FROM THE FRONT PORCH

DON'T ROCK THE BOAT, A STORY OF WORKING FOR A STATE AGENCY

2012-07-21T11:09:00.004-05:00

After leaving the City of Chicago I was hired by the State of Illinois, Department of Employment Security. I believe my title was Information Executive. My job was to manage 10 or 12 programmers who maintained accounts payable and general ledger software. My first day set the course for the next eight years. My Manager presented me with a number of reference manuals to the packages I was to manage. There was no conversation, no direction. After that initial meeting, I was on my own.

I quickly learned that the State operated differently, from the City. The City was internally controlled and independent. City workers came through the Civil Service System and selected off a list of qualified candidates. If they were political, they had some related experience or training. The State operated their personnel systems differently. Many of the programmers, that I was assigned, appeared to have political clout and lacked the experience or training to meet expectations. To meet expectations the State used a number of Consulting Firms to run their systems. This was the main difference between the two organizations. The City was independent and used their own staff. In comparison the State provided little opportunity to be creative to design systems. I had a few good programmers I could depend on, after that it was a challenge to get things done. My style of management was different. My first task was to get to know my people and for them to get to know me. I wanted to know what they could and couldn’t do, what were their skills. Each morning I would say good morning to each staff member and check their progress and ask if they had problems. It was not to be intrusive, but to build unity and a team to get the job done. I wanted them to be comfortable and to trust me. Some had no problem with that, but a few were secretive and protective of what they considered their turf. This was a different environment. As I acclimated myself to the work area and the people; I noticed many competent, hard working people. It dawned upon me that maybe my area was sort of a dumping ground for political favors. It was not the people’s fault, that’s the way the system worked. Eventually the message came through, don’t rock the boat, keep quiet and do what you’re told.

One of my early experiences was with a programmer named Roger. I liked Roger; he was an intelligent, smart man, but not a programmer. It was time for his review and I had to sit down and discuss his performance. I was honest and told him I could not recommend him for a raise because of his lack of performance. Roger was very persistent, and kept arguing his viewpoint and wouldn’t give in. I didn’t believe it, this carried on for several days. Finally, I relented, Roger got his raise. My logic was that no one cared, that was the system, why fight it. This was pretty much the story. What was needed was the opportunity to send those in need for more training. Unfortunately, that wasn’t about to happen.

Every year the agency went through a process called RFP or Request for Proposal. It was the process to select the consulting firms that would create and maintain the agencies systems. There would be six to ten firms that made presentations. It was the responsibility of the data processing managers to select the firms to be awarded contracts. It was a repetitive process. Some firms had been working at the agency many years. Selection was based heavily on agency experience. Some of the consultants had been working at the agency so long they could have qualified for a state pension. Most of the firms had excellent reputations and did outstanding work. I only found one that was arrogant and overbearing. They thought they ran the place. Instead of working for us they thought we worked for them. From the sidelines I could see the favors that the consultants bestowed upon top management: tickets, lunches, dinners and more. This was how things were done and this was a culture that had grown over years.

Employment Security did not provide a competitive environment for individual growth. I wasn’t one to sit back and be quiet. I was ambition and still had the fire to succeed....I had plenty of drive and energy to compete. I filled out the civil service forms for promotion. I was qualified with grades qualifying me all the way to the Director of Data Processing. I didn’t see much opportunity at Employment Security so I sought opportunities at other agencies. It was a brick wall and I didn’t want to move to Springfield. For example, when the Data Processing Director retired, my manager was appointed DP Director. Being on the list and being qualified; I felt I earned the opportunity for an interview. My education and work experience was superior to the chosen one who had just received his bachelor’s degree. The DP Manager’s spot went to an outsider. I remember they had a meeting to introduce her. She was a nice person, but I had to know something about her background and experience. What’s wrong with asking honest questions? Wouldn’t you expect someone to be proud of their credentials when receiving a high respected position? When I asked about her background and credentials everyone was aghast. I had just thrown a bomb of inquiry into the room. To this group it was a no, no. There was no reply to the question. She was to remain unknown. That was the system and how things were done. Don’t’ rock the boat, do what you’re told.

After moving to Homer Township I became politically active. I was President of the Old Oak Estates Home Owners Association, then I founded HURTS (Homer United to Reform Tax Systems), and finally joined the Republican Party to work for change. I ran for Precinct Committeeman and won by an astounding 7 votes. As a candidate I didn’t stir up much enthusiasm or support. I was honest and said what was on my mind. I was not a politician. As a member of the Republican Party I got to know many Federal, State and County officials. I diligently worked my precinct to get many elected. .I was featured in newspaper articles on taxes, water and incorporation. My letters were respected in the newspapers. I was featured as a South Towner in the South Town Newspaper. I was a voice in Homer Township. I considered running for Township Supervisor but was told it would be a violation working both at the State and the Township. I accepted the advice and dropped the subject. I still had the problem of stagnation at Unemployment Security. With my new identity in local government I approached the Chairman of the Will County Republican Party to see what he could do to remove my shackles. I guess he was in as much disfavor as I was, it was no cigar. In fact it wasn’t long after that he was replaced as Will County Chairman. Was there a political brick on my advancement or what was needed to move within the State System?

About a year after joining the State I remember sending a donation of $50 to the Thompson Campaign. .I had never donated before, for some reason, this time, I sent the money. Well, would you believe, shortly after that, there was a layoff. I happen to overhear someone mention my name for layoff; I guess I wasn’t one of the guy’s favorites. The reply was, we can’t touch him. Do you think it was the $50? What a system.

In time I was moved to manage a different unit that was responsible to maintain PC and Peripheral Systems. I also worked with and coordinated some of the work done by the telecommunication unit. Fortunately, most people were very competent. This kept management away and we were free to do our work. Except for the assignment of one person, it was uneventful. They assigned the former director’s secretary to my unit. You knew she was being dumped. I had no problem with her and tried to find things that she could do. Unfortunately she was not a favorite of the new DP Director and this created problems.

The DP Director did give me an assignment. It was to reconcile bills for telecommunication lines. It appeared that the agency was approving IT bills with little understanding of what they were paying. I tried to explain to him that I was not qualified to reconcile these bills; he needed someone who understood the internal system and telecommunications. He didn’t accept that, and said “get it done”. I guess he had me. GOTCHA! I tried, using telecommunication people for input, it was too much of a mess. It was as bad as going into a cable closet and trying to straighten out the wires. If there was anything he could hang me with, it was this assignment.

In the meantime my involvement in Homer politics centered on property taxes, which had doubled in a few short years. I concluded that to change my work situation, I would have to work from within the system. After becoming a Precinct Committeeman I attended meetings and became vocal in my efforts. My involvement gained me the opportunity to to know many State political leaders; I supported Jim Edgar and campaigned heavily for him. In his victory I delivered 73% of Homer’s 12th Precinct. I was on the Joliet radio station asking him questions and writing letters supporting his candidacy, I supported the Congressional Candidacy of Harris Fawell helping him gain favor in Homer. .I supported and worked to elect many of the local State Reps and Senators representing Homer. I had become a heavy hitter in Homer Township. Well, with this growing reputation you would figure I could get some help to move out of Unemployment Security. The day did come when a State Senator arranged for me to meet Bill Cellini in Springfield. I had no idea who the man was or his power. Many of the Reps laughed, because they felt George was going to take on the State. When I came for the meeting, I didn’t meet Mr. Cellini; I met his assistant. Nothing came of the meeting. Afterwards and a better understanding of who Mr. Cellini was, it dawned on me I should have brought a gift. He was the bagman. This was not my style; I went to sell my skills and leadership not my soul.

By 1993 or 1994 I was entrenched in a dead ended career. I was unhappy and I was quite sure my Manager/Director was not happy with me. Well, it came to a head in 1994 when the agency was asked to downsize. I was called into the assistant manager’s office and told I was being laid off. This was interesting because it appeared that those with connections weren’t touched. I had given no money, only my time in supporting Republicans. Jim Edgar was Governor and he followed the playbook established by the powers in Springfield. I talked to several people, but found that no one remembered the work and support I had given them. They didn’t know me or wouldn’t put in a word to help. In fact, some my fellow employees wouldn’t even give me a hi on the street. How did everyone get so brainwashed. Politics was raising its ugly head. The advice was to see my State Representative. My Rep was Brent Hassert. I made an appointment and went to talk to him. My objective was to find out why I was let go. I wanted to know what the going rate was for a state job. The people I knew that were let go had no political connections. In my case they never let anyone go at my job level. I knew it was personal. The DP Manager/Director took the opportunity to get rid of a nemesis. Where did he get all this power? So I went to Lemont to see Representive Hassert. I was greeted in a strange manner, instead of inviting me to sit by his desk; he positioned me 20 feet away, near the door. That was weird, what was more strange was the echo in the room. The Representative excused himself, went to a back room and in a few minutes returned. I was blunt, asking him to tell me what the going rate for a job was? He never replied nor offered any help to intercede for me. I found his actions underhanded in trying to catch me offering him a bribe or payoff. There was no doubt in my mind the meeting was being taped. That was the payoff for helping and working for politicians. He was trying to entrap me into a criminal act. It was getting nasty. The true character of the State of Illinois was unfolding before my eyes. I was living something out of a B movie.

Being the stubborn person I am; I went and filed an age discrimination complaint with EEOC. I was 56 years old, a difficult age to find a job. The complaint didn’t go anywhere; after which I filed a grievance with the State of Illinois. Because of my longevity I could bounce someone with less time. The positions that would apply didn’t appeal to me. In the end I wanted to confront the Information Technology Staff for approving my layoff. I knew it was the DP Director’s decision and no one would disagree with him. The meeting was held at a Human Resources Office in downtown Chicago. There was a representative from HR along with the DP Director and his staff of 6 or 7 people. I explained to them that I was not there to ask for my job back but to ask why the managers selected to lay me off. I stated that it was unprecedented to select someone at my grade level for layoff. Why was I the only one at that level, in the agency, to be let go. I didn’t mince words in calling them cowards in bowing to the wishes of the Director. That didn’t go over well. HR wasn’t pleased with me turning the meeting into an opportunity to tell off management. The DP Director said he wanted an immediate report from everyone justifying my layoff. I told him not to bother, I was no longer objecting. I had no need or desire to work for an organization that had no ethics or professionalism. What I didn’t know, they were doing me a favor.

PROLOGUE: William Cellini was convicted of extortion, Brent Hassert lost his re-election bid, and others no longer hold office. By all accounts The State of Illinois hasn’t changed, and the culture remains in tack. The story goes that the former director’s secretary was let go, but in the process had to be removed from the building, kicking and screaming.

CHANGING TIMES

2012-07-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

The 1940’s had come to an end. It was an end of an era that many remember as the greatest of times. It was a period in history which reflected on the reliance and strength of the American people. They had come out of a depression, unemployment, little or no wages, little food; many had lost everything and fought back. It was not a time to feel sorry for yourself; it was a time to move forward... The depression ended and we faced an enemy to democracy and freedom. World War II brought us into conflict with Germany and Japan. Many lives were sacrificed to maintain human dignity and the right to be free. It was the story of the great American culture, pride, values and way of life...

Many of the things we have talked about have changed. The story of life is change. As soon as you feel comfortable, something changes. If we meditate on the things we did in the 40’s, in comparison to today, we will find drastic changes. The front porch that we enjoyed for discussions is a thing of the past. The friendships we enjoyed have changed. Many neighborhoods have changed 2 or 3 times over. The ethnics of the 40’s have been replaced by new groups and cultures. The stores we knew have been replaced with foreign signs and ads. The people moved to new areas or the suburbs.

Our small stores have been replaced by large shopping malls. The ma and pa stores could no longer compete with large corporate giants. Gas stations no longer pump gas, clean windows or check your tires, its now self service. If you have car problems you need to find a dealer or someone specializing in the problem... The bakeries of the 40’s are few and are now found as departments within large supermarket chains. The freshness and taste is no longer the same. Candy stores are gone, although you may find fine chocolate shops in larger malls or in frozen displays at supermarkets and drug stores. Most if not all of the Milwaukee Avenue stores are gone. It’s a new day and a new culture that promotes its goods and way of life.

The call to play has been replaced by modern communications. The culture of play has changed. Kids no longer play in gravel schoolyards or rock filled empty lots, they require grassy fields with stands, real bases and line markers. It is rare to see kids just get together and start up a game of baseball or football. They need supervision and coaches to guide and tell them what and how to play. Where is the imagination of the cork stand, hit em outs, pitching pennies? Instead of playing outside and the cammadrarie of friends, most kids of today relate to indoor entertainment with electronic gadgets .Is this good? I don’t know, but I can say that it was a healthier, more enjoyable life growing up in the 40’s.

By 1950 the radio was fading as TV made its way into our living rooms. Many of the favorite shows started switching to TV; Jack Benny, Red Skeleton, Burns and Allen, and Jimmy Durante. The mysteries didn’t make the move; it was difficult to transfer the mental image to the screen. Radio had to make its own transition. It would soon abandon the old shows and switched to music and talk, Sports continued to be aired and provided large audiences. Radio was to find its niche in the car while traveling, working or doing things around the house... The 78 RPM records became obsolete, while the phonographs, that played the records, have been replaced with new technologies. The black telephone has given way to smaller more convenient methods of communication. The movie theatre with its double feature and cartoon has been replaced by large multiple screen theatres. The cost to go to the movies and buy pop corn or candy has gone from pennies to dollars. In fact, you don’t need money, you can charge it. We have changed from a cash and go society to a society with a charge card.

Advances in transportation have replaced the streetcar with buses and trains. You no longer have a conductor. The conductor has been replaced by coin or dollar machines. The trolleys are gone and all transportation has air conditioning, Automobiles now come in many colors and designs. They have become bigger and more costly. It’s no longer Ford vs. GM, we have entered the global market were foreign competition now challenges the once dominate U.S. companies. Air travel has made it possible to travel long distances in a matter of hours. The once long tedious car and train trips are now made by air.

Our appliances have become automated and computerized. You no longer have to stand over a stove and cook meals. You push a few buttons and the appliance does the work. The old wringer washing machine, ice box, coal stove and cleaning devices have been replaced. Thermal windows and efficient heating systems now give you the convenience of warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. The sculptures of Jack Frost have melted away. Change has made our lives easier and more convenient.

The walks down the Avenue have been replaced by automobile trips to malls. Window shopping on a Sunday afternoon has become passé. Stores are now open everyday and many 24/7. Discounters have replaced the old department stores with lower prices and fewer services... The loyalty of old is gone; we now search for the best buy. You can no longer run down the block to buy a paper or piece of candy. How hard is it to find a shoemaker or barber? Most of the ice cream shops have disappeared. The movie theatres have been knocked down or boarded up. Yes, the old neighborhood just ain’t the same.

The old friends and neighbors have either passed away or moved to different parts of the city, suburbs or different parts of the country. If you walked down a street you probably couldn’t recognize your old friends or neighbors. Memories are replenished by reading of an old friends passing. What happened to all those people where did they go, what did they do? So many people pass through our lives impacting who we are and what we have become. Time passes and we move on and adjust.

Yes, times have changed, we have changed and everything around us continues to change. Time does not stop. New things are happening every minute and hour of the day. It’s hard to keep up with change. You can look back, but it’s more important to look forward. You can’t change the past but maybe you can impact the future by looking forward and focusing on where you’re going. You can cherish the memories of what was, but you must be positive of the future. The memories of the 40’s have now been relinquished to history. We must use and pass on these memories as a time that was and should not be forgotten.

I hope you enjoyed our visits from the Front Porch. I hope I painted a picture of what life was like in the 1940’s on Evergreen Avenue. Please join me next time as we venture into new discussions. Next week, we begin a new topic, WORK.

Till next time.

This is Sasiad your neighbor on the Front Porch.

2012-07-03T12:05:00.002-05:00

Hi, welcome back to My Front Porch. Today, I thought that we would continue our discussion on growing up in Wicker Park. Last week we talked about Evergreen Avenue and the stores and its people. To get a better picture of the neighborhood let’s take a walk and check out the major streets: Damen, Milwaukee, Division Street, North Avenue and Western Avenue.

It’s a short walk to Damen Avenue from The Front Porch on Evergreen Avenue. Damen Avenue was a major thoroughfare with red streetcars that provided transportation North and South... The streetcars where manned by a conductor and a motorman. Damen Avenue was cobble stoned with tracks and trolley lines to run the cars. It was not unusual for the trolley to disengage and the motorman or conductor to exit the streetcar and re-engage the trolley. Let’s start our walk north on Damen. On the corner at Evergreen and Damen was a Rexall Drug Store and across the street a Baptist Church About a block north is Wicker Park. The Park covers about two square blocks. Across from the Park were mostly homes. I remember a clinic that was located across from the park. That’s where I would go to be checked for colds and other ailments. Not far from the clinic was the El Subway that could get you downtown in less than 15 minutes. Somewhere near the El was the Stack and Ryan Bowling Alley. . As we pass the El we find three corners Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues. This triangle was anchored by the Tower Building that housed doctors and dentists, Northwest Pharmacy, Irv’s Men Store and Fairfield S&L.

Northwest Pharmacy Tower Building

If you went west on North Avenue you would find The Association House, one of many settlement houses where immigrants were welcomed and received assistance in settling into our country. Many of the neighborhood kids played basketball at the Association House

For our tour let’s turn right onto Milwaukee Avenue, to me it was known as the “Avenue”. Milwaukee Avenue was the major shopping center that featured furniture, clothing, jewelry, movie theatres, and more. Wielboldts was our Marshall Field and the major department store in the area. I best remember Wielboldts for opening its 4th floor Christmas Toyland which featured Santa Claus, toys and a great train display. I also remember standing in line and waiting for Polish Ham at Glinkas Sausage and for fish at Jack’s Fish Market, it was a nightmare to go to those stores at Christmas or Easter. Nearby was the People’s Gas and Com Ed offices to pay your gas or electric bills. The A&P was the largest supermarket in the area. I remember the Chicago Bakery for its paczki, kruszecki, kolaczki, éclairs, French donuts and birthday cakes... There was Jack and Jills for ice cream sundaes and sodas. At Jack and Jills your water was served in a triangular tin cup with a paper cup insert. When was the last time you saw that? Two movie theatres, Wicker Park and The Royal Theatres had double features, cartoons and a news reels for pennies. Nearby was a wallpaper store. There was Tri-Are Lamps were we still have a lamp from. As we continue down Milwaukee Ave we cross Evergreen Ave., which runs at an angle and ended at Milwaukee Avenue... Nearby you could find Niederman Furniture, Royal Jewelers, and something you won’t find today, a fresh chicken store. Yes, you could buy fresh live chickens. The chickens were kept in coups until ready for killing and cleaning. There was a Record Store that sold 78 RPM records. You’d browse through the records that were stored on tables; you could play your selections in a sound proof room before purchase. There were a few taverns and you’d could smell the beer, it had a lasting aroma. There was a newsstand to buy local papers and magazines. My favorite store was the Woolworth 5&10; I liked the toys and the candy malt teasers and chocolate raisins... As we cross Wood Street we come to Wileboldts and across the street, were Tom McCann and Father and Son Shoes. Benson Rixon and Continental Clothing where the top men stores and Paddors was a favorite ladies store. You could find ladies hats and other accessories on the Avenue. The stores were closed on Sunday, but you’d find people strolling and window shopping on the Avenue...

We’ve reached the end of what I called the Avenue. We’re now at Milwaukee, Ashland and Division Street. Next week I would like to take you down Division Street and continue to look back at growing up in the 40’s...

Sasiad

WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME

2012-07-03T12:05:00.001-05:00

As WWII ended the nation rejoiced and echoed the old Civil War song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, Hurrah, Hurrah”. Celebrations took place throughout the land. The Stars and Stripes was flown proudly and the pride and patriotism was seen throughout the land. Happy Days Were Here Again.

The transition from wartime to peacetime was about to begin. What was once a male dominated work force was about to change. Through their hard work and efforts women were now competing for the jobs previously occupied by men. The factories began to hum and produce the much needed and desired domestic goods: refrigerators, automobiles, furniture, clothes... After years of shortages the stores were stocked and meeting consumer demand. I remember a neighbor who waited a year for his new Ford Coup. It was a beauty, bright shiny red... Within days it was stolen. It was heartbreaking to see this man’s happiness turn to anger and sorrow... I guess you can never eradicate evil. Our household participated in the change by buying a refrigerator and saying good by to the ice box. We got a used gas heater for the kitchen to replace the coal stove.We purchased a radio and phonograph. We ran out to buy the latest 78rpm hits: Julida Polka, Jedzie Boat, Too Fat Polka, Helena Polka, Czy Jak Ta Dzywiecyna and others. Yes, we liked Those Polkas! Oh, by the way, we did buy popular records.

My sisters were now getting older and starting to date. They’d go polka dancing to the ballrooms and picnic groves. They ‘d go to Polonia Ballroom and Grove, Pulaski Village, Veterans Hall, Wozniaks, Trombas and Natomas. There were plenty of dance halls in the 40’s. This is were the Polish Boys went to meet the Polish Girls. This was also the Big Band era, they would go to the Aragon or Trianon Ball Rooms to listen and dance to Eddie Howard, The Dorsey Brothers, and Wayne King. For movies they went to neighborhood theatres or Downtown too the Chicago, Oriental, State Lake Theatres where they watched live performances presented by big bands, singers and comedians. It was like vaudeville. I remember going to the Chicago Theatre to watch a James Cagney movie, the one were he pushes a grapefruit in the girls face. After the movie, we enjoyed the big band sounds of Guy Lombardo or Carmen Cavarello.

