Merchandise Mart in Chicago, History and Little Known Facts.

The Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, a colossal monolith on the Chicago River, boasts a rich history as grand as scale and as vibrant as the city itself. From its Art Deco beginnings to its modern-day transformation as a tech hub, I delve into the whole story of this iconic Chicago landmark:

In the roaring 1920s, Chicago retail titan Marshall Field & Company envisioned a revolutionary concept: a single, centralized marketplace for wholesale goods. Enter James Simpson, the company's visionary President, who commissioned the construction of the 4.2 million square feet Merchandise Mart. 

The Merchandise Mart is under construction, as seen from the Lake Street Bridge in 1929. —Chicago Tribune historical photo.

Transforming the site of the historic Wells Street Station site, construction began in 1928; by 1930, the behemoth stood tall, dwarfing its surroundings. At the time, the Mart was the largest building in the world by floor space, a title it held for over a decade. Its imposing Art Deco facade, adorned with geometric patterns and stylized eagles, reflected the era's optimism and grandeur.

The view of the new Merchandise Mart was still under construction in 1929.
—Chicago Tribune historical photo.

The Mart, designed by Alfred P. Shaw of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, embraced the Art Deco aesthetic. Its sleek lines, geometric forms, and limestone-terracotta cladding exuded modernity and ambition. 

The Mart wasn't just a building; it was a self-contained city. It housed Field's wholesale showrooms, manufacturing facilities, and a plethora of amenities for tenants and visitors alike. Restaurants, banks, postal services, and even a telegraph office buzzed with activity, making the Mart a bustling hub of commerce.

An aerial view of the Merchandise Mart in 1930.
—Chicago Tribune historical photo.

The Mart's official opening in 1930 was a momentous occasion. It housed Field's wholesale showrooms, manufacturing facilities, restaurants, a bank, a post office, a telegraph office, and a plethora of amenities for tenants and visitors alike. It was a self-contained city within a city. However, the Great Depression soon cast a shadow, making it initially challenging to fill the vast space.

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The Merchandise Mart was once the largest building in the world by floor space, a title it held until the Pentagon's construction in 1943.

The Great Depression threw a wrench in the Mart's initial success. The wholesale market dwindled, forcing the Mart to diversify. Over the years, it transitioned from a purely wholesale center to a multi-purpose complex, welcoming office tenants and diverse businesses.

It housed manufacturing facilities for war materials during World War II (1939-1945). The legendary Kennedy family acquired the Merchandise Mart in 1945, ushering in a new ownership era. Under their guidance, the Mart continued to evolve, adapting to the changing times. 

The Merchandise Mart in 1949.

In the 1950s, it found new life as a center for design and architecture.

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The building's rooftop was used as a landing pad for helicopters during the early days of air travel by helicopter. In 1953, New York Airways became the first scheduled passenger helicopter air carrier in the United States. In the 1950s and 1960s, "helicopter airlines" operated in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, carrying people to and from the airport at high fares. 

Merry Christmas is written in lights on the Merchandise Mart on November 25, 1964. —Chicago Tribune historical photo.

A Top University History Professor Critiques this Article.

INTERESTING MERCHANDISE MART FACTS:

Federal, State, and Local Government Offices:

During World War II, the Merchandise Mart saw declining tenant interest in its original function. The building was converted to house various federal government offices to fill vacancies due to its vast space and central location. This lasted until the 1950s.

The Mart again welcomed several state and local government offices as tenants in 1990.

The CTA's presence in the Merchandise Mart:

The CTA moved its headquarters into the Merchandise Mart in 1942, occupying several floors. The CTA's offices in the Merchandise Mart were home to various departments, including administration, planning, and operations. The CTA relocated its headquarters to a new building at 567 West Lake Street, Chicago, as part of a larger effort to improve its efficiency and customer service.

The CTA sold its remaining office space in the Merchandise Mart in 2006.

The CTA Merchandise Mart 'L' Station.

The Merchandise Mart is still a central CTA transportation hub, with an 'L' station on the Red Line (the North-South line), the Brown Line (the Ravenswood line), and the Purple Line (the Evanston Express line) on weekdays during rush hour.

1970 Merchandise Mart CTA Station. The'L' sign says "Evanston - Wilmette."

The CTA buses that stop at the Merchandise Mart are:

Washington & State (Routes 126, 152, 156).

Michigan & Randolph (Routes 62, 128, 151, 155, 157).

