Chicago Italians

Alderman: Elected official representating (male or female) one of the many wards in Chicago in the City Council. (Thanks Paul A.!)

The Alley: A popular store located on Clark, near Belmont Ave., where disgruntled youths can buy funky shoes, used military clothes, used Chicago Police jackets (tourists: awesome souvenir!), and other cool stuff.

Allstate Arena: New name of the former Rosemont Horizon.

Animal Stories: A regular segment on the radio show of Uncle Lar (Larry Lujack) and his sidekick Little Tommy. (Thanks Tom C.!)

Aragon Brawlroom: Nickname for the Aragon Ballroom because of its reputation for frequent mosh pits during concerts. Once was an elegant ballroom decades ago.

Argyle: Name of a east-west street on the northside, typically referring to the small Asian community in Uptown.

Bachelor's Grove: A haunted abandoned graveyard deep in a forest preserve on the south side.

Beef: Short for Italian beef sandwiches. "Gimme a beef!"

Berwyn: Western suburban town immortalized by the Son of Svengoolie. "BERrrwynNN!" (Thanks Myra!)

Blue Demons: DePaul's team.

Big Herm's: Nickname for Herm's Palace, a fast food and hot dog joint in Skokie on Dempster.

The Big Hurt: Chicago White Sox star Frank Thomas. (Although Bridget wrote that the slumping Thomas was more appropriately called "The Big Skirt." Yikes! Pretty harsh there! I don't think I'd say that to his face.)

Big Ten: Midwestern college sports conference, which includes the University of Illinois and Northwestern University.

Bleacher Bums: Regulars in Wrigley Field's bleacher section.

The Blues Brothers: Required viewing for any Chicago resident or anyone coming to Chicago. Great movie.

Blues Fest: 1) A free concert extravaganza at Grant Park where blues artists perform for several days. 2) A free concert for DePaul students in May, although blues music has become more of a rarity over the years.

The Boot: Short for the Denver Boot (yes, not a purely Chicago item), a nasty yellow metal device that locks a car wheel. Imposed by the city for repeated, unpaid parking ticket violations. Used in Chicago and other major metropolitan cities.

(Get) Booted: To receive a boot.

Boul Mich: Nickname for Michigan Ave. See Magnificent Mile.

Boys Town: A section on Halsted Ave., between Belmont and Addison, which is lined with gay bars on the west and east sides of the street.

Bozo's Circus: Children's TV show featuring Bozo the Clown, broadcasted by WGN-TV. Two or three generations have grown up with Bozo, dreaming of playing the one and only GRAND . . . PRIZE . . . GAME!!! (Thanks Paul A.!)

Brat: Short for Bratwurst. Pronounced "braht."

Brewski: Beer.

Bucktown: A developing neighborhood next to Wicker Park.

Buddy Guy's: Blues legend Buddy Guy's nightclub, "Buddy Guy's Legends."

Brandmeier: Jonathan Brandmeier, popular local Chicago D.J. who got dropped by the Loop 97.9 FM and is now on WCKG 105.9FM.

Cabrini Green: An enormous public housing complex on Chicago's near north side. Also referred to just as Cabrini.

Cal City: Calumet City.

Cal Sag Channel: Calumet Saginaw Channel, located on Chicago's south side.

Cashbox: Traffic reporter slang for tollbooths.

Cash Station: The major ATM network in Chicago

CBOE: Abbreviation for the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Pronounced "see-bow."

CBOT: Abbreviation for the Chicago Board of Trade. Also known as "The Board." (Thanks Tom C.!)

Char-dogs: Charcoal-grilled hot dogs, as opposed to your regular boiled hot dog. (Thanks Pat S.!)

Cheese and Sausage: For some odd reason, Chicagoans have to make sure their pizza order has cheese, even though I've never heard of pizza without cheese. (Thanks Koichi I.!)

"Cheezborger, Cheezborger": A phrase immortalized in a John Belushi sketch on Saturday Night Live. The phrase actually came from Billy Goat's Tavern, with its original location downtown.

Cheesehead: Anyone from Wisconsin.

Chgo: Abbreviation for Chicago

Chicagoans: Residents of Chicago. Not Evanston, not Tinley Park, not Elmhurst - CHICAGO.

Chicago Fest: The predecessor to Taste of Chicago, which took place at Navy Pier. (Thanks Michael B.!)

Chicagoland: The area which includes Chicago and its suburbs. "Greater Chicagoland Area" is redundant.

Chicago-Style Bungalow: Common design of single-family residences in Chicago's older neighborhoods.

Chicago-Style Pizza: Deep-dish pizza, originated by Pizzeria Uno in Chicago.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog: A hot dog coated in everything known to man. Some Chicagoans believe "everything" includes sauerkraut, while many agree that it does not include ketchup.

Chicago Transit Authority: 1) The public transportation system of Chicago. 2) The original name of the rock band "Chicago."

The Chicago Way: A quote from the movie "The Untouchables." "If he pulls out a knife, you pull out a gun. If he sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue - that's the Chicago Way."

Chi-Town: Nickname for Chicago.

Circle Campus: Old name for UIC.

City of Big Shoulders: Old nickname for Chicago.

City Council: The local city government, represented by the City's alderman and presided over by the Mayor.

Clincher: Name of the Chicago style 16" softball.

C.O.D.: College of DuPage.

Collar Counties: Counties surrounding Cook County.

Congress Expressway: Original name of the Eisenhower Expressway.

Continental: Bank of America, which acquired Continental Bank several years ago.

"Cooler by the Lake": Frequently said by TV and radio meteorologists, as the temperature usually is cooler by the Lake. It's also a catchy little phrase.

Cottage: Short for Cottage Grove, a north-south street on Chicago's south side.

Council Wars: A period during which the Chicago City Council frequently debated with Chicago Mayor Harold Washington.

Cow Tipping: The act of pushing over cows while they sleep. Do not attempt this. It is very dangerous for you and the cow.

Crain's: Crain's Chicago Business, a weekly business newspaper.

Cross-town Classic: The annual baseball game of the Chicago Cubs versus the Chicago White Sox. Once just for fun, these games now count in the regular season.

The CSO: Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

C.T.A.: Abbreviation for the Chicago Transit Authority.

Cubbies: Chicago Cubs.

Cut Rate Toys: Now further west from its original location, Cut Rate is a toy store located on Devon Avenue, best known for its tradition of great sales with full newspaper page coupons. As a former West Rogers Park kid, I more vividly remember the P.A. saying, "keep your children's hands off the toys or get them out of the store right now!" I think they've loosened up now.

Da Bears: Said only by suburban people who want to feel like Chicagoans, referring to the Chicago Bears. Originates from a Saturday Night Live sketch.

Da Bulls: Said only by suburban people who want to feel like Chicagoans, referring to the world champion Chicago Bulls. Originates from another Saturday Night Live sketch.

Da Coach: Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka. Originates from a Saturday Night Live sketch.

Da Mare: Slang for The Mayor.

Dan Ryan: The section of the I-90/94 that runs on the south side of the city.

Dawg: Hot dog, the spelling sometimes used by hot dog vendors

Deep Tunnel: A system of tunnels underneath the city to reduce the impact of flooding in Chicago.

The Dells: 1) Wisconsin Dells, a tourist trap yet popular summer destination for families, complete with water parks, Tommy Bartlett's water show, and the Ducks. 2) Famous 50's doo-wop group from Chicago. (Thanks David W. for remembering the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame legends!)

