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Wicker Park: From 1673 thru 1929 and Walking tour guide
Wicker Park in Chicago had a interesting vibrant community filled with a history of diversity and beautiful architecture. Then the developers and yuppies moved in. One of the saddest stories in Chicago. This book shows what made it a special place to live and hints at what attracted the people who destroyed it.
62 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 13, 2021
"Wicker Park from 1673 thru 1929 and a Walking Tour Guide", Elaine A. Coorens. 2003. The first page reads, "Remember two lessons of history: 'Through decades and centuries, immigrant issues remain the same', and 'We own nothing...we are but caretakers' ".
I think most homeowners in Wicker Park, those who have spent tremendous amounts of labor, time and hundreds of thousands of dollars restoring their homes to the stringent stipulations outlined by Chicago's Historic Landmark Committee, only to see the housing market collapse, are keenly aware of their unfortunate ownership status. The entire first chapter documents the immigration of industrious Germans, Scandinavians, Poles and Jews. Many arrived penniless, but through perseverance and a strong work ethic, were able to commission some of the most beautiful homes in the city of Chicago. The history of Wicker Park would have been complete, if a much needed chapter were included on the migration of African Americans from the southern states after WWII, and later in the 1960's, the mass immigration of Hispanics, and how these events correlate to the era of decline and near disintegration of the historic district.
"Immigration issues" clearly do not remain the same, and many homeowners, after watching property values implode, probably wish they "owned nothing" and were, but simple "Caretakers" .
The "Walking Tour Guide" portion of the book is fascinating. I can only hope that Ms. Coorens will one day write a history of the Logan Square Historic District.
I think most homeowners in Wicker Park, those who have spent tremendous amounts of labor, time and hundreds of thousands of dollars restoring their homes to the stringent stipulations outlined by Chicago's Historic Landmark Committee, only to see the housing market collapse, are keenly aware of their unfortunate ownership status. The entire first chapter documents the immigration of industrious Germans, Scandinavians, Poles and Jews. Many arrived penniless, but through perseverance and a strong work ethic, were able to commission some of the most beautiful homes in the city of Chicago. The history of Wicker Park would have been complete, if a much needed chapter were included on the migration of African Americans from the southern states after WWII, and later in the 1960's, the mass immigration of Hispanics, and how these events correlate to the era of decline and near disintegration of the historic district.
"Immigration issues" clearly do not remain the same, and many homeowners, after watching property values implode, probably wish they "owned nothing" and were, but simple "Caretakers" .
The "Walking Tour Guide" portion of the book is fascinating. I can only hope that Ms. Coorens will one day write a history of the Logan Square Historic District.
April 10, 2017
This is a pretty decent and readable book, especially because it's packed with pictures. As a local, I enjoyed scanning the pictures of buildings that still exist in the neighborhood. I was also pleased to see write-ups on folks like Lucy Parsons, who are often forgotten in Chicago's history.
May 5, 2020
A fast read to get familiarized with Wicker Park's history.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews