With all the talk of the Chicago Bears plans for a new stadium by the lake, it seemed like a good time to revisit this episode about the Bears' current home, Soldier Field. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Up your cocktail game with Portland …

Friend of the podcast Geoffrey Baer is BACK with a new special on WTTW called "Chicago Mysteries." Listen as Geoffrey and I discuss a few of the stories from the program. https://www.wttw.com/mysteries Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the mic…

Not long after The Beatles invaded America and kids everywhere picked up guitars and drumsticks and formed their own bands, enterprising individuals all over Chicago and the suburbs saw… opportunity. This is the story of Chicago's Teen Rock Clubs of the 1960’s. Additional Reading (anything purchased through these links - not just the items listed -…

Connie Fairbanks, author of "Chicago's West Loop: Then and Now," joins me on this episode as co-writer and co-host as we discuss five Chicago parks named for women. Purchase Connie Fairbanks' book "Chicago's West Loop: Then and Now" from the author: https://www.conniefairbanks.com/ Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3BzEPxt Show some love for the podcast…

She grew up in a small town in Illinois in the late 1800s and became known worldwide as an activist, reformer, and winner of a Nobel Peace Prize. This is the story of Jane Addams and Hull House. Want to help support the show? Buy Me A Coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Art for this episode courtesy of Rebecca Demos - https://www.in…

Local author Cynthia Pelayo's new book masterfully blends dark Chicago history and fairy-tale horrors. Listen as the author and I discuss her life growing up in Chicago and her exciting new book about two sisters and a killer dumping men into the Chicago River. cinapelayo.com YouTube version: https://youtu.be/r32m2jwrxHc Show some love for the podc…

Her last name is well known around the city, but do you know the story behind Chicago's Saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini? Listen and learn, Chicago history fans! Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Po…

Three! Three! Three episodes in one! Enjoy. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups! https://portlandsyru…

Jack Johnson not only became the first Black American heavyweight championship boxer but who also lived (and loved) in Chicago and opened the wildly popular Café de Champion before tragedy and the government forced its closure. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.…

He has been called the first international African American sports superstar and in his time was the biggest star of any sport. Although he wasn’t born in Chicago, some of Marshall "Major" Taylor's most lasting accomplishments occurred here. Want to read more about "Major" Taylor? (purchasing through the links below may help support the podcast at …

Bartender, poet, musician, artist, and more. Sergio Mayora and the art of Weeds Tavern. In the Weeds: How Bartender, Poet, Musician and Artist Sergio Mayora Cultivated One of the Most Important Taverns in Chicago History by Dave Hoekstra (New City, November 2022) https://www.newcity.com/2022/11/01/in-the-weeds-how-bartender-poet-musician-and-artist…

Enjoy this episode originally posted in January 2021. In 1937, 87 years before the current pandemic forced kids to find ways to learn outside of the traditional classroom, Chicago school children took classes by radio while trying to stay safe from the threat of polio. Support the show for the cost of a cup of coffee. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/c…

Enjoy this story from July 2020. Six years after the closing of the World's Fair of 1893, on 10 acres near the University of Chicago, a new outdoor entertainment venue opened called Sans Souci. Sans Souci and Midway Gardens, although all but forgotten, paved the way for outdoor entertainment for generations to come. Support the show for the cost of…

A series of tragedies prompted one Chicago suburb to change the way trains travel through their city. This is the story of Connecting Winnetka to Chicago. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https:/…

Just days before Christmas in 1910, a fire broke out at the stockyards in Chicago that resulted in the highest loss of life of firefighters due to a building collapse, a grim claim held for nearly 91 years before being surpassed on 9/11. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a v…

In October 1960, Prince Akihito of Japan visited Chicago for 21 hours. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley presented the prince with a diplomatic gift: 18 bluegill. What happened next would change the underwater world of Japan forever. Today's episode is from Points North, part of Northern Michigan's Interlochen Public Radio. https://www.interlochenpubl…

A holiday-themed episode from 2020. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a familiar sight near the river at Clark Street was the Rouse Simmons, also known as The Christmas Tree Ship, and its captain Herman Schuenemann, who became known to families in Chicago as Captain Santa. During a trip from upper Michigan to Chicago in November of 1912, all of th…

Geoffrey Baer is back on the podcast to discuss his latest program for WTTW - The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2. https://interactive.wttw.com/most-beautiful-places-in-chicago YouTube version: https://youtu.be/9q4JKk0t3bA?si=VZJNeWARwdqSaXri Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leav…

With the recent crash of a Yellow Line L train into a snow removal machine (?), it seems like a good time to repost this episode. In the 1970s, one of the most horrifying transportation accidents in Chicago happened downtown at the height of rush hour. This is the story of the CTA Derailment of 1977. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a…

In May of 1970, those driving past Wrigley Field were greeted with an unusual sight – a Native American teepee, surrounded by smaller tents and groups of people. This was just the beginning of the Native American protests in Chicago in the 1970s . Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a…

Women and poison. Chicago's history is thick with these killers. Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com Up your cocktail game for the holidays with Portland craft syrups! http…

He was an African American performer who went from humble beginnings to become a huge movie star based on a single character, but soon his Hollywood standing, his personal fortunes, and his acceptance by fellow Blacks collapsed. Today we’re discussing Chicago Connections: Lincoln Perry, aka Stepin Fetchit. The interview with DeWitt Fleming Jr. (Lin…

This story of sibling rivalries, suicides, arson, missing heiresses, and murder was originally presented at a members-only event at the Chicago History Museum. Thanks to my co-writer and co-host for this episode, Anna Mason (@annadotmason). Anna's piece on the Medinah Temple for WBEZ's Curious City can be found here. Show your support of the show f…

It was a Civil War prison in Richmond, VA, housing thousands of Union soldiers captured during that war. After the war, someone thought the building would make a good tourist attraction in… Chicago. This is the story of the Libby Prison War Museum. Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bingo Benefit (October 2nd at 7pm in Chicago): tinyurl.com/CIABingo…

Producer Eddie Griffin and I discuss the new season of Chicago Stories on WTTW. The reversal of the Chicago river, candy companies of the city, and more! Watch episodes of Chicago Stories on the PBS app or online at wttw.com/chicagostories YouTube version of this can be found here: https://youtu.be/rqL3GoBCCJ0 Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bing…

The true Chicago crime story that inspired the film "Call Northside 777." On a cold day in 1932, a Chicago cop named William Lundy was gunned down at a speakeasy in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Two men were sent to prison for the crime, but did prosecutors get the right men? 11 years later, a classified ad placed in the newspaper by the moth…

This really could have been a six or eight-part podcast experience as there is SO MUCH Polish history in Chicago. Here are more things of interest regarding this subject. Enjoy. Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bingo Benefit (October 2nd at 7pm in Chicago): tinyurl.com/CIABingo Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.bu…

Chicago's Polish history is far too extensive for one episode, but I'm hopeful this gives you a nice overview. Enjoy. Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bingo Benefit (October 2nd at 7pm in Chicago): tinyurl.com/CIABingo Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - jus…

FROM THE ARCHIVES from October, 2020: On Memorial Day, May 25th, 1981, a 25-year-old year old sport climber dressed as comic book hero Spider-Man used a system of suction cups and other climbing gear to scale the outside of the 110-story Sears Tower, which at that time was the tallest building in the world. He came back later that year to climb the…

In the summer of 1980, two new large entertainment venues, one indoor and one outdoor, opened in the Chicago area at which those seeking amusement could see live music and more. Both of those and many others made for a busy summer of entertainment in the Greatest City in the World. Want to help support the show for a one-time donation of a few buck…

It is the 30th anniversary of one of the BEST action films shot in the Greatest City in the World, so today Kelli from Chicago Movie Tours and I are talking about all things "The Fugitive" in Chicago. The train derailment scene (North Carolina): https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-fugitive-train-wreck-sylva-north-carolina Show your support of t…

An archive episode from way back in August 2020. Enjoy! There was a time you could sit in your car and watch a movie on a giant screen. Crazy, I know. Wait - what? Drive-ins still exist? In this episode we discuss drive-in movies and their history in the Chicagoland area. Additional Reading (your purchase using this link helps support the podcast):…

I had the pleasure of speaking with local author Jessica Mlinaric about her book Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago's Hidden Treasures. Have a listen, and get a copy of the book for yourself! Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago's Hidden Treasures by Jessica Mlinaric https://amzn.to/3K7WJvo Secret Chicago: A Guide To T…

