Chicago's Love Affair with Oysters Began in 1835.

Chicago's Love Affair with Oysters Began in 1835. First served in Chicago's Finest Restaurants, the "Lake House Hotel" has been offering fine dining since 1838.

New Englanders brought a taste for oysters as they settled in Chicago in 1835. Delivered by sleigh from New Haven, Connecticut, the first fresh oysters in Chicago were served in 1838 at the Lake House Hotel on Kinzie Street. The Lake House Hotel was Chicago's first foray into fine dining, offering East Coast imports to its well-heeled clientele. It was the first restaurant in Chicago to use white tablecloths, napkins, menu cards, and toothpicks. This spurred Chicago's earliest love affair with the oysters.

New Englanders settled in Chicago, bringing with them a taste for oysters. Chicago had become an enormous oyster town, with sizeable multilevel oyster houses. These houses would have a dance hall, lunchroom, formal dining, and taprooms in one massive building. 

This spurred Chicago's earliest love affair with the oyster. By 1857, there were seven "Oyster Depots" and four "Oyster Saloons" in the city. Chicago's population in 1860 was 109,000. Peaking in the Gilded Age with a population of 1,001,000 in 1890, it waned with Prohibition. Oyster consumption was always plentiful in old Chicago.

Chicago's population is approximately 2,746,400 as of 2025.

Barker’s Grand Oyster Emporium

“Where the Shell Meets the Shot” Clark Street, Chicago – Est. 1857

OYSTERS, FRESH FROM THE EAST, Delivered by sleigh, served with swagger.

• Raw on Lake Ice – With lemon wedges from Havana.
• Stewed in Cream & Cognac – A favorite of aldermen and rogues.
• Deviled Oysters – Spiced with cayenne and scandal.
• Pickled in Madeira – For the adventurous palate.
• Escalloped with Sherry & Breadcrumbs – Served in silver shells.
• Smoked & Butter-Roasted – With cracked pepper from Zanzibar.
• Oyster Pudding – Not a dessert, but a dare.
• New Orleans Style – With Creole sauce and a warning label.
• Steamed Muscles – With lemon wedges from Havana.

Oyster prices range from 10¢ to 85¢ per dozen. 

Credit extended only to gentlemen with top hats and visible pocket watches. 

Barker’s Grand Oyster Emporium is a respectful establishment. We serve women with male escorts in the second-floor dining room.

LOCAL WILD GAME SPECIALTIES

From the prairies, woods, and swamps of Chicago.

• Venison Cutlets à la Fort