sure brings back memories!
Quote from: Noble Falcon on June 14, 2011, 06:38:12 PM
......... This website sure brings back memories!......
You said it! Both good AND bad ones.......berwynson
Quote from: Exit93 on April 15, 2011, 04:20:45 PM
Quote from: berwynguy on March 13, 2011, 07:32:36 PM
Many of Merigold's residents moved to Berwyn when the neighborhood turned very bad by the 1950s. Some of the businesses and institutions from there that moved to Berwyn were Joseph Nosek Funeral Home which was originally at 1511 S. Pulaski and Sokol Tabor which was originally at 13th & Karlov. Ironically both of those businesses moved to 16th St. within a block or so of each other.
how do you know about this?
What do you mean? How do I know about what? If you are asking how do I know about those businesses moving from Merigold to Berwyn, it was picked up by me in research over the years. I also have old photos of both places in the old neighborhood.
Quote from: berwynguy on July 05, 2011, 02:08:18 PM
Quote from: Exit93 on April 15, 2011, 04:20:45 PM
Quote from: berwynguy on March 13, 2011, 07:32:36 PM
Many of Merigold's residents moved to Berwyn when the neighborhood turned very bad by the 1950s. Some of the businesses and institutions from there that moved to Berwyn were Joseph Nosek Funeral Home which was originally at 1511 S. Pulaski and Sokol Tabor which was originally at 13th & Karlov. Ironically both of those businesses moved to 16th St. within a block or so of each other.
how do you know about this?
What do you mean? How do I know about what? If you are asking how do I know about those businesses moving from Merigold to Berwyn, it was picked up by me in research over the years. I also have old photos of both places in the old neighborhood.
i would love to see the photos of sokol tabor and and if you have and research of it i would also love to read it
Quote from: Exit93 on July 11, 2011, 10:15:13 AM
Quote from: berwynguy on July 05, 2011, 02:08:18 PM
Quote from: Exit93 on April 15, 2011, 04:20:45 PM
Quote from: berwynguy on March 13, 2011, 07:32:36 PM
Many of Merigold's residents moved to Berwyn when the neighborhood turned very bad by the 1950s. Some of the businesses and institutions from there that moved to Berwyn were Joseph Nosek Funeral Home which was originally at 1511 S. Pulaski and Sokol Tabor which was originally at 13th & Karlov. Ironically both of those businesses moved to 16th St. within a block or so of each other.
how do you know about this?
What do you mean? How do I know about what? If you are asking how do I know about those businesses moving from Merigold to Berwyn, it was picked up by me in research over the years. I also have old photos of both places in the old neighborhood.
i would love to see the photos of sokol tabor and and if you have and research of it i would also love to read it
Exit93, here is a piece that I did for another website about Sokol Tabor. I cut and pasted it here for you.
Here is a page from a postcard booklet on the neighborhoods of Czechoslovak Chicago and vicinity put out in 1925 by Chicago Bohemian photographer E.F. Macha from my collection. This page highlights "Merigold" in North Lawndale which is interesting because by 1925 North Lawndale was the largest Jewish neighborhood in the city of Chicago. Merigold still had a significant population of Czechs at that time. For some reason Macha also includes a Czech business on that page which was located on Madison St. in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.
(Click twice to enlarge images)
(http://i.imgur.com/KVAdS.jpg) (http://imgur.com/KVAdS)
The building on this page which really fascinates me is Sokol Tabor which was located at 1300 S. Karlov (constructed in 1890). Here is a caption from my book on South Lawndale where I describe what Sokol is.
"One of the Czech traditions brought to Lawndale-Crawford by the Bohemians was Sokol, which means "falcon" in English. Sokol was a fraternal organization started in Bohemia in 1862 to promote physical fitness and Czech nationalism. The Czech's philosophy was to possess a sound mind one must have a sound body. Lawndale-Crawford would have two Sokol halls, Sokol Chicago and Sokol Havliček-Tyrš."
Sokol Halls would also typically house other Czech organizations such as clubs, fraternal organizations, etc. This particular Sokol hall, Sokol Tabor, was also headquarters to a lodge of National American Unionists as well as home to a saloon. Here is a rare image of the building after a fire broke out in the frame structure in 1915.