After the war couples started to marry and it was the start of the baby boom. It was a time when people married within their own nationality and religion. It was frowned upon for a Pole to marry someone that was not Polish or Catholic. Everyone in my family, aunts and uncles, married Poles. The only non compliant one was my brother who married an Italian girl. Most of our weddings took place at Holy Trinity Church on Noble Street. This was the time of the famous Polish Weddings. The couples rented a hall, hired Polish cooks, bought the food and drinks, and hired a Polka Band. For food there was chicken soup, chicken, golambki, Polish sausage, mash potatoes, kapusta, a salad, coffee, and kolaczki. The wedding cake was taken home. The cooks were the best. The halls were situated so that you had dancing on the main floor and dinner on the lower level. When it was time to eat, the band would strike up the Polish Wedding March and the Bride and Groom would invite and lead the guests to the dining area. After dinner the bar would open and dancing would begin. The bar would be manned by friends and relatives. The drinks would be beer, wine, straight shots, high balls and soda. Sometimes, someone would have too much to drink and fights would break out, or other foolish incidents would occur. I remember, at my eldest sister’s wedding, my brother and several friends took my brother-in-law’s car for a joy ride and were caught by the police. They were escorted back to the wedding where my brother-in-law talked them out of the situation.

In 1947 my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. It was a surprise party hosted by my sisters and brother. It was held at an old hall, Gutz Hall. It featured great home cooking by our Polish Cooks and the music of Joe Durlak. To this day I still listen to his renditions of Czy Jak Tak Dzywiecyna, Kuku Oberek and Young Fellows Waltz. It was like the typical Polish wedding with the Wedding March, dinner and dancing. My father was famous for his Russian Cossack Dance and entertained the guests with his energy and footwork. All the relatives and friends attended. In those days you invited your neighbors. It was like a block party. The Anniversary was held on a Sunday and on Monday we stayed home to rest and continue the celebration. My father went to work. He never missed a day of work.

The day after a Polish Wedding was called Poprawina, the Day After. It was a continuation of the celebration. The relatives would gather at the home of the bride or groom to visit and talk about the wedding. It was a time when the question, how much money (ile) did they collect was asked. We would enjoy the left over food and have a good time, talking and laughing about the crazy things that happened at the wedding.

One of the things I enjoyed after the war was watching the men, back from service, play 16” softball. After super I would go to Wicker Park School Yard to watch the games. The season lasted from June thru July. The two neighborhood teams were the Rippers and Wolves, My favorite was the Rippers. They wore red burgundy pants with white stripes. They were a solid team. I remember they had Gene at 1st, Whitey at 3rd and Mike at shortstop. Gene was a big guy who could hit the ball a mile. The playing field was covered with gravel and was surrounded by Damen, Schiller, Evergreen and Hoyne. Home plate was at Schiller near Damen. The school was about 200 feet from home plate and 50-60 feet from left field. It was like having a big fence in center field... A lot of home runs were hit on to the roof of the school. I remember Gene hitting one from Schiller to almost Evergreen Avenue. The Wolves wore Blue and Gold. I had a habit of watching the Wolves along the 1st baseline, until their pitcher, Johnny; a left hand hitter hit a line drive that hit me in the nose. .. I still can feel that ball and blood coming from my nose. The problem was that it didn’t happen once, it happened twice. I guess I didn’t belong on the 1st baseline. The teams would meet once or twice during the season. Sometimes, Joe Graboski played for the Wolves. They called him Bones. He was about 6-6 and played for the Chicago Stags and later the Philadelphia Warriors. Joe went straight from Tuley High School to play professional basketball with the Stags. The Rippers normally came out on top. The best games were when the Cats, a black team, came by truck to play the Rippers. This was the show down of all show downs. It was like the Yankees coming to play the White Sox. Two great teams squaring off in what was always a big money game. The Cats were so good they were unbeatable. If the Rippers beat them once or twice it was a miracle. The scores were something like 40 to 1 or 43 to 0. They were unbelievable and it was a joy to watch the teams and the respect they had for each other. I didn’t see any racism.

The young men playing softball were a great example for the neighborhood kids. Many of the men continued their education under the GI bill and went on to successful careers. It was there way of staying in touch with their buddies and relaxing.

Early in May the Polish Constitution Day was celebrated. It was on the first Sunday in May and started with mass at Holy Trinity Church and followed with a parade that proceeded down Augusta Blvd to Humboldt Park than to the Kosciuszko Statue, The statute had stood for years near North and California. Every year we would have lunch and run to watch the parade. We’d walk down Potomac Street to the park. There was always a packed crowd lining the parade route. Everywhere you would see Red and White Polish Flags and American Flags. A number of bands played as we watched former Polish soldiers march by. The Polish Ladies auxiliary were dressed in white outfits with Blue and red capes and blue hats. They would string out huge white sheets to collect money for Polish charities... My Uncle Miller marched in his Goral outfit, Mountaineer; he had his handy curved Polish Cane in hand. The parade ended at Kosziciuczko’s statue where a well known dignitary would speak. It was an enjoyable and memorable event that was looked forward too every year.

The end of WWII also marked the year that the Chicago Cubs battled the Detroit Tigers for the pennant. It was 1945 and the Cubs had such favorites as Phil Cavaretta, who batted 355, Stan Hack, Andy Pafko, Bill Nicholson, Lennie Murrelo, Claude Passeau, Hank Borowy and Hank Wyse who won 22 games. The Cubs were managed by Charlie Grimm, but lost in a 7 game series to the Detroit Tigers.

In 1948 Harry S. Truman ran for re-election against Thomas Dewey, former governor of New York. This was the year that the Chicago Tribune printed its famous headline that “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN”. Truman was the winner and continued on for four more years with his standby trademark, “The Buck Stops Here”.

Yes, Johnny had come home and we had returned to normal, unfortunately it was to be short lived. . In a few short years we would find ourselves in the Korean Conflict.

Join me next week on the Front Porch as we discuss the grammar school years.

AS TIME GOES BY

2012-07-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

AS TIME GOES BY

Today let’s begin with a little history of the family. My father was born in 1895 in Ternavka, a small village in the Russian Ukraine. His family lived on a farm in the rich farmlands of the Ukraine. He had three brothers. He came to America at the insistence of his mother to escape the tyranny of the Russian Revolution. He set sail on the Vaterland and arrived at Ellis Island in 1914. It was a bold an adventurous journey for a 19 year old who didn’t know the language or anyone in a new home called the United States. He came to Chicago and boarded with a Polish family. There were other boarders and the lady of the boarding house was known as Hazika. My father went to evening school and learned to write, speak and read English. In a very short time he was competent in the language and soon found work in the picture frame industry...

My mother was born in 1903 in Philadelphia of Polish parents. Her parents were born in Szczawnica, Poland. At an early age she made two trips with her parents to visit her grandparents in Poland... She had two brothers and twins that died when babies. Her mother died when she was 13. Her father remarried and had two boys and a girl with the second wife. My mother completed most of grammar school but had to quit and go to work. She worked for a Jewish family cleaning house. Her father died in 1929. She met my father through Hazika. They were married in 1922. They had three girls and two boys; I was the youngest. My oldest sister was 15 and the youngest sister 7 when I was born. My parents had a long history of living on Evergreen Avenue. They lived in two different houses before moving to 2143 W. Evergreen. My Uncle Frank owned the grocery store and then bought a 3 flat three doors down. During the depression Uncle Frank lost everything and my parents moved to 2143 where I was born.

My mother was the boss; she managed the house, kids and money. My father was easy going and brought home the pay. Times were rough during and after the depression. Somehow my father was able to work and support the family. By the time my three oldest siblings were 16 they quit high school. Education wasn’t a priority when the family needed financial help. It was an era when working in a factory and steady work was looked upon as success. By the time young people were 19 or 20 they were getting married. We were a disciplined family and followed the rules. If you got out of line, the strap came out and you scurried to find safety. No no, no don’t hit me!

Supper time meant everyone sat down together. We learned to share and work together. Everyone had chores. As you got older the chores went down the line. Pretty soon I had inherited the chores. You learned to respect each other and bind together. We weren’t an outward affectionate family, but inside had the love and respect for each other. The credit goes to my mother and father for instilling good values: honesty, hard work, respect, courtesy, the tradition of family, how to manage good and bad times, responsibility, cleanliness, and to be a good person.

My mother was quite sociable and liked to entertain. Although we didn’t have much, we always seemed to have guests and plenty of food and drinks on the table. My relatives would take turns visiting .Uncles were called Wujek, aunts ciotka,grandma busia and grandpa dziadek. The kitchen table was the vocal point for the visit. .For the men my father would bring out a quart of beer and a half pint of whiskey and coffee or soda was served for the ladies. Around supper time my mother served lunch meat, bread, pickles and cake. When my uncles came they liked to play cards, 66 was their game. They would argue and accuse each other of cheating. They took this game seriously. They smoked cigars and sometimes cigarettes. The kids weren’t allowed to congregate with the adults, they stayed in another room. At the end of the evening they would say their good byes and head home. Most lived within walking distance and some would take the street car.

I can recall when my oldest sister was dating that my mother invited her fiancé and friends for Sunday dinner. They were from Pennsylvania and weren’t fortunate to have good home cooked meals. My mother served golambki and won everyone over. One of the memorable guest was the father of my future brother-in-laws friends. His name was Pop Laskowski. He was a tall, gray haired, slender man in his sixties. He loved to sing ,his favorite song was Jak Sybko Mila Chwile, As Time Goes By, In fact the whole group loved to sing and we where entertained with their harmonies of: Down By The Old Mill Stream, Dinah, I’ve Got Six Pence, Me and My Gal and other songs of the 30’s and 40”s. Their visits brought joy and happiness to the house.

When you talk about happiness and fun times I remember my youngest sister’s First Communion Party. It was held on the 2nd floor and all the aunts and uncles came. They were a fun bunch and liked good times. To celebrate they formed a band of combs, scrub board, paper and other items to make musical sounds to which they sang their favorite Polish songs. The windows were open and the merriment could be heard down the street...

In the summer my uncles would take us picnicking at Dam No. 2 or 4 on the far Northwest Side. My mother fried up hamburgers, prepared breaded pork chops, potatoe salad, coffee would be put into an empty gallon bottle and everything placed in a big picnic basket. This was a treat and always exciting. At one time I remember going in a truck, otherwise we traveled in one of the uncle’s cars... My father never owned or drove an automobile. The families didn’t own homes, everyone rented, and free time was for family. In those days cars had running boards while the small coups had rumble seats. Rumble seats were seats that are now occupied by your trunk and they would open outward with two seats. They had no roof and you were vulnerable to the weather.

One of my most favorite times was visiting Coitka Wlodska, Aunt Lucy, in Chicago Heights. We’d start out early on a Sunday taking a Damen Avenue Streetcar to Halsted Street and Halsted all the way to Harvey where we would pick up a bus to Chicago Heights. Once in Chicago Heights our Uncle Schultz would pick us up in his car. He was wild and drove like a maniac. They lived in an old frame house. They shared a bathroom with a next door neighbor; the bathroom was interesting because the water closet was on the wall near the ceiling. In the back of the yard they raised pigeons which were kept in little houses or coups. Ciotka had a large garden where she grew vegetables for canning. I always loved to come for her pork roast and roast potatoes. The best roast potatoes you ever tasted. She was a cook at the local country club. After several hours we would start our trek back home.

In the summer we would have visitors from Philadelphia, my mother’s mother’s brother, Wujek, would come with his daughters Mary and Nellie and spend several days with us. At times we would have other relatives from Philadelphia. My Uncle John was also a periodic visitor. He was a career soldier and came with his wife. It was never boring; there was always a variety of friends and relatives to make things interesting. I still can’t figure out how my mother managed, housed and fed all those people...

Next week I would like to continue our discussion by talking about holidays and how they were spent at 2143 W. Evergreen.

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MOVING TO OUR DREAM HOUSE

2012-07-03T12:02:00.001-05:00

Before I got married Carol and I looked for a place to live. With the help of her father we found a nice apartment, located at 8308 S. Kedzie, behind Max’s Barbershop. We fixed it up and bought furniture and were ready to live there by the time we got married, it was convenient for Carol to go to Christ Advocate Hospital. I was working at North American and took a bus downtown. We moved there in June 0f 1968. In June, 1969 Georgie was born. When we moved there, Max the owner said he wouldn’t raise our rent. Well after a year the rent was raised from $130 to $150 a month. We felt it was too high. We started looking for a house. We started on the North Side were prices were higher and then scaled down our expectations to look on the SW side. The houses were newer and cheaper. Again Carol’s father came to the rescue. At the time he owned Frank and Walt’s Grocery Store on 56th Place and Pulaski. One of his customers had died and the family was selling their home at 5436 S. Avers. The house was about 20 years old and in decent condition. It needed a lot of paint and some work but was worth the $23,000 price tag. Our parent agreed and we bought the house. Over time we fixed the lawn, built a garage, redecorated the basement, put in new kitchen cabinets and remodeled the bathroom. I especially liked the basement and the bar that Carol’s parents had bought us. We had many parties that provide us with many fond memories. When my mother passed away, we built an apartment, in the attic, for my sister Loretta. It had become a very beautiful home for the area. It was conveniently located with the Pulaski and Archer Bus Lines close to Chicago’s loop. In April 1970 I started working for the City and the transportation was good. Carol was working at Christ Hospital which was straight down Pulaski to 95th Street. Georgie was going to St. Turibius where he could walk or get a ride to school. It turned out to be a practicable and good decision for a first home.

We lived in St. Turibius Parish, were Carol had gone to grammar school and had attended Lourdes High School. As Georgie got involved in various activities: soccer, band and scouts; I also got involved in the School Board, Scouts, and Band Boosters. Monsignor Mroszkowski was pastor and was an excellent religious leader. The Monsignor was always pleasant and treated the people who worked around the church to a variety of parties. He was a gifted organist and singer. Because of his love for music Georgie participated in a number of organ recitals that were held in the church hall. While at Turibius, Georgie’s interest in music grew. A big influence was St. Turibius’ Band Director Stan Robeson. Georgie took Organ and accordion lessons from Mr. Robeson. Stan also worked with Otto Nagel who gave Georgie Clarinet and Saxophone lessons. As his skills grew he was able to join Mr. Nagels Spartan Band. The Spartans were composed of mostly grownups but he was able to fit in. The Spartan Band also played at the Chicago Sting Soccer Games at the Chicago Stadium. In between those activities he participated in numerous organ recitals that he placed 1st place. Because of his interest we purchased a Hammond Organ. It would turn out to be an excellent investment for his future. By the time he was going to high school he was beginning to play at churches. St. Turibius was probably the most enjoyable part of living at 5436 S. Avers.

After along 10 years Carrie was born on January 19.1980. We had three bedrooms so it worked out just fine. Georgie had some neighborhood friends, bur Carrie didn’t have any one her age in the area. She had one lone friend, Kathleen, who came to visit her grandmother. By the time Carrie was ready to go to grammar school we had to make a decision on where we would live. Georgie was to go to Marist High School at 115th and Pulaski. We knew the neighborhood was changing. Next door we had a drug dealer and 2 frame houses that were neglected. Was this the neighborhood we wanted our children to grow up in? The major problem was, I worked for the City. That was a problem. The residency rule didn’t allow you to live outside the city. So the decision was made to look for another job.

Finding a new job wasn’t easy. The private sector had reservations about government employees, the ads were fruitless and networking was limited. Through a friend in the National Guard I was able to secure a position with the State Of Illinois’; Department of Employment Security. The money was a little less, but it provided the opportunity to leave the City. Next we had to select a place to live. After searching for a time we opted to build a new home. By chance, one Sunday I found a small ad in the Tribune with a vacant lot for sale in Homer Township. So we took a ride to Homer, which was still a small farming community. Our destination was the Old Oak Country Club. There, we met Al Lieponis who was representing property in Old Oak Estates. He took us around and we found lot at the corner of Old Oak and Pin Oak. It was a quarter of an acre with plenty of room. There was only one home at this location. To our back was vacant land that butted up against horse ranches located on Bell Road. We liked it and decided to purchase the property. The cost was about $18,000. We would need a mortgage. This would be a problem because banks weren’t lending money for vacant land. I told this to Eleanor Orchowski, a friend at City Hall. who told me to see her banker son. Through Eleanor’s son we got a mortgage and bought the land. Carol’s parents liked the location so much they bought the lot next door.

Now that we had the land we had to find a builder and the plans to build our dreamhouse. Carol had been impressed with the builder who had built her mother’s home on 56th Place. So we went to Tatoo and Schroll but for some reason it wouldn’t work. One problem was that we needed space for my sister, Loretta. Carol’s parents were able to build and move before us. They had selected Mundo Builders. So we selected the same builder. We found the plans that we liked. It was a combination of a Gallagher and Henry design and another builder. It was to be 2800 square feet, not counting the basement. The rec room area was huge enough that we could build a studio apartment for my sister. The cost was about $240,000. That was a lot of money for 1985. To finance the property I took a loan on my City pension, and with the sale of 5436 we were able to obtain a reasonable mortgage. Interest at that time was about 12%. With Carol and me working we were able to manage the mortgage.

So with a new job and the sale of our old home we were off to Homer Township. The first thing was to make sure our kids were set in school. Carrie was bused to Goodings Grove and Georgie to Marist. I drove downtown and sometime took the train. We needed many improvements: landscaping, furniture and general odds and ends. Over time we used our money wisely and accomplished our objectives. We where now in our dream house as the story goes on.

CITY HALL DAYS

2011-08-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

After I got married my outlook on life changed. I had to become responsible and serious. Changing jobs, every 2 or 3 years, was no longer acceptable, it was time to settle into a secure career. It was time to get off the roller coaster. The opportunity came when I answered an ad, in the Chicago Tribune, for a Systems Analyst position with the City of Chicago. I was leery of government, but applied anyway. Working for government presented a negative perspective. I got a reply for an interview. The first step was a programming test. I passed, than was interviewed by a Systems Manager in the Chicago Data Center. I was hired. My start date was April 15, 1970, the salary, $10,700.

I was assigned to Lavern Breen who was to become my mentor and friend. She was great. You couldn’t ask for a better person to work with. She wanted me to succeed. I was assigned to work on the Board of Health Birth and Death System. Again I was fortunate to work with some wonderful people: the manager Henry Stanton and Jim Masterson, Chief Statistician. My responsibility was to ensure that a statistical report of births and deaths was prepared every Friday for the CDC (Center for Disease Control) to develop national figures for analysis. The assignment lasted 3-6 months.

I did very well, I passed the 3 month review and received a raise, I passed the 6 month review and got a raise and I passed the one year review and got a raise. I soon was promoted to Senior Systems Analyst and in a short time Principal Systems Analyst. I was beginning to make money. And Fred Farris said I should be an accountant! The environment fit my skills and personality. The only problem that came up in my first days was receiving my first paycheck My check was held up. They put a brick on it. I couldn’t understand it. I got the job through the Tribune, passed the requirements and was performing my duties. This upset me. I was mad. I wasn’t sure what to do. Than, I thought, that since I had been a member of the Illinois National Guard and General Kane was Director of Gun Control, I should talk to him. I went to his office and told him the situation. He told me it might be a good idea to see my committeeman since I was working for a political organization. I nodded my head and went back to my office. By the time I got back, my check was there. The General had made a phone call and resolved the situation. The Data Center Managers heard what I did and weren’t pleased with my actions and spoke among themselves about being more careful on who they hire. For the rest of my tenure no one approached or talked to me about politics. I never went to my committeeman and remained non political.

In time Laverne introduced me to Mike Hogan, from the Department of Personnel. Mike was in charge of Payroll Certification and coordinated personnel systems with the Data Center. Mike became a true friend and helper in moving my career forward. He was honest and realistic. He was interested in doing a good job. In time Mike transferred to the Chicago Fire Department and wanted me to replace him in Personnel. The timing was perfect, for I was to face some of the biggest system challenges the Department of Personnel would ever encounter. At the time, the Department of Personnel was dependent upon the Data Center for its data processing. As I became familiar with the systems, I began to plan the reorganization of the data processing needs for the DOP. I was fortunate that the Data Center had sent me for classes in Systems Development and Analysis at the Federal Building. These classes laid the foundation for much of the work that was to follow. The education provided me with the knowledge and approaches needed to bring about the changes necessary to meet the challenges in a timely and efficient manner... Two areas were of concern: Personnel Records and Examinations. I was about to venture into something unheard of, challenge the data center, and move some of the technical responsibilities to the User Department. This was rejected by the Data Center. Dr. Pounian, Director of Personnel, backed my position and took our proposal to Mayor Richard J. Daley. We won and were able to purchase our own Mini Computer, Entrex System. By this time I was enlisting the help of Lester Ascher, who moved from the Examination Division to my Systems Unit. Lester was a good technician and quickly learned to run and manage the Entrex. We became a team. I not only needed someone to manage Entrex, but also the expertise to write programs to create and modify systems. I applied for and received several grants to fund changes to the Certification System and to build a Biographical Examination Entry Program (BEEP). Again, I was fortunate to enroll the part-time help of two former DC Programmer Analysts to accomplish these tasks. Janis Kelly, former Programming Manager, took on the Certification project and Joe Tumminaro the BEEP Project. For $10,000 we put in place two excellent systems.

The BEEP System eventually grew to not only capture examination biographical data but encompassed the complete exam process: preparing exam notices, exam lists, statist tics, logistics, and other needed information. BEEP was instrumental in the processing of the Police and Fire Exams in the 70’s and 80’s. The system managed over 40,000 candidates for several police and fire exams and established the logistics for exam sites as well as test scoring. We also captured oral and physical exam data. Lester and James Jackson were instrumental in utilizing the data to generate the statistics used to defend the City in numerous court cases. There were times that we worked into the night, taking over the City’s two IBM 360 Computers; to prepare the statistics and information needed to meet court deadlines.

While building the exam systems, Florence Brophy, Manager of Test Scoring became ill requiring me to assume responsibility for the Test Scoring Division. We made some changes and McKinley Rogers became supervisor. Mac did a good job and was an excellent support person during this critical period in the City’s history. We modernized the file systems and kept pace with new technology to enable us to process the large number of applicants. .I also accepted responsibility for the Personnel’s Administrative Division which included: mail room, tuition reimbursement, photo id, reception room, purchasing, and most important the Budget. This assignment came because of my suggestion to Dr. Pounian that we needed better management of the budget. I was given the title Director of Systems and Administration... I had a fine staff: Connie, Eleanor, Olga, Lilly, Paula and more. With good people the job was enjoyable and successful.
We forged ahead in automating Personnel Systems and setting the model for other user departments. The changes wouldn’t have been possible without the fine work and effort of everyone involved. It was a team effort.

