Old Town Archives

Old Town: A historical landmark of Chicago

In working with Old Town throughout this quarter, I have learned that one of the most important and prominent events the community celebrates is the annual Old Town Art Fair. So, in looking through the history of the neighborhood, I thought it was only fitting to end on a note that contains so many memories for so many of the residents.

As an organization that was founded after the civil war, the Old Town Triangle Association was kept intact to secure, maintain and preserve the neighborhood. The organization really wanted to promote the community's unique identity since it was located in a city as large as Chicago.

To do so, the organization decided to throw a neighborhood party in celebration of the community. Old Town residents, friends and family members were invited to create works of art to display at the event. As Shirley Baugher states in her book, Our Old Town: The History of a Neighborhood, "There were no entry restrictions, and the definition of art was stretched to its outer limits."

Looking for upcoming events in Old Town, the local Chicago Public Library Near North is hosting a Bouncing Babies March Lapsit on March 4th. Lapsit is an early literacy program designed for children from birth to 18 months of age. Each program features early literacy tips as well as books, fingerplays, and songs for babies and adults to share! An adult caregiver must accompany and partner each child.Registration is required as space is limited.  Please contact Near North Branch at 312-744-0991 to register your child for this series.  Registered participants must attend the first session in order to save their space in the program.

If you're the artsy type be sure to attend the 61st Annual Old Town Art Fair which will showcase artwork by 260 nationally acclaimed artists on June 12-13, 2010. The deadline for the 2010 art fair has passed. Artist applications for 2011 will be accepted at www.zapplication.org from September 15 - December 15, 2010.

And lastly, the Neighborhood Improvements Committee has just kicked off the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA) Brick Repair, Replacement, and Beautification Program to assist Old Town residents interested in maintaining the safety, beauty, and charm of our brick sidewalks and parkways. Find out more here.

After posting this week's history post, I realized it might be interesting to look at the different structures next to one another and compare their differences. So, I went into Old Town and found some examples of each architectural designs discussed in A Walk Through History: Old Town and Architecture.

Check out the photos below and try to see the unique details of the distinct structures.

So I was checking the Old Town event listings on Metromix last night. Joe's Bar on North Ave a few blocks west of Old Town Social is hosting the sexy lads of Australia'a Thunder from Down Under show this summer so claim those tickets soon. 

I read Chelsea's post about Pamela Anderson's anticipated appearance at Crobar, and quite frankly, I'd rather spend my money on this show, no offense Pamela.  

How do I know about the Aussie's "Hottest Export?" I frequented Las Vegas in high school about two to three times a year....no gambling....just to play in soccer tournaments in hundred plus degree heat. One year, as soon as my team got off the plane we were surrounded by gargantuan billboards of steamy rock-hard abs and long flowing hair in some cases, Thunder From Down Under. And that was eight years ago! 

And I found a promo-video for Joe's Bar so keep reading. Old Town and greater Chicagoland, This is for the Ladies...

While taking a walk down any of the side streets in Old Town, it is inevitable that you will see a wide variety of houses. Some are small; some are large. Some are made of wood while others were constructed of brick.

Either way, each house is unique and, when viewed in the larger sense of the Old Town community, each house contributes to the diversity the neighborhood's landscape.

I came upon this realization as I walked up and down the streets looking for something new to write about. But, it wasn't until I stopped to appreciate the beauty of these houses that I realized how interesting each one really was.

I couldn't help but wonder: what makes each house so distinct from the next?

My question was soon answered as I opened Shirley Baugher's "At Home in Our Old Town: Every House Has a Story." In her second chapter, Baugher explores the various architectural designs that the houses in Old Town were derived from.

This week, the weather forecast is calling for a few snow flurries and many days of cold weather. With this in store, you'll need to get out of the house but into somewhere warm! Check out a few of the activities below going on in Old Town this week.

Are you a country fan? Do you enjoy the farmer's tan, cowboy hats and southern drawl? If yes, pull out those cowboy boots and get ready for some fun because Joe Nichols is coming to town! Joe's Bar on Weed Street is hosting Joe Nichols this Friday, March 5 at 8:00PM. Tickets are only $20.00! Yee-haw!