Demon Dogs: A hot dog stand underneath the Fullerton El stop, adorned with memorabilia of the pop group Chicago.

DePaul: 1) DePaul University. 2) The section of Lincoln Park near DePaul University.

Detroit S*cks: A popular refrain at Hawks games against the Red Wings.
"Dipped?": Question from an Italian beef vendor, asking if you want the sandwich dipped in the sauce.

Disco Demolition: 1979 publicity stunt at Comiskey Park, where disk jockey Steve Dahl was supposed to blow up disco records. Instead, people stormed the field and destroyed the records (and parts of the field) themselves.

Dog Beach: A small sandy area near the Lake on the north side, where dog owners will let their pets free to play.

Doing Donuts: Spinning around in circles while driving, caused by snow.

Double Nickel: Trucker slang for I-55, more commonly known as the Stevenson. (Thanks Lisa!)

Downstate: To Chicagoans, any city, town, or area in Illinois, but outside of the Chicagoland area.

Downtown: 1) To Chicago residents, the Loop area and Michigan Ave. May also include adjacent areas such as iver North, West Loop, and South Loop. 2) To suburbanites, may be area within the Chicago city limits.

"Do you want to come with": Means "Do you want to come with (me/him/her/us.)" There is no need to properly identify with whom, as the phrase simply ends with "with."

The Drive: Lake Shore Drive.

Eagleman/Eaglewoman: The mascot found in Eagle Auto Insurance commercials, best known for their bad acting.

East Side: While east would mean somewhere in the middle of Lake Michigan for most of Chicago, there actually is an east side, specifically towards the south side of the city. The East Side is actually the name of Chicago's most eastern neighborhood, bordering the Indiana State Line.

Eddie and JoBo: Morning DJs on B96, once fired by the same station for their on-air shennanigans.

The Edens: I-94 on the north side of the city, after it breaks from the Kennedy.

Ed's: Short for Ed Debevic's, a popular 50's-style restaurant in the downtown area.

The Eisenhower Expressway (a.k.a. The Ike): I-290 expressway.

EIU: Short for Eastern Illinois University. (Thanks Stephen R.!)

The El: The Chicago elevated train system. See "The L."

Empire Carpet: A carpet dealer, known throughout Chicago for its catchy jingle ("5-8-8-2-3-hundred, Em-pire!") and frequent TV commercials with the Empire Carpet guy.

Emerald City: Nickname for the Lower Wacker Drive tunnel, when its lights were shaded green. (Thanks Cat!)

F.I.B. (F***ing Illinois B*st*rd): The name people from Wisconsin will call you if you call them a Cheesehead. Plural form: FIBs (pronounced "fibz").

Field's: Marshall Field, a prominent Chicago department store.

The Fire: 1) The Great Chicago Fire which decimated Chicago. 2) The major league soccer team (Thanks Erin!)

Flames: UIC's team name.

Flat: Units in a residential building, usually used for buildings with 2 to 6 units. For example, instead of saying that a house is a duplex, Chicagoans say it's a 2-Flat. Other examples: 3-Flat, 4-Flat.

Frangos: Frango Mint candies, a trademark confection from the department store Marshall Field.

The Fridge: Nickname for Chicago Bear William Perry.

The Friendly Confines: Wrigley Field. A sign inside the park says, "Welcome to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field."

Front Room: The living/family room, so named because it is in the front section of the house. (Thanks Lisa!)

Gangway: The walkway between two buildings, typically residential buildings.

Gapers: People staring at an accident in traffic with their mouths "gaping" open.

Gapers' Delay: A delay in traffic caused by gapers, which are drivers stopping to stare at an accident.

Garden Apartment: Basement apartment.

Gisbon Sl*ts: Slang for women who hang out around Gibson's Steakhouse in search of wealthy men. Ouch. (Thanks Tom C.!)

Goes: Past or present tense of the verb "say." For example, "He goes, 'you cheesehead!'"

Goethe: A difficult street name to pronounce in the Gold Coast area, named after the German writer. Correctly pronounced "Gerta."

Gold Coast: A glitzy, expensive area near downtown, now more commonly referred to by their individual neighborhoods, such as River North and Streeterville.

Goofy: Adjective used to describe anything bad or silly, which Chicagoans are apparently more likely to use than others.

Gool: A safe place where you cannot be tagged out while engaged in the playground games of johnny, johnny tag, bismarck, and the like. Otherwise called "base" or "safe" in other areas. (I've lost the email for the guy who sent this in, but thanks! One of my favorite obscure ones.)

Goose Island: 1) Name of the only island in the Chicago city limits. 2) A popular microbrewery in Chicago.

Great America: A large Six Flags (formerly owned by Marriot) amusement park located in Gurnee, IL.

Great Lakes: 1) The five lakes consisting of Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior (my teacher always said to use the acronym "HOMES" to remember that.) 2) Great Lakes Dragway in Wisconsin (Thanks Ralph G.!) 3) Great Lakes Naval Training base in the northern 'burbs.

Green Limousine: Old slang for CTA buses, when they used to be green. They're now mostly white and blue.

Guys: Used when addressing two or more people, regardless of each individual's gender.
The Hancock: The John Hancock Building, one of the city's tallest buildings, located on Michigan Ave.

Harold's: Harold's Chicken Shack, which has a number of locations primarily on the south side. Great chicken.

Hawk: 1) A cold blast of wind. (Thanks Bos!) 2) Nickname for Cubs legend, Andre Dawson.

Hawks: Short for Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago's NHL professional hockey team

"Hey Hey": A trademark phrase from the late great Cubs announcer Jack Brickhouse when the Cubs hit a home run. Also was a Sox announcer.

Hillside Strangler: The traffic congested area of the western suburb, which includes the Eisenhower Expressway, East-West Tollway, Tri-State Tollway, and Roosevelt Road.

The HIP: Short for Harlem-Irving Plaza, a local mall on Chicago's northwest side.

Hizzoner: Slang for the mayor, as in "His Honor." Used on occasion in print editorials.

"Holy Cow": A trademark phrase from the late great Cubs (and former Sox) announcer Harry Caray.

The Horizon: The Rosemont Horizon, now known as the Allstate Arena, located in the suburb Rosemont.

Hot or Mild?: Question at Harold's Chicken Shack, asking which sauce do you want? !)

Hyde Park: A popular, crowded neighborhood on Chicago's south side, whose inhabitants include U of C people.

Hubbard's Cave (a.k.a. The Cave): A tunnel on the Kennedy just to the north of downtown, near Hubbard Street.

IDOT: Abbreviation for Illinois Department of Transportation. Pronounced "eye-dot."

IIT: Short for Illinois Institute of Technology.

ILL: Old three-letter abbreviation for Illinois (as opposed to the now more common IL), like abbreviating Florida as FLA (FL).

Inbound on the . . . (name of highway): Headed into the city.

Indian Boundary: A large park in the West Rogers Park area, which also has (had?) a very, very small zoo.

Inner Drive: The inner stretch of Lake Shore Drive.

IPASS: A electronic system placed in your car through which you can drive through tollbooths without tossing change. Pronounced "eye-pass."

Iron Mike: Mike Ditka.

ISU: Abbreviation for Illinois State University.

Italian beef: An underappreciated delicacy in Chicago of sliced beef in fresh bread, drenched in au jus. See beef.

Italian beef and sausage combo: A sandwich featuring the two meat combination of Italian beef and Italian sausage.

"It might be, it could be, IT IS!": A trademark phrase from the late great announcer Harry Caray, said when the Cubs would hit a home run.