The environment was fascinating. We were part of history... Some mornings, when we went for coffee, at Counselors Row, across from City Hall, we would see legendary Aldermen: Keane, Roti, Vydolyak, Burke and others. This was a historical meeting place. When you were lucky, you might see Mayor, Richard J. Daley walking briskly through the tunnel of the Civic Center (Daley Center) to a meeting. The period was famous for its Council Wars. It was exciting to watch the Aldermen conduct business. One of my tasks was to sit on test panels for Police and Fire Exams where I had the pleasure to meet many of the top brass that commanded Police and Fire Units. I remember sitting on one of those panels, on a Friday before Memorial Day, when a plane crashed at OHare, killing over 190 passengers. The commanders were quickly sent to the crash site. To look back and revisit the accomplishments and events is amazing to know we participated in such an important period in the history of the City of Chicago...

Keeping morale was a priority. With the help of Katie we introduced “Scoop” to the DOP. It was a monthly newsletter of the Department’s happenings. Dr. Pounian would have preferred a literary piece, but Scoop was designed for and well received by the employees. After a year or two we disbanded Scoop and restructured it at Christmas time as a means to exchange season greetings and collect money for charity. We sold space in Scoop and donated the money to charity. Debbie provided much of the art work and the idea became a big hit. The Christmas Party was also a favorite, for $3 you got a hot lunch along with a raffle and Christmas Carols. The Department was like family.

The Department provided me with the opportunity to get a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Under the Tuition Reimbursement Program I went to DePaul U. from 1976 to 1980 gaining a degree that enhanced my career. In the early eighties, I found that there was a Superior Service Award for top employees. Knowing that no one would nominate me, I conspired with Lester to write a nomination letter. I was selected as a top candidate in the Supervisor category. I did not win, but did receive an honoree certificate. In a similar case, I tooted my horn to go to the City’s Executive Development Program. If you didn’t speak up, no one would do it for you. As a supervisor I also attended the Media Program at the Police Academy which instructed employees on how to work with the media.

During my 15 years the saddest day was in December 1976 when Richard J. Daley died. I believe it was late on a Friday afternoon that he passed away from a stroke. The Mayor was replaced by Michael Bilandic. Unfortunately for Bilandic there was a big snow storm in 1979 that provided Jane Byrne the ammunition to defeat him in the next election. . Byrne had a fiery term. She seemed to cause all kinds of rumors and problems. I remember her assistant, Lou , asked me for a list of personal information on all Police or Firemen. I didn’t know what do, so I had Lester prepare the list. When Lou called for the report I gave it to Dr. Pounian... I advised Lou to see Dr. Pounian; the Doctor threw him out of his office. There was a period of time after that that the Doctor was on the hot seat with the Mayor. Byrne lost in a bid for reelection to Harold Washington, Chicago’s first black mayor. City Hall changed. What bothered me was the attitude of Harold Washington’s followers; they thought it was now their turn to get their share. I went to a meeting that was conducted by Bernie Barfield, The Mayor’s Chief of Staff, instead of asking people to do a good job; the message was to protect the Mayor. It was inappropriate, you don’t make a good City by protecting one person, you make a good City by everyone doing a good job.

There was a time when I worked in the Data Center that the Director called everyone into the conference room to remind them that it was Election Day. He told us to remember who our employer was. Remember, vote early and often. Only in Chicago. St. Patrick’s Day was a big day during the Daley Administration. The Irish had great pride and ready to party. We normally got off at noon to watch the parade. It was interesting and lively. I had the opportunity to work with the Budget Director, Comptroller along with the Director of Personnel. I would have to say it was my most rewarding and challenging position. I will always remember the fine people and the binding of family that was alive in the Department of Personnel.

During my stay with the City of Chicago We bought a house at 5436 S. Avers. My wife was working at Christ Hospital and my son Georgie was one year old. I commuted via the Archer Ave. bus to downtown Chicago. Later in the 90’s the elevated was expanded to Pulaski and would have made the commute faster. We were members of St. Turibius Parish, where Georgie went to school and would graduate. We were active in scouts, Band, and later the school board. Georgie played the organ, sax and clarinet and was successful in many competitions. He took instructions from Mr. Stan Robson and Otto Nagle and joined Nagel’s Spartan Band. The Spartan Band was also known as the Rafter Rats and played at Chicago Sting Soccer games. Turibius kept us busy and active. Monsignor Mroczkowski was the pastor and was an excellent spiritual and administrative leader. One of the memorable moments was in 1979 when I got 2 tickets to attend Pope John Paul’s, Polish mass at Five Holy Martyrs parish. It was held outdoors and I attended with Georgie. We admired John Paul and were hoping to have a child and name it John Paul... In 1980 after 10 years, we didn’t have a John Paul; we had a lovely girl, Carrie Marie Tarasuk. We had been in the neighborhood about 10 years when things started to change. The two frame homes to the south of us had changed hands and the owner, a realty firm, started renting to different types of people. The worse was to happen when he rented to a well known drug dealer. There was a lot of activity to which the neighbors did not take well. Reports were made to the police but little happened. One day, they nabbed him with angel dust in his car. That’s when we found that he had prior arrests for selling drugs to teens at SW Side schools. The neighbors picketed the realty office and forced the dealer to move. He was followed by one of his customers who lost the home. This created a question, do we want our children to be raised in this environment.

The affects of a changing environment and the change to the Washington Administration created a dilemma: should we make changes. The City’s residency requirement was clear that you had to live in the City and job stability under a Washington Administration was questionable. Some said, wait and there would be change, but what if I was forced out. The decision was to find a different position. This was not easy. Through some networking, I was able to find a position with the State of Illinois’ Department of Employment Security. The decision was made to move and end 15 exciting years at the City of Chicago. The best job one could ever expect to have.

REFECTIONS

2011-05-19T12:24:00.002-05:00

Growing up was somewhat of a mystery. As I look back at my first 30 years I have to wonder who I was. What made me tick? Sometimes, I feel that I was guided by a strong inner force. An inner feeling that has guided my daily life. It protected me and watched over me and my actions. I was always serious and conscienentious. That was the way I was portrayed in a short pictorial piece in the Tuley Review. Maybe more introvert than extrovert. I never developed many close friends or relationships. I had friends but not to the extent of being dependent upon them. I would describe myself as standoffish and careful and probably naieve. I was protective of my privacy and inner feelings. I was a loaner and independent in my thinking and decisions. Some could describe me as stubborn.

My major weakness was social awareness. I was socially lazy and quiet. I could conduct a conversation and be friendly, but my goals were my priority. My life was focused on school and success. It wasn’t until I was 18 that I considered it important to venture into social activities. In my senior year I started to attend Tuley Socials, by that time few seniors were in attendance. I did little to socialize with the opposite sex. For the most part I knew little about the personal lives of my fellow students. For example when it came time to go to the senior prom I made a serious mistake by asking a female classmate to the prom. Fortunately she had a date and said no. Some how this became a hot topic around school and my friend Tony asked me what I was doing, didn’t I know she was the most promiscuous girl in school... I told him I had no idea and thanked him for telling me. Wow! Tony was what you call a real friend, honest and straight forward... The next girl I asked said “NO”. Nothing like rejection. Finally I asked a junior in one of my classes and she said yes. Again I didn’t know much about her. She was intelligent and attractive and to my surprise had been a finalist in a Miss Photoflash Contest. Later that summer her picture appeared on the cover of Parade Magazine. Some were amazed that she would say yes. My answer was, if you don’t ask, you’ll never know. Maybe it was my hidden charm or maybe she liked me; I don’t know.

Guided by my inner instincts I dated very little. My concentration was on school and studying. I never felt I could afford a girlfriend or the time to devote to a relationship. At DePaul I would go to the ROTC social affairs and a few fraternity dances. Charlie Stulga fixed me up with my first date to the Military Ball. I doubled with Eugene Sit. Normally someone would come to my rescue and set me up with a date. Although, while working at North American Insurance I spotted a girl who worked in the same building that I wanted to ask to a dance, I garnered the courage and approached her and she said yes. It’s hard to meet and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Maybe, I was underestimating my abilities.

The problem of finding dates continued when I was in the National Guard. There were always social events which required a date. I remember a sergeant, who worked at Northwest Memorial Hospital, would set me up with some blind dates. In fact he set me up with the most memorable blind date of all time. The girl lived somewhere on the North side with several roommates. When I entered the apartment I got the impression, from the chatter of two of her roommates, that she was using me and not being fair. In fact she was anxious about her date after the date. It appears the girls would swap the apartment on certain nights and had to find places to stay... Well, I escorted her to the dance and I was uncomfortable with the situation. The corker came when it was time to take her home. While driving she said she spotted her brothers car and that I should follow it. Well, this was dangerous and stupid as I sped along like a fool following the so called car... She finally directed me to where she wanted to go for her rendezvous. That was classic, I call it “FOLLOW THAT CAR”. Joe also introduced me to a Polish girl who was an RN at Northwestern. Since I was getting older I felt maybe I should take her out a few times and get to know her before the dance. Mistake, by the time the dance came around she thought I was serious. No cigar. That was scary, and the faster the dance was over the better. I guess I wasn’t always very caring and considerate in some of these situations. I always looked upon it as just a date. Someone wrote a book about it called ”He’s Not That Much Into You.” I wasn’t looking to get married. But again, the opposite can be true, you may like someone and the other person may not care for you...

Fortunately my mother realized I was getting older and that it was time to find someone to marry. My mother was a smart lady. She didn’t want me to be a lonely bachelor. We lived across the alley from Delores Shaefer the wife of Chet Shaefer. I guess my mother and Delores talked about me and came up with a plan. Chet Shaefer was having a Polka Stage Show at Kelly High School and could use someone to collect and sell tickets. It was on a Sunday evening and he had booked some of the top Polka Celebrities: Marion Lush, Ampolaires, Wesoly Stas, Jr. Zelinski, Zosia Dudek and others. When the show ended Delores introduced me to Carol Mendygral. Carol was Delores’ niece. Wow, I was impressed. She was an attractive blond, dressed nicely in a brown fur collar coat with a white scarf. It was love at first sight; I had found my Polish Girlfriend. When I went home I was excited to tell my mother that I met a great girl. My next step was to get a date. I asked Delores for the phone number. That took a while because her daughters, Alice and Janie where playing games. First I had to buy some Girl Scout Cookies before I got the number. I called Carol and she agreed to go out. She was foxy because she kept telling me she had several boy friends: Ralph, who was serious and John. So there was competition. She was not about to make this easy. For our first date we went downtown to see “Georgy Girl”. Before going out Carol had to complete her chores of washing floors. I was taking out Cinderella. This time I was not about to walk away and not try. This was to be a challenge. At last I had found my dream and Polish girlfriend. Carol strung me along for awhile and finally agreed to go steady. Within a year we got engaged. I remember going to her house on her days off for dinner. She would prepare the meal and then we would go out. She liked to dance, so after some dance lessons, we would go Polka or Ballroom Dancing. One of our most memorable dates was in March 1967. We had planned to go bowling in Oak Lawn and did not realize that a tornado had struck the town. As we drove down 95th street we saw the devastation that had taken place; the High School had been ripped in half and cars and buses thrown upside down. When I got home that evening I found that the Guards had been calling me to report for duty.

When we met Carol was working at the University of Chicago Hospital in Hyde Park. After starting to date someone stole Carol’s car. It was a new Chevy Malibu. It wasn’t badly damaged and we recovered it from an auto pond on 79th Street. The University didn’t provide much security and Carol did not feel safe. She left the hospital for a job closer to home, Holy Cross Hospital. Before we got married she switched to Christ Community Hospital in Oak Lawn. She continued to work at Christ for over 30 years. When we met I was unemployed. That wasn’t good. After some time I found work at Reliance Trading at 37th and Iron Streets.

Our courtship lasted about a year before we got engaged and started planning our wedding. We were alike in many ways and comfortable with our decision. We knew we would marry at St. Turibius and needed a nice hall. We set the date for June 22, 1968. Originally we wanted Przyblo’s House of the White Eagle, which was in the process of building a new banquet facility in Niles. The problem was that the premises would not be ready by our wedding day. They still owned the Andrew House on Division near California, but the neighborhood was questionable. Carol’s father knew that they were opening a hall at 57th and Kedzie called Pressmans Hall. It was run by the Lelkos. It was brand new with a reputation for good polish food. The Lelko’s would also eventually run the Landmark on Archer Road. Of course we wanted a Polka Band. We went to the dances to review the ones we liked. In the end we selected the Ampolaires. I remember going to Central Paints on Central and Fullerton and talking to Roman Travers and Dick Zimber. We booked the band... Our photographer was Mr. Sims from Jans Photos and our flowers came from Sherwood Florist on Pulaski. In selecting our bridesmaids and ushers we selected relatives; the bridesmaids were Carol’s cousin Michalene Wojs, my cousin Roberta Weglarz, her sister Christine, my niece Pat Chapan, and her aunt Camille Fudala. The ushers were my nephew Michael Chapan, my cousin James Weglarz and Carol’s cousin Frank Fudala ,her brother James Mendygral and my nephew Donald Holod..

Before the wedding we had a bridal shower in her mother’s basement on 56th and Hamlin. It was held on a Sunday afternoon. This was to be a very historic date because it was the weekend that Martin Luther King was killed. Many of our North side relatives were afraid to travel to the Southside. Fortunately everything was safe and Carol had a wonderful shower.

June 22nd arrived and it was beautiful sunny Saturday in the 70”s. The tension was rising and there was a lot of stress and doubt. I believe I got Carol upset over something, so I sent her a red rose from our garden on Iowa Street. I guess she still loved me because she didn’t back down... Mass was at 11 A.M. and performed by Father Al Cicora. After mass we had a luncheon at The Golden Ox on Archer Ave. In the evening we gathered at Pressman’s. We had about 250 – 300 guests. We had invited relatives, friends and neighbors. My godfather Tony Bidus and his wife Francis came from Florida for the wedding. At the end of the evening we had to pay the Zelkos and the band. We had a check for the hall and the band wanted cash. We had to tap some of the envelopes to pay the band. We paid for our own wedding and broke even. When we were about to leave we found someone had let the air out of my tires and filled the backseat with balloons. I didn’t appreciate the humor. Fortunately I had an air pump and filled the tires. The bride and groom were now ready to go to their new home. Prior to the wedding we rented, cleaned, painted and furnished an apartment behind Max’s Barbershop at 8308 S. Kedzie. We were now off to our new home as Mr. and Mrs. Tarasuk.

The day after the wedding, popravina in Polish, we prepared to leave for our honeymoon at the Emerald Beach Resort in the Bahamas. We said goodbye to our parents and were off for 7 days. When we came back it was time to adjust to married life and the reality of new and growing responsibilities.

HOW DO I GET OFF THIS ROLLER COASTER

2010-06-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

It was July 1961 and I had just returned from six months active duty... It was time to go to work. Where do I start? First, I went to North American to see about getting my old job back. My former position had been filled and I had the option of being placed in Classification or Underwriting. This was not appealing and I didn’t want to bump the person in my former position. I found a job at Hartford Insurance for $385 a month, a far cry from the $425 previously earned at North American... The job provided no challenge or opportunities and ended within six months. Next stop, ITT Kellogg on Pulaski near Chicago Avenue... It was in accounts payable and paid $425 a month. By 1962 the company was moving, and time to move. I went back to the Employment Agencies. and found Montgomery Ward Catalog at 618 Chicago Avenue. was searching for Merchandiser Trainees, Stock Floor Managers and Traffic Managers. There was a fee attached to the job. The company paid half and the client paid the other half of one month’s pay. I agreed and was hired as a Merchandise Trainee aka Control Buyer / Re-buyer. The $94 weekly salary was paid in cash. Within a year Wards switched to payroll checks and a comprehensive benefit program...

Wards would turn out to be the best hands-on experience I could ever receive. It was worth more than the $200 I paid for the job. I was oriented in all facets of mail order: credit, traffic, stock, buying, shipping receiving etc. After several weeks I was placed in Department 18, Towels and Linens. The former head of the Unit had transferred to the Buying Office and the assistant Richard Warren became manager. Rich was an excellent mentor and we made a good team. I quickly learned the art of forecasting and reordering merchandise. We were responsible for towels, linens, bedspreads, sheets, pillows. Our major suppliers were Cannon Mills, Scranton Linens and Fieldcrest. The January White Sale was our peak selling period. The trick was to order the right amount of merchandise based on catalog layouts and history. Each re-buyer was evaluated on out of stock merchandise called ship laters and/or omissions. At the end of each catalog: Winter, Spring, Fall, Mid Summer or other specials you were evaluated on accumulated overstock. This affected the markdowns or profit/loss you made for the company... The job was to get good turnover, get it in and get it out. I was now an entrepreneur managing a small business with inventories of over three million dollars. It was a fast moving operation where you not only ordered merchandise but managed the receipt of shipments. It was not unusual to run down to the dock, get a dollie and bring boxes up, to fill orders. On my finger I wore a small box cutter to open boxes... You moved and thought quickly... I worked closely with the people on the stock floor to keep on top of things... The ladies had names like: Johnny and Jimmy and were called Trouble Clerks. . They were important cogs in the operation. Everything ran well until Rich took a position in the Buying Office. I felt I had the skills to replace him, I feared his replacement would not have the skills or experience to produce good outcomes. I knew the replacement was no Richard Warren, and I would be dependent on his performance. I didn’t like the situation, so once again it was off to the employment agencies. With my new skills; I quickly found a re-buying position at McMaster Carr, a company that sold mechanical goods through a catalog. The interesting thing about this company was that they stocked little merchandise. The customer would first order than you would buy... The pay was good, including Saturday overtime. The problem arose when the manager stood over a worker’s shoulder to monitor the work or continually observe you from his desk. I felt the Gestapo was watching... Within a month I called my former Ward Unit Manager to see if I could come back... Without hesitation, he said yes.

When I came back, I was assigned to work for Ray in Children’s Wear. I wasn’t fond of
Ray, but we tolerated each other. In a short time I was promoted to manage my own section of Boy’s wear. Department 31.. This would be especially challenging since the seasons were short and volatile. I was responsible for shirts, underwear, boy’s suits, socks and accessories. Sometimes we used middlemen such as Handles man on Michigan Avenue to fill or cover out of stock needs. I can recall an incident when I needed a few white robes for Christmas. I ordered one dozen and the vendor shipped 12 dozen... The vendor wanted me to eat the mistake; there was no way you could sell 144 robes in 100 years. The job required firmness and quick reflexes. In time you learned to predict an accurate amount of merchandise. The trick was timing, to have the stock in and out quickly to produce a good turnover. It was demanding, but challenging. Where could you be responsible for so much and be paid so little? “Only in America.” In three years time, between 1962 and 1965, I was earning about $9000 a year. Then the inevitable happened. It was time to plan Back to School buys. The season was extremely short, two to three weeks... The normal procedure was to split two buys, 50/50. I recommended buying 80% to be delivered just before the season began. I could not picture 50% as sufficient for the first buy. My Unit Manager rejected my plan. So what happened the 50% was quickly exhausted with 50% still 5-10 days away. There was no way to buy or receive sufficient substitutes to meet the demand. I did my best to fill what I could, but the bins were exhausted. My Manager, a graduate of Tuley High School, caught me early one morning and accused me of not doing my job. He felt I had not stayed late to fill orders. I guess he didn’t realize there was no merchandise. This struck a chord and I told him to stick the job where the sun doesn’t shine. I walked out. When I got home I called our superior and told him what had happened and that I quit. In a few days the Budget Manager called me to interview for a position. As I arrived for the interview I discovered that the House Manager had been fired. This was not the time for an interview. The interview turned out to be a slap in the face. Before I left, I asked the Budget Manager why he called me, was it to belittle or discredit me? Was it to test my temper? I did my job, the unfortunate part was that management failed to recognize or understand the intricacies of making smart buys. Policy over-ruled the facts. Maybe the Managers and I learned a lesson on how to manage tempers and make better business decisions.

Whatever the outcome, the experience was invaluable. I learned to work in a stress filled environment which offered tremendous responsibility. I learned to negotiate buys and shipments. I learned to promote overstock thru the Wards Catalog Outlets and became analytical in decision making. Wards offered me the opportunity to go to New York in 1962 or 63 for a buyers meeting... At that time I visited the New York World’s Fair I rode the crowded NY El and watched the hustle and bustle of New Yorkers on their way home. There were no regrets. Wards was my best and most rewarding job between 1960 and 1970...