Orleans & Merchandise Mart (Routes 60, 65).

The RTA buses that stop at the Merchandise Mart are:

Merchandise Mart (Routes 27, 36).

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The iconic "heads" (busts) on the roof of the Merchandise Mart building actually had two distinct chapters in the building's history. While neither group currently graces the building's rooftop today, their stories deserve to be told:

Chapter 1: The Native American Chiefs (1930-1961)

A Controversial Adornment: When the Merchandise Mart opened in 1930, its rooftop boasted 56 sculpted heads of Native American chiefs, designed by John Awre. 

Uncertain Names: Not all the chiefs had identified names. Some were assigned names based on tribal affiliations or geographical regions, while others remained anonymous. The identification process was complex and controversial, so some names may be inaccurate or disputed.

Stereotypical Representation: It's important to remember that the sculptures reflected the era's romanticized and inaccurate portrayals of Native American cultures. They did not represent individual historical figures and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.

Legend of the Piasa "Bird," an Ancient Indian pictograph

carved on a bluff in Alton, IL.

1. Apache: "ah-PAH-chee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
2. Arapaho: "A-ra-pa-ho," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
3. Arikara: "uh-rih-kuh-rah," An Indigenous Tribe.
4. Assiniboine: "uh-sin-uh-boin," An Indigenous Tribe.
5. Blackfoot: "Black-foo-t," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
6. Caddo: "KAH-doh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
7. Cayuga: "kay-YOO-ga," An Indigenous Tribe
8. Cheyenne: "shy-AN," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
9. Cherokee: "chEH-ruh-kEE," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
10. Chickasaw: "CHIK-ə-saw," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
11. Chinook: "Chok-NOOK," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
12. Chippewa: "chi-puh-waa," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
13. Choctaw: "Chauk taw," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
14. Comanche: "kuh-MAN-chee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
15. Cree: Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
16. Crow: The crow tribe's name is Apsáalooke "ahp-SAH-loo-keh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
17. Delaware: A Tribe - called initially the Lenape tribe, aka Munsee and Unami bands.
18. Flathead: A Chief - "Ahl-shah-taa-pee," named by Europeans for Chief (Flat Head).
19. Gros Ventre: "Groh Vahn-truh," ("big belly," French) Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
20. Haida: "Hay Da," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
21. Hopi: "HOH-pee," An Indigenous Tribe.
22. Huron: "Hoo-RON," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
23. Iroquois: "ear-ro-kwa" (French), Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
24. Kalapuya: "Cal-uh-poo-yuh," An Indigenous Tribe.
25. Kansas: "KAN-zəs," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
26. Kiowa: "Hy-oh-wa," An Indigenous Tribe.
27. Kootenay: "KOOT-nee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
28. Lenape: "lun-NAH-pay," An Indigenous Tribe - aka Delaware Tribe
29. Lummi: "LUH-mee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
30. Mandan: "mah-N'-DAN," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
31. Menominee: "Meh-NOH-meh-nee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
32. Miami: Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
33. Micmac: "Meeg-em-ach," An Indigenous Tribe.
34. Modoc: "MO-dock," An Indigenous Tribe.
35. Mohawk: "Mo-hawk," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
36. Navajo: "na-va-ho," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
37. Nez Perce: "Nay Pers-say," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.[1]
38. Nuutka: "Nuu-chah-nulth," aka Nootka, An Indigenous Tribe. 
39. Ojibwe: "Oh-JIB-way," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
40. Osage: "OH-sage," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs. 
41. Ottawa: "Ah-dah-wa," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
42. Papago: "pap-uh-goh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
43. Pawnee: "PAWN-ee" Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
44. Penobscot: "peh-NOB-skot," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
45. Pomo: "po-MOH," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
46. Ponca: "Pohn-kuh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
47. Potawatomi: "Boh-da-wah-dmi," (Tribal Pronunciation), An Indigenous Tribe.
48. Pueblo: a group of tribes (i.e., The Illinois), Indigenous Tribes & Chiefs.
49. Quapaw: An Indigenous Tribe.
50. Sauk (Sac) & Meskwaki (Fox): "Mesk-wa-ki," Indigenous Tribes.
51. Salish: "Slah-LEESH," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
52. Seminole: "Sem-uh-NO-le," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
53. Seneca: "Sen-eh-kuh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
54. Shoshone: "shoh-SHO-nee," An Indigenous Tribe.
55. Sioux: "soo," (confederation of 7 nations; i.e., Illinois), Indigenous Tribes & Chiefs.
56. Ute: "Yoo-tey," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.