Come out today to celebrate Chicago's Maritime Community! The Chicago Maritime Festival  will kick off at 10am and finish up around 10:30pm. The festival will take place at the Chicago History Museum located at Clark Street and North Avenue. 

Check out this gallery of photos from last year's festivities that were posted on the festival's flickr page.

Looking for something free or ridiculously cheap to do in Chicago, check out BrokeHipster.com for the lowdown.  With daily info on places offering free admission, like the Botanical Gardens, to places with deals on some tasty chicken wings, to even free yoga-Brokenhipster.com is the one-stop-shop for easy on the pocket places to go in Chicago.

  

Well look no further than Village Cycle Center at 1337 N. Wells. With more bikes in stock, about 10,000, than any single store in the nation. So chances are if they don't have it, no one will. With skilled salespeople and expert mechanics they ensure customers will get the right bike and fit.

They offer six reasons why Village Cycle Center should be your one-stop-shop for your next bicycle:

1. We have over 10,000 bikes in stock!  
That means you can find the right bike right away! Why wait for another store to order your bike for you?  We offer a wide selection of bicycles for different people and uses and you can be riding it in an hour! We also provide expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model. For example, a road bike makes little sense if your plan is to tackle dirt trails. Likewise, if you're into cruising, you certainly don't need to test ride racing rigs. You need the bike type that's right for you, and our experienced staff will listen to you and help you choose.

There certain foods that are impossible to screw up. They can only be measured by different levels of good. It's like that saying with pizza and sex (They share this saying. At least in my head they do.)

"When it's good, it's good. And when it's bad, it's still pretty good."

That saying rings true for a few foods, one of which is a staple to breakfast lovers everywhere, the breakfast sandwich.

There are different variations of the breakfast sandwich. You can get it on a biscuit, bagel or croissant. You can get bacon, ham, sausage, any cheese, salsa, etc. The possibilities really are endless.

Looking for something to do as the weather teases us with Spring!? Check out some of the upcoming events occuring in Old Town this week!

 Do you remember Tom Green? This actor, rapper, writer, comedian and media personality is coming to Old Town! As the creator and host of MTV's "The Tom Green Show", Tom Green has entertained his audiences for years. If you're a fan, or if you're just looking for a laugh this week, stop by Zanies Comedy Night Club on Wells Street. Tom green is performing a stand up routine this Thursday, February 25 at 8:30PM.

If you have been following our blogs, or just happen to pop in to ChicagNow.com recently, you have probably seen some kind of promotion for a get together coming up this week. Well it's true! We're hosting a meeting of sorts at Old Town Social on Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30pm.

Millions of Americans suffer from sleepless nights on a daily basic. If you find yourself pacing the living room floor at four in the morning, if you feel anxious right before bed, if getting a good night's rest is all you can think about, then chances are you may be one of many Americans suffering from insomnia.

Before you consider prescription medication, here are some techniques suggested by Accomplish Life to try out. What's the worst that can happen, they just might work!

Top 10 Drug-Free Ways to Say Good Night to Insomnia 

1. Follow a positive routine

If an insomniac has an erratic eating routine, this should be changed to a fixed routine dedicated to directly fight insomnia. The person should eat early dinner so as to condition the body to sleep early.

2. Do not drink coffee

As much as possible, a person with insomnia should avoid drinking coffee, sodas, chocolate, cocoa, green tea, black tea or anything that has caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers sleeplessness. It can make someone awake for as long as 20 hours. For some, even drinking a cup of coffee in the morning causes them sleeplessness at night.

Here are some pictures I pulled off with my iPhone last night while at the 200 W. North Ave Starbucks. You need to be in this place late night to feel the energy. I'm saying this as a person who is indifferent about Starbucks. I know people are usually obsessed with it or hate think it is everything that is wrong with society.

I just look at it as a place to get coffee. I don't really discriminate when it comes to my coffee purchasing, though. Everyone has an equal opportunity to reel me in. Check out the pics kids.

 Old Town School of Folk Music is on the move....but not very far. There are plans to expand just across the street on Lincoln Avenue.

Looking for something to do this week? Look no further! I've scoped out a few upcoming events in Old Town that might be fun to participate in.