Jay's: A brand of potato chips made by the Chicago company, Jay's.

Jeweler's Row: A concentration of small jewelry stores along South Wabash Ave. in the Loop.

The Joan: Nickname for U.S. Celluar Field (the former Comiskey Park), used because of U.S. Cellular's use of Joan Cusack in ads. (Thanks to the person who sent this in!)

Joe: A person, equivalent to "man" or "dude" in other areas. (Thanks to BeatmasterCHI and everyone who has sent this in!)

The Junction: The point on the north side of the city at which the Kennedy and the Edens meet.

The Kennedy: The section of the I-90/94 on the north side of the city.

Kitty-Corner: Located diagonally across the street. The equivalent of the expression "catty-corner" in other parts of the country.

K-Town: 1) A section of Chicago's southwest side where there a lot of north-south streets that begin with the letter "K." The streets are also on the northside, but I believe it refers to the Lawndale neighborhood. ( 2) A predominantly Korean-American area on Chicago's north side.

The "L": Nickname for the CTA's elevated train system. While most of this system is above ground, the term applies even when the train goes underground. The "L" represents its origins as the train system that "looped" around downtown. See Loop.

The Lake: Lake Michigan.

Lake Effect Snow: Snow caused by the Lake. Water retains heat better than land. In winter, when a cold, dry wind from land blows across a large body of water, the wind picks up the warmer, wetter air rising above the lake. When the wind reaches the land on the other side of the lake, it cools back down. Since cooler air can hold less humidity than drier air, the resulting precipitation is usually heavy snow falling on the land adjacent to the lake. Some places near the water may receive many inches, while a town just a few miles inland will receive only flurries. (Whew! Thanks Scott!)

Lakeview: A very crowded neighborhood on Chicago's northside, home to clubs, bars, and theaters.

The Land of Lincoln: Motto for Illinois.

The Lighthouse: A lighthouse along Evanston's beach.

Lincoln Park: A crowded northside neighborhood home to yuppies, Lincoln Park Zoo, Tower Records, and DePaul.

The Lincoln Park Pirates: Nickname for Lincoln Towing, who lovingly tow your car and charge you well over $100 to get it back. The term was originally coined in a song by Steve Goodman.

The Loop: 1) Downtown Chicago, named as such because the El "loops" around the area. The actual street boundaries of the Loop are: Lake St. to the north, Wabash to the east, Van Buren to the south, and Wells to the west, but it's usually defined as a little larger, specifically the Chicago River to the north and west, either Congress or Roosevelt (thanks Carl F.) to the south, and Michigan Ave. on the east. 2) Name of radio station WLUP 97.9 FM.

Lotto: The local lottery. Spend a buck for a chance to become a millionaire.

Lower Wacker Drive: A stretch of road underneath Wacker Drive in the downtown area, used by local buildings to load and unload goods.

Loyola: 1) Loyola University. 2) The section of the Rogers Park neighborhood near Loyola University. 3) Loyola Academy, the high school where Chris O'Donnell went.

LSD: Abbreviation for Lake Shore Drive, which runs along Lake Michigan.

The Magnificent Mile (a.k.a. Mag Mile): Michigan Avenue, specifically located south of Lake Shore Drive and north of the Chicago River. Known for the glitzy stores that line both sides of the street.

Mancow: Chicago-based, nationally-syndicated morning radio disk jockey.

Maxwell Street: A Chicago street, best known for its street vendors and flea market atmosphere. Now a fraction of what it once was thanks to UIC and eminent domain. (Thanks Kron and others!)

The Mart: Merchandise Mart, one of the world's largest office buildings, located to the north of the Chicago River.

Medusa's: Legendary under-21 nightclub, which used to be located at School & Sheffield. Now long since gone. (Thanks Jane O.!)

The Merc: The Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

The Met: WMET 95.5FM, an album oriented rock station in the 70's and early 80's. The frequency is now known as WNUA, a smooth jazz/new age station.

Metra: A railroad service that helps surburbanites get into and out of the city.

Midway: Chicago's second largest airport.

MJ: Michael Jordan.

Monkey Wards: Slang for department store Montgomery Wards.

Monsters of the Midway: Nickname for the Chicago Bears. Originated from when they played near the Midway Plaisance by the University of Chicago. The term "midway" which is the part of a fair where sideshows and amusement shows are located also came from the same area.

Montrose Beach: A beach near Montrose Ave., best known for its great view of the Chicago skyline as seen in many movies. Also known as a prime make-out place at night.

Mr. Cub: Cubs legend Ernie Banks.

Mrs. O'Leary's Cow: The legendary bovine which kicked a lantern, causing the Great Chicago Fire. Mrs. O'Leary and aforementioned cow were recently exonerated by the City Council from any wrong-doing.

"My Kind of Town": Frank Sinatra's classic song about the great city of Chicago.

New Town: Old nickname for the Lakeview neighborhood.

Night Game Parking: Certain streets where parking is not permitted, due to a Cubs night game, unless you have a permit.

NIU: Short for Northern Illinois University.

North Shore: Affluent suburbs north of Chicago, such as Winnetka and Lake Forest.

Northside: Anywhere north of Madison Ave. Stereotyped by southsiders as where the yuppies live. (As Dan G. reminds, it's often pronounced "nortside.")

Northsiders: Residents of the Northside.

Oak Street Beach: Chicago's most popular beach, located near Oak Street and the Lake.

O'Hare: Chicago's main international airport and one of the busiest in the country.

O'Hare Field: Old name for O'Hare Airport.

Old Chicago: Name of an indoor amusement park that has now been closed for many years.

Old Comiskey: The original Comiskey Park, where the White Sox played until the new stadium opened in 1991. The Old Comiskey, across the street from the current Comiskey, was torn down and turned into a parking lot, though a small marker identifies where home plate used to be. (Thanks Doug!)

Orchard Place: Original name of the airport before renamed O'Hare. This is the reason why O'Hare's code is still ORD. (Thanks Rob P.!)

Outbound on the . . . (name of highway): Headed outside of the city.

Outer Drive: The outer stretch of Lake Shore Drive.

Pershing Road: A Chicago street, but closely associated with the Chicago Board of Education, once headquartered on this street.

The Picasso: An unnamed piece of art by Picasso that stands in Daley Plaza in the Loop.

Pip: Former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen.

A Polish: A Polish sausage.

Pop: A soft drink. Don't say "soda" in this town.

Poplar Creek: Former outdoor music venue, now housing. (Thanks John "Skachman"!) The Plaza: Evergreen Plaza, a popular shopping mall on Chicago's south side. (Thanks Bob!)

The Point: Area along the Lake near 55th St., marked by a small house. An outstanding view of the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier.

Prairie: An empty neighborhood lot. (

Pudge: Nickname for Chicago White Sox great Carlton Fisk.

(Casmir) Pulaski Day: A local holiday in early March (and a day off for school kids and city offices) in celebration of Casmir Pulaski, a general and war hero from the Revolutionary War. Chicago has a large population of persons of Polish ancestry.

Pullman: Southside neighborhood named for railroad tycoon George Pullman, who created the first industrial town there in the late 19th century.
Punkin' Donuts: The Dunkin' Donuts at Belmont & Clark (near The Alley), which used to be frequented by many punk-ish, leather-clad, black-hair-coiffed individuals in the 80's/early 90's.

Ramblers: Loyola University's team name.