[1] The name "Nez Perce" ("pierced nose") is actually a misnomer: It comes from French fur traders who mistakenly applied it to the tribe based on a misunderstanding of their cultural practice of nose ornaments. The tribe prefers to be called Nimiipuu, which means "The People."

This reflected a popular Art Deco motif of the time but also carried problematic connotations of cultural appropriation and romanticized stereotypes. 

Shifting Tides: As social awareness grew in the mid-20th century, the depictions of the chiefs faced increasing criticism for their insensitivity. By 1961, the decision was made to remove them from the building.

What Happened to the "Indian Heads?" In 1961, the heads were deemed outdated and removed from the roof. 

Most were sadly destroyed, but a few found their way to different destinations:

• Two busts were found in the Campia family's home in Lake Forest and auctioned off in 2014.

• January 26, 2024, the exact location of the remaining heads is unknown.

The two auctioned busts might be in private collections, but their specific ownership is not publicly available.

So, while most of the Indian "heads" are unfortunately lost to history, a small piece of their legacy survives in private hands. 

A Top University Professor Critiques this Article

Chapter 2: The Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame

Standing tall as guardians of American commerce, eight colossal bronze busts grace the entrance of The Merchandise Mart, the world's largest wholesale buying center in Chicago. These larger-than-life figures immortalize some of the most influential figures in American retail history, their names and companies woven into the very fabric of consumer culture.

Commissioned in 1953 by Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr., the 44th U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, these four-times-life-size busts stand as a testament to the vision and dedication of the men who shaped the American retail landscape. Each bust, meticulously crafted in bronze, captures the essence of its subject, with its determined gazes fixed on the future of commerce.

From Frank Winfield Woolworth's 5 & Dime stores to Marshall Field's luxurious emporiums, these pioneers revolutionized how Americans shopped. Their innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to quality forever changed the face of retail, leaving an enduring legacy that inspires generations of entrepreneurs.

Marshall Field

1. Frank Winfield Woolworth: The founder of F.W. Woolworth Company.
2. Marshall Field: The founder of Marshall Field and Company.
3. Aaron Montgomery Ward: The founder of Montgomery Ward & Company.
4. Julius Rosenwald: Was a Sears, Roebuck, and Company President.
5. Robert Elkington Wood: Was a Sears, Roebuck, and Company President.
6. John Wanamaker: The father of modern advertising.
7. Edward Albert Filene: Preseident of William Feline & Sons. Filene's department stores.
8. George Huntington Hartford: He founded The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P)

A Top University History Professor Critiques this Article.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Scam email about Mammoth and Mastodon Ivory Sales in Illinois.

I'm writing this article, which includes a screen capture of the email below I received as a preemptive warning to Illinois residents and readers from other states.

With the poor spelling and bad English, it is most likely a scam.

Paleo-Indian artifacts are the remnants of tools, weapons, and other objects left behind by the first humans known to inhabit North America, dating from roughly 15,000 to 7,000 years ago. These fascinating objects offer invaluable insights into the lives and technologies of these early peoples despite the challenges of studying such ancient remains.

Mammoths were bigger and heavier compared to their predecessors, the mastodons, and closer in appearance and constitution to elephants today. Mastodons had cusps (grinding bumps) on their molars, which mainly distinguished them from mammoths and elephants with ridged molars.

There's currently no definitive evidence that Paleo-Indians in North America carved mammoth and mastodon ivory as artworks. While some tools and utilitarian objects made from ivory have been found, they lack clear artistic intent or decoration.

Types of artifacts:

Stone tools: These are the most common artifact type, as stone was readily available and durable. Tools include:

Clovis points: Large, lance-shaped spear points with distinctive flutes (grooves) running down the base are iconic symbols of the period.

Other projectile points: Different styles like Folsom, Scottsbluff, and Dalton points reveal regional variations and adaptation to changing environments.

Scraper tools: Used for processing hides, wood, and other materials.

Knives and blades: Employed for cutting and slicing tasks.

Non-stone artifacts: While less common, these offer valuable glimpses into other aspects of life:

Bone tools: Awls, needles, and ornaments made from animal bones suggest various practical and symbolic uses.