For avid readers, a Contemporary World Literature Book Group is meeting on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 2:00PM. As a group for readers who like to "discover the world through contemporary fiction", this group reads and discusses novels written by international authors. The book up for discussion next week is "Dog Day" by Alicia Gimenez-Bartlett. The meet up is held at Borders Books at 755 W. North Ave, 60610.

 Last week, I posted a story about the history of Old Town during the time of the Great Chicago Fire. As I was fascinated with what I found, I thought it would be interesting to see what other stories the history of Old Town had to tell.

This week, I found out a little bit about what Old Town was like during the Great Depression.

The early 1900's was a time of wealth and prosperity for our neighborhood. The area enjoyed a lot of new shops and boutiques that opened. Most of these shops were "Mom and Pop" stores, but shopping in them helped the local economy.

So I got some bad news. Well, I wouldn't call it bad, or even news really. But I made an attempt at running with the Fun Run group from Fleet Feet this week, and it didn't quite work out.

I had a meeting in Lincoln Park that I didn't get out of until 6:15 and I sprinted out of it (literally, running like I stole something) and went home and made an attempt to get ready to run three miles in 27 degree weather.

Sprinted in my house and was raiding my roommate closet for underarmour and gloves. Found them both. I knew I would. He's from Buffalo, New York. That's what they probably wear in July with a moose fur lined Canadian flag draped around them. Anyways, I put them on and was out the door in under seven minutes. I was impressed with myself. Got to Fleet Feet which is only about five blocks from my house at 6:41. The group leaves at 6:30. 

Every neighborhood has its own history, and Old Town is no different! This week, I decided to do some digging and found out a lot about the unique history of our neighborhood.

What I found was fascinating! So fascinating, in fact, that I can't possibly do it justice in one post.

So! Check back for more exciting history lessons on Old Town in the near future. But as for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy a travel through time as we look at Old Town during the time of the Chicago Fire.

On Sunday, October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. At the time, Old Town was referred to as "The Cabbage Patch."

The precise cause of the fire was never determined but several theories have been created. Some say lightening started the fire while others believe drunken neighbors were to blame. And, of course, I cannot forget to mention O'Leary's famous cow that kicked over the lantern.  

Looking for something to do this week!? Here are some upcoming events in Old Town:

Interested in art? Art Shay, a photographer known for his iconic images of Chicago, is displaying his work at Thomas Masters Gallery in Old Town. This unique experience will be shown through February 25. Time Out Chicago presents a sneak peak in this article.

Interested in Theater? Abigail's Party, a play about a cocktail party gone wrong, opens this Friday at A Red Orchid Theatre. Metromix reports that tickets are $25-$30 and the show can be seen on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from February 12-March 28.

Note: Throughout the course of our community blog, I have focused on the Schools and Education beat. But this week, I decided to switch it up.

I wanted to get a closer look at the community itself and see what unique things Old Town really has to offer. So, I decided to take a look at the shopping opportunities on Wells Street and read through some of the "business" posts that my fellow bloggers have put together.

In doing so, I found quite an array of interesting places to shop. However, in all fairness, the places listed in the "Top 5 Unique Shops in Old Town" are strictly writer's choice and are subject to disagreement by the reader.

With that said, the five choices listed here are unique, interesting places that offer something different from "typical" boutiques and stores you find while walking around Chicago--and even the surrounding suburbs.

Although I am not a poetry fanatic myself, attending a poetry reading was both new and fun. It was interesting to get out of my usual weekend routine and hop over to Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town for a poetry reading from famous, local poets Judy Valente and Al DeGenova.

I think the best way to learn is by doing. I also think that is the best way to blog. I could take my first spin class at the Xsport Fitness in Piper's Alley tomorrow and blog about it, or I could just do a blog about spinning based on what others have to say.

For entertainment's sake (and my chiseled physique's sake) I am going to take the class and blog about it afterward. It might be hours after the class because the recovery could take that long. And by recovery I mean picking myself up off the locker room floor.

Spinning is one of those things that I always hear about, but have never done. I've heard it's hard. I'm skeptical. I'm in reasonably good shape (That chiseled physique thing was a total fabrication) and I think I will push myself through anything they throw at me.