Ravinia: A summer outdoor venue in the northern suburbs for watching the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, opera, jazz, and other arts. Great time. (

The Reader: A free newspaper that comes out every Thursday listing the coming weekend and following week's music, theater, and other events, as well as articles and classifieds. Available at most record stores and nightspots.

Resurrection Mary: A legendary ghost that has been known to hitch rides with men, get out of the car, and run into the cemetary.

Reversibles: Express lanes on the Kennedy, which reverse direction depending upon the time of day.

Richie: Mayor Richard M. Daley. Comes from when he was called "Richie" or "Little Richie" during the time his father, Richard J. Daley, was mayor. (Thanks Kim!)

The Riv: The Riviera Theater, located near the Aragon in the Uptown neighborhood.

The River: Chicago River.

Riverboat Gambling: Casinos on a riverboat. There is no gambling in the city (unless you count Lotto), but casino-style stuff can be found in the riverboats of outlying cities like Elgin.

River North: A neighborhood to the north of the Chicago River and home to Planet Hollywood, Ed Debevic's, and other popular restaurants and nightspots.

Riverview: A long gone amusement park that used to be located at Belmont & Western. Now home to a shopping center and police station.

Rock 'N Roll McDonald's: Located in the River North neighborhood, this McDonald's with a rock 'n roll theme is one of the world's busiest.

The Rocks: Area along the Lake near Belmont, so named because of the rocks along the shore. (Thanks to the many of you who submitted this one!)

Roof: Pronounced "rough" in true Chicago pronunciation.

The Rush: Chicago Rush, the local arena football team.

Rush Street: Usually only means the section of Division, east of LaSalle St. and west of Rush St., near downtown, aligned with singles bars on the north and south side of the street.

Ryno: Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg.

's: Use of "'s" is commonly added to most store names. For example, Jewel, a major grocery store chain in the area, is often referred to as "Jewel's," Carson Pirie Scott, a major department store chain, is called "Carson's," etc.

Sammitch: Pronunciation in deep Chicago slang for "sandwich."

Samurai Mike: Chicago Bears legend and newly-inducted Hall of Famer Mike Singletary.

S-Curve: The dangerous curve along Lake Shore Drive that weaved between Monroe and Ontario, which was later straightened a bit.

Second City: 1) Old nickname for Chicago, when it was the nation's second largest city. Others have argued that the Second City title is actually because the city was rebuilt after its destruction by the Great Chicago Fire. 2) Legendary comedy club on the northside, where many Saturday Night Live legends, like John Belushi and Bill Murray, got their start.

SIU: Short for Southern Illinois University.

Six Corners: Nickname for the Chicago intersection of Milwaukee, Cicero, and Irving Park.

Skitching: The dangerous act of hitching a ride on the rear bumper of a car when there's ice or slick snow. Do not attempt to do this potentially fatal act. Southsiders may pronouce the word as "skeetching." (
Sliders: Nickname for hamburgers from White Castle, a popular Midwestern burger chain.

Smelt: A fish commonly caught by fishermen along Lake Michigan. (
Softball: Similar to baseball and the "softball" played in the rest of country, but Chicago-style softball is played with a 16" ball, instead of a 12" ball, and none of the fielders wear mitts.

Son of Svengoolie: Host of a weekly local TV show showing old horror movies. (I used to have nightmares about some movie with mushroom people.)

South Shore: 1. Developing southside neighborhood at the southern end of Lake Shore Drive. 2. Commuter railroad line between Chicago and Indiana.

Southside: Specifically anywhere south of Madison Ave. Stereotyped by northsiders as being dangerous. (As Dan G. reminds, it's often pronounced "soutside.")

Southside Irish: Persons of Irish ancestry on the southside.
Southsiders: Residents of the Southside.

Southtown: A newspaper targeting southwest Chicago and its suburbs whose slogan is "People Up North Just Don't Get It"

Sox Park: Comiskey Park, where the Chicago White Sox play.

The Stadium: Chicago Stadium, now gone, the former home of Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. Feel the roar! (Thanks John "Skachman" and Murph!)

Stateville: Illinois prison located in Joliet, IL.

The Steel Bridge: A highway bridge on the south side; a common landmark used by traffic reporters. (Thanks Bob B.!)

Steve and Garry: A popular DJ team on the Loop at one time, but now feuding. (Thanks Lauren!)

The Stevenson: I-55 expressway. Stony: Short for Stony Island, a north-south street on Chicago's south side.

Stoop: Stairs in front of a house.

Streeterville: A neighborhood located to the north of Chicago River, east of Michigan Ave.

Streets & San: Nickname for the Department of Streets and Sanitation. (Thanks Kristen and Daniel!)

Streetwise: A newspaper sold by members of Chicago's homeless population.

"Sweet Home Chicago": a) Song composed by blues legend Robert Johnson. A favorite for any blues set in Chicago. (Thanks Paul C.!) b) Name of the 2001 attraction where furniture was painted by local artists and placed outdoors on city streets.

"Sweet or hot?": Another question from an Italian beef vendor, asking if you want sweet or hot peppers on your Italian beef.

Subway Series: A fantasy that has gone on for decades that the World Series may someday be the Chicago Cubs versus the Chicago White Sox (thus, being able to commute via the subway from the Cubs games to the Sox games).

Sunshine Delay: Slower traffic caused by bright sunlight. As rush hour morning traffic typically means travelling east towards the rising sun and evening traffic means travelling west towards the setting sun, delays can occur because of blinded drivers. (Thanks Richard R.!)

Sweetness: Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton. Rest in peace, #34.

The Swift: Short for the Skokie Swift, a train system that links Skokie residents to Chicago's El system. (Thanks Murray!)

The Taste: The annual Taste of Chicago Festival, a huge extravaganza in Grant Park featuring samples of Chicagoland's fine cuisine. Takes place around and before the Fourth of July holiday.

"Through and Through": Police slang for a shooting in which the bullet comes out the other side. Pronounced "True 'N True."
Times: Short for the Chicago Sun-Times, one of Chicago's major newspapers.

Top of the Cock: Top of the John Hancock Building.

The Trib: Short for the Chicago Tribune, one of Chicago's major newspapers.

The Two Jerrys: Nickname for Chicago Bulls manager Jerry Krause and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, blamed by many for ending the world champion team's dynasty.

The UC: The United Center, which is the stadium where the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls play.

U of C: Short for University of Chicago, one of the city's best and most expensive universities.

UIC: Abbreviation for University of Illinois in Chicago.

Uncle Bobby: The late Bob Collins, who was a radio personality on WGN AM radio. (Thanks Deanna D.!)

Valpo: Valparaiso University

Viagra Triangle: New nickname for the Clark/Division/Rush area, home to many bars and restaurants. (Thanks to Stephen J. and others!)

Victory Autowreckers: Long-time auto junkyard (in "Bensenville, near O'Hare") that has run the same commercial on TV for years. "That old car is worth money" is their opening phrase. (Thanks Midwesty -- didn't have your real name!)

"Vote early and vote often": A quote from Al Capone regarding Chicago's electoral system.

Water Tower: 1) A Chicago landmark, specifically the only structure to survive the Great Chicago Fire. 2) Water Tower Place, a mall located on the Magnificent Mile near Water Tower - the landmark.

Wet or Dry?: Question from an Italian beef vendor about whether you would like it dipped in the juice or not. (Thanks C. Anania!)

Wiener Circle: Name of hot dog stand at Clark and Wrightwood. Has been referred to on TV show "ER."

"Where you always save more money": The long-time sales slogan of Celozzi-Ettelson, a car dealership with frequent TV commercials.

