Czechs of Chicagoland

Images of America: Illinois

by Malynne Sternstein

Chicago was once the second-largest Bohemian city outside the Czech lands. The Czechs first settled, serendipitously, behind the notorious O'Leary barn. Spared the Great Fire of 1871, they were displaced several blocks south by the ensuing land crush. There they built more permanent quarters in the community that became known as Pilsen, a neighborhood whose name and architecture survive to recall its Bohemian origins. The thriving Czechs soon began a century-long move westward from Lawndale to Cicero to Berwyn, and today they flourish across the western suburbs. From the desolation of the 1915 Eastland disaster, in which hundreds of victims were of Czech descent, to the triumphant Depression-era election of Czech-born mayor Anton n Cˇerm k, Czechs of Chicagoland depicts how the Czech community and its great leaders, benevolent societies, and charitable and social organizations have shaped and continue to shape the course of Chicago's history.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2008

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent historical book with lots of historical photos of the evolution of the Czech population in Chicago, Pilsen, Berwyn and Cicero areas. It talks about famous Czech residents, restaurants & bakeries, Western Electric, churches, sports and festivals. Loved the history and miss the restaurants and bakeries that have since closed.

[Sharil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. However, there was some repetition of information and photos for such a brief overview as well as a few proofreading errors. That being said, let's focus on content.

I felt there was missing content, particularly maps of Chicago outlining the Czech neighborhoods and visually showing the changes through the years. I also found myself looking up some additional information on the internet, but also doing the same, using the book as a resource.

Besides maps, I wish there had been a little more statistical information and facts regarding the areas where Czechs lived, especially their religions, churches and where they were buried. Bohemian National Cemetery is in this book a few times, but I felt more information could have been included.

There were a few families featured in the book who contributed photos and background information. This was very nice. I would have enjoyed seeing and reading brief bits about other families as well.

If you have Czech relatives that lived in Chicago any time from its formation, this book is a good overview of where most settled and the culture they brought with them and established. For example, the Sokol was a significant part of many Czech family lives. I did not know about the Sokol and related activities before I read this book.

So all in all, I think it is a great overview and introduction to Czech immigrants, history and life in Chicago as well as their impact/activism regarding the political scene in their homeland.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pictorial book on the Czechs of Chicago is beautifully done. It brings huge memories to me including a grammar school picture of George Halas, who founded the Chicago Bears, and who was in my Mother’s class. And lots of pictures of the neighborhood of my paternal grandparents: Blue Island. A nostalgic journey.