Fire hearths and cooking features: Evidence of controlled fire use, crucial for warmth, cooking, and toolmaking.

Rock art and engravings: Rare but potentially offering insights into spiritual beliefs and communication.

Several states have banned the sale of all "Ivory," meaning any tooth or tusk composed of ivory from any animal, including mammoths and mastodons. As of 2024, these states include ILLINOIS, California, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, and Hawaii. Other states may restrict the sale of ivory depending on the item's age, origin, and value.

Since the sale of ivory in Illinois is illegal, reporting it is crucial to protect endangered elephant populations and combat wildlife trafficking. 

Illinois General Assembly: 815 ILCS 357/ Animal Parts and Products Ban Act.

Here are some resources to report the sale:

1. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR):

Online Reporting: You can file a complaint online through the IDNR's Turn in Poachers Website: https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/target-poachers.html

Phone: You can call the IDNR's Conservation Police hotline at 1-800-252-8934.

2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS):

Online Reporting: You can file a report through the USFWS's National Wildlife Service Tip Line: https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips

Phone: You can call the USFWS's Division of Law Enforcement at 1-800-847-7353.

3. Wildlife Crime Stoppers:

Online Reporting: You can submit an anonymous tip through Wildlife Crime Stoppers' Website: https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/contact-us/

Phone: You can call Wildlife Crime Stoppers at 1-800-642-WILD (9453).

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Slot Car Racing Was a Popular Craze in Chicagoland in the 1960s and 70s.

The explosive wave of slot car racing's popularity began in the late 1950s to early 1960s. By the mid-1960s, there were more than 3,000 public race tracks in the U.S. Manufacturers Revell, Aurora, Tyco, Carrera, and Scalextric were together selling $500 million ($4,9 Billion in 2024) worth of cars and equipment a year.

A Typical Slot Car Race Track. Unknown Venue.

As the fad peaked and waned, slot car businesses could not profit, charging teenagers small amounts of money to use their large tracks. By the early 1970s, slot car centers dwindled to fewer than 200 tracks and were still in business by 1975, and gradually, most of those closed, too.

Tom Thumb Hobbies & Crafts, Evanston, IL. (1965-2014)

The Tom Thumb Hobbies & Crafts store co-owners Cheryl Anderson and Arthur Harris, at 1026 Davis Street in Evanston, Illinois, moved to Niles in 2014. 

Tom Thumb had six 1/32 scale slot car tracks and one complicated HO scale track simultaneously. They sold, repaired, and carried slot car paraphernalia, too. It was the largest slot car venue in the Chicagoland. 

1964 Varney Corvette Stingray Convertible, 1/32 Scale Slot Car.

I spent many Saturdays and Sundays at Tom Thumb, racing slot cars in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  

Some parents would crawl under the tracks to position themselves inside the open area and help place cars back on the track when kids took the curves too fast or just lost control. It was a great time. I had two cars and a great controller. I used a product like "stick'em," which was applied to the tires, that helped the car hold the turns at high speed.

In the 1990s, JK Raceway in Greenbrook Plaza, on Lake Street, Hanover Park, Illinois, had three 1/32 scale slot car tracks and one drag strip track. At least one of the tracks was from Tom Thumb in Evanston.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

A Brief History of Alphonse Francis “Sonny” Capone Jr.

Alphonse Francis “Sonny” Capone Jr. was born December 4, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Al Capone and Mary "Mae" Josephine Coughlin with congenital syphilis, a serious mastoid infection, passed on from Al. He survived the required brain surgery for the disease but was left partially deaf.

Sonny Jr. did not share his father's first name. His full name was Albert Francis Capone.

Al Capone had money, power, and prestige in Chicago, New York, and Miami. He sent his son to the best schools available, among them Saint Patrick’s High School in Miami. 

Sonny in 1934

There, Sonny befriended a young Cuban expatriate by the name of Desiderio Alberto Arnaz and graduated in 1937. Arnaz was the bandleader and I Love Lucy star and creator who later gained lasting fame as Desi Arnaz. 

Sonny attended the University of Notre Dame but eventually completed his studies and obtained his degree at the University of Miami. Sonny maintained a simple life after completing his schooling.