(http://i.imgur.com/wSLbg.jpg) (http://imgur.com/wSLbg)
The postcard booklet described above was put out in 1925. By 1927 the building was razed and a 1925 era brick apartment building was erected in its place which was typical in North Lawndale during that time period.
(http://i.imgur.com/AsHlV.jpg) (http://imgur.com/AsHlV)
In 1926 Sokol Tabor was looking to move west where many of its members now resided. They contacted Sokol Oak Park which was actually located on 16th St. in Berwyn. Sokol Tabor merged with Sokol Oak Park in their new two year old building and kept the name Sokol Tabor. Sokol Tabor (http://www.sokoltabor.org/) still survives till this day in Berwyn.
old Laramie bridge at CB&Q tracks.
Quote from: TannerBoyle on December 07, 2008, 02:40:19 PM
This is a thread to post about places that are no longer around in the general area of Cicero/Berwyn/Riverside/Lyons.
Feel free to drop a name, or talk about one posted.
Here's a short list to get it started:
1. Old Prague
2. Bunyons
3. The Silver Spur
4. The Sunset Inn
5. Chain of Fools
6. Bonnie Miss--the old Cicero Bottling Company
7. The Towne Revue
8. The Berwyn Theater
9. My Uncle's Place
10. Stein's
Hi! Going back to the 1940s and early 50s, there were Forest Preserves on Cermak and Harlem before the Cermak Plaza was built. Streetcars ran on Cermak and I think it ran out to the Brookfield Zoo. The car barn was on the NW corner of Cermak and Harlem.
Quote from: Nancy K. on July 25, 2011, 03:18:49 PM
Hi! Going back to the 1940s and early 50s, there were Forest Preserves on Cermak and Harlem before the Cermak Plaza was built. These I don't remember, but I do know the last several blocks along north side of Cermak west of Home, were getting built-up by late 40s. My Uncle Jim built himself a nice brick house on Maple, north of Cermak, in the 40s.
Streetcars ran on Cermak and I think it ran out to the Brookfield Zoo. My Dad spoke of streetcars going out there, before my time arrived, but cannot recall if he said the tracks ran southward on 1st. Ave.
The car barn was on the NW corner of Cermak and Harlem. The tracks ran along the center of the street, and were still in place up to Lombard in my very earliest recollection; Berwyn had by then ripped them out. The "El" ran as far as Oak Park only, by then, I think. The car barn was indeed on NW corner as you state; in later years, while it was still available, CTA parked and I believe did repairs on busses in that old brown brick building. Every 4th. a guy sold fireworks out of a makeshift stand set up in front of the car-barn, along Cermak.
berwynson
Quote from: berwynson on June 14, 2011, 08:05:16 PM
Quote from: Noble Falcon on June 14, 2011, 06:38:12 PM
......... This website sure brings back memories!......
You said it! Both good AND bad ones.......berwynson
The older I get, the past has a way of looking a whole Helluva lot better....and the present, not to mention the future, has a way of looking a whole Helluva lot worse. ;) ;D
Anyways...is Fillmore Used Books still there?
No, they closed up about a year and a half ago.
Darn. I loved that place.
Does anybody remember The Ratskeller (sp)?
It was a German restaurant from way back in the day. I think it was in Lyons, but I'm not sure.
I remember it because my Grandad grossed us all out at the table when he ordered a "Cannibal Burger" at that place--it was basically just a raw patty on a bun.... :-X
There used to be a little hamburger place on the north side of the tracks just west of Grove, Does anybody remember the name? I used to play space invaders there so I wanna say it was still there in the early 80's.
Hey Guys,
I lived in Berwyn from 1961 to 1976 I lived on 19th and Clarenace and 16th and Grove.
My sister and I are trying to remember the name of the meat market on 16th and East Ave. We used to stop and get candy and junk on our way to Lincioln Jr H.S.
Any help would be great!
Does Vydra sound familiar?
yes that is it!
Wow this topic bring back alot of old memories!
Excellent hot dogs and quite a history,any one familiar with the family?
I believe Vydra's son? was found dead in the garage 1960's not sure,I don't believe there was determination made as to whether it was murder,or suicide.Business was then sold closing soon after.Maybe someone would have more details.