The Chicago area has seen many weather events that have resulted in catastrophic destruction and death. Today's we're discussing Chicago's Terrifying Tornadoes. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: h…

Chicago introduced the first ever Ferris Wheel at the World's Fair of 1893, but... whatever happened to it? Listen for the full story. Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the show): 3D Wood Ferris Wheel…

With Chicago air quality ranging from "Unhealthy" to "Very Unhealthy" to "Downright Unbreathable" most of this week, I thought I'd drag out this episode from the archives. During a time of tuberculosis and cholera taking a deadly toll on Chicago's children, "Fresh Air" sanitariums were built to help provide children and mothers relief from the heat…

A little more from the Archie's interview and GOOD NEWS for fans of vintage signs in Chicago. Archie's Bar: https://www.facebook.com/ArchiesBar Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicag…

A family-run corner bar in Humboldt Park celebrating 80 years of being in business? One location, yet so many stories. Guest host: Tyler Henry Archie's Bar: https://www.facebook.com/ArchiesBar Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone i…

Special guest Mike McMains (Tours with Mike) helps me break down the history of Chicago LGBTQ Pride Events. Enjoy! See the city in an all new way on a Tours with Mike tour! https://tourswithmike.com/ Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the micro…

Two murders. One paved the way for fingerprint use to determine the identity of a criminal. The other cut short the life of a farmer. Those responsible for the horrible deeds ended up in the same place. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the mi…

One from the archives for your Memorial Day weekend listening. Enjoy. It was an industry that at one time employed 700,000 workers, including 200,000 here in the Chicago area. Italians, Poles, Mexicans, African Americans, and others willing to put in a long and sometimes dangerous day’s work found good pay and a career working at the steel mills. T…

What's the deal with those big Schlitz globes on the sides of buildings around the city? Have a listen and find out! Chicago History Trivia Night - Beer, Booze, and Bars-Themed Trivia for Illinois Craft Beer Week at Begyle Brewing - https://www.facebook.com/events/3385871768397584 Spectacular Failures Podcast - Schlitz Goes Bad, Then Worse https://…

One On Every Corner travels to Scofflaw, located on the southwest corner of Armitage and Kedzie. Joining me for this episode are Chalonda White (aka Afro.Beer.Chick) and Nik White, host of the Chicago Beer Pass podcast. Social Media: Chalonda (Afro.Beer.Chick) - https://twitter.com/afrobeerchick Nick (Chicago Beer Pass) - https://twitter.com/Chicag…

What do you do after you and some pals pull off a big robbery? Why, buy some planes, of course! Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with…

Some EXTRAS from my conversation with Mark Guarino, author of "Country and Midwestern." If you haven't listened to the main episode yet, look for episode 612 from April 1, 2023 and give that a listen first. Buy the book from the University of Chicago Press. Anything purchased through the links below may generate a small commission for this podcast …

One On Every Corner looks at the history of Chicago bars and the neighborhoods that surround them. This episode was recorded at Sidetrack in Northalsted with Mike McMains. Check out the in-person and virtual Tours with Mike - https://tourswithmike.com/ Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohisto…

Author Mark Guarino's book "Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country and the Folk Revival" tells the untold story of the vital role Chicago played in the rise of prewar country music, the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, and the contemporary offspring of those scenes. Recorded at Carol's Pub in Chicago. Buy the book from the Un…

She was born in Chicago into a wealthy family in the late 1800s and would go on to change the way forensic investigators do their jobs. Today we’re discussing Frances Glessner Lee, The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Deaths, and Crime Scene Investigation. Glessner House - https://www.glessnerhouse.org/ Show your support of the show for the cost of …

Geoffrey Baer is back to discuss his latest WTTW special "The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago." WTTW Special - https://video.wttw.com/video/the-most-beautiful-places-in-chicago-hkr5he/ Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the l…

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Communist Party in Chicago encouraged black women working in sweat shops to stand up for themselves and strike for better wages, better working conditions, and more. Today we’re talking about the Black Women’s Worker Strikes of the 1930s. Read more about author Melissa A. Ford here: https://melissafordphd.com/…