WIU: Short for Western Illinois University.

Wicker Park: One of the largest artist communities in the country, located on the northwest side of the city.

Windchill Factor: The temperature that the weather actually feels like. Because of the wind, the temperature may feel colder. As a result, it's possible to have a temperature of 32F, but strong winds make it feel close to 0F.

The Windy City: Nickname for Chicago. While the winds are quite harsh in the city, the nickname is over a century old, originating from when Chicago and New York were competing for the World's Fair. A New York journalist mentioned Chicago's blowhards and windbag politicians. (Thanks Amy!)

Winter and Construction: Punchline to the joke, "what are the two seasons in Chicago?"

Wolfpack: A patrol of several city tow trucks that tour neighborhoods and haul a bunch of cars in one swoop.

Woodfield: Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL. An enormous indoor shopping mall with more retail space than Mall of America.

The World: The Tweeter Center in Tinley Park, formerly known as the New World Music Theater. Best known for its crap sound system which has even been specifically named by musicians (e.g., Grateful Dead) as being truly awful.

The Worm: Former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman.

The Wolves: The Chicago Wolves, a professional hockey team that plays at the Rosemont Horizon

Wrigleyville: The neighborhood that surrounds Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play.

XRT: WXRT, 93.1 FM, known for its history of playing "alternative" music for years.

Z95: Popular pop music radio station in 1980's. Has since undergone format changes and is now a mostly classic rock station known as CD 94.7.

Hey Chicagoans and former Chicagoans! Got any more phrases? Write to mistamoose@aol.com with more additions to this page!

Vocabulary from:

http://members.aol.com/mistamoose/vocab.html

I wonder if Miamians get bored with the Cuban sandwich or Philadelphians forego the Philly cheesesteak for long periods of time. I know, with so many new restaurants opening each day and so many tasty leads to follow, sometimes I take the local food icons here in Chicago for granted. I even forsake them occasionally. But, with so many fanny pack clad tourists descending on our city in search of salad dogs, deep dish pizza, and the Italian beef, I don’t really think they need me.

Fast forward to last Thursday when I just happened to be driving through Elmwood Park, a suburb adjacent to the Northwest side of Chicago city proper, and I spotted one of my favorite Italian beef stands: Johnnie’s. You know the soup nazi? Well, Johnnie’s proprietors are the beef Nazis. They make you wait in a single file line and if you’re the next person in line in front of the entrance door and you thing about holding it open to suck up some warm beefy air on a cold or rainy day, don’t do it. If you let so much as a minor draft sneak in to the store, you’ll get glares from the employees and customers alike. You also better have your order together when you hit the cash register and it better not include cheese on your beef (which is pretty much an equivalent crime in these parts to putting ketchup on your hot dog), unless, of course, you want to get laughed at.

The Italian beef usually consists of a thick Italian style roll filled with roasted thinly sliced beef that’s been marinated in a bevy of spices like garlic and oregano. Then you get choices: you can get it “dipped”, which means the whole sandwich gets dunked in the roasting gravy or jus before getting wrapped up, or you can get it “dry”, aka no dip. Likewise, you can get it “sweet” or “hot,” which indicates whether you get sweet green peppers or a spicy giardinara—usually consisting of celery, onion, and various peppers—on top. I prefer mine sweet, hot, and dipped.

Johnnie’s is my favorite combo, which means in addition to the beef, they add a fat link of Italian sausage. Johnnie’s link has a nice red pepper spice and a healthy bit of fennel, and, as far as I’m concerned, when joined with Johnnie’s lean, reasonably well spiced beef, makes the best combo around.

Sitting in my car and unwrapping the butcher paper was torture, but that first bite was a reminder that no matter how much Johnnie’s doesn’t need me, I’d forgotten how much I needed Johnnie's.

Desplaines Street and Roosevelt Road
640 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60607 312-922-3100
After 120 years of operation, Maxwell Street Market was closed down in the mid-90s in a controversial decision from the city. It was soon relocated to become the New Maxwell Street Market along Canal Street about a half-mile from its original site. After a 14 year stint on Canal Street, the market moved to Desplaines Street Sept. 14, 2008.

Continuing its long tradition of offering Chicago immigrants and locals a space to sell odds and ends, the colorful flea market hosts 518 vendors each Sunday, year-round. In addition to household goods, clothing, CDs, jewelry, power tools and produce, there are several Mexican food stands offering authentic fare like enchiladas, tacos, tamales, plantains and horchata. Live blues is played at the market weekly (weather permitting).



Getting There
Cross Streets: On Desplaines St. between Harrison St. and Roosevelt Rd. Parking: Paid Lot and Street Parking Difficult. Several pay lots in the area, including Taylor St. At Canal St. and 14th Pl. At Canal St. Public Transportation: CTA Bus: 12 Roosevelt
Blue Line train: Clinton stop Wheelchair Access: Yes
The Basics
Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Smoking: No Audience: Families
Features
ATM: Yes. Several on Roosevelt Rd. Food: Primarily Mexican food stands offering tacos, tamales, beans and rice, along with fresh lemonade, horchata and tamarindo drinks. Classic Polish sausages as well. Features: Free Admission and On-site Merchandise. Power tools, clothing, produce, household items. Facilities: No pets. No dogs are allowed in the market. Specialties: Flea market finds sold by 518 vendors Payment Methods: Cash
Write a review
» What's nearby?
Restaurants Bars & Clubs Movie Theaters Shopping Theaters
1. Binny's Beverage Depot
2. Barbara's Bookstore
3. The Gourmet Clothing Co.
4. Lissa on Maxwell
5. Lush Wine and Spirits

A Beef Sandwich to Die For........
Johnnie's Beef
7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 12pm-12am

Tel: (708) 452-6000

Chicago is one of the few cities in the country where there are many places to eat great Italian beef and Johnnie's Beef ranks among the best of them. The small beef stand is a perfectly preserved piece of the traditionally Italian neighborhood that surrounds it.

The structure itself resembles an old drive-in eatery, with baby blue walls and yellow neon signs. It is only big enough to hold about ten standing customers at its bar, and seems to have a line that stretches down the block at any time of day. The employees work together as a well oiled machine, though, which minimizes the wait. One worker assembles hot dogs, one spears sausages from the grill, one slaps together the beefs and yet another fills cups with Italian ices (make sure you say you don't want a lid on your ice...that way you get a nice heaping cup of it). Be sure to have your order straight by the time you get to the head of the line; the man who rings you up gets quite upset at indecision or stuttering.


The menu is small, but everything is exceptional. The Italian beef and sausage sandwiches are notably famous, as well as the Italian ices and hot dogs. Every Friday Johnnie's serves up amazing fried egg sandwiches.

Many Chicagoans consider Johnnie's to be the best Italian Beef joint in the world, which accounts for the long line you will usually encounter on your visit. And I will be their this weekend to enjoy one on my visit to Chicago, My home town !!!

From family members, childhood friends, business associates, newspaper reporters, or the police. Not every mobster has a nickname, and some have more than one. Chicago boss Anthony Accardo, for example, was known to his colleagues as "Joe Batters." He got the name from Al Capone after he dealt out a pair of savage beatings with a baseball bat: "This kid is a real joe batters," Scarface said. But the press called Accardo "Big Tuna," after seeing a photograph of him on a sport-fishing expedition.


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"Joey the Clown" Lombardo earned his nickname from the press, thanks to his fondness for zany public behavior and cheesy jokes. At the conclusion of one of his trials, Lombardo attempted to elude newspaper photographers by converting a newspaper into a makeshift mask with eye-holes and racing out of the courtroom. At a subsequent trial, Lombardo explained to reporters that a piece of his jewelry was made from "canarly stone": "You 'canarly' see it," he said.