Again it was time to dust myself off and get back on the roller coaster. Many former Ward employees had gone to Allied Radio which was located on Western Avenue and Washington. After a short break I applied and was hired as a relay re-buyer. The people I knew said they liked Allied and found it less stressful than Wards. The one thing they didn’t know or understand was Herman B. Herman was a nice person but he was a madman. He was to be my manager. As soon as he came to work he would swear and cuss at people. From day one I knew I couldn’t work under Herman’s conditions. The people I worked with were fine but Herman, no way. After a month or so Herman got into an accident and was off recuperating. The place was quite and enjoyable... By that time my decision was made and once again I was in search of a new position. The Agency I went to introduced me to John S , the owner of Landfield Printing. John had been a former print buyer for Brunswick Corp. Somewhere along the way he bought Landfield Printing which was located at 117 W. Harrison. He offered me the position as Assistant to the President. I was to be his right hand man. In fact I was to become his only man. It turned out that John had an office adjacent to Harrison Litho, a large printing company in the same building. John gave the impression that this was his operation. The position paid $600 a month, with the intent to take over the operation in several years. Well that was wishful thinking, because I became a secretary and bookkeeper. John knew I was an officer in the National Guard and felt I had the connections to get large printing contracts. No cigar. In reality John was a broker for printing. He would procure a job from US Gypsum or Brunswick and farm it out to Harrison or Burton Printing. He was a middleman. Within a year, I noticed a change in attitude, and I started a new job search. Before I landed a position John let me go. He said his son was coming to work for him after their Akron Dumont TV venture failed. John told me to write a check for the week and that I was to leave. I told him it would have been fair to give me notice to find a position, I eventually discovered that John was upset that I had taken off for National Guard Riot Duty. This was not hidden; when I applied it was clear about my position in the Guards...I guess if I brought in Guard contracts there would have been no complaints. In January 1967, while working for John, Chicago endured one of its largest snowfalls. It started snowing in the morning and by afternoon traffic had come to a standstill. I asked John if I could leave early, he reluctantly said yes. I was able to take the downtown subway to Chicago Avenue, but nothing was moving, I went back down and took the subway to Division and Milwaukee. I was living with my parents at 4334 W. Iowa Street which was between Augusta and Chicago not far from Division Street. When I got to Division, again nothing was moving. I decided to start walking. I tried calling home, but the phone lines were down or tied up... There was no transportation or communication. I walked to California and Division where I spotted a bus which took me to Division and Pulaski. I again started walking, the snow was knee deep, cars were stranded everywhere. I reached home at 8PM. My father was still not at home. He made it at about 4AM. The next morning I called John and told him I wouldn’t be able to make it because of the 23 inch snow storm. The City was shut down. John didn’t understand the City was closed. He thought I was cheating and should be at work That incident and his initial misinterpretation made it clear that I had made a big mistake.

OK, rack it up as another mistake and let’s get back on the roller coaster. By this time employment agencies had become a thing of the past and my resumes were going out. No one was responding. For awhile it looked hopeless. I had an interview with Reliance Trading Corp. on South Iron Street near Ashland Avenue. I thought the interview went well but never received a call. I called and was invited for a return interview... I talked to the VP, Terry Simmons and found that John S. had given me a bad reference because of my National Guard Duty and who knows what else. I explained to Terry what had happened and he hired me. Reliance Trading was owned by Maurice Goldblatt, one of the founders of Goldblatt. Department Stores. Reliance dealt in marketing artificial flowers, from Hong Kong, through a catalog. My title was Assistant to the VP. Because of my previous experience, at Montgomery Ward, I was able to create a manual inventory control system for the organization. I was paid the same $600 a month. During my 3 years at Reliance I got married and my perspective of work became more serious. The title of Assistant to the VP or President had no value; I needed a career with growth. The computer field was growing and offered new opportunities and the needed growth. At that time colleges were not into computer technology... Automation Institute a subsidiary of Control Data offered a program in RPG, COBOL, BAL, Unit Record and Data Analysis for $1800. I needed the background and experience to enter the field. The program gave me some knowledge, but failed to break any doors down. The school provided no help in job procurement. I found an ad in the Tribune for a Methods Analysts Trainee position at North American. So I left Reliance and returned to North American to begin a career in Data Processing.

It was now 1969 and things had changed at North America. It was owned by CIT, a large Financial Company. The old friends were gone. I was to work for Fred F. to write procedures. There was no formal training or approach to train or prepare for this position. My objective was one year in a DP related title and organization. The business environment did not look good. On top of that my independence and values collided with Fred and the lead programmer John M. John had worked for North American when they were still on unit record. During my employment I was still attending Automation Institute. The organization was very cliquish. You joined or became an outsider... Every morning the discussion centered on sports, you had to know every box score or activity to be a part. Once a month it was the men’s club. This did not appeal or interest me. I wanted to go home and do my own thing... That didn’t sit well. I wasn’t one of the boys. I had my family and school to occupy my time. In 1969 Georgie was born and too celebrate I brought some Whitey White Owl Cigars to hand out. I know they weren’t expensive Havana Cigars, but who would believe the gang wouldn’t take one. This was an insult to a happy occasion. This certainly wasn’t a match created in heaven. To make it worse, I went to a seminar, in a Western Suburb, and instead of returning to work, when it ended at 11, I went by my mother’s to do some work. George Tindall, the big manager, checked on the time and wasn’t happy. It was wrong and I took advantage of the situation. By the end of 1969 I was looking for a new position. I had finished my classes and had gained the needed Data Processing Experience. Fortunately for me I was ahead of the game. By 1970 I was told that I was being let go. Fred didn’t feel I was cut out to become an Analyst, I was suited for Accounting. I found an ad in the Trib for the City of Chicago; they were looking for a System Analysts. After some testing and interviews I was hired. It paid $10,800 with excellent benefits. I gave my notice. The boys didn’t believe it. On my last day with little to fill my time, Fred and John thought it would be appropriate for me to do some filing. They brought a couple of large trays of IBM cards for me to work on. I thought this was the lowest of the low. You thought the cigar incident was insulting. I went to Personnel and explained the situation and stated I was not to be humiliated and wanted to leave. I left North American forever.

From 1960 to 1970 I learned many lessons. I was introduced to the real world. I met many nice people and some not so nice... I learned that things change quickly and contingency plans need to be part of your life. .. A job was a job, not the end to satisfaction or happiness. John S with his self righteous attitude was the biggest disappointment. To bad mouth and hinder someone’s future because they served their country was uncalled for. . John S. and Fred F. must have been very unhappy people if they would intentionally humiliate or belittle someone. On the other hand there were good people like Terry Simmons who offered me money from his pocket, or Richard Warren who shared his knowledge and skills to help me advance. They accepted me for who I was, not who they were or who they thought I should be. .The lessons of those 10 years would shape my behavior and future actions I learned that you didn’t have to sacrifice your values or principles to be a success... I retained my character, dignity and integrity. Money or position was not the ultimate goal in life. I show no malice to anyone, you accept it as part of life, a part of the game. You move on and continue to play, you never give up. My approaches differed from what others desired, but that was me and how I worked or got things done... It was now time to get off the roller coaster and turn the page for new and successful adventures...

LESSONS LEARNED

2010-02-05T15:03:00.003-06:00

After graduation I continued working at North American Insurance, 209 S. LaSalle, in the Rookery Building. I still had six months before active duty and the timing was good because several of the ladies in the Limited Accounting Department retired. I was offered the opportunity to manage the section of 8 women. The salary was $425 a month. It was a unique experience to take over an organization that had just lost employees with over 130 years of experience. The position offered an excellent opportunity to supervise and gain managerial experience.

January came and it was time to leave for Fort Benning, Georgia. This time I took a train with a compartment. I wasn’t going to repeat the traveling experience of going by train to Fort Riley. I still hadn’t discovered air travel. Fort Benning was the Home Of The Infantry. Its motto is “Follow Me”. For the next two months I would be attending the Infantry School. I was to be instructed in the skills of becoming a United States Army Infantry Officer. The new officers were housed in dormitories, no more barracks. We had maid service and no GI Parties. We were transported by bus or truck. As an officer you were required to pay for meals, except those in the field. We were paid $425 a month. For breakfast you would go to one of the Officer Mess Halls and off hour meals were served in the Officers Club. The mess halls were named after World War II Battles, Normandy, Salerno etc. I was now an officer and was treated as an officer and gentleman.

The training was excellent. The Training Officers were skilled and energetic. We fired all types of weapons, endured a variety of combat exercises and night maneuvers. Most exercises took us through the briar patches and red clay of Fort Benning. One night we came upon an unexpected fire. The fire was quickly put out preventing a forest fire. One of the most realistic exercises was Escape and Evasion. The objective was to escape from behind enemy lines and return to your unit. We were organized into teams of 4 or 5 men. The exercise required good map reading skills to navigate thru the terrain back home. One member of the team had excellent skills and was our team leader. We made our way through enemy territory that was patrolled by guard dogs, enemy fire and the dense forest at night. Some teams were captured and returned to enemy control. We made our way safely back to friendly territory. It was realistic and exciting.

My most embarrassing moment came when I was to position a jeep mounted 105 recoilless rifle on a hill to support a hypothetical attack problem. It was an exercise which used a helicopter to land the vehicle. I was accompanied by a driver and a Major that observed and graded my actions. I acted stupidly; I relied on what I thought was the drivers past exercise experience instead of my own training to position the weapon. The vehicle got stuck in the mud and had to be towed. The Major’s comment was. “This won’t be your first or last mistake, Lt.” He was right.

My training at Fort Benning ended with the extravaganza at Boom Hill. It was a demonstration of military power that cumulated our training with a big bang. The exercise was viewed by all of the graduating students to end the training program. . This concluded 2 months of training. My next assignment was to report to Fort Leonard Wood as a Training Officer. After a two week furlough I reported to C Company 5th Battalion 3rd Brigade. It was March and cold. Georgia had been warm and comfortable; I even came home with a sun tan. In Missouri we needed Pile Caps, Winter Boots and Warm Lined Jackets. I arrived with three weeks remaining in the training cycle. This meant the troops had already gone through 6 or 7 weeks of training. The Company Commander was Art Wichman and the Executive Officer Lt. Cocoran. Before the end of the cycle Lt. Cocoran was transferred and I became Executive Officer. The major effort was to maintain discipline, train and get the troops to various training sites. My responsibility was to teach drill, PT and Bayonet Training. I especially enjoyed PT and Bayonet Training. It was conducted in a large field from a large stage with a PA system. The sound was awesome. It was like music as you created a rhythm and cadence to the commands. On occasion someone would stop to compliment the spirit of our training. What’s the spirit of the bayonet, “KILL”?

While at Fort Leonard Wood, I encountered a few unforgettable experiences. The first was when the first cycle ended and the troops had left, we failed rifle inspection. The final rifle inspection was a disaster. Along with the Non Commissioned Cadre we had to clean 200 rifles. Lesson learned, every rifle must always be ready for inspection.

The end of every month was payday. As Executive Officer it was my duty to secure the payroll. I was responsible for every penny. We paid cash. Any shortages would come out of my pocket. The procedure was to go to the comptroller’s office and count out and sign for the company’s payroll. Upon return and after breaking down the pay, each member of the company would report, to the Executive Officers Office, to receive pay. The procedure was to enter the room, salute, state your name: “Sir, Lt. Tarasuk, reporting for pay.” Everyone followed the procedure except Mess Sgt, Besseck. Sgt Besseck was a 20 year veteran and came in lazily, with a sloppy salute. I kicked Sgt Bessick out of the office and told him to come back when he was ready to report properly. Sgt. Bessick came back, reported properly, and was paid. He was testing me. Sgt. Bessick became a good friend: from then on I was extremely well fed.

Remember when I was at Benning and the Major said I would make more mistakes. Well, he was right. It was not long after coming to Leonard Wood that one of my assignments was to move the Company from the bivouac area to the Grenade Range. The Company Commander told me the route was the same as going home. Well, I had never gone home and believed that the Sgts knew the way. Wrong again, it was my responsibility to know the route. Just like the placement of the recoilless rifle I was depending on others for actions that where my responsibility. On the way out of camp we turned left instead of right. We left at 7:30 and were to arrive at 8 AM for the scheduled class at 8:30. By 8 I knew we were heading in the wrong direction. The troops were wearing snow boots and loaded down with equipment. By 8:30 we had turned around, too late for training. By this time the command was frantically searching for us. The assumption was that we were in a weapons impact area. A jeep hastily drove up with a Captain asking if I was ever shown a map directing me to the training site. The answer was no. We were in trouble! When we returned to the Company Area the Captain was upset. I along with my Sergeants were debriefed. This incident led to the closing of many ranges and the loss of training time. This was a serious mistake. As Officer In Charge I took full responsibility. We quickly became known as “The Lost Charlie Company”. The seriousness of the incident could have had dire consequences on my career. Fortunately the command was reasonable and forgave my actions. The Major’s prediction had come true and my second lesson was learned. This type of mistake could be made during training but could have had detrimental consequences in combat. In the future I never traveled to a training site unless it was reconnoitered or visited... The troops looked upon that incident as the most exciting moment during their basic training.

After a tough start everything settled down and with a new group of recruits my performance began to change. The mistakes had been made; I now became confident of the environment and knowledgeable of my surroundings. It was time to build a company of combat ready soldiers. I needed to redeem myself. That we did, C5/3 was rated the number one company in the battalion. We were tops in barrack inspections and drill competition. I worked hard and rescued my reputation and confidence. I learned from my mistakes and vowed not to repeat them again. Don’t look back, go forward.

When July rolled around it was time to go home. It was time to begin a new military experience with the Illinois National Guard. Prior to going on active duty I signed with the 1st Battalion 131st Infantry. Its headquarters were located in the armory at Rockwell and Madison Streets. My first assignment was as Weapons Platoon Leader of Company A. Coming out of the Infantry School was like coming out of West Point. Most NG officers received their traing and commissions from the Illinois National Guard’s Officer Candidate School. There was a big difference in training and preparation to serve as a 2nd Lieutenant. This became evident in my relationship with my Company Commander. After a year I was transferred to Captain John Drover’s Company. Drover was organized and a good leader. John was an overall good guy and a pleasure to serve under. John also served as Postmaster for LaGrange Park. In time Ralph Gauer joined the unit and we developed a professional infantry company. Gauer was a graduate of Loyola’s ROTC Program and a Green Beret/Ranger. Ralph had had previous active duty time as an Infantry Officer. After a short time Ralph returned to active duty as a career Intelligence Officer. Ralph became a career officer with expertise in Russian Intelligence and rose to the rank of Colonel. Sgt. Johnny Hon, another member of our unit, also returned to active duty. Sgt. Hon served in Viet Nam and was killed in action.

The 1960’s were plagued by riots. The first riot occurred near a firehouse on Pulaski Road. Someone had been killed by a fire truck which created conditions to set off the riot. The 131st Infantry was called out. We were on duty for 10 days. Nothing happened and we were released. I remember the unit being activated for a march in Cicero. The march was led by Robert Lucas; Mr. Lucas had a permit to march down 22nd street. Because of the racial history of Cicero the authorities feared the worse. We had air support, tanks, snipers on roofs and 2 battalions ready to go. Lucas came with less than 30 marchers. After spending several million dollars and several hours on duty nothing happened and we were released. During the 60’s we had several more Riots and again the 131st Infantry was called too duty. The most memorable was when we were patrolling West Side Alleys and on one occasion we came upon General Kane, the Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Sun Times Columnist Irv Kupicient. We reported that everything was normal and there were no problems. In 1967 we were called to duty for the Oak Lawn Tornado. This was a compelling story as we patrolled the streets of Oak Lawn to prevent looting. Trucks and buses were turned upside down like toys. The Community High School was ripped in half. It was one of the worse disasters to hit the Chicago area.

In 1966 I was promoted to Captain and became Company Commander and Commandant of Headquarters/ Headquarters Company of the 1st Bn. 131st Infantry. I was fortunate to have an excellent staff of Officers and Non Commissioned Officers to assist me. I was responsible for several million dollars of equipment and property. I oversaw the Motor Pool, Administration, Heavy Weapons Platoon, Food, and Medical. We developed an outstanding company of which we were proud of its accomplishments and men.

I served the 131st until 1968 when I resigned. I made the decision because of the conflict between employment, family life and Guard time. I was getting married in June and felt it was not in the best interest of my family to stay in the military. After resigning from the Guards I still had 6 months to serve and was assigned to a Reserve Unit on 22nd Street. During my time with the Guards I met many interesting and competent people. The most memorable was Vincent Kriemeir. The first time I met Major Kriemeir was after a Monday night drill. I was tending bar and Major Kreimeir wanted to discuss a problem. The Major was looking to buy a steel mill and wanted to talk with someone about his dilemma. At first I didn’t believe it. The next drill I asked Lt. Ed Fleming about the Major. He told me he was real. Major Kreimeir was President of Leakfinder, a company guaranteed to find leaks any where in the world. Lt. Fleming referred me to an article, published in Time Magazine, describing the Major’s invention of Ballite, a material that was stronger than steel. The article described a building, made of Ballite, on the Hawaiian Islands that withstood a hurricane. This material was so good that bullets supposedly bounced off of tanks. Major Kreimeir lived in Ginger Creek in Oak Brook and also asked about buying a jet plane. During a Summer Camp, at Camp McCoy, I spent a lot of time with the Major. I learned that his family were early settlers in Illinois and helped to found many Evangical Organizations. Major Kreimeir was an amazing man. I had hoped that he would be Battalion Commander, but that never happened. During that Summer Camp we ran the Live Fire Exercise, along with Captain Lopez, and received many compliments and commendations for our performance.

There were other people that stick out in my mind: Ed Fleming who became my lawyer and friend. Two former Tuleyites served in the 131st,, Bob Wasilowski and Don Ahrnstrom. As Company Commander I trusted and relied on my First Sgt., Al Malchiodie and Warrant Officer Ed Goniakowski. The Motor Pool was in the good hands of Jim Fucillo. A reliable friend was John Czarnik who tried to talk me out of resigning. I was sort of a mentor to John. John helped me film the story of summer camp 1964. That film and soundtrack was given to the Illinois National Guard Museum in Springfield. John Czarnik was dedicated and enjoyed serving his country; he continued his military education and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. A tradition of the 131st was the drinking of gin and bitters to mark the beginning of the day or special occasions. It was a tradition handed down from the English in World War I. After downing a shot of the gin and bitters we would shout “Fire In The Hole.”

After 4 years of High School ROTC, 4 years of College ROTC and 8 years of Reserve and Guard Duty it was time to move on to other challenges and ventures. Thus ended my military career.

CADENCE COUNT

2009-05-26T11:16:00.001-05:00

Upon entering the DePaul ROTC Program I found a new and exciting experience. Sergeant Robinson, a friend of Sergeant Dolan, gave me a contact and someone familiar with my background. Military Science was a one credit hour course requiring two actual hours of attendance, one lecture and one drill. Drill classes were conducted on the uptown campus at Sheffield and Webster, across from St. Vincent’s Church. The drill classes were held in the Old Barn. The Barn was the original gym were DePaul played their basketball games and provided memories of George Mikan and the great teams of Coach Ray Meyer. In the 50’s the Barn was replaced, for basketball.by Alumni Hall. Once a week, in uniform, the downtown cadets would take the State Street subway to Sheffield to drill. Sometimes someone would drive, traveling the Outerdrive to the Uptown Campus.

The first year was uneventful except for the time that a cadre asked, “Who wants the First Year Efficiency Medal”. I did not think too much of the approach which had no selection criteria. Gene Sit raised his hand and got the medal. The first two years went by quickly and it was soon time to decide if you wanted to join the Advance Corp. The Advance Corp provided the opportunity to complete two years of training before becoming a U.S. Army Officer. The first requirement was to pass an Army physical, this required going to the Army Induction Center located in downtown Chicago on Congress Street. I had a problem with my blood pressure, it was high, I believe 140 over 80 or 90. I returned for two consecutive days of testing. Since my pressure was consistent I had the option to reject or stay in the program. I selected to stay. In response to my efforts, Colonel John Morgan sent a very nice letter to my mother complimenting me on my desire to enter the Advance Program and become an Army Officer.

The size of the class had dwindled to about 40 or 50 cadets. By this time we had switched from the old wool uniforms to greens. As cadets, we did not wear the officer black stripe trousers or striped sleeves. We purchased regular army hats adorned with the ROTC insignia. For the winter we were issued long grey overcoats. The cadre or instructors were headed by Colonel John Morgan. My mentor was to become Captain Salvatore Fede. Captain Fede was a short man with close cut black hair. He was originally from New York or New Jersey. It was his influence that was to guide me through my Junior and Senior years. Captain Fede replaced Sergeant France as my new friend and mentor.

Shortly after joining the Advanced Corp I became upset with the techniques used to train and motivate cadets. It seemed that the way to motivate, lead and correct mistakes was pushups. “Give Me 10”! I never read that in any Army manual... Leadership is getting people to do things because they want too. You do not punish people for mistakes, you correct them. This philosophy moved me to want to quit. I went to the Uptown Campus to see Colonel Morgan. I was mad. Instead of seeing Colonel Morgan, I was directed to Captain Fede. I voiced my concerns and told him how I felt and that I wanted to quit. Captain Fede, a Psychology Major, sat patiently and listened. When I was finished, he said: “George, I listened to you, now you listen to me”. He was very good, I listened. To solve the problem, Captain Fede advised me that the following week I was to conduct the drill to demonstrate leadership. The following week came and I commanded the drill and demonstrated my approach to leadership and motivatation. My style and command performance eventually earned me the right to command the Junior Cadets. This gave me the responsibility to prepare the juniors for Summer Camp. The class became known as Tarasuk’s Tigers(Give Me A T, Give Me an I etc,What’ve Got –TIGERS, Let me Hear you Growl) and I was also known as “Terrible Tempered Tarasuk” . I was a perfectionist and wanted 110% from my men and gave back 120% for the desired results. I was assisted by Bob Wilhelm. Captain Fede was in charge and with the rest of the DePaul Cadre we molded an outstanding group of future Army Officers. It wasn’t done through push ups, but by creating a high amount of espirit de corp. I was proud that the Junior Class finished 4th or 5th in the Summer Camp of 1960. This meant that a large number of DePaul cadets achieved the award of Distinguished Military Student qualifying them for Regular Army Commissions. This was the best showing in the history of the DePaul Cadet Corp.

During the Junior and Senior year, Military Instruction was taught to prepare the cadets for class presentations... This was to be the most important class to mold my military and teaching skills. I was given two teaching assignments. The first was a presentation on the Transportation Corp. The material was given to you on what and how to teach. It was dry. I had to make it exciting and worthwhile. I spent hours rehearsing and re-rehearsing. All of my mannerisms and actions were rehearsed to perfection. To start, get their attention. Remember Gus Economos? To achieve that, my opening line was:” Today we are going to roll right into our instruction, The Transportation Corp.” My grade was 98. The critique, and rightfully so, was that I was over rehearsed. I was like a machine that lacked flexibility. The good thing was that the mechanics were almost perfect. My second class was on the Middle East and Jordan. In the 50’s it was already predicted that the Middle East would be trouble. Again I rehearsed and rehearsed and bought a map of the Middle East for demonstration. My opening line was “Join me on my magic carpet as we journey to the Middle East”. Again I received a grade in the high 90’s. The biggest compliment was that many compared my skills to that of Colonel Morgan, the model for excellence. This experience provided the skills that would be important in my future teaching endeavors.

After completing junior year,1959, we attended ROTC Summer Camp at Camp Funston in Fort Riley Kansas. It was a 6 week basic training course to prepare for active duty. This would be the first time that I had traveled from home. I took a train from Union Station to Kansas. It was an over night trip. I found the train seat uncomfortable with little opportunity for sleep. When the train arrived, I learned that the station was split, part Kansas City, Missouri and part Kansas City, Kansas. From the station buses were ready to take the cadets to Camp Funston. Once at Camp Funston we were directed to our assigned unit. My unit was C Company 3rd Platoon. Once at our destination we were welcomed by the Sergeant. His first words were:” Welcome to Community Living.” The 40 or more cadets would now share the barracks for sleeping and showering. We would need to work as a team to pass inspections and participate in all training activities. From early morning reveille to the sound of retreat we were together. We learned to fix our bunks with hospital corners, fold our socks and have GI parties. The cadets had come from all over the Midwest: Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio etc.

The training ranged from weapons, tactics, communications, map reading, and physical training. We had the opportunity to fire all weapons from the 45 pistol to the 8” Howitzer. We marched to our training sites singing, “JODI WAS THERE WHEN YOU LEFT, CADENCE COUNT”. My favorite was;” SOME MOTHERS HAVE SONS IN THE ARMY, SOME MOTHERS HAVE SONS OVER SEAS, BUT DEAR MOTHER HANG DOWN YOUR STAR BANNER, YOUR SON’S IN THE ROTC – ROTC, ROTC IT SOUNDS LIKE BULL SHIT TO ME ETC.” Saturday morning was parade day. We donned our summer khakis and marched to the parade grounds. It was a thrill marching to the band sounds of the Colonel Boogey or Stars and Stripes. After the parade we normally received a weekend pass. Sometimes we traveled to Manhattan, Kansas or maybe a few of the DePaul Cadets gathered and dined at the Angus Steakhouse. We were always busy. The training was excellent. Most lunches were served in the field. I remember the chicken and mash potatoes, especially on rainy days when it got watered down. Then their was Captain Spitzer, the Mess Officer, making sure that everyone smashed their milk cartons before tossing them in the trash. I had a lot too learn. I never went camping or was exposed to outdoor living. It was a struggle to prepare a horseshoe roll or pitch a tent. I could have done without the outdoor living. Looking back it was a fun. I learned a lot, met many interesting people and survived 6 weeks of basic training.

In the fall it was back to class. As a senior I was promoted to Cadet Major, Charlie Stulga became the Lt. Colonel and commander. After summer camp I received the Distinguished Student Medal which qualified me to become a regular army career officer. Those who did not receive this honor would become Reserve Officers. Because of my leadership qualities I commanded the Junior Drill. During the two years in the Advanced Corp all cadets were paid 90 Cents, per day, or $27 a month. Prior to graduation you were asked to select the branch of the army you wanted to enter. Because of my business education I chose the Quartermaster Corp. Unfortunately, I was not to have a voice in the decision. The cadre knowing my leadership skills selected Infantry. I also had the choice of Regular Army or Reserves. I chose the Reserves because I did not feel comfortable traveling the world for 20 or more years. The Reserve Commission was for 6 months active duty and 7 ½ years Reserve duty. I always thought it was for a total of 7 ½ years. A military career can be very lonely. Based on these choices my orders were to report to the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga. On January 7, 1961. After the formal graduation, all graduating cadets went to the Barn to receive their Army Commission. My mother pinned on my Gold Bars. I was now a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

2009-05-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

High School graduation had ended and it was time to think about starting classes at DePaul University. One of the problems was money. The $500 Youth Foundation Scholarship would help, but it covered a little less than one year’s tuition. I enrolled in the College of Commerce. The 4 year program required 18 semester hours for each freshman and sophomore semester and 15 semester hours for each junior and senior semester... The starting hourly tuition rate was $16 per semester hour and would go up each year. This did not cover books and supplies. To cover the continuing cost, I needed a job. The $500 gave me a jump, but money was needed to cover each coming semester.

In search of summer employment, I scanned the Tribune Want Ads. I was new to the hunt and had no clue on finding a job. Fast food chains were first developing and the opportunities were limited. In the 50’s employment agencies were used to find employment... I was not aware that Employment Agencies were shady. The fee was normally paid by the employer. I picked Monarch and explained my dilemma. They said they could place me, but I could not tell the employer that I would leave in September. I agreed. Monarch sent me on an interview, for a typing position, with a small coffee distributor located near Wrigley Field. My typing skills were minimal, 20wpm, but accurate. They agreed to hire me and pay the fee. My job was to back up a young fellow who did billing and steno work. I can’t remember the salary, but it wasn’t more than $50 a week. I didn’t mention school and they didn’t ask.

I would take the Damen Avenue bus to Irving Park were I jumped on the Ravenswood El to Sheridan. It was a short walk to a store front office. I learned to prepare invoices and purchase orders. In a week or two the other fellow quit. They relied on me to pick up his work. I learned to prepare letters from the Dictaphone. The Dictaphone was a cylinder onto which someone dictated a letter or memo. You would place earphones on your head and listen and type the letter. The desk I used had a slide out typewriter. I remember one day pulling out the typewriter and several roaches came running out. What an eerie, feeling. I got along well with the people, but the day arrived to tell them I was going back to school. They were upset at the actions of the employment agency and that the time had expired for them to get their money back. This was not my first, nor my last experience with employment agencies and job hunting.

September came and it was time to start class. The first two years of commerce were well defined. You knew what classes to take. The first semester classes were Philosophy, Religion, Accounting, Algebra, Economic History, Economics, English, and ROTC. Every male was required to take ROTC for the first two years... Classes normally ran from 8:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M... Every weekday morning I would walk to the Damen Avenue El Station and take the 15 minute ride to Lake Street. At that time DePaul was located at 64 East Lake in the Pixley Elhers Building. It was an old 16 story office building that accommodated the College of Commerce, Law, Music and Secretarial Schools. A small area was set aside on the 16th floor as a lunch room or lounge. There also was the Pixley cafeteria were the soroties and fraternities congregated. In the cafeteria you would find the pledges, with their funny beanies, catering to upperclassmen. I never joined a fraternity, I had enough problems studying and working, let alone getting someone coffee. In a year DePaul moved to 25 East Jackson.

I quickly found this was not going to be easy. I knew I was in trouble when our Algebra Professor. Barton McLain, on the first day of class, opened the door and threw open the windows. As the days got colder I would sit and shiver. He would write formulas on the board with one hand and erase them with the other. We sat stunned. No one said a word. Many of us paid for our silence by failing the class. The Professor’s philosophy was to weed out the men from the boys. He was successful, 50% of the class flunked, including me. English was another shocker when the assignments came back marked up. I never knew there were so many rules and how many I needed to learn. If it wasn’t for Philosophy, Religion and ROTC I would have been thrown out. The first thought was quit. Fortunately I didn’t quit, I stuck it out. I quickly learned that I was ill prepared. Students from the inner city schools had a disadvantage against the Catholic School students who were much better prepared.

The transition was tough; you had 18 hours of classes and had to keep up with 7 or 8 courses. On top of that I had to ensure there was enough money for tuition. Working through the DePaul Placement Center I quickly found a part-time job at a downtown insurance company. The job was short lived as the company moved to Rogers Park. After that I was hired as a part-time accounting clerk for the North American Accident, Life and Health Insurance Company. North American was located on the 8th floor of the Rookery Building at 209 S. LaSalle Street... I stayed with North American during my four years at DePaul. The schedule was hectic, it included a once a week trip to the uptown campus for ROTC. For lunch I’d walk up 16 flights of stairs to the 16th floor lounge. The elevators were slow and crowded. After class I’d walk to North American and worked 2-3 hours. After work it was off to the el and home. After supper it was study time. No games or TV.

I ended the first year with a 1.8 average. That was almost probation. After the first year I knew more about the professors and the courses. My original choice for a major was accounting, after the first year I reconsidered and changed to marketing... I felt better suited for management and/or marketing. The Professors varied in presentation and effectiveness. The one that impressed me the most was Marketing Professor Gus Economos. Gus brought the class to life with his stories and presence. He walked the room, sat on the desk; legs crossed, and used examples to make a point. He was to be my inspiration on how to teach and gain class attention. The Jesuits were most knowledgeable as they presented the classes in Logic, Religion and Philosophy. Economic Professor James Diamond gave the best advice: “when you graduate, forget everything you learned, the only thing you want to remember is how to think and reason, how to make decisions.” Economic Professor Giganti is remembered for his stories about Umbrella Mike. Umbrella Mike was known as a mob bag man who would go into the Chicago saloons and place his umbrella at the end of the bar where money was dropped. Umbrella Mike then proceeded to other collection spots. Barton McLain was a son of a gun for Alegra, but a completely different person in Business Math. Sometimes reputations are deceiving, both McLain and Economos were known as tough graders, but once you had them you found they were fair and great educators.. The worse professor I can remember was in Accounting 102. The man had a tremendous accounting reputation in foreign countries with all kinds of honors and degrees. When it came to teaching, he sat at the front desk and read from the book. What a waste. When the first year ended I had been transitioned to the world of higher education. It was a grueling experience that would prepare me for the next three years.

Starting DePaul was a new experience in meeting and making new friends. There was no one from Wicker Park or Tuley. The old friends were gone. It was time to make new friends. One of my first contacts was Gene Sit, we met in Accounting. Gene was a great person who dedicated his work to becoming a CPA. We would walk the stairs to the 16th floor for lunch. I doubled with Gene for the first Military Ball. Gene would eventually become a very successful financier with his own investment company in Minneapolis. After the first year I started to make friends with the fellows who would go through the ROTC Program. Charlie Stulga would be the most memorable for his drive and energy. Charlie was very ambitious and always wanted to be number one. In fact when we started ROTC, Charlie told me he would beat me for the top ROTC spot. I wasn’t as determined as Charlie, I just wanted to complete four years of college. One of my best friends was Ed Porlier who I worked with at North American Insurance.

After the first year and finishing the basic English and Math courses my grades started to improve. I did better with the business courses. During my 2nd year I enrolled in Dr. Norman Sigband’s Business Letters class. Dr. Sigband transformed my writing ability. He emphasized the need to be concise and clear. My grades started to go from D’s and C’s to B’s. My emphasis was on Military Science where I earned A’s. During the first year I learned to stay focused.. You work through the problems and learn to correct weaknesses. I regained my competiveness and desire to succeed. Part of the desire was to be stoked by my need to lead. In the next section I’ll discuss the role the ROTC played in developing my leadership and academic skills.

THE EARLY YEARS

2009-04-27T10:29:00.001-05:00

Like most people, grammar school had a dramatic influence on my life. It’s your first exposure to new ideas and different types of people. Your teachers set an example for behavior. They provide the guidance and motivation to learn. Your classmates become your friends and some not your friends. As in life you tend to be drawn to certain people and others you keep at a distance. Grammar school becomes your first experience at joining a social community.

In those formative years you learn to get along, to work and play as a team, you follow schedules, learn diversity, competition, follow instructions and gain the academic tools that will prepare you for the experience of life. Quickly you learn new routines and ways to do things. You look to upper classmen for examples and the modeling of your own behavior. Some become role models and you follow their lead in seeking your own niche in school. Pat Coffey and Tom Nievens were excellent students. They were role models who rose to be outstanding students and Mayor of their respective classes. They not only set the example in grammar school but went on to become leaders in high school and college. Pat went on to Schurz and later played Guard on the Michigan State basketball team. Tom played quarterback for Tuley and became a professor of theatre at a small college in Wisconsin.

It was this example that led me to study and seek excellence. It was the basis to excel and compete. I not only wanted all A’s but wanted to be a leader. I worked to be on the Honor Roll, School Judge, Lawyer and a member of the School Council. I became Patrol Captain and Mayor of the 8th grade class. At graduation I starred in the class play. My personality was forming as well as my temperament. I wanted to succeed and to be a leader. I do not believe it was out of arrogance or that I was better than anyone else, but a need to fulfill goals, and ambitions.

Looking back at the quality of public education in the 1940’s I would say it was poor. I liked and respected my teachers, but the curriculum didn’t push excellence and diversity. There was practically no science, and math was limited to the basics. We needed more word problems and a better understanding of what was to come in algebra and geometry. We needed a better explanation as to” why”. English needed to focus more on assigned readings and understanding story lines. We should have had more written assignments to learn to write and express ourselves. The ability to reason and think would have been helpful. These were weaknesses that I had to overcome as I pursued my education.

There were memorable moments to remember such as the many celebrations and performances held in the assembly hall, which doubled as the gym... I remember the cold wintry days on school patrol and the rewards of hot cocoa. The washing of the white patrol belts for Monday inspection. The 8th grade Friday socials which provided the opportunity to learn ballroom and square dancing. In gym we played dodge ball, kick baseball, or played softball or touch football in the spring and Fall When the teacher left the classroom, spitballs and paper planes went flying. After 8 years, it was June 1952 and graduation day arrived. The time had come to leave Wicker Park and move on to Sabin, the freshman Branch for Tuley High School.

Sabin was for freshman and was located on Leavitt Street, a short distance from Hirsch Street and a short walk from 2143 W. Evergreen. It was a place to adjust to high school and gain confidence. For the fellows the major classes were shop and mechanical drawing. Mr., Hitney taught shop where I had the opportunity to make a hammer, soldering iron and sheet metal scooper. In mechanical drawing Mr. Guarino taught us how to read blue prints and the finer points of drawing different things to scale. We were introduced to algebra and geometry. Mrs. King introduced us to English literature and Mr. Jane Polish. At Tuley we had the option to take Gym or ROTC. I chose ROTC. This was to become my guiding force throughout high school.

After the first year at Sabin we went on to the main campus at 1313 N. Claremont. At that time Tuley had many outstanding programs and students. The seniors presented class night, theatrical productions, and were active in a variety of social activities. The Friday night dances were big and the seniors seemed so grown up in presenting a good example to underclassmen. The Tuley football team was outmatched by its opponents and badly beaten throughout the year. They were no match for Austin, a formidable powerhouse in the 40’s and 50’s. By my 2nd or 3rd year the sports programs were reorganized into more equal standings. Tuley went to the Blue Division and by senior year were division champs. Basketball and baseball were also big. Tuley always seemed to do well in baseball. The turnaround in the sports program was a tribute to coaches Tortorelli and Dobrath. In my sophomore year I tried out for basketball. After a few practices, I didn’t feel it was for me, and decided to concentrate on ROTC. In retrospect I feel that I should have been more patient and tried harder. The lesson learned was, don’t give up, give things a chance and work at whatever you undertake, don’t quit...

ROTC was to become my prime interest and challenge. I also focused and worked hard on my academics. I didn’t take the hardest classes; I avoided the sciences and math and focused on business related classes. Maybe I was scared of the material or never found an interest in math or science. Maybe it related back to grammar school and its failure to promote the needed interest in math and the sciences. In many ways I wasn’t properly preparing myself for college and the tools needed to succeed in a more advanced and challenging environment.

I took to ROTC and quickly moved up within the ranks. As in the military you were promoted:, private, corporal, sergeant etc. Sergeant Levi Kangas took a liking to my performance and started to mentor and promote me to become a leader. He believed I had what it would take to go to West Point. When Sergeant Kangas left, Sergeant Lewis France became my mentor. Sergeant France became a friend and encouraged a military career. By the time I completed my sophomore year I had become an officer and by the time I was a Junior I was to become Battalion Commander. This was a big achievement. I commanded 180 to 200 cadets. During my command Tuley was successful in winning District Rifle and Drill Competitions. I can recall winning District Drill Competition at the Madison Street Armory and losing to Lane Tech for the City Championship at the Kedzie Avenue Armory. I worked hard to build a good unit and was disappointed that we did not fare better during the annual spring inspection. Each spring all City ROTC Units were inspected and rated. We would go to Humboldt Park, for several days, and practice drill and ceremonies. It would culminate in the naming of the top ranked ROTC Units, in the city, prior to the Cadet Day Parade. The Cadet Day Parade celebrated the end of the ROTC year with all ROTC Units marching down Michigan Avenue... Prior to the annual inspection Sergeant France was transferred to Lake View High School and Sergeant Dolan took over. The lose of Sergeant France was the worse thing that could have happened. In my mind it cost us the city championship. We just didn’t have the experience and knowledge to win. We did well but failed in the close order squad drill exercise. This was a disappointment and something you have to learn to accept. Again we lost to Lane Tech. During my senior year I tried out for City Staff, competing to become the top Colonel in the City ROTC program. My own evaluation was, that I was socially weak to compete and win this public relations type of position. I was a strong determined leader with a temper for perfection. I did not like to lose. I wanted to win. My High School ROTC experiences would eventually lay the ground work for my future career path into the military.

Senior year was the culmination of four years of hard work and study. I finished number 3 in a class of approximately 180 students. I was constantly on the honor roll receiving scholastic pins throughout my four years. I was awarded a number of ROTC Medals for efficiency as well as from the Tribune and Veterans of Foreign Wars. I ran for class president and lost. This was to prove that I was not destined to become a politician. I did receive a school letter for student activities, being a tour guide, and a member of the Tuley Review Newspaper. During the senior year I received an appointment to the Air Force Academy from 32nd Ward Alderman Joseph Rostenkowski. I wanted to go to West Point but there were no available appointments. I did not feel comfortable competing for the Air Force Academy and skipped the opportunity to take the entrance exam at Chanute Air force Base. Instead I received a $500 Mayor Daley Youth Foundation Scholarship to attend DePaul University. At that time $500 was enough to pay for one year’s tuition.

As a junior/senior there were many social activities that I was able to participate in. One memorable event was the 1955 Howard Miller Youth Rally at the Amphitheatre. Howard Miller was a top disc jokey at WIND Radio and packed the house, ROTC Cadets from a number of city schools acted as ushers. The event featured Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Kingston Trio and most of the top pop artist of the day. In January 1956 I was selected to represent Tuley at a Friday Executive Club Luncheon, it was held at the Merchandise Mart. The guest speaker was Duffy Daugherty, coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who had just participated in the Rose Ball. This was uncomfortable because I went in my ROTC Uniform and was out of place. One of my memorable moments was working with Ms. Paul, the Speech Teacher. I have always had problems with “th’s”,she would have me biting my tongue , teaching me to properly say “with” and ”the” .We had a Veterans Day Performance in which I had a role and her persistence made me good enough to earn a commendation from a school district representative. Leading the ROTC Unit to the beat of the Tuley Drum and Bugle Corp was always a thrill. Prom time was another big event. This was a difficult time because I wasn’t a ladies man and had to find the courage to ask a girl to go to the prom .Prior to the prom I had never gone on a date. This problem of finding a date would plague me throughout college and until I would marry. I guess I was socially shy and my excuse was that I didn’t have the time or interest in girls. School and ambitions were my priority. Finally I asked a girl, a junior, in one of my classes and she said yes. The Prom was held at the Illinois Athletic Club and I doubled with an ROTC friend Donald Ahrstrom. Graduation was on a Thursday Evening in June. .My mother and father attended to see me receive my diploma.

PART II - REFLECTIONS

2009-04-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

Previously I wrote about the environment and neighborhood that I grew up in. It gave you a slight indication of my background and values. In Part II, Reflections, I hope to give you a better understanding into the life and times of George as he grew up in Chicago. We’ll try to uncover what drives a person to do what they do or don’t do. We’ll look at the people who influenced and guided the life and career path that marked the character and values that creates ones persona.

CHANGING TIMES

2008-05-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

TUNING IN

2008-05-06T12:25:00.011-05:00

In the 1940’s, radio was our major form of entertainment, it provided hours of joy, it kept you company and informed. Whatever your taste: comedy, drama, mystery, soaps, quiz shows, westerns, music, variety you could find it on your dial. Originally our family had a cabinet radio with a little window for the dial and two knobs for switching stations or the volume. There were only AM stations, there was no FM. The radio had glass tubes that brought the shows into our homes. Periodically a tube would go out and you’d go to a radio store to have it tested and/or replaced. Our radio picked up police calls. They weren’t clear, but they made you wonder what evil lurked in the neighborhood.

Being of ethnic parents our day normally started by listening to a Polish broadcast of The Early Morning Show it was introduced by the cockle cockle doo of a hen. The show was hosted by a husband and wife team presenting news, weather, music and information. It competed against the Don McNeil Breakfast Club which entertained women in the early morning. Our radio was normally off for most of the morning and afternoons hours. Once in a while I would listen to some of the afternoon shows. I remember in the early afternoon they had soaps like The Guiding Light and variety shows like: Tommy Bartlett’s Queen for A Day, Ladies Be Seated and a Perry Mason mystery.

The soaps were big in the 40’s. They were called soaps because they were sponsored by soap companies: Oxydol, Dreft, American Family, Rinso, Ivory, Camay and other brands. Sometimes after school I would catch Young Widder Brown, Stella Dallas, Young Doctor Malone, and One Man’s Family. The ones that hooked me were Portia Faces Life, the story about a female lawyer. This show was memorable because Portia’s husband, Walter Manning, had amnesia twice during the series. Just Plain Bill followed Portia and was about Bill Davidson the local barber. It was followed by Front Page Farrell . I liked Lorenzo Jones because of its theme song, Harken, Harken Music’s Everywhere Tra la la la. The insertion of the organ and sound effects added excitement to the shows. During the war years I enjoyed Hop Harrigan, a story about the army air force. I don’t know what happened to this show, but one day it was gone. Most of the soaps were 15 minutes. With commercials and sound effects the story line covered about 10 minutes. No wonder they went on forever.

By 5 o’clock the Kid Shows would come on: Captain Midnight, Sky King, Cisco Kid, Jack Armstrong, Lone Ranger and Sgt. Preston and his dog Yukon King. My father would interrupt my shows to listen to the Polish news at 6. At 6:30 it was time for The Lone Ranger or Jack Armstrong. They were on WLS 890 and sponsored by Kix or Cherrios. Interest in the shows was promoted by promotions such as the Lone Ranger Silver Bullitt Ring or Captain Midnight’s decoder. You’d save up and send in 25 cents and wait in anticipation of receiving this important toy. It became a part of discussions and excitement “did you receive it yet?’ Once received it never lived up to the hype.

The Cinnamon Bear was an annual treat. It came on around Thanksgiving and ended just before Christmas. It was broadcast Monday thru Friday at 5 and sponsored by Wielboldts Department Stores. The Cinnamon Bear was a story about Judy, Jimmy and Patty O’Cinnamon and their search for their silver star. It had such wonderful characters as the Crazy Quilt Dragon, Santa Claus, The Wintergreen Witch and the Princess of the North, The story took them on adventures to the Root Beer Ocean and Maybe Land in search of their beloved silver star. Another annual treat was the Mercury Theatre’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, starring Lionel Barrymore as Scrooge. It was hosted by Orson Wells. .

The 7 o’clock hour rang in the prime time shows. I remember Monday night featured the Lux Radio Theatre which presented radio versions of current movies. They starred leading role actors and actresses. On Tuesday I enjoyed Big Town and Bob Hope. Wednesday it was the District Attorney, “and it shall be my duty as district attorney “. Thursday it was Baby Snooks and the Aldrich Family with the famous call,” H e n r y - Henry Aldrich”.” Coming Mother”. Friday was a big night; it had The Fat Man,” Stepping On The Scale, Fortune DANGER”. Bill Stern presented sports stories, Ozzie and Harriet was a comedy with sons David and Ricky Nelson.

In the morning you could catch the local news with John Harrington, Alex Drier, John Holtman Lowell Thomas and Bon Hurleigh. Paul Gibson presented the social gossip and items of interest. Two Ton Baker the music maker presented tunes on the piano and Arthur Godfrey and Friends provided lively morning entertainment. By afternoon the soaps were in full swing: Life Can Be Beautiful, When a Girl Marries, Young Widder Brown, Ma Perkins, and Second Mrs. Burton. WLS was known as the Prairier Farmer Station targeting the agricultural community with information throughout the day. WGN also presented agricultural news. The Kid Shows started around 4:30/5 o’clock and ran to seven. Besides the shows already mentioned there was: Superman, The Green Hornet, Terry and The Pirates, Tom Mix, and Dick Tracey. Many of the shows were fashioned after famous comic characters.

Sometimes it was difficult to choose a show because of a conflict between 2 good shows being on at the same time. Everyone had their favorites... Sunday was a big day with Funnies in the morning, where someone read the Sunday comics with you. Around noontime The Morris B. Saks Amateur Hour spotlighted local competing talent. During the years shows changed days and times. I Remember Sunday as the day for Jack Benny, The Shadow, Edgar Bergen., Walter Winchell, Gene Autry, Philo Vance, Bulldog Drummond and Quiz Kids. On Monday; Burns and Allen, Lux Radio Theatre, Inner Sanctum, Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts. On Tuesday Big Town with Steve Wilson and Loreil Kilbourn , Fibber McGee and Molly ,Bob Hope, Mr. And Mrs. North and the friendly immigrant Luigi Bosco in Life With Luigi. Wednesday brought us Jack Carson, Eddie Cantor, Dr. Christian, The Amateur Hour, Great Gildersleeve and Duffy’s Tavern. On Thursday we listened to Mr. Keen, The Aldridge Family, Suspense, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby and Casey Crime Photographer. Friday it was Amos and Andy, FBI, Red Skeleton, Life of Riley, Thin Man, and Jimmy Durante. The week ended with Truth or Consequences, Gang Busters, Dennis Day, Grand Ole Opry, The Barn Dance .FBI In Peace and War, .and The Hit Parade.

Music was a big part of the radio schedule. Music was played throughout the day featuring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, the big band sounds of Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Xavier Cugat, Harry James, Lawrence Welk We could listen to the songs of Jo Stafford, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, and Vaughn Monroe. Late into the night you could hear local favorites such as Eddie Howard and Dick Jurgens. Some of the well known disk jockeys were Linn Burton and Al Benson.

Sports were readily available on the radio dial. WIND featured Cub baseball. Games were played during the day and broadcast live from Wrigley Field. Away games were carried on ticker tape, it was slow and you could hear the tick of the ticker tape... Bert Wilson called the games. He was great. It’s too bad people forget so quickly what we had. Bob Elson announced the Sox games on WJJD. WGN carried Bears football while WCFL carried the Chicago Cardinals. The Cards had a great announcer in Joe Boland who also announced the Notre Dame games. On Saturdays most stations carried college football, I enjoyed listening to Northwestern on WIND and Notre Dame on WCFL. Friday night was Fight Night sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. The announcers Ben Bentley and Don Dunphy brought the action to life with their calls. Some of my favorite fighters were: Sugar Ray Robinson, Kid Gavilan, Tony Zale, Rocky Graziano, Jake LaMotta, and of course Joe Louis. the Brown Bomber. The big fights were Louis vs. Conn, and Zale vs. Graziano.

My family also listened to ethnic radio. WGES and WEDC carried most of the ethnic voices. My father listened to the Volga Boatman Russian Show on Sundays. It was announced by Maria and J.J. Vronko. One of the features was that it announced the passing of people in the Russian community. .I believe the show was on for over 50 years. On Saturday afternoon my father listened to The Ukrainian Hour. During the week my parents listened to John Nieminski’s morning show and sometimes his evening Polish Barn Dance Show. On Wednesday they tuned to the Sierkerka Family which featured comedy skits about The Sierkerka’s and their son Junior. Junior was played by Bruno Junior Zielinski. The name Junior stuck with him for the rest of his life. The show also featured the life music of Joe Durlak, Eddie Zima and other top polka bands. On Sunday afternoons the radio was tuned to the Father Justin Rosary Hour. Marisa Data was a weekday and Saturday favorite with her Polish songs and comedy.

Commercials were original and creative. Everyone had a theme: Maxwell House Coffee- Good To The Last Drop, I Walk A Mile For A Camel, Jell-O Spells J-E-L-L-O, Chiquita Banana and I Come to Say, Wheaties Breakfast of Champions, and Schiltz- When You’re Out Of Schiltz You’re Out Of Beer. Some theme songs were: Lone Ranger’s William Tell Overture, Arthur Godfrey- Seems Like Old Times, Bob Hope- Thanks For The Memories, Eddie Cantor- Ida and One Hour With You, and Bing Crosby- When The Blue of the Night.

Old time radio was all imagination. You let your mind see pictures from the sounds and words... The thundering hoofs of the great white horse silver, backed with the music of the William Tell Overture, Hi Yo Silver The Lone Ranger. What a sound. .It was exciting and brought the character to life. Voices such as Brace Beemer, The Lone Ranger, were deep and strong. The speech was clear and never mumbled. The characters were well defined; there was no doubt who was a good guy or bad guy. The insertion of organ cords added to the excitement and meaning of each and every story. It was the best of times.

Hope you can join me, on The Front Porch, next week as we conclude our discussions of the 1940’s.

Sasiad

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

2008-04-25T12:00:00.009-05:00

“YO GEORGIE”. that was the call to play. Friends would gather outside your house and yell out, “Yo Georgie”, Tommy or your name to come out and play. They didn’t knock on doors, ring door bells or call you on the phone; they cup their hands together to call out your name... They’d go down the block sounding the call to play. If your mother said it was”OK” you quickly ran down the stairs and out to greet your friends. There was Swatty, Kenny, Horse, Tadek, Waz, Jerry, Freddie, Bobby and others. The time of year determined what you did. January and February were quiet months when you normally stayed in except to go sledding or engage in a snow ball fight. I remember going out one day when there were older boys in the fight. I was hit in the ear. It felt like as though a rock had hit my ear. My ear got red and blew up... I ran home, but there wasn’t much to do except wait for the swelling to go down. I believe the hit ended my singing career. After that I could never carry a tune, I had become a monotone. I remember the boy who threw the snowball, a few years later he was to lose his life in the Korean War.

March ushered in flying kites and the call to play. Marbles was a game that we played. We’d gather around someone’s front yard which had a hard piece of ground and no grass. Someone would find a stick and draw a circle. It was like playing pool. Each player put an equal number of marbles into the ring. Then we’d take turns with what we called a shooter. The objective was to knock out as many marbles from the ring as you could. When you knocked out a marble it was yours. As the weather warmed, Duncan Yo Yo’s would stage Yo Yo demonstrations at the candy store across from Wicker Park School. They would demonstrate walk the doggie, rock the cradle, looping and other tricks. The kids would buy the Yo Yo’s, and it became a favorite springtime activity. Tops were also fun. The boys would spin their tops and see whose top would spin the longest. Some performed tricks like picking up the top with their top string and continue to spin the top. Lai Lai’s (paddles with attached rubber band and ball) were toys that boys and girls played in the 40’s... Pitching pennies was a way to spend idle time. All you needed was 2 square blocks in a sidewalk and two pennies per player. The objective was too see who got the most points. Points were totaled by seeing how close you got to the liner or line in the sidewalk. You normally got 5 points for a liner and one point if you were closer to the liner than your opponent. It was like playing horseshoes. Collecting and trading baseball and football cards became an exciting activity. You’d buy a pack of bubble gum and got a few cards. I also collected basketball and boxing cards. I’d be a rich man today if I had only kept those cards.

As we moved into April we played with toy cars and cops and robbers. We used a lot of imagination and make believe. We had a lot of hiding places; I remember using squirt guns to squirt your enemy. This also turned into Cowboys and Indians which was played in the empty lot on Evergreen Avenue. As we got older the empty lot became our ball field for baseball and football. In the spring we’d come out and play ball. It was always critical that someone have a bat and ball... The field would be laid out; we’d used a stick to draw the bases. Baseball was our favorite past time and continued thru summer. As we grew older we’d take the streetcar to Wrigley Field. We’d walk to North Avenue and hop on a bus or streetcar to Clark Street. We then picked up the Green Hornet Streetcar which took us to Wrigley Field at Clark and Addison. As you guessed, we were all Cub fans. We would arrive with our gloves for batting practice in hopes of catching a ball. We sat in the bleachers. Tickets were no more than 75cents. I remember watching some of the greats: Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson, Eddie Stanky, Leo Durocher, Don Newcomb, Roy Campanella, Willie Mays and many more. After batting practice and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, Pat Piper the field announcer would echo the sound “PLAY BALL”.

The Cubs didn’t have the best of teams but they were our heroes. Andy Pafko was my favorite... Some of the Cubs stars were: Bill (Swish) Nicholson, Bob Rush, Johnny Schmitz, Bob Scheffing, Peanuts Lowry and Eddie Waitkus. It was somewhere in this period that Eddie Waitkus was shot by a friend. He recovered and went on to play with the Philadelphia Phillies. At that time there were 2 leagues, the American and National leagues, each with 8 teams... The Cubs didn’t win many games, but we continued to root for them.

In the summer we’d catch flies to feed the spiders. We go in the alleys and catch the flies and throw them in spider webs and wait for the spider to pounce on the fly. Our basements were full of webs so it was a great sport. By the way, no one got sick or died. In the evening our interest turned to fire flies. Cork stands were big. The kids would get a wooden box from the grocery store and erect the cork stand. A cork stand was a roulette table. It was divided into areas or slots with a spinner in the center. The spinner was made from an ice cream bar stick and cork and nailed to the top of the box. For chips we collected corks from the soda cooler in a candy store. Some kids used the wooden boxes to make scooters. They would cut a 4 foot plank of wood to which they’d nail roller skate wheels to the bottom to move the scooter. They made handles to steer the scooter.

Most of the summer was spent playing baseball. We would play softball in the empty lot. I remember an event that scared the wits out of me; I was playing left field. Left field backed up to an alley which housed a barn. In the barn a girl had a horse and German shepherd. On this day the girl was out with her horse and dog. On one of the plays, I went back to catch a fly ball and found myself with the German shepherd’s teeth reaching up and biting my rear end. . You never saw anyone run faster than I did. I can’t remember catching the ball. I ran home and fortunately the dog bite did not go thru my trousers. There was a small mark, but nothing serious. I returned later, but not to left field. During summer vacation a lot of time was spent playing hardball in the Wicker Park Schoolyard... We’d get a number of guys together in the morning to play .They’d hop on their bikes and head for the school yard. I never had a bike so I’d hop a ride with one of the guys. I’d bring along my trusty three finger mitt that I bought with my First Communion money. Home plate was located at the middle of the school yard, against the east alley fence which bordered the school. The gravel made for a lively field. I can remember the excitement and feel of catching a fly ball or fielding a groundball, but nothing was greater than the crack of a bat and ball meeting to give the satisfaction of a hit... When it was exceptionally hot, John, the maintenance engineer would let us get water from the boiler room... Sometimes we’d pitch in and share a Pepsi. In between our regular games we would play ‘Hit Em Outs: a game we played with a small pink ball on the school grounds. We would play in an area were there was a pinner; a pinner was a sharp cement part of the building that was used to simulate a bat hitting the light weight pink ball. One person would be the hitter (have the ball hit the pinner) and another one or two players played the field. We’ set rules for hits and found it to be a fun game. On days when no one was around you could occupy your time playing dice baseball. You prepare a scorecard of the two teams you wanted to play. You needed a pair of dice and then roll them: 12 was a home run, 11 a double, 2 a triple, 5 a single, 7 a strikeout and the rest outs. .In the evenings we‘d watch the Rippers or Wolves play softball.

Summer was also a time for family. Some of the kids would go to Wisconsin or Michigan to spend time with relatives or friends. They would swim or fish. I remember an unfortunate incident when a number of neighbor boys went to Lake Michigan to fish. There was a tragic accident when two brothers fell into the water and drowned. Sunday was a day for church and a ride to Caldwell Woods... We’d take the Milwaukee Avenue streetcar to the end of the line at Milwaukee and Devon. Sometimes we would walk to St. Adalberts Cemetery to visit the graves of relatives. This was the final resting place for most North side Poles. After the visit we’d head to the woods. On a typical Sunday they would have numerous picnics sponsored by various Polish Clubs and other ethnic groups... A number of picnics would have polka bands. It was always a treat when L’l Wally or Eddie Zima played. The woods would be packed and they had two levels, upstairs and downstairs. The difference was a hill that you had to climb up or down. There were cement platforms for dancing and picnics, the big picnics had a bar that was constructed from beer or soda cases and long boards to serve drinks. The older men still wore white flat straw hats, brown and white shoes, long sleeve shirts that were rolled up and ties. The women wore light weight summer dresses. The younger girls would wear black slacks, white blouses and low heel dancing shoes. Everyone was happy as they danced, drank and had a good time. My Uncle Frank would come early on Sunday mornings and save a table where we could meet, play cards, chat and enjoy the day.

As summer ended and school rolled around our interest turned to football. After school a few of us would gather in the empty lot to play touch football... Sometimes we played in the street. The problem playing in the street was parked cars and traffic. I remember for a while we used the old American Football League white football with black stripes. The spiral passes stood out with the white and black flying through the air. Normally we used a standard brown football. It was a ball someone had received for Christmas or their birthday. On a few occasions we’d go to Wicker Park and play tackle football. In the park we would meet other school kids that we normally would not play with. There was a little grass, but the ground was hard. No one had helmets or pads. We were tough and played till dusk. We would play football into December. By that time the ground was frozen which made for a fast field. On occasions we’d go to St. Aloysius to play basketball. St. ALS had a basketball court and if lucky no one would be playing. We’d play “HORSE: and if we had enough players we start up a full court game. HORSE was a game were a basket counted for a letter. The first player to spell HORSE would be the winner. When January and February rolled around some of the kids went to the Association House to play basketball.

When it was time to come home the moms would call out, “Georgie, time to come home”. The mothers would call from their back porches or front windows. Normally it was supper time. If the game was still in progress somebody would be standing by waiting to get into the game. It was a good time; we got plenty of fresh air, exercise, stayed healthy. and didn’t get into trouble...Oh, maybe some of the language got colorful, but nothing serious. We didn’t have TV’s, computers or electronic games. We used our imagination in playing what I call unorganized fun. We had no coaches, sodded fields or special equipment. We used what was available. Those were the good old days.

Next week join me as we discuss old time radio.

Sasiad

SCHOOL DAYS

2008-04-12T12:35:00.006-05:00

If you went to a public grammar school in the 1930’s or 1940’s, you probably went to a school similar to mine. I went to Wicker Park Grammar School; it was located at 2020 W. Everygreen Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The school was named after Charles Wicker, a successful businessman, who had purchased large tracts of land in the area. The main entrance was on Evergreen Avenue. It was a dark red three story building. The exterior was surrounded by 6 foot barb wired fences on the east and west sides of the property and 3-4 foot iron picket fences on the north and south sides. The grounds were covered with white gravel. There where also entrances on the east and west sides of the building. In the back of the building was the entrance to the engineer’s room. The school did not have a parking lot. On the main floor was the principal's office and lower grade level classrooms, room 105 was the kindergarten room. The second floor was for middle grades and the 3rd floor for 6th, 7th and 8th grades. There was a gym which also doubled as the auditorium for assemblies and graduations. There was a basement with areas for indoor recess and restrooms. The basement also had a shower room. Most kids hated the shower room because that was where Mrs. Bach checked for cleanliness and health issues. She was the school nurse. In the warm weather recess was held outdoors. There were wooden floors throughout the building except for the gym which had a rubber base floor. The stairs were wide with metal railings. Each classroom had wooden desks with ink wells. In front of the classrooms were blackboards. The alphabet was displayed above the blackboards. A U.S. flag was displayed in each and every classroom.

I started kindergarten, but after one day I became a kindergarten drop out. In those days kindergarten wasn’t mandatory; my mother let me stay home until first grade. I could not drop out of first grade, so it was off to school. My sisters would take me and bring me home. It was a short walk, about a block. We’d leave the house at 2143 and cross an alley and go past a number of houses before reaching Hoyne Avenue. On the corner of Hoyne and Evergreen were the Blackstone Grocery Store and patrol boys who controlled traffic. We crossed Hoyne and then crossed Evergreen to the opposite side of the street. We took a right and passed a house and two stores before crossing an alley that was parallel to the school. We’d entered at the west entrance. I had arrived and my career as student was about to begin.

The teachers were familiar with the family since my sisters and brother attended Wicker Park. Fortunately, they had good reputations and I was warmly welcomed. The teachers were pleasant and nice. Eleanor Paulson was the Principal, after retirement she was replaced by Marie Hahn... I remember some the teachers: there was Miss Leonard who I believe taught kindergarten, Miss Smith, First Grade and Library. In First Grade we were introduced to readers such as Dick and Jane and Little Black Sambo. I don’t believe Black Sambo is around anymore. Mrs. O’Connor taught second grade, Miss Carbury third grade and Miss Horwich fourth grade. The students considered Miss Carbury mean and crotchety. She would have kids place their gum on their nose, tape their mouth or have them sit in a corner for misbehaving. She was tough, but the most caring teacher in the school. On Lincoln or Washington’s Birthday she’d made special trips to the Chicago Historical Society to get films to present to her classes. The students didn’t take the time to understand and respect her abilities. Unfortunately, while attending Wicker Park, Miss Carbury passed away. Miss Horwich was another dedicated teacher who took her students to heart. During first grade I missed a lot of class time due to illness: whooping cough, measles and chicken pox. I had to repeat 1st grade. During the next 2 grades my work improved and I made great progress. Miss Horwich supported my efforts by recommending me for a double promotion. I believe I went from 4A to 5A. I skipped 4B. In those days there were two grade levels A and B and two graduations. June and January.

.Sixth grade was a milestone on the road to graduation. You were now on the third floor and ready to take departmental classes. That meant changing classrooms, just like high school. When I reached 7th grade Miss Mueller, the music teacher had retired and was replaced by Miss Parr. By this time the students were getting wiser and unruly. The worse time was when the teacher had to leave the room and all pandemonium would break out. Kids started throwing spitballs, flying airplanes, drawing pictures on the blackboard until the teacher returned and caught them in the act. This required punishment and everyone paid by writing, 100 times, I “WILL NOT xxxxxxxxxxx”. I can remember when Howard got Mr. Arnot, one of the teachers, mad and Mr. Arnot grabbed Howard by the pants and literally carried him to the principal’s office. By the time 8th grade rolled around we were supposed to be young adults and ready to set an example for the lower grades. Our teacher and mentor. Mrs. Heinz, guided us through the last year and helped us graduate and transition to high school. It was sad to leave Mrs. Heinz and Room 306.

The curriculum emphasized reading, writing and arithmetic. I don’t remember many classes in science or geography. There were always spelling bees and math quizzes. Music was a happy time when we sang the songs of Stephen Foster: Old Back Joe, Swanee River, Beautiful Dreamer, and others. We also sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America and other patriotic songs. Gym was held twice a week. Our teacher was Jesse Dunne. During gym we’d play kick baseball, dodge ball, and other games. The gym was equipped with climbing polls, and ringers. We had mats for tumbling and practicing pyramids. Each semester we competed in broad jump, high jump, ball throw and other Olympic events. The gym teacher was in charge of the school patrol. and conduced 7th and 8th grade socials that taught us square dancing and ballroom dancing.

During the school year elections were held for Mayor, School Council, Lawyers and other positions. We had Bow Day and paper drives to collect money for the school. There were special presentations in the auditorium. Christmas was celebrated by gathering around a large Christmas tree on the first floor to sing Christmas carols. The windows and classrooms were always decorated to commentate the holidays and seasons of the year .On graduation day, in June; we’d empty the classrooms and go on field trips to Brookfield Zoo. It cost 25cents and you’d take a brown bag lunch. The bus would leave by 9:30 and be back by 3...