Well, look no further than Village Cycle Center at 1337 N. Wells. With over 10,000 bikes in stock they carry more bikes than any single store in the nation. So chances are if they don't have it, no one will. With skilled salespeople and expert mechanics they ensure customers will get the right bike and the right fit.

They offer six reasons why Village Cycle Center should be your one-stop-shop for your next bicycle:

1. We have over 10,000 bikes in stock!  
That means you can find the right bike right away! Why wait for another store to order your bike for you?  We offer a wide selection of bicycles for different people and uses and you can be riding it in an hour! We also provide expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model. For example, a road bike makes little sense if your plan is to tackle dirt trails. Likewise, if you're into cruising, you certainly don't need to test ride racing rigs. You need the bike type that's right for you, and our experienced staff will listen to you and help you choose.

What's the scoop in Old Town this week, you ask? Let me share a little about what's going on in the community!

Time Out Chicago lists the Kinky Comedy Showcase at the Old Town Pub as one of the Five Things To Do Today (February 2). As an adult show, this stand-up event features sex-related humor and gives away free gifts to the audience. The event is free and begins at 8:30PM tonight!

Every Block Chicago lists three crimes in Old Town that all occurred on January 24, 2010. The crimes were as follows: Domestic Simple Battery, Criminal Trespass, and Other Offense: Death.

Looking for somewhere to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? Check out Old Town Social! Metromix Chicago reports that groups of six or more can reserve a table for $50.00 a person. The reservation includes a mini-keg and family-style meal. 

Shirley Baugher is an administrator and activities director for the Old Town Triangle Association and took the time out of her hectic schedule to share upcoming events with the Old Town community.

Are there any events coming up that residents from Old Town would be interested in?

There are a couple of events that might be of interest to your readers. On March 6, The Triangle is presenting a Readers' Theatre production of John Patrick's play The Teahouse of the August Moon featuring a number of professional and amateur actors. I will be directing. On April 25, we are offering a musical presentation featuring choirs from the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Park High School, Walter Payton College Prep Academy, and the Franklin Fine Arts School, along with the senior gospel choir from the Hermon Baptist Church. This will be held at the Midwest Buddhist Temple.

Any upcoming announcements?

 
Announcements:
• Look for information about the preview party of the 61st Old Town Art Fair, First Sight, Friday Night. The theme this year will be "On the Road Again", and will feature a silent auction by artists participating in the fair, live entertainment, food from the wonderful Perennial Restaurant, and two signature martinis ("One for my Baby"  and "One More for the Road". The event will be held on Friday, June 11 at the New Leaf Studio.

 
• Neighbor Candace Jordan will be featured in the March issue of Chicago Magazine, citing her many charitable activities, neighborhood endeavors, and support for the Joffrey Balley

• A new slate of officers and directors was recently sworn in to take over leadership of the Old Town Triangle Association, including chairing the various Triangle committees and planning for the 61st Old Town Art Fair

How did you get involved with Old Town?

We moved to Old Town in 1978. We first purchased a condo on North Park and then, in 1985 bought the historic property at 1710 N. Crilly Court. I started as a Director for the Triangle Association, and went on to Chair the auction for the Art Fair and later became President of the Association. As an historian and writer, I wrote three books about the Old Town neighborhood: Our Old Town: the HIstory of a Neighborhood; At Home in Our Old Town: Every House Has A Story; and A Taste of Our Old Town: the Art of Food. These were done in collaboration with my husband, Norman Baugher, who supplied all of the original art in the books. Currently I work as an administrator and activities director for the Old Town Triangle Association,. I am the editor of the Old Town newsletter, the Old Town Times.
 
Was it the rich history that brought me here?

As an historian, (I have a Ph. D in history from Northwestern) I was naturally attracted to one of the most historic districts in the City of Chicago. I love the look and feel of the neighborhood, and the fact that there is a continuity with what was here more than one hundred years ago. I love the fact that I know nearly everyone here and that the children all come in for treats--as well as the dogs, one of which is in here even as I write this.
 

Shirley from the Old Town Triangle Association.

Today I had an amazing opportunity to speak with Shirley from the Old Town Triangle Association. As part of a community organization, Shirley had so much to tell me about the history of Old Town and the Old Town Triangle Association.