Mobsters may not like the nicknames they get from reporters and cops. Tony "The Ant" Spilotro (whose murder almost 20 years ago plays a major role in the recent indictments in Chicago) got his from FBI agent Bill Roemer, who had tried to spread the longer and less polite nickname "Pissant" to his buddies in the press. New Yorker Carmine "Junior" Persico was given the unflattering name "The Snake" by a police officer. Persico hated it, especially after "The Snake" caught on among some fellow criminals.

Mobsters sometimes use nicknames with each other to avoid easy identification by the feds. The mob boss Vincent "Chin" Gigante (whose nickname was short for "Vincenzo") insisted that his name never be spoken aloud. His wiseguys were told instead to rub their fingers across their chin or, at one point, to refer to him as their "Aunt Julia." Meanwhile, the press dubbed Gigante "The Oddfather" after he began posing as a schizophrenic in the late 1960s.

Former head of the Gambino crime family John Gotti took pride in the fact that he had no nickname among his peers—everyone knew who you meant if you said "John." Members of the press called him the "Dapper Don," the "Teflon Don," and, following his conviction in 1992, the "Velcro Don."

Original Ferrara Bakery, Inc. 2210 W. Taylor St. Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 666-2200 Fax: (312) 666-2008 Email:nella@ferrarabakery.com

Salvatore Ferrara was just 16 years old when he left his home in Nola, Italy in 1900 and emigrated to the United States. He brought with him the art of Italian pastry making and confectionery, skills which would eventually lead him to open the first Italian pastry and candy shop on Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy. An instant success, he was recognized throughout the city and suburbs for his fine pastries, wedding cakes and confections.

He soon met and married Serafina Pagano and they labored together to provide Chicago with wonderful desserts and candies. Through hard work and commitment to the use of quality ingredients, they made a lasting name for themselves. Serafina, a dynamic business personality and philanthropist, was loved by all who knew her and was known as "The Angel of Halsted Street". She is still remembered today.




Eager to meet new challenges, Salvatore put Serafina in charge of the bakery and concentrated his efforts on expanding the candy business. With the help of his two brothers-in-law, Salvatore Buffardi and Agnello Pagano, they launched the Ferrara Pan Candy Company, now headquartered in Forest Park, Illinois. Still family owned and operated, the company, which manufactures such favorites as Lemonheads and Atomic Fireballs, distributes worldwide.
The third generation of Ferraras proudly carries on the tradition of providing its customers with a wide variety of delicious desserts of the highest quality. Ferrara's Signature Italian Cannoli Cake has become a tradition for thousands, enjoyed through the generations.

Just as Salvatore did when he began in 1908, we take extreme pride in preparing our products with only the freshest and purest ingredients. We use the finest imported spices and never any artificial flavorings or preservatives. Our products will certainly add that elegant crowning touch that sets your wedding or special event apart from the rest.


We've created thousands of wedding cakes.
Let us create a special cake for you.


Let Ferrara be a part of your special occasion. Our experienced staff can offer excellent advice whether you're planning a small intimate gathering or catering a wedding for thousands.

Using only the purest and freshest ingredients, our master bakers will design the cake of your dreams from a simple round layer cake or sheet cake to an elaborate tiered cake using design elements such as elegant columns, fountains, or stairways. You can choose one of our classic creations or create one of your own from hundreds of combinations using our delicious fresh or preserved fruit fillings, custards and icings.


Sweet Table Favorites
Exquisite morsels perfectly sized for your Sweet Table: Eclairs
Assorted Fruit Tartlets
Bowties
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate Mousse
Cannoli
Butter Cookies
Creme Puffs
Italian Cookies
Pecan Brownies
Cheesecake Bites
Chocolate Covered Almonds


A wide variety of delicious pastries, to name a few:
Full Size Pastries
Cannoli
Napoleon
Baba au Rhum
Pasticiotto
Eclair
Sfogliatella
Cassata al Forno
Funghi
Tiramisu
Cheesecake
Creme Puff
Monachine
Profiterole
Creme Horns



European Pastry Miniatures
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Pineapple Tartlets
Raspberry Tartlets
Petits Fours
Zuppette (Lemon Creme)
Napoleons (Bavarian Creme)
Monachine (cannoli filled)
Eclairs (vanilla custard)
Baba au Rhum
Baba au Rhum with custard
Cannoli
Cassata al Forno
Creme Puffs (pineapple-whip)
Chocolate Cannoli
Sfogliatella
Choux, custard filled
Choux, custard filled-frosted
Choux, cannoli filled
Choux, cannoli filled-frosted
White Jordan Almonds
Marzipan





Cookies
Italian Fancy Butter Cookies
Chocolate Chip
Butter with Peanuts
Cherry Top Sandwich
Chocolate Star
Sprinkles
Clover
Assorted Dots
Pecan Butter
Vanilla Horseshoes
Chocolate Horseshoe
Pink Hearts
Brown Sugar Chips
Powdered Crescents
Chocolate Dip Almond Bars
Chocolate Shells
Vanilla Shells

Italian Specialty Cookies
Cashew Bars
Amaretti Classico
Pignolati
Bow Ties
Pineapple Slices
Apricot Farfalla
Raspberry Farfalla
Cucidadi (fig filled)
Tetu
Gigolene
Quaresimale
Tarallo
Frosted Tarallo
Coconut Macaroons



Biscotti
Anise
Anise Almond
Chocolate Almond
Vanilla Almond Raisin
Chocolate Cherry Almond




Are you Drooling yet?? If not you are Morte

Original Ferrara Bakery, Inc. 2210 W. Taylor St. Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 666-2200 Fax: (312) 666-2008 Email:nella@ferrarabakery.com

To all my Italian friends and family, and a few who are not - Enjoy! ...and if you're from Chicago,
Brooklyn , New Jersey, "The Hill" in St. Louis, or Federal Hill, RI, you'll really appreciate this!


Eye -Talian

Why do Italians hate Jehovah's Witnesses?
Because Italians hate all witnesses.

Do you know why most men from Italy are named Tony?
On the boat over to America they put a sticker on them that said
TO NY

You know you're Italian when . . . . You can bench press 325 pounds,
shave twice a day and still cry when your mother yells at you.

You carry your lunch in a produce bag because you can't fit
two cappicola sandwiches, 4 oranges, 2 bananas and pizzelles into a regular lunch bag.

Your mechanic, plumber, electrician, accountant,
travel agent and lawyer are all your cousins.

You have at least 5 cousins living in the same town or on the same block. All five of those cousins are named after your grandfather or grandmother.

You are on a first name basis with at least 8 banquet hall owners

You only get one good shave from a di sposable razor.

If someone in your family grows beyond 5' 9",
it is presumed his Mother had an affair.

There were more tha n 28 people in your bridal party.

You netted more than $50,000 on your first communion.


And you REALLY, REALLY know you're Italian when . . . .

Your grandfather had a fig tree.

You eat Sunday dinner at 2:00 .

Christmas Eve . . . only fish.

Your mom's meatballs are the best.

You've been hit with a wooden spoon or had a shoe thrown at you.

Clear plastic covers on all the furniture.

You know how to pronounce "manicotti" and "mozzarella."

You fight over whether it's called "sauce" or "gravy."

