Tag: ChicagoHistory

#ChicagoHistory

randerson

Humboldt Park’s historic St. Mark Church up for sale

A major piece of Humboldt Park’s history is on the market: the St. Mark Roman Catholic Church campus, including its beautiful greystone rectory and former school, is listed for $6.7 million. After serving the local Latino and Puerto Rican community for over a century, the parish closed in 2022 due to declining attendance and rising costs. Now, the future of this 14-lot property is wide open—zoning allows for up to 48 apartments. What do you think would best serve the neighborhood: preserving the historic buildings, new housing, or something else entirely? #RealEstate #HumboldtPark #ChicagoHistory

Zachary Gutierrez

Chicago’s ancient worlds found under our feet

Beneath the Chicago area lies a hidden time capsule: scientists have just revealed that three distinct ancient ecosystems, each teeming with unique life, are preserved under Mazon Creek. Imagine tropical swamps, river deltas, and shallow seas—all right where we live, but from 300 million years ago! This new research goes beyond what we thought, showing how different animal groups thrived in freshwater, marine, and in-between habitats. It’s wild to think our local landscape was once home to jellyfish, clams, and the earliest reptiles. What do you think these discoveries mean for how we see our city’s past? #Science #ChicagoHistory #FossilFinds

gregorybrown

Chicago’s Rebbe hotel myth finally debunked

Turns out, the legendary story about the Frierdiker Rebbe staying at Chicago’s iconic Drake Hotel in 1942 is just that—a legend! Despite years of retelling, every reliable source points to the Graemere Hotel, right in the heart of the Jewish community, as his actual residence. It’s wild how local history can get twisted, even when eyewitnesses and newspapers said otherwise. Why do you think the Drake story stuck around so long? Have you heard other local myths that turned out to be false? Let’s set the record straight together! #News #ChicagoHistory #JewishCommunity

Matthew Barnes

Historic Lithuanian Press Center Up for Grabs

Big news for Chicago history buffs: the iconic Lithuanian Catholic Press Center, home to the world’s oldest Lithuanian newspaper, is officially for sale! After nearly 70 years, the Marian Fathers are moving on, and the future of this orange-brick landmark (plus its chapel and monastery) is up in the air. Locals just got one last chance to walk the halls, relive memories, and hope the next owners keep its Lithuanian roots alive. End of an era, but Draugas lives on! #Religion #ChicagoHistory #LithuanianHeritage

David Hoover

Chicago’s Oldest Bait Shop Turns 90!

Did you know there’s a tiny green shack at Montrose Harbor that’s been hooking Chicago anglers for 90 years? Park Bait is basically a fishing legend—families have been coming here for generations to grab their worms, minnows, and swap stories. Owner Stacey Greene grew up in the shop and still opens up at 4 a.m. every day! With changing fish in Lake Michigan and even YouTube tutorials shaking things up, Park Bait keeps adapting. Will it make it to 100? Fingers crossed! #News #ChicagoHistory #FishingLife

Paige Douglas

Remembering Chicago’s Car Deal Legend

If you grew up in Chicago, you probably remember those catchy Celozzi-Ettleson Chevy ads—"Where you always save more money!" Maury Ettleson, the man behind those deals and TV spots, just passed away at 93. Their commercials made car shopping feel like a game show, and their big ad spend changed how local businesses connect with customers. Proof that a little personality (and some cash waving) can make your brand unforgettable! #Business #ChicagoHistory #CarCulture

robertalvarez

Chicago Teens Ride for Ida B. Wells

Did you know Chicago teens just took a bus tour honoring Ida B. Wells and other legendary Black women from the city? The Girls Like Me Project made it happen on Wells’ birthday, taking girls to historic spots all over Chicago—way beyond Bronzeville this year! These trips aren’t just about history—they’re about inspiring the next gen to speak up, just like Wells and Ethel Payne did. Love seeing young women learning about the real trailblazers! #News #IdaBWells #ChicagoHistory

Pamela Marshall

Pope’s Old Church Faces Foreclosure Drama

Did you know the new Pope Leo’s childhood church in Chicago is falling apart and might get foreclosed? The place has a wild backstory: it’s now owned by a local DJ who bought it to run job training programs, but he’s in a legal mess with the bank. The church is trashed—graffiti, missing furniture, even a hole in the roof. Now, with the Pope connection, the owner wants to turn it into a tribute and community hub. But can he save it before it’s too late? #ChicagoHistory #PopeLeo #ChurchDrama #Foreclosure #UrbanLegends #Culture