I was incredibly intrigued by how much history Old Town really has to offer and I am excited to be able to share Shirley's knowledge about the history of this unique community below:

Q. Tell me about the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA).

A. Let me give you these books. In these books, you will find references about us, what we do and what our mission is. But I'll give you a little summary.

The OTTA was founded in 1948. It was an outgrowth of an old civil defense organization from World War Two that carried out security procedures during the war. They did things such as shutter the windows, conduct block by block surveys, observe curfew and things of that nature.

After the war, they decided it would be a good thing to keep the organization intact. But instead of security as their primary focus, their focus moved to neighborhood preservation. They wanted to preserve the identity of the community within Chicago. They then formed this organization and a set of goals and actually these goals are still the goals of today.

If it's not sports that Chicago is known for (or the architecture or that incredibly "wonderful" weather we have), it's the food. And Old Town's dining out scene has definitely not been lacking attention this past few weeks.

NBC Chicago's Kim Peiffer recently took a look at popcorn in Chicago beyond Garrett's, including an Old Town spot, Jerry Kleiner's 33 Club. The bar offers bacon popcorn to its guests as they're enjoying drinks or awaiting their seat. Peiffer reports that the popcorn at the 33 Club has become a staple even though the bar itself is relatively new.

Jerry Kleiner's  33 Club hasn't only been getting attention from NBC Chicago though, but also from Chicago Tribune's Phil Vettel, who recently gave the restaurant a two-star rating, referring to the bar as "glitzy" with a very straightforward menu.

But the 33 Club isn't the only food spot receiving attention this past week.

For more new and reviews on Old Town eats, check out Time Out Chicago's reviews on cheap eats and Time Out's David Temarkin's story on a cocktail consulting program Old Town Social recently tried out.

Looking for an upcoming event to attend? Well, look no further than your local library Near North. They're hosting a February Tuesday Toddler Time on the 2nd from 11-11:30a.m and an Adult Book Discussion on the 8th at 2 p.m. 

Looking for the right spot to spend with that special someone on Valentine's Day in Old Town, check out Menu Pages. Restaurants are categorized by city and then neighborhood. They offer information on ratings, price and reviews. This is your one stop spot to check out local cuisine.   

And keep in mind that safety is always key! According to EveryBlock.com, Old Town has had five crimes in the past 24 hours. They range from simple assault to vandalism to possession of cannabis. Everyblock also offers Chicago property transfer data twice a month. They were updated this morning and have 12 property transfers.
 

Near North Chicago Public Library hosted a Writing for Television and Film event this past Saturday with Sylvia Franklin. The event is described on meetup.com-

For those interested in learning how to craft professional, camera-ready television and feature film scripts. Will simulate a writers room where plot, character development, formatting, dialogue, outlines/beatsheets are discussed. Brainstorming/story development will be advocated as well as fixes and plot point resolution.

After years as a television writer in Hollywood, Franklin came to Chicago to see what the local scene offered. Unfortunately, the options are few and far between. She started this meet up group because she truly felt there was a need. She asks, "why not fortify yourself?"

According to a few sites, there has been some activity in the Old Town neighborhood. Read on, I'll give you a quick overview...

The Old Town Triangle Association is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the community. They are especially dedicated to maintaining the architecture, landscape and cultural identity of the historic community of Old Town.

This week, I found that the Old Town Triangle Association offers art classes and fitness classes for the community. I attended the Friday morning Yoga class instructed by Nancy Van Kanegan from 9:00AM-10:30AM to find out more about the classes they offer and the organization as a whole. For more information on the Old Town Triangle Association, visit their website: Old Town Triangle Association.

The organization is located on North Park Avenue, just off of Menomonee. Below are a few pictures of the organization's building:

Chicago Public School Bus

Q. What schools are in the boundaries of Old Town?

A. LaSalle Language Academy, Walter Newberry Elementary, Franklin Elementary and Manierre Elementary.

Q. What's the difference between magnet schools and regular schools?

A. Well, the neighborhood schools are the schools that draw in students from the surrounding area. They have a general curriculum and are not geared toward a specific discipline or aspect of education. Magnet schools, on the other hand, gear their curriculum toward a specific subject area. The students come from different areas of the city and have a specific interest in the area that the individual school specializes in.