This is a pictorial memory of that place we grew up as kids..!!Date Opened: 1904
Date Closed: 1967
Location: Western and Belmont Avenues,
near the Chicago River and Lane Tech High
Remains at site: None

Note: Riverview was one of the greatest of all
amusement parks













This is a pictorial memory of that place we grew up as kids..!!

The 74 acres bordered by Western and Belmont avenues, the Chicago River, and Lane Tech High School were known affectionately as "Riverview" to at least three generations of Chicagoans from as early as 1904 to as recent as 1967. Riverview Amusement Park was (sometimes disputably) billed as "The World’s Largest Amusement Park" throughout its 64-year popularity. For some people a trip to Riverview was a rite of passage; for others, it was a familiar weekend excursion, but for most people who went there, a trip to Riverview was a significant memory not soon forgotten. As Chicago natives, my parents and my grandparents can attest to the significance of Riverview. My grandmother’s eighth grade graduation trip was to Riverview, and she has fond memories of the four summers she spent as a cotton candy vendor there. My parents also have vivid memories of trips to Riverview. The story of Riverview Amusement Park is one remembered by many.

German Sharpshooter Park, as the area that would become Riverview was known as during the late 1800’s, was a shooting range and picnic grounds owned by the wealthy Schmidt family. Wilhelm Schmidt later put in swings and some rides for the ladies and children and Riverview was born. Soon after its opening in 1904, Wilhelm’s son George began to expand the park with ideas he had picked up in Europe from parks such as Tivoli Gardens. One of these ideas was Riverview’s famous 70-horse carousel, commissioned from a group of Swiss-Italian carvers employed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and installed in 1908. Riverview’s popularity grew during the early 1900’s as a ballroom and a roller rink were built for entertainment during the winter season. The Riverview Boosters Club, started in 1919, sponsored events such as an Armistice Day Party and membership drives throughout the early twenties.

The "roaring" attitude of the twenties had its effects on Riverview, as well. During Prohibition, the many beer-drinking German patrons of Riverview found the park’s picnic grounds continuing to flow freely with beer, even with some interruptions from federal agents. Chicago political machines also made good use of the popularity of Riverview during the 1920’s. Mayor "Big Bill" Thompson sponsored free childrens’ days at Riverview and paid the Western Ave. streetcar fare during the summer. "The park also became a focal point for the developing rivalry between the O’Bannion and Capone gangs," states Al Griffin in Chicago History. Riverview became even more "roaring" in 1926 with the addition of "The Bobs" roller coaster. "The Bobs" was an 11-car coaster with an 85-foot drop, long billed as the most fearsome roller coaster in the country, as well as the fastest on record. Built at the gargantuan (for the 1920’s) cost of 80,000 dollars, "The Bobs" carried 1,200 passengers per hour and drew some 700,000 riders each season. "The Bobs" remained uncontestedly the most popular ride at Riverview throughout its existence.

The Great Depression of the 1930’s hit Riverview hard, as it did most entertainment industries. During the early 1930’s a devastating fire burned down one of the earlier fun houses, called the Bug House, and sections of the Derby Racing Coaster. Even without excess cash flow, Chicagoans continued to find ways to go to Riverview as is evidenced by George Schmidt’s introduction of the foot-long hot dog during the thirties. Most visitors to Riverview opted to eat at the Bowery rather than in the restaurants during the Depression years, so Schmidt began selling the foot-long as something filling yet inexpensive. It’s easy to see why Riverview’s motto became "Laugh Your Troubles Away."

The years during World War II brought more changes to Riverview. The American National Socialist Party held its annual picnic and rally at Riverview in 1939. Thousands of Nazis postured and marched and hailed Hitler on the amusement park grounds. In contrast to this, Riverview became a popular place for returning servicemen and began to thrive again after the lag during the thirties. The postwar baby boom of the late 1940’s and 1950’s brought greatly increased prosperity to Riverview. "In the old days we’d have families of only one or two children. Now they come with four or five or more," stated G.G. Botts, Riverview vice president, of the baby boom’s effects. During the fifties, one couple that met at Riverview insisted on being married on the Pair-o-Chutes ride, and even found a minister to do it. The downside to this increased popularity was the rise of other amusement parks that presented stiff competition for Riverview. In 1948 there were only 420 amusement parks nationwide; in 1958 the number had grown to over 700.

The movement of more and more African Americans to Chicago heightened racial tension at Riverview during that time period, as well. One of the midway games that started out as a "Dunk the Bozo the Clown" game in which contestants threw balls at a target that would release a man into a tank of water turned into "Dunk the Nig**r" during the 1940’s. African American men were hired to sit in the tanks and taunt white passersby, who often would throw the balls at the African American in the tank rather than at the target. The title of the game was later changed to the more politically correct "African Dip" and was eventually closed by Schmidt in the late 1950’s after much pressure from the NAACP. By the time the game closed, "the men who lost their jobs were reportedly making over three hundred dollars a week in what was considered to be the highest-grossing concession in Riverview’s history." The game left a lasting effect, as well. It allowed ethnically diverse Chicagoans to define themselves as "white" and to develop a sense of racial solidarity that "obscured the particulars of their own ethnic backgrounds." This development served to further segregate the city. Fights sprang up more frequently at Riverview after this, and by the 1960’s Riverview required its own police force.

The closing of Riverview at the end of the 1967 season was a shock to many people. As Riverview was still bringing in 65,000 dollars on a good day, it seemed hard for people to attribute the end to economic reasons. But in truth, the Schmidts were probably offered a deal that they couldn’t pass up. They had installed a Disney-esque Space Ride in 1963 that cost 375,000 dollars and was reportedly losing money. Also, real estate prices in that downtown area were rising rapidly and the union labor and private police and fire departments, not to mention yearly repairs on the aging rides, cost the park more and more money. For whatever reason, the park was purchased by a LaSalle Street investment firm on October 3, 1967 for an estimated 6.5 million dollars and promptly demolished. Only the Merry-go-Round and several smaller souvenirs were saved. After storage in Galena, Illinois, the Merry-go-Round was purchased in 1971 and is now in Atlanta at Six Flags Over Georgia. The distortion mirrors from Aladdin’s Castle fun house are reportedly at a dance club in Palatine. The area that was once Riverview is now home to a DeVry Institute of Technology, a police station, and a shopping center.

There were many inside facts about Riverview that employees learned while working there. My grandmother, who sold cotton candy there as a teenager, remembers a lot about the park that the average visitor never found out. For instance, the park hired plants to walk around the midway with prizes, enticing people to play the games. Employees got to take the pre-opening test rides and enjoyed such thrills as the Bobs and the Chute-the-Chutes for free. Also, Riverview didn’t have a set closing time, but depended on the flow of the crowd to tell them when to close. Vendors on the midway watched for the lights of the Hades fun house to go out to know when to start shutting down.

