Chicago's Southeast Side

Images of America: Illinois

by Rod Sellers, Dominic A. Pacyga

Steel and the steel industry are the backbone of Chicago's southeast side, an often overlooked neighborhood with a rich ethnic heritage. Bolstered by the prosperous steel industry, the community attracted numerous, strong-willed people with a desire to work from distinct cultural backgrounds. In recent years, the vitality of the steel industry has diminished. Chicago's Southeast Side displays many rare and interesting pictures that capture the spirit of the community when the steel industry was a vibrant force. Although annexed in 1889 by the city of Chicago, the community has maintained its own identity through the years. In an attempt to remain connected to their homelands, many immigrants established businesses, churches, and organizations to ease their transition to a new and unfamiliar land. The southeast side had its own schools, shopping districts, and factories. As a result, it became a prosperous, yet separate, enclave within the city of Chicago.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read - as in the text in probably only 29 pages and the ready are old photos of the 4 SE side neighborhoods (Hegewisch, South Deering, South Shore, and the East Side). All photos are 1950’s ish or older. Interesting if you are a Chicago History buff or just grew up in one of these areas.

[Heather L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on the history of the southeast side.

[Marge]

I absolutely loved this book!