After attending the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, Sonny Capone transferred to the University of Miami, earning his bachelor's degree from the institution in 1941. In one of his first big career choices, he found he couldn't escape the criminal element entirely. While working as a used car salesman in Florida, he found out his boss was changing the numbers on vehicles' odometers, a seedy and illegal practice. So, Sonny quit and switched gears to printing, where he served as an apprentice before deciding on a couple more profession changes. In addition to trying tire distribution, the younger Capone ran a restaurant in Miami with his mother. According to Capone: The Man and His Era, Sonny attempted to use his underworld connections to secure a loan, asking the Chicago "Outfit" for $24,000 to expand the business. It refused.

He had four daughters with Diane Ruth Casey, whom he married in 1941. Veronica, Teresa, Barbara, and Patricia Capone-Brown. Diane and Sonny divorced in July 1964, and Sonny remarried twice. Albert was married to a woman named America "Amie" Francis. It is not sure if it was his second or third wife, but she was listed in his daughters' obituary as step mother. We assume she was his third wife.

Mae Coughlin and her son, Albert Francis Capone, purchased Ted's Grotto in Miami in 1956.

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Ted's Grotto started in the 1940s as a small, unassuming diner on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami by its namesake, Ted Bowers. Ted's Grotto became a regular hang-out for Entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Judy Garland. They'd swing by after their gigs at the Fontainebleau or the Eden Roc hotels, drawn by the intimate atmosphere and enjoying a good time. The Grotto wasn't just for entertainers, though. Politicians, athletes, and yes, even mobsters rubbed shoulders at its red booths, creating a unique Miami cocktail of glitz and grit. Ted's Grotto's reign as Miami's hottest spot didn't last forever. By the late 1960s, the city's nightlife scene had shifted, and the Grotto began to lose its luster. The restaurant closed its doors in the early 1970s, leaving a legacy of good food, music, and even better memories.

Mae Coughlin and Sonny injected Ted's Grotto with a much-needed dose of glamour. The restaurant expanded, the soup and sandwich menu got much fancier (Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster Thermidor, Tournedos Rossini, Steak Diane, Baked Alaska, and Crêpes Suzette), and the clientele shifted towards celebrities and socialites. 

On August 7, 1965, Albert Francis Capone was nabbed by the police for a petty crime. A store clerk from the Kwik Chek market in North Miami Beach caught him pocketing two bottles of aspirin and some batteries worth $3.50 ($30.60 today). from the Kwik Chek market in North Miami Beach. "Everybody has a little larceny in them," Sonny quipped upon his arrest. He pleaded no contest to the charge of shoplifting and was sentenced to two years' probation. 

When he went before a judge, he got two years of probation but shrugged off his crime by saying to the judge that “everybody has a little larceny in them.”

Following his arrest, he changed his name to Albert Francis Brown in 1966. According to his lawyer, Sonny Capone did so because he was “just sick and tired of fighting the name.”

On July 8, 2004, Albert Francis Capone died in the tiny California town of Auburn Lake Trails. His wife, America “Amie” Francis, told a reporter that Albert Francis Capone was much more than his family name.

“Al Capone has been dead a long time,” she said. “His son had nothing to do with him. Let him rest in peace, for crying out loud. He suffered enough in his life for being who he was.”

After changing his name, Albert Francis Capone, aka Sonny Capone, aka Albert Francis Brown, lived a quiet, law-abiding life. He married three times and is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The Tunnels of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Chicago, Illinois.

NEIU HISTORY
The University traces its history to Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University), which, as Cook County Normal School, was founded in 1867 to train elementary and high school teachers. The Chicago Teachers College (CTC) established the Chicago Teachers College (North Side) branch in 1949. The school relocated to the present site at North Park, Chicago, in 1961 and changed its name in 1965 to Illinois Teachers' College: Chicago North, when control of CTC passed into the hands of the State of Illinois.

In 1967, the Illinois Legislature acted to remove the title of "teachers college" from all state colleges and universities, and the college became Northeastern Illinois State College.

Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 North St. Louis Avenue, North Park Community, Chicago, Illinois.

In 1971, the school became Northeastern Illinois University after it was granted university status and was given a mandate by the Illinois Legislature "to offer such courses of instruction as shall best serve to qualify teachers for the schools of the State; and to offer such other courses of instruction, conduct such research and offer such public services as are prescribed by the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities or its successor."

In January 1996, Northeastern Illinois University established its own board of trustees.

THE TUNNELS OF NEIU

The basement tunnels that connect Lech Walesa Hall to the Student Union and other buildings on campus make traveling easier at NEIU. Students and staff can access specific tunnels to skip the cold walks between buildings.