Riverview Amusement Park had a lasting impact on the city of Chicago. Most importantly, it allowed people of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds to interact with each other in an otherwise ethnically segregated city. During its 64 years in existence it was said to entertain over 200,000,000 people. It played important roles during Prohibition, the Depression, World War II, and the baby boom of the fifties and sixties. Helen FitzMaurice says in The Chicago Tribune, "Riverview, like a fading Viennese beauty, held on to her air of old world charm, even when time and the electronic age so ruthlessly forced their way upon her. I am glad that those who were responsible retired her before every vestige of her charm was gone." Even if Riverview and its impact are sorely missed by Chicagoans, its closing was sadly appropriate. In the age of "The Raging Bull" and "The Viper," "The Bobs" and "The Chute-the-Chutes" would seem out of place and belonging to another age. As society looks for more daring risks, technology must follow. Despite being in the shadow of the increasingly technological aspects of today’s amusement park entertainment, Riverview will stand out in many peoples’ memories for the good times they had there and in Chicago’s history for its important social impact on the city.
Date Opened: 1904
Date Closed: 1967

As stated here many times my major music influence was Chicago Rock from the mid 70's to the present,And after working 100's and hundreds of concerts at the Rosemont Horizon (now the Allstate Arena) for the Teamsters Union for 18 trs I have seen my share of music, Now to some of the best of my era, 1st The Boyzz from Illinoizz were our forth right favorites,Honestly seeing at least 500-700 of there shows, which led to a friendship very close with these local heroes, Alomg with bands like The Hounds, Holland,Pezband, The Kind,Chicago was flooded with killer music, As the Boyzz disbanded they broke into some very awesome bands such as Deluxery,Dirts Raiders, The B'zz all of which had that hard Chicago rock sound so loved by this city, Now many years later the verrry talented Michael Tafoya,Who rocked like no other and truly one of the most underrated guitarist in the rock world, Now Mr Tafoya and his Lost Boyzz have unleased a new round of that rock and showmanship only a showman like Mike Tafoya can provide!!!! Hope you enjoy this Bio and if in Chicago dont miss this Rock Legend live!!!!!!!!! Thanks Chicago Mike



With an old school, "now sound", a bump-and-grind feel, and a roadhouse zest Tafoya's Lost Boyzz captures and tickles the happy bone in everyone's heart.

Michael Tafoya - Guitar and Vocals

First gained international attention with Epic recording artists, "The Boyzz from Illinoizz", with Dirty Dan Buck and company, releasing their album "Too Wild To Tame" (Epic Records). In the search of greener, creative pastures, Michael forms "The B'zz", also Epic recording artists. "The B'zz", featuring Tommy Holland (Holland "Wake Up The Neighborhood"), Steve Riley, (W.A.S.P. and L.A. Guns), Dave Angel, (The Boyzz) and Anatoly Halincovich, (a.k.a. Tony Hall) (The Boyzz, "America's Most Wanted"), went on to make an appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand, making history being the only unsigned act to perform in the show's 35 year run. Then, filmed a video for MTV, "Get Up, Get Angry", toured the country, all while writing music prolifically.

Michael went on later to form his own "Tafoya" band, which evolved into "Raw Dogs" (again with Tommy Holland). He as been rock and rolling for decades with nothing in his bones to slow his creative flow!

Chis McCoy - Drums and Vocals

Chris' life is a true, made for T.V. rock and roll story.

Chris was conceived in the back seat of a '68 Chevy, near Notre Dame University, in LaPorte, Indiana. His father, Terry W., played drums and Uncle Al, played accordion and then guitar professionally for the "Rockin' Riveria's". They scored the MEGA-SURF hit "California Sun", (co-penned by Uncle Al).

Chris has been holding drum sticks since he was able to grab them and actually started learning the drums at 10 and then began rocking at 14 with his first "very own" drum kit from his pop. And, the rest you got itis history!

Erik Osland - Bass and Vocals

Erik started playing Bass at age 7 and by 12 he was playing in various Lake County clubs with his father. He eventually picked up drums and guitar as well.

Erik has played with various local bands, promoted teen concerts and has a recording and sound reinforcement business ("Gadjet Productions"),

This outfit is definitely a diverse bunch, just like the music they play. Also just like the music they converge into a single point of view. Big sound, hip shaking, visually formidable, and zesty old school "now" sound. Michael's search led to

The band has a sound that's been decribed as "two to the mule" like they have six members rather than three players.
DON'T MISS OUR DEBUT CD TITLED 'LIFE'
Due for release Soon!!!
Web site http://www.tafoyaslostboyzz.com
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=31030965

The Italian’s first came to Chicago in the late eighteen hundreds, first a slow trickle, then eventually a steady stream. When they arrived, those aliens from Italia settled into neighborhoods occupied by their fellow Europeans primarily on the Near North and Near West sides of the city.

Predominantly Roman Catholic, their primary goal was to connect with a church of their denomination. But where were the Italian Catholic churches? None were to be found. These early Italian settlers did not find compatibility with churches whose composition was Irish, Polish, German, Lithuanian, French, or Czech. They desired their own church. Finally, by the late 1870's, after expressing their desire to the Chicago hierarchy, an Italian Servite priest by the name of Sosteneus Moretti offered his time and energy to locating a site for a future church to serve the growing population of Chicago Italians. Eventually, in 1880, a parcel of land at 323 W. Illinois Street near Market Street North of the Chicago River was purchased. The following year, the basement foundation was completed. In 1883, the church services commenced there. Later it would serve as the church hall.

During the next several years, the Italians donated their nickels and dimes so the main church structure could rise above the existing foundation. In 1883, a rectory was added to the project and finally in 1886, the church rose above the foundation. On the feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1886, the Corinthian style architectural structure was dedicated appropriately as the Assumption Church, Chicago’s first Italian Catholic Church. The Italians called it “Assunta” and left no doubt in everyone’s mind this was “their church”. The first pastor was the same Fr. Moretti O.S.M. who spearheaded the effort six years earlier.

The church’s main exterior feature is the stately 78 foot high bell tower. Extensive use of stained glass windows are featured throughout the church. Above the main altar, a window portrays the Assumption of Our Lady with twenty three angels. Paintings, mosaics and murals also are very prominent including on the church ceiling. The altar rail contained five different types of Italian marble. Statues adorned the church on three sides and numbered a dozen.

Since Assumption was not only Chicago’s first Italian Catholic Church, and the only Italian church, it attracted Italians from not only the adjacent Near North neighborhood, but also from the other scattered “Little Italy’s” in Chicago. It soon became the center for a variety of Italian activities. The neighborhood surrounding the church was comprised mainly of Northern Italians, the first group to arrive in Chicago. They were immigrants from Genoa and Tuscany.

A parish school was founded in 1899 by the Italian Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

The Mother General of this order was no less than Francis Xavier Cabrini. Since land was not available adjacent to the church or rectory, space was purchased a short distance away, at 317 W. Erie Street. The school was overcrowded when it opened with 900 children. Mother Carbini also taught catechism every Sunday to 600 children who attended public schools.

The parish had a population of 20,000 Italian emigrants and their families. Seven Servite priests staffed Assumption to meet the spiritual needs of so many. At times, as many as 32 babies were baptized on a Sunday afternoon. The number of weddings and funerals grew to an astounding number. But as time passed, circumstances began to change at Assumption. The neighborhood began to become industrial and with it, a loss of parishioners. By 1945 the school, once bursting at the seams, closed it’s doors forever. But not once during the 46 years did it charge even one student tuition.

Today, 115 years later, the Assumption Church still stands as a pillar of spirituality for the Near North Side community, now called River North, though it no longer is an Italian church. Many decades ago, the original settlers died off and their descendants moved away. Now, the parish consists of a melting pot of generic nationalities, many of which are referred to as yuppies. Rather than a beacon of visibility in a poor neighborhood of homes and businesses, the church today is almost invisible in a canyon of glass, steel and concrete high rises virtually unnoticed in the shadow the grandiose Merchandise Mart. Despite it’s lack of prominence and the loss of it’s Italian identity, the spirit of Assumption remains in the minds, hearts and souls of countless Italian Americans.

By the way, those dedicated priests of the Servants of Mary.....they’re still there.