Recess and lunch time was a major part of the day. The school bell would ring at 9AM, signaling the start of school. At the start of class we would recite the Pledge To The Flag to officially start the day. At about 10:15 the bell rang for the first recess. For the 1st and 2nd grades this was normally a period for cookies and milk or laying your head down on the desk to rest. For the bigger kids it was going out to the school yard to play. Sometimes there would be fights or arguments that created excitement in the school yard... Fortunately monitors were on duty to maintain law and order. Around 12 the lunch bell would ring. I lived nearby and went home for lunch. Those who lived further away or their parents worked ate in the lunchroom. Each day there was a hot meal prepared by the school cooks. For Thanksgiving or Christmas a special turkey dinner was served for a nominal fee. I returned to school before 1 PM to start the second part of the school day. At 2:15 the second recess bell rang and we had 15 minutes to go to the bathroom and play. During inclement or cold weather recess was held in the basement. At 3:15 the bell signaled the end of the school day... With books and homework in hand we headed home. When I fist started going to school there was an old wooden mansion that I passed on the way to and from school. I remember two sisters living there; they dressed in black and seemed part of a bygone era. The house was dark and scary; it was probably built in the 1850’s. It was not long after starting school that the sisters were gone and the mansion collapsed. Eventually the house was cleared and the lot became a playground for softball and touch football.

As in most schools there were a few bullies who bantered about at recess or lunch time trying to get money, “You Got A Nikle”. Or there were the talk of fights, “I’ll Get Em After School”. There were a few fights, but mostly a lot of talk. The kids got along pretty well and had friendly conversations before and after school. There was a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The kids living near North Avenue were probably from higher income families, this was the area were the mansions and bigger homes of historic Wicker Park were located. I would say that most of the kids came from average or low income families.

Sometimes during the year the school would have fire drills, Halloween Parades and parties. I remember celebrating my friend Mitchell’s birthday. His mother would bring a birthday cake and candy. Mitchell lived in a very nice home on Evergreen near Milwaukee Avenue. I believe he came from an influential Russian or Serbian family... Graduation Day was the big day when parents and friends packed the gym. A student, Phil Barsanti, would play Pomp and Circumstance, on the piano. The School Patrol would lead the procession and act as honor guard for the graduates. The ceremony included speeches, a skit, songs, pyramids and distribution of diplomas.

Many of the neighborhood kids attended St. Aloysius Catholic School on LeMoyne and Claremont. Catholics attending Wicker Park were able to be excused at 2 o’clock, on Wednesday’s .to attend catechism. We’d take the walk down Schiller to Leavitt, past the Sabin/Tuley Branch, to Lemoyne and go about 2 blocks to St. Aloysius. We were instructed by Nuns in their full habit. Classes lasted about one and half hours. We were instructed in preparation for First Communion or Confirmation. I received my First Communion in 1949. In preparation for Communion parents bought certain materials, Prayer Book, Religious Chains and clothing for the ceremony. In those days the boys wore dark blue suits, white shirts and dark tie; the girls wore white dresses. My mother didn’t like the idea of buying a dark suit; she thought a light suit was more appropriate... She bought me a light blue suit. Well, that didn’t go over well. The Nuns were up in arms and were considering banning me from receiving first communion. Fortunately cool heads prevailed. I was the only boy in the procession with a light suit. I stood out like a sore thumb. My mother stood up for what she thought was best and became an activist for independent thinking, She raised an important question. What was more important, appearance or the act of receiving first communion?

Wicker Park was a proud school with many outstanding students. We were fortunate to have teachers and students who set good examples. Pat Coffey, who preceded me, went on to play basketball at Michigan State and Tom Nevins became a Professor of Theatre at a University in Wisconsin. In grades that followed, the school produced two judges: Ronald Himmel (Himmelstein) and I believe Barbara Disko. Not all students moved in the right direction, I know of one that shot a milkman and was sentenced for murder. One neighborhood student belonged to an infamous gang that robbed homes. Those were rare cases. The school had a tradition of producing successful people who were able to make the parents, neighborhood and school proud.

Sasiad

WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME

2008-04-05T10:12:00.008-05:00

As WWII ended the nation rejoiced and echoed the old Civil War song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, Hurrah, Hurrah”. Celebrations took place throughout the land. The Stars and Stripes was flown proudly and the pride and patriotism was seen throughout the land. Happy Days Were Here Again.

The transition from wartime to peacetime was about to begin. What was once a male dominated work force was about to change. Through their hard work and efforts women were now competing for the jobs previously occupied by men. The factories began to hum and produce the much needed and desired domestic goods: refrigerators, automobiles, furniture, clothes... After years of shortages the stores were stocked and meeting consumer demand. I remember a neighbor who waited a year for his new Ford Coup. It was a beauty, bright shiny red... Within days it was stolen. It was heartbreaking to see this man’s happiness turn to anger and sorrow... I guess you can never eradicate evil. Our household participated in the change by buying a refrigerator and saying good by to the ice box. We got a used gas heater for the kitchen replacing the coal stove.We purchased a radio and phonograph. We ran out to buy the latest 78rpm hits: Julida Polka, Jedzie Boat, Too Fat Polka, Helena Polka, Czy Jak Ta Dzywiecyna and others. Yes, we liked Those Polkas! Oh, by the way, we did buy popular records.

My sisters were now getting older and starting to date. They’d go polka dancing to the ballrooms and picnic groves. They ‘d go to Polonia Ballroom and Grove, Pulaski Village, Veterans Hall, Wozniaks, Trombas and Natomas. There were plenty of dance halls in the 40’s. This is were the Polish Boys went to meet the Polish Girls. This was also the Big Band era, they would go to the Aragon or Trianon Ball Rooms to listen and dance to Eddie Howard, The Dorsey Brothers, and Wayne King. For movies they went to neighborhood theatres or Downtown to the Chicago, Oriental, State Lake Theatres where they watched live performances presented by big bands, singers and comedians. It was like vaudeville. I remember going to the Chicago Theatre to watch a James Cagney movie, the one were he pushes a grapefruit in the girls face. After the movie, we enjoyed the big band sounds of Guy Lombardo or Carmen Cavarello.

After the war couples started to marry and it was the start of the baby boom. It was a time when people married within their own nationality and religion. It was frowned upon for a Pole to marry someone that was not Polish or Catholic. Everyone in my family, aunts and uncles, married Poles. The only non compliant one was my brother who married an Italian girl. Most of our weddings took place at Holy Trinity Church on Noble Street. This was the time of the famous Polish Weddings. The couples rented a hall, hired Polish cooks, bought the food and drinks, and hired a Polka Band. For food there was chicken soup, chicken, golambki, Polish sausage, mash potatoes, kapusta, a salad, coffee, and kolaczki. The wedding cake was taken home. The cooks were the best. The halls were situated so that you had dancing on the main floor and dinner on the lower level. When it was time to eat, the band would strike up the Polish Wedding March and the Bride and Groom would invite and lead the guests to the dining area. After dinner the bar would open and dancing would begin. The bar would be manned by friends and relatives. The drinks would be beer, wine, straight shots, high balls and soda. Sometimes, someone would have too much to drink and fights would break out, or other foolish incidents would occur. I remember, at my eldest sister’s wedding, my brother and several friends took my brother-in-law’s car for a joy ride and were caught by the police. They were escorted back to the wedding where my brother-in-law talked them out of the situation.

In 1947 my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. It was a surprise party hosted by my sisters and brother. It was held at an old hall, Gutz Hall. It featured great home cooking by our Polish Cooks and the music of Joe Durlak. To this day I still listen to his renditions of Czy Jak Tak Dzywiecyna, Kuku Oberek and Young Fellows Waltz. It was like the typical Polish wedding with the Wedding March, dinner and dancing. My father was famous for his Russian Cossack Dance and entertained the guests with his energy and footwork. All the relatives and friends attended. In those days you invited your neighbors. It was like a block party. The Anniversary was held on a Sunday and on Monday we stayed home to rest and continue the celebration. My father went to work. He never missed a day of work.

The day after a Polish Wedding was called Poprawina, the Day After. It was a continuation of the celebration. The relatives would gather at the home of the bride or groom to visit and talk about the wedding. It was a time when the question, how much money (ile) did they collect was asked. We would enjoy the left over food and have a good time, talking and laughing about the crazy things that happened at the wedding.

One of the things I enjoyed after the war was watching the men, back from service, play 16” softball. After super I would go to Wicker Park School Yard to watch the games. The season lasted from June thru July. The two neighborhood teams were the Rippers and Wolves, My favorite was the Rippers. They wore red burgundy pants with white stripes. They were a solid team with Gene at 1st, Whitey at 3rd and Mike at SS. Gene was a big guy who could hit the ball a mile. The playing field was covered with gravel and was surrounded by Damen, Schiller, Evergreen and Hoyne. Home plate was at Schiller near Damen. The school was about 200 feet from home plate and 50-60 feet from left field. It was like having a big fence in center field... A lot of home runs were hit on to the roof of the school. I remember Gene hitting one from Schiller to almost Evergreen Avenue. The Wolves wore Blue and Gold. I had a habit of watching the Wolves along the 1st baseline, until their pitcher, Johnny, a left hand hitter hit a line drive that hit me in the nose. .. I can still feel that ball and blood coming from my nose. The problem was that it didn’t happen once, it happened twice. I guess I didn’t belong on the 1st baseline. The teams would meet once or twice during the season. Sometimes, Joe Graboski played for the Wolves. They called him Bones. He was about 6-6 and played for the Chicago Stags and later the Philadelphia Warriors. Joe went straight from Tuley High School to play professional basketball with the Stags. The Rippers normally came out on top. The best games were when the Cats, a black team, came by truck to play the Rippers. This was the show down of all show downs. It was like the Yankees coming to play the White Sox. Two great teams squaring off in what was always a big money game. The Cats were so good they were unbeatable. If the Rippers beat them once or twice it was a miracle. The scores were something like 40 to 1 or 43 to 0. They were unbelievable and it was a joy to watch the teams and the respect they had for each other. I didn’t see any racism.

The young men playing softball were a great example for the neighborhood kids. Many of the men continued their education under the GI bill and went on to successful careers. It was there way of staying in touch with their buddies and relaxing.

Early in May the Polish Constitution Day was celebrated. It was on the first Sunday in May and started with mass at Holy Trinity Church and followed with a parade that proceeded down Augusta Blvd to Humboldt Park than to the Kosciuszko Statue, The statute had stood for years near North and California. Every year we would have lunch and run to watch the parade. We’d walk down Potomac Street to the park. There was always a packed crowd lining the parade route. Everywhere you would see Red and White Polish Flags and American Flags. A number of bands played as we watched former Polish soldiers march by. The Polish Ladies Auxiliary were dressed in white outfits with Blue and red capes and blue hats. They would string out huge white sheets to collect money for Polish charities... My Uncle Miller marched in his Goral outfit, Mountaineer; he had his handy curved Polish Cane in hand. The parade ended at Kosziciuczko’s statue where a well known dignitary would speak. It was an enjoyable and memorable event that was looked forward too every year.

The end of WWII also marked the year that the Chicago Cubs battled the Detroit Tigers for the pennant. It was 1945 and the Cubs had such favorites as Phil Cavaretta, who batted 355, Stan Hack, Andy Pafko, Bill Nicholson, Lennie Murrelo, Claude Passeau, Hank Borowy and Hank Wyse who won 22 games. The Cubs were managed by Charlie Grimm, but lost in a 7 game series to the Tigers.

In 1948 Harry S. Truman ran for re-election against Thomas Dewey, former governor of New York. This was the year that the Chicago Tribune printed its famous headline that “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN”. Truman was the winner and continued on for four more years with his standby trademark, “The Buck Stops Here”.

Yes, Johnny had come home and we had returned to normal, unfortunately it was to be short lived. . In a few short years we would find ourselves in the Korean Conflict.

Join me next week on the Front Porch as we discuss the grammar school years.

THE WAR YEARS

2008-03-28T14:44:00.010-05:00

I was 3 years old when World War II broke out and the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I remember playing on the floor when President Roosevelt came on the radio to declare war and “That We Have Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself”. I was too young to understand the impact of war but remember the events and changes that affected our lives from 1941 thru 1945.

The draft was in effect and family members were quickly called to service or enlisted. All my uncles were drafted into the Army. My brother was drafted into the Navy. When he was 16 or 17 he lost part of his index (trigger) finger while working on a machine. Because of this disability his tour of duty was spent stateside in Nevada. In a short time mostly everyone between 18 and 25 found themselves in uniform. The young men in the neighborhood were off to war. The war changed our way of living by what was to be produced in the U.S. To support the war, industries changed from producing domestic goods to producing war materials. Automobile assembly lines were converted to producing tanks and military vehicles. Women filled the void on the assembly lines by performing jobs that would have been done by men.

The news was slow in coming. It took days to receive word of what was happening. The major source for news came from the radio. The voices of H.V. Kaltenborn, Gabriel Heatter, Drew Pearson and Edward R. Murrow brought the stories of war. Walter Winchell was famous for his introduction: “Hello Mr. and Mrs. America and All The Ships At Sea.” I can recall the shouting of “EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT” as newsboys sold papers on the streets of Chicago. There were four local newspapers: Chicago Tribune, Sun, Daily News and Herald, There were no pictures. The Tribune would have pictures on the back of the sports section. On the weekend the Trib had two magazines, one I believe was a pictorial magazine and the other featured stories and pictures. There was no colored artwork. It was black and white straight off the press. It was Look and Life Magazines that brought the story of war to life through pictures.

Before the war unemployment was about 10%, in a short time it was 2%. It seems that every able bodied person was working. Most of our daily goods were placed on ration. This meant we were only allotted so much meat, butter, chocolates, nylons etc. Cars were on a waiting list. Families had rationing cards or stamps that would be used to buy goods and food. Everything was being put into the war effort. To raise funds Bond Drives were conducted. The only place to see clips of the war was at movie theatres. The newsreels would show the highlights and events of Generals: McArthur, Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, Arnold and other heroes on the battlefield.

The scariest part of the war years were the blackouts. Sirens would ring out across the City alerting everyone to pull down their shades, turn the lights off and empty
the streets, until the all clear signal sounded. We had Air Raid wardens who kept us informed. They would come to the door to provide information and sometimes first aid kits. They coordinated the efforts of each and every neighborhood.

We maintained some form of normalcy through the entertainment of radio. We listened to Jack Benny, Fibber McGee and Molly, Great Gildersleeve and the Shadow. Sports continued, although many of the players such as Ted Williams left for the service. We were treated to the gridiron exploits of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, Doc Blanchard and Glen Davis as they led the cadets of West Point to historic seasons. Bing Crosby introduced Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and the Andrew Sisters sang Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. War movies were big and supported the war and troops. Not withstanding the hardships and lose of life everyone was proud to be called an American.

Furloughs gave the troops a chance to come home, relax and spend time with family and friends. When they came home the troops brought souvenirs. I remember the fancy babushkas and pillow case covers from overseas. There were the military souvenirs such as lugers and helmets that found there way home. My brother gave me a white sailor cap... I was proud of it. I was out by the front gate one afternoon when a neighborhood bully came by and swiped it off my head, He ran away. I went crying to my mother, she went to the boy’s house on Potomac and told his mother, but never got the hat back. It was an example of how someone fails to take responsibility for their actions or that of their children. Our neighbors on the third floor had a son who enlisted, but was always AWOL. The MP’s would drive up to the house, in their green sedan marked with big white letters “MP”, and with Billy Clubs in hand marched up to the 3rd floor in search of our neighbor. They didn’t find him; eventually he was apprended and placed in the Brig.

During the war my eldest sister got married. Her husband was a Navy Petty Officer and served as an instructor at a naval base on the southeast side of Chicago that became Vocational High School. They lived near the base in a nice cottage they shared with an elderly lady. She had a cute little black Scottish Terrier. . We would take the long trip to visit them and I remember always getting sick on the train ride home. There was a movie theatre on base. I enjoyed watching The Thin Man. My brother-in-law would give me plastic replicas of the planes stationed at the base and communication call cards: Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog, etc. I knew them all. He was a big influence in my respect for the military.

All my uncles came back save and sound. My cousin Curly who enlisted as a Marine was wounded on Iwo Jima. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case for two of my father's brothers who died in the Russian Army. One died after being struck by lightening and the other in combat. I remember my father reading and crying after receiving the letters. The people on Evergreen Avenue were fortunate that most everyone came home. For the many that were killed, memorials were erected on street corners to commemorate there sacrifice.

In 1944 FDR was re-elected President and Harry S. Truman became Vice President. FDR was revered by most Americans as a true leader who took them out of the depression and led them through the Great War. On April 12, 1945 FDR died and Vice President Truman became President. Hitler committed suicide and VE Day (Victory In Europe) was celebrated in May. In August 1945 Truman ordered the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war. General Douglas McArthur signed the declaration of surrender with the Japanese Emperor Hirohito to officially end World War II.

Please stop by, My Front Porch, next week when we will discuss the changes that took place when the troops came home.

Sasiad

HOLIDAYS

2008-03-22T17:35:00.004-05:00

Holidays were an important part of our life. Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving were important in shaping our life’s and character. You knew the holidays were coming when my mother started cleaning. She’d start a week or two before the holiday and finish the night before... Many times she would buy new curtains or linens. She bought them through a man we called Srider Meider, he a was short, balding Jewish man with a red face and gravel voice... He would bring samples or sometimes take my mother to a store to select the fabric or goods. Once bought she would pay him weekly and when paid off buy something else. She always liked to have something new and fresh for the holidays.

The windows were washed, then the curtains washed, stretched and hung before the holiday. The kitchen curtains were hung the night before the holiday. I can still see my mother on Christmas Eve ironing and hanging kitchen curtains. The house smelled fresh and clean.

When Christmas came my father would take the kids shopping for a Christmas tree. One year the neighbors across the street brought trees in from Wisconsin and sold them in front of their house. It was one of the nicest trees we ever had, Another year we bought a tree on Damen near Augusta Blvd, and I remember carrying it home. The most memorable time was when I went with my brother, in a snowstorm, to Riverview Park to buy a tree, It was 1947 and he was about 21 or 22, had a car and out of military service. While driving to Western and Belmont we were listening to the Championship Football game between the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals. Jack Brickhouse and Irv Kupcient were doing the play by play on WGN. The sponsor was Standard Oil. It was a great game won by the Cardinals who were lead by quarterback Paul Christman and the all-star backfield of Pat Harder, Elmer Angsman and Charlie Trippi. We found a nice tree, placed it on the roof of the car and brought it home. Once home we placed the tree in the Shandra where it was kept until ready to be decorated.

A week before Christmas we would bring the tree up to the back porch, my father with saw and chisel in hand shaped the bottom of the tree to fit in the old wooden cross tree stand. It was always a challenge, and after some cussing he would get it to fit. The tree was brought into the house and placed in front of the front room window... In the meantime we would bring down the lights and ornaments from atop the China Closet. The lights were tested and burnt out bulbs replaced. Once the tree was set, my father hung the lights and then we decorated the tree with ornaments, garland and silver. We always had favorite toys such as the clown face or colored stars. My sisters decorated the bottom of the tree with cotton and toy houses. The tree touched the ceiling. The lights sparkled on the woodwork and brought alive the feeling of Christmas. If it was a Sunday the radio was tuned to Lionel Barrymore and the Mercury Theatre presentation of a Christmas Carol. .

On Christmas morn we’d awake running to the fireplace to see what Santa had brought! Our stockings were hung on the gold railings of the fireplace. For stockings we used my sister’s old long ugly winter brown stockings. My parents didn’t have much money during those early years so our stockings would be filled with fruit, nuts and loose change. We were lucky if we got a toy. My sisters and brother would go to church while my mother prepared Christmas dinner. For the Christmas meal she would invite guests for turkey, sweet potatoes, salads, and maybe a cake and jello.We always enjoyed her potato salad. My father’s brother would spend the holidays with us. He followed my father from Russia, leaving behind a wife and daughter. They were to have followed him to the U.S., but that never happened.

After Christmas we normally had a visit from my godfather’s wife. She and her sister had been close friends with my mother. She would come every year from the town of Cicero to bring me a Christmas Gift. They were very generous. One year they bought me a wagon and another year a tricycle. My godfather was a motorman for the elevated system. One year they invited us for Christmas dinner. She was a wonderful cook and quite handy. In fact she made her own flocked white Christmas tree. It was beautiful.

Thanksgiving was another exciting holiday. We always seemed to have different people for dinner. The weather would be turning cold and sometimes there would be snow. Since my father didn’t have any family, except his brother, he would invite some Russian friends to join us for the holiday... Thanksgiving meal was much like Christmas. In the morning before dinner my father would go to the shandra and chop wood for winter. It was neatly stacked and ready to keep us warm during those cold winter months. Once the guests had arrived we had dinner served in the dining room. The table was extended, providing plenty of room... After the meal the guest would talk and visit. Sometimes my brother-in-law would get some people to join him in song and merriment.

Easter was another biggie because it was a time we got new clothes. My mother liked to dress her kids up for Easter. Although my mother and father weren’t steady church goers she always saw too it that we all went to church. There was no excuse to miss mass or confession before Christmas or Easter. Easter was centered around the preparation of food. We’d shop for polish sausage(kielbasa) and ham(Synka). We would buy a couple of sticks of horseradish and made our own horseradish. My father normally made it but eventually I inherited the chore. First you would scrape the old skin off the plant, and then grate it. As you would do this the strong scent carried into your nose causing you to tear and cry. It was always strong. After grating you would grate some whole red beets and mix the horseradish in with a little salt, sugar and vinegar. Walla, we had the best red horseradish in town. On Good Friday evening we would color Easter eggs. We’d shine them with lard or Crisco. On Holy Saturday my mother prepared the Easter Basket by placing eggs, kielbasa, ham, horseradish, butter lamb, container of water and bread in it. We’d head off to St. Aloysius Church which was located at Claremont and LeMoyne for the blessing of Baskets. The basket would be blessed and ready to feed us on Easter Sunday. We had so much Easter food that it lasted for days.

When we celebrated Easter the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated Pusey Willow Sunday, the equivalvaent to Palm Sunday. Sometimes I would go with my Father to the Holy Trinity Russian Church on Leavitt... The Russian services were long, they lasted several hours. There were no pews and you stood throughout the service. The priests were dressed in fancy robes and headdress. They sang their chants and prayers in Russian. It was a moving experience.

There was a lot of tradition in the holidays and we try to continue them to this day. I hoped you enjoyed the discussion. Please join me next week as we return to the Front Porch to discuss the War Years.

Sasiad

AS TIME GOES BY

2008-03-17T08:44:00.006-05:00

Today let’s begin with a little history of the family. My father was born in 1895 in Ternavka, a small village in the Russian Ukraine. His family lived on a farm in the rich farmlands of the Ukraine. He had three brothers. He came to America at the insistence of his mother to escape the tyranny of the Russian Revolution. He set sail on the Vaterland and arrived at Ellis Island in 1914. It was a bold an adventurous journey for a 19 year old who didn’t know the language or anyone in a new home called the United States. He came to Chicago and boarded with a Polish family. There were other boarders and the lady of the boarding house was known as Hazika. My father went to evening school and learned to write, speak and read English. In a very short time he was competent in the language and soon found work in the picture frame industry...

My mother was born in 1903 in Philadelphia of Polish parents. Her parents were born in Szczawnica, Poland. At an early age she made two trips with her parents to visit her grandparents in Poland... She had two brothers and twins that died when babies. Her mother died when she was 13. Her father remarried and had two boys and a girl with the second wife. My mother completed most of grammar school but had to quit and go to work. She worked for a Jewish family cleaning house. Her father died in 1929. She met my father through Hazika. They were married in 1922. They had three girls and two boys; I was the youngest. My oldest sister was 15 and the youngest sister 7 when I was born. My parents had a long history of living on Evergreen Avenue. They lived in two different houses before moving to 2143 W. Evergreen. My Uncle Frank owned the grocery store and then bought a 3 flat three doors down. During the depression Uncle Frank lost everything and my parents moved to 2143 where I was born.

My mother was the boss; she managed the house, kids and money. My father was easy going and brought home the pay. Times were rough during and after the depression. Somehow my father was able to work and support the family. By the time my three oldest siblings were 16 they quit high school. Education wasn’t a priority when the family needed financial help. It was an era when working in a factory and steady work was looked upon as success. By the time young people were 19 or 20 they were getting married. We were a disciplined family and followed the rules. If you got out of line, the strap came out and you scurried to find safety. No no, no don’t hit me!

Supper time meant everyone sat down together. We learned to share and work together. Everyone had chores. As you got older the chores went down the line. Pretty soon I had inherited the chores. You learned to respect each other and bind together. We weren’t an outward affectionate family, but inside had the love and respect for each other. The credit goes to my mother and father for instilling good values: honesty, hard work, respect, courtesy, the tradition of family, how to manage good and bad times, responsibility, cleanliness, and to be a good person.

My mother was quite sociable and liked to entertain. Although we didn’t have much, we always seemed to have guests and plenty of food and drinks on the table. My relatives would take turns visiting .Uncles were called Wujek, aunts ciotka,grandma busia and grandpa dziadek. The kitchen table was the vocal point for the visit. .For the men my father would bring out a quart of beer and a half pint of whiskey and coffee or soda was served for the ladies. Around supper time my mother served lunch meat, bread, pickles and cake. When my uncles came they liked to play cards, 66 was their game. They would argue and accuse each other of cheating. They took this game seriously. They smoked cigars and sometimes cigarettes. The kids weren’t allowed to congregate with the adults, they stayed in another room. At the end of the evening they would say their good byes and head home. Most lived within walking distance and some would take the street car.

I can recall when my oldest sister was dating that my mother invited her fiancé and friends for Sunday dinner. They were from Pennsylvania and weren’t fortunate to have good home cooked meals. My mother served golambki and won everyone over. One of the memorable guest was the father of my future brother-in-laws friends. His name was Pop Laskowski. He was a tall, gray haired, slender man in his sixties. He loved to sing ,his favorite song was Jak Sybko Mila Chwile, As Time Goes By, In fact the whole group loved to sing and we where entertained with their harmonies of: Down By The Old Mill Stream, Dinah, I’ve Got Six Pence, Me and My Gal and other songs of the 30’s and 40”s. Their visits brought joy and happiness to the house.

When you talk about happiness and fun times I remember my youngest sister’s First Communion Party. It was held on the 2nd floor and all the aunts and uncles came. They were a fun bunch and liked good times. To celebrate they formed a band of combs, scrub board, paper and other items to make musical sounds to which they sang their favorite Polish songs. The windows were open and the merriment could be heard down the street...

In the summer my uncles would take us picnicking at Dam No. 2 or 4 on the far Northwest Side. My mother fried up hamburgers, prepared breaded pork chops, potatoe salad, coffee would be put into an empty gallon bottle and everything placed in a big picnic basket. This was a treat and always exciting. At one time I remember going in a truck, otherwise we traveled in one of the uncle’s cars... My father never owned or drove an automobile. The families didn’t own homes, everyone rented, and free time was for family. In those days cars had running boards while the small coups had rumble seats. Rumble seats were seats that are now occupied by your trunk and they would open outward with two seats. They had no roof and you were vulnerable to the weather.

One of my most favorite times was visiting Coitka Wlodska, Aunt Lucy, in Chicago Heights. We’d start out early on a Sunday taking a Damen Avenue Streetcar to Halsted Street and Halsted all the way to Harvey where we would pick up a bus to Chicago Heights. Once in Chicago Heights our Uncle Schultz would pick us up in his car. He was wild and drove like a maniac. They lived in an old frame house. They shared a bathroom with a next door neighbor; the bathroom was interesting because the water closet was on the wall near the ceiling. In the back of the yard they raised pigeons which were kept in little houses or coups. Ciotka had a large garden where she grew vegetables for canning. I always loved to come for her pork roast and roast potatoes. The best roast potatoes you ever tasted. She was a cook at the local country club. After several hours we would start our trek back home.

In the summer we would have visitors from Philadelphia, my mother’s mother’s brother, Wujek, would come with his daughters Mary and Nellie and spend several days with us. At times we would have other relatives from Philadelphia. My Uncle John was also a periodic visitor. He was a career soldier and came with his wife. It was never boring; there was always a variety of friends and relatives to make things interesting. I still can’t figure out how my mother managed, housed and fed all those people...

Next week I would like to continue our discussion by talking about holidays and how they were spent at 2143 W. Evergreen.

.

REVISITING THE 2ND FLOOR

2008-03-10T13:07:00.013-05:00

After that long walk let’s visit the 2nd floor and see where I lived and grew up. We enter through the porch hall door and go up a long flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. I remember falling down those stairs many a time. When you enter the apartment you come into the dining room. At this point I have too ask you to take off your shoes. If we go to the left you’ll find the front room and a small bedroom... The bedroom has a window and small roof that overlooks Evergreen Avenue. The room had a bed, old wobbly dresser and chair, There was no door. The front room had three large windows that faced an alley that went all the way to North Avenue. There was a fireplace that was never used, we always felt it unsafe. In the front room was a 3 cushioned red couch, matching red chair and two coffee tables, a table lamp and floor lamp. Yes, we had electricity. By the fireplace I kept a small brown bear. There were 3 bedrooms each with linoleum floors to cover the rotten floors, the kitchen had linoleum and the front room and dining room had 9x12 oriental looking rugs, there was a long runner in the dining room. In between the front room and dining room was a sliding door that was never used .In the dining room we had a large dining room table and chairs, a cedar chest, radio ,an old fashioned victrola (phonograph), pot belly coal stove and telephone bench. The walls were wallpapered and there was a mirror over the fireplace and a floral picture in the dining room. My father’s wedding portrait decorated a wall in the dining room. In those days we had the black phone with no dial. There weren’t many phones so you placed your call through an operator. Most calls were made from outside phone booths found on nearby street corners. To save money you purchased a party line that was shared with one or two parties. It was interesting to pick up the phone and hear someone’s conversation, you waited till they were finished than initiated your call. At the end of the dining room, on the right, was a large bedroom with two windows and a closet. This bedroom had a bed, dresser, chair and a metal clothes closet.

As we leave the dining room we enter a small hallway, on the left was the bathroom with a tub, window, toilet, sink and a wall medicine cabinet... On the right side of the hallway was a built in china closet. In the china closet was kept our finer china and below where drawers to store linens and miscellaneous items. On top of the closet was open space for Christmas decorations. Next we enter the kitchen, on the left was a small cabinet for silverware, on top was a red corning pot, then came the kitchen sink with an oval mirror hanging above, a wringer washing machine, water heater and coal stove. Next to the coal stove was a Universal Gas Range. Yes we had gas. Next we had a window with a Singer Sewing machine in front of it. On the far wall was another window which looked out onto the back porch. We had a chair in front of the window and then we had our ice box. On the right side of the kitchen was a kitchen table and chairs. After entering the kitchen from the hallway on the right was a bedroom. The bedroom had a window, bed and dresser. It also had a closet. On the far right side of the kitchen was a pantry where we kept our groceries and everyday dishes. It had a window and wide shelve and underneath three drawers for pots, pans and utensils. The bottom drawer was for old newspapers. The newspapers were used in the winter months as Polish Carpets to keep the rugs clean. On the floor of the pantry you could find a wooden tool box, a large glass crock for storing potatoes and onions. After the pantry was the back door which led to the back porch and down to the back yard, on the porch was an old rocking chair. The winding stairs led to the yard and on the right stairs that led to the basement. It was always dirty and dingy. In the basement we had a shed for goal where we stored soft coal for the dining room and hard coal for the kitchen... Pulaski Coal Company would deliver the coal thru a window into the shed. We also had a small shed, known as the Shandra, for wood, wagon, screens and bundled paper for junk. Every year around Thanksgiving my father would chop and store wood in the Shandra for winter...

In the back yard was a garage, it was messy and never occupied... There was a back gate which led to the alley. Initially there were no garbage cans, maybe a slab or small area for dumping garbage. It wasn’t sanitary and attracted flies and rodents. Kids hunted the rodents with BB guns. Across the alley was an empty lot which led to Potomac Street. There was a two story house west of us and a three story house in front of it. On the East side was a two story home with yard and barn... Our back yard wasn’t well kept, more weeds than lawn or flowers. The houses with homes in the back didn’t have grass, they had concrete. Between the houses was a gangway that led to the front street.

Because of the airy windows and coal stoves, it was difficult to heat the apartment. Winters were extremely cold. Our front windows would freeze and you couldn’t see out. Jack Frost was a frequent visitor and we had long aisicles hanging down the windows and fine sculptured ice paintings on the windows... By morning the coal stoves would burn out and you’d wake up freezing. The ritual was to have wood, paper and coal on hand to start a new fire... Everyday we would take out the ashes which were collected from the bottom of the stove. The ashes were dumped in the alley and if icy used on the sidewalks. It was not unusual for the stove pipes to get red hot; I always thought they would explode. , Each day someone would go to the shed and bring up two buckets of coal and wood. Brrrr.

The kitchen was the main room where meals were prepared, clothes washed, hung to dry, and ironed. Monday was wash day. . When I was 2 or 3 my mother used a wash tub and scrubbing board, later she upgraded to the wringer washer. We would move the washer near an electric outlet near the bed room and carry buckets of water to fill it and empty it. She would use American Family Flakes, Rinso or Oxydol to wash the clothes. In the cold months we would hang ropes in the kitchen and hang the laundry to dry. Sometimes the laundry was sent out to Alba Laundry. Some clothes would be hung on the back porch. I can still picture my Levis standing tall and frozen at attention on the porch... In the summer months we set up a pulley from the back porch to the garage to hang the clothes to dry. Tuesday and Wednesday were set aside for ironing. Since money was limited we had a lot of soups. There would be kapusta (cabbage) soup, borsht, potatoe,barley, split pea; and in the summer, potatoes and buttermilk (maslanka) or rice and milk. We’d get a meat bone and soup greens for vegetable soup. For meat we had cheaper cuts such as liver or kidneys. We rarely indulged in steaks and chops. On Sunday we would have chicken soup and mayonnaised lettuce. A rare treat would be golambki (stuffed cabbage). We always had milk, coffee and tea to drink. Since we did not have refrigerators the food was bought fresh and made the same day. It was rare to have leftovers. For breakfast we had hard rolls or sweet rolls, sometimes oatmeal or eggs. For lunch we had lunch meats: ham, krakoska, spice ham, minced ham, and maybe liver sausage. Periodically we had polish sausage or hot dogs with pork and beans. Sometimes we had fried baloney. A lot of food was fried and not especially healthy. Fridays were fish days and meat was forbidden... Although money was tight, we were never deprived and always had plenty to eat.

My mother was extremely clean which meant we were always cleaning. Everyday we dusted, fixed the beds, washed dishes, used the manual carpet sweeper to clean the carpets and shook out throw rugs. In those days people didn’t have vacuum cleaners... The kitchen floor was washed 3 or 4 times a week. Weather permitting the windows were washed inside and out every month, You’d have to sit on the outside window ledge and pull the window up and down to wash the outside.. There were times that we would have to change the window ropes that were tied to the weights in the window frame. When the windows were cleaned my mother would wash and stretch her curtains. All the windows had shades. The front room and dining room curtains were starched and stretched. We had a curtain stretcher that occupied part of the dining room for curtain stretching. All the woodwork was polished with ole cedar polish and gave off a sparkling radiance to the dark woodwork found throughout the house. The hallway stairs were washed every week. Periodically we would take the couch cushions outside and clean them by beating them with a wire stick. The same held true for some of the rugs. The stove pipes and stoves were polished with black stove polish. Once a year the walls were washed. .The house was cleaner than clean...

By the mid 1940’s we had upgraded to a refrigerator and small kitchen gas heater.

Next week when we come back we’ll continue to discuss life on the 2nd floor of 2143 W. Evergreen.

Sasiad

LEAVITT STREET

2008-03-04T11:00:00.006-06:00

As we cross Hoyne Avenue you’ll find a Sinclair Gas Station on the Southwest corner. In those days there weren’t many gas stations and infact there weren’t many cars. Because of the war, production had stopped and you only saw two colors, black and red. Gas was cheap and you had service; the attendant pumped your gas, cleaned your windows and checked your tires. A few doors down was the Strand Theatre I would go to the Sunday Matinee, the cost was 8-10 cents and candy a nickel. In the summer I remember the blue and white “KOOL”, sign. The theatres were the escape from the hot, lazy days of summer. The Strand featured B films such as: The Bowery Boys, Charlie Chan, Roy Rogers and Tarzan. You saw two films, double feature, with a cartoon, coming attractions and possibly a newsreel. My favorite cartoon was Mighty Mouse. The theatre opened at 1 P.M. and the shows were continuous, which meant they had no start or end time. At times they would have an intermission to collect money for the March of Times. In the middle of the week the Biltmore or Strand would have Dish Night. Dish Night was a time for ladies to collect a set of china or glasses. Each week they would collect a different dish. Today we still have some of those dishes. Across the street was Grossman’s Dry Good Store. It was a small store that sold a variety of clothes for kids. The store would be packed to the ceiling with socks, T shirts and other items. As we walk along we’ll pass more small shops until we reach the corners of Division and Leavitt.

To me this was a very historic corner. On the South East corner of Leavitt was a drug store and about a block south was the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. The church is a historical landmark. In the same area where St. Mary of Nazareth and Lutheran Deaconess Hospitals. Coming back to Division Street on the north corner was a little newsstand shack where we bought our newspapers. On the southwest corner was a chicken store selling fresh chickens. We could continue down Division Street to Humboldt Park, but I think it’s time to head on home. Before we head home, I can still envision people on a hot summer evening, with blanket in hand, going to sleep in the park. There was no air conditioning and it provided a comfortable and safe way to get a good nights rest. Police patrolled the streets on foot and the people were safe.

We’ll now head north on Leavitt. For what was considered a residential street it certainly had a variety of businesses. At the alley past Division was a Junk Yard where junkman parked their wagons and carts to sell their junk. During the War Years paper and rags were in demand; I would take my wagon with rags and a few bundles of paper and make a few pennies. On Leavitt and Crystal was a grocery store and near Potomac was Orries Fruit Store. At the corner of Potomac and Leavitt were Mutchniks Drug Store and Adams Tavern. A little past Mutchniks was a Jewish Bakery which had the greatest rye bread and rolls that you would ever eat. I loved their egg wash and salt stick buns. Across the street was a fish market. My father liked the Smoltz Herring. Going east on Potomac you would find another grocery store. There were plenty of the ma and pop stores. As we continue down Leavitt there was a pickling plant that made pickled pigs feet. You have too remember that these shops were all snuggled in between two and three story homes. On the same block were a shoemaker and a bike shop. A lot of times the storeowners lived in the back or second floor of the building.

Well, we have finally reached Evergreen Avenue. On the corner was Tony’s Tavern and across the way. my favorite candy store. In the summer I loved the ice cream sandwiches; the ice ream was sliced and placed between two slices of waffles.. My favorite ice cream was Neapolitan. The popsicles, fudgeicles and ice cream cups were also great... Next to the candy store was the Cheer Up Soda Factory. Cheer Up was similar and maybe even the predecessor to 7UP. If we would continue down Leavitt we would hit John’s Tavern located at Schiller Street; residential homes followed all the way to North Avenue. My father would buy a bottle of Canadian Ace, Schlitz, Fox Deluxe or Meister Brau at John’s. Topaz was the soda sold, in taverns, in the 40’s. On Sunday the men would get a free drink with their purchase, I f I was lucky my father would bring home a bag of Hi Ho Potato Chips.

For me Evergreen Avenue started at Leavitt Street and ended at Milwaukee Avenue. This was home. As we pass Tony’s we have Neuman’s Grocery Store. This was our neighborhood store. Here we bought our meats and most of our groceries; it was the hub for information and news. I still remember the long stick with a grabber at the end to bring down a roll of toilet paper or box of cereal. The store was open from 6AM to late in the evening, and part of Sunday. On many a day I remember going back and forth because I or my mother forgot something. Being a small kid you would find grown ups always trying to get ahead of you? You had to stand your ground. There were no numbers and you stood in line. Since many of the neighbors were Polish you would hear a lot of Polish. For instance I recall the famous line “Jak Sie Masz” and the reply “Jak Stary Kaczi” which meant “How Are You”” Like Old Underwear”.

Well, we’re back at 2143 W. Evergreen and The Front Porch. I hope you enjoyed the tour of the neighborhood. I certainly miss the neighborhood of old, the shops, the architecture, the friendliness of the people and the secure and safe feeling.

Till next week

Sasiad

DIVISION STREET

2008-02-21T18:06:00.008-06:00

Let’s pickup our tour at Milwaukee, Division and Ashland Avenue. This area was known as the Polish Triangle. Here you would find the center for the publication of the Polish Newspapers: Dziennik Chicagoski and Dziennik Zwiazkowy (Polish Daily News). The Polish National Alliance and Polish Roman Catholic Union were located in the area. The PNA and PRCUA are large fraternal organizations that serve the Polish Community. My family belonged to the PNA and our society was called Brothers Under Three Crowns (Braci Pod Tre Coronie). You paid dues which entitled you to a small amount of life insurance and social activities such as dances and picnics. The Polish community is called Polonia. The Polish Catholic Church was the center of the Polish Community and nearby you could find Holy Trinity and St. Stanislaus Churches. My family belonged to Holy Trinity and it was the practice in those days to get confession cards. When you went to confession to make your Easter Duty you would turn your card in. This kept you in good standing and ensured that you could be buried from the Church. Polish High Schools had prominent locations in the area: Weber, Holy Trinity, and Holy Family High Schools. The Triangle had a little area for congregating and socializing. It was an area some of the neighborhood literary people would meet, notably Saul Bellow, Nelson Algren and Studs Terkel who wrote a book called”Division Street”. I can remember some of the stores in the Triangle such as Sajewski Music, Starsiak Clothing, The Wisniewski Funeral Chapel., Manufacturers Bank, Michaels Herb Teas, as well as a store to send packages to Poland.

OK, let’s start walking down Division Street. You’ll notice that the sidewalks are very wide, something you didn’t find on Milwaukee Avenue or other major streets in the area. Like Damen Avenue there were streetcars that provided transportation east to Downtown Chicago and west towards Humboldt Park. We’re going to head west towards Humboldt Park. Near the Triangle was the Crown Theatre and YMCA.. Spanning across Division Street were Elevator Tracks and nearby was the Post Office. Past the El Lines was Alliance Bakery known for its tarts and fancy pastries. During the 40’s Division Street was known as Polish Broadway for its bars and polka music. On the weekend the area came alive with Polka Music. Bars lined the street from the Triangle to California Avenue. I only remember a few of the names; Lucky Stop, Zakopane Lounge

and Midnight Inn. Let’s go back in time thru You Tube and listen to some of that honky music. I know you’d like to stay but we have to move on. Andersen Grammar School was nearby. It’s pretty quiet until we reach Damen and Division.

At the corners of Damen and Division you would find a bustling area of business and activity, something like the Triangle. Most memorable was a tobacco shop and haberdashery. At the haberdashery where shoe shine stands and a place for men to have their hats cleaned and blocked. Across the street was Brown and Koppels known for its corn beef sandwiches. The Biltmore Tire provided tire and auto accessories. There was Hammer’s Florist, a greeting card store, beauty shop, Bath House, and other small shops. I believe the Bath House was there to provide bath facilities for men who boarded and lacked facilities in the area. As we near Hoyne Avenue we find Biltmore Hardware, Boniface Bakery, I loved their whipped cream cakes and pies, on the corner was a tavern.. Before the bakery was the Biltmore Show one of the theatres that I would go to. The Biltimore was part of the Balaban and Katz chain which operated the Chicago Theatre. It was classier than the Crown, Royal, Wicker Park or Strand which we’ll visit next week. The tickets cost more and they ran better movies. Right around the corner on Hoyne was the cleaners that we would go to. We are now only three blocks from home and Evergreen Avenue.

Next week we’ll cross Hoyne Avenue and continue our walk down Division Street.

Sasiad