Discovering the tunnel connecting Lech Walesa Hall (LWH) to the cafeteria took half a semester. The first time we attempted to go through the entrance, we turned right back around. We'll admit to being afraid of walking through the unknown space and getting in "trouble."

A Tunnel at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Chicago, Illinois.

One occasion, we saw a group of students walking to the tunnel entrance. We were very blatantly following them. Despite this, our curiosity to discover where the tunnel led was stronger.

The offices and lounge area became apparent in the distance when we reached the first crossroad. It was like we had discovered another world. The cafeteria came into view as we walked and passed the second crossroad.

Since then, using the tunnel between LWH and the cafeteria has become a part of our daily routine.

The best way to travel through the tunnels is with an expert or a buddy. Our expert, Catherine Duffy, NEIU's Program Administrative Assistant, was more than willing to give us a tour of the tunnels. We met Duffy while walking through the tunnel closest to the cafeteria and into the Office of Student Employment hall.

We also met Beverly Projansky, Staff Clerk in the Office of Student Employment. Projansky, an NEIU alumna from the graduating class of 2000, recalled the blizzard of '99. "It was great for students if you figured out the tunnels," she said. "You would cross from Lech Walesa Hall through the Student Union to avoid going out."

Most students have become familiar with the shortcut during the harsh winter months.

Duffy walked us through the LWH tunnels leading into the cafeteria. The first connection is uninterrupted until you reach the first crossroad. On the left, you will see a short hallway with some organization offices; on the right, you'll see the maintenance hall. "It's not a good idea to mess around in the tunnels. Even contractors get lost," said Duffy.

If you continue straight, the Student Health Services office is on the right, and the leadership and organization offices are on the left. The lounge is just ahead, and more student organizations and media offices are tucked inside.

Although most tunnels contain storage and electrical rooms, Duffy gave us helpful hints. From the basement of Building C, students can ascend the building by taking the elevator or going up the stairs. "The elevator stops working after 5:00 PM," said Duffy. "And there is a receptionist on every floor."

The opposing tunnel of the Office of Student Employment holds the mailroom, shipping and receiving center and the Production Technical Services. On the first floor, you would find yourself in buildings E and F near the Art Gallery outside FA and by the Stage Center Theatre.

Students Erica Vergara and Jennifer Alvarez visited NEIU before their admittance.

"I knew about the tunnels since high school," said Alvarez of her past high school visits to the University.

Walking through the tunnels is quite the experience. You'll notice a change in temperature and tunnels that become narrow from protruding vents. If you travel through the tunnels, notice the signs outside doors and hallways. Signs that read "Authorized Personnel Only" should be respected.

The tunnels are convenient to those who already use them, so become acquainted with the tunnel system, save time, and follow them.

By Natalie Sanchez and Viviana Serrano

OTHER PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL SYSTEMS

University of Minnesota: named the Gopher Way. The University's tunnel system began in the 1920s when the first one connected the Nolte Center and Northrop Auditorium. SEE MAP. 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Their tunnel system, officially established in 1954, is extensive and well-documented, connecting many campus buildings.

Purdue University: Their tunnel system, developed primarily in the 1960s, became integral to campus connectivity and even includes a "tunnel tour" program.

University of Massachusetts Amherst: Construction of their tunnel system began in the early 1960s, expanding over time and becoming a prominent feature of campus life.

Chicago Pedway: The Loop's Underground Pedestrian System began in 1951.

https://drloihjournal.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-pedway-chicagos-loop-underground.html

Edited by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Solomon Miller's Kosher Mulligan Stew Recipe, the first Jewish Scoutmaster in America.

I first tasted Miller's Kosher Mulligan Stew at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in the mid-1970s, during one of many weekend trips with my Sunday school. You'll love it too!

The First Jewish Boy Scoutmaster and Troop was in Chicago, Illinois, (1920).

Mulligan's stew recipe is a Kosher Irish Beef Stew adaptation. Initially, the ingredients were added into a large coffee tin and heated over a fire to cook it. Mulligan stew ingredients varied depending on what was available. Feel free to substitute vegetables. If you add more vegetables — add more stock.

