Before World War II, Grebe (Gree-be) produced sail yachts and powerboats for exclusive clientele.

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During WWII Grebe built various wood and steel vessels for the Navy. The yard had cranes with capacities to 50 tons and a complete inter-yard rail system throughout. There was storage for 400 yachts. |
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This is a 1943 panorama of the Grebe Shipyard which operated from 1926 to 1994. The former Riverview Park is visible in the background of this photograph. In the foreground, several U.S. Navy vessels are under construction. |






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Grebe shipyard looking east across Chicago River. Note Riverview Park's rides, Shoot the Chutes and The Bobs roller coaster in the background, circa 1928. |

When Grebe passed away in 1952, his widow Marguerite took over operations, which was unusual enough at the time to merit a couple of newspaper articles about her. As time went on the interest in these high-end yachts waned. She ran the company until they completed their last boat in 1972. The company continued to operate at the site until 1994 providing boat maintenance and storage. The land was worth more than the business.
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Today the site is occupied by the Belmont River Club townhomes. |

ADDITIONAL READING: Houseboats on the Chicago River; The history of living on the river.
Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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