SOL'S KOSHER CAMPFIRE MULLIGAN STEW RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons oil

3 pounds cubed kosher beef OR 2½ pounds cut-up kosher boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 peeled and small diced yellow onions

128 ounces of kosher beef stock (4 x 32oz liquid boxes or equivalent ounces in powder form)

7 peeled sliced large carrots

7 medium celery stalks, sliced

1 pound trimmed green beans

4 pounds peeled and "large diced" russet potatoes

3 cups corn kernels

2 cups white or red beans or a mix

3 cans of 15oz or 1 x 28oz + 1 x 15 oz cans crushed tomatoes

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

reminder

Beef broth may contain a lot of salt. Make it from scratch or shop accordingly.

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of oil and cook the beef until browned OR Chicken until browned and cooked through, which takes about 4-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Add the onions to the pot and brown over medium-low heat while stirring every 1-2 minutes, which takes about 10 minutes.

Add the cooked beef or chicken back into the pot along with the beef stock and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat to help tenderize the meats.

Place in the carrots, celery, green beans, potatoes, corn, beans, and tomatoes and cook for 20-25 minutes over medium-low heat or until tender.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Finish with parsley.

Serve with a crusty French or Italian bread.

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I you make Miller's Kosher Mulligan Stew, please return and comment on this article.

Courtesy of Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Al Capone's Police Photo from New York City, December 26, 1925. The real story.

Twenty-six-year-old Al Capone's primary reason for being in New York was to bring his son, Albert "Sonny" Capone, to a specialist for a critical medical procedure. Sonny was suffering from a mastoid infection that threatened his life. The operation, thankfully, was successful and saved Sonny's life, although it left him partially deaf.

While Sonny was recovering, Capone took the opportunity to socialize and visit old haunts. He ended up at the Adonis Social Club in Brooklyn, a speakeasy with ties to his former boss, Frankie Yale. During the early hours of December 26, a violent altercation broke out involving the infamous Irish mobster Richard "Pegleg" Lonergan. Lonergan was shot and killed, along with two of his associates, in what some believe was a planned hit orchestrated by Yale and potentially carried out with Capone's involvement.

Following the Adonis Social Club incident, Capone was briefly detained by the New York Police Department. This was likely due to his proximity to the crime scene and his high-profile status. While in police custody, he was photographed as part of a lineup procedure, a standard practice for identifying suspects.

It's important to note that the exact details of the Adonis Social Club incident and Capone's role in it remain shrouded in some mystery. He was never officially charged with Lonergan's murder, but the incident undoubtedly added to his notoriety and cemented his image as a ruthless and powerful mob boss.

Copyright © 2024 Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

The "Beep Line" from WLS (890 AM) radio, Chicago, explained.

The "Beep Line" on Chicago's WLS AM radio wasn't explicitly started by any one disc jockey. It was a phenomenon that emerged organically from the technological limitations of the telephone system at the time. However, Richard "Dick" Orlando Biondi's popularity and engagement with his young listeners contributed significantly to its rise and popularity. Chicago teens whispered secrets between the beep (on hold) tones.

Technical glitch: Beep lines arose from busy signals. When two or more callers reached the same busy number, they could hear each other over the "beep" tone, creating an impromptu conference (party line) call. This phenomenon existed before Biondi on WLS (890 AM) but wasn't widely known.

Richard "Dick" Orlando Biondi

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Hired in 1960, Biondi left WLS over a dispute involving the number of commercials on his radio show in 1963. Rumors and urban legends still persist that Biondi told an obscene joke on the air, which resulted in his being fired. Biondi returned to Chicago on WCFL (1000 AM) in 1967. In 1972, after a short time at WMAQ (AM), he left Chicago once again.

Biondi's teen appeal: In the early 1960s, Biondi was WLS's most popular DJ, adored by Chicago teenagers. He frequently hosted interactive segments, inviting listeners nationwide to call collect, request songs, chat, and participate in contests.

Word-of-mouth: Teens discovered that calling popular numbers, especially during Biondi's show, sometimes landed them on a "beep line" with other callers. This created a thrill and fostered a sense of community.

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As the years passed, people confessed to setting up a date with a stranger via the Beep Line.

Biondi's acknowledgment: Though he didn't actively promote beep lines, Biondi occasionally acknowledged them on air, further fueling their popularity. This unintentional endorsement cemented their association with WLS and Biondi's show.

So, while Dick Biondi wasn't the "inventor" of the beep line, his immense popularity and the interactive nature of his show undoubtedly amplified the phenomenon and made WLS the epicenter of beep line activity in Chicago during the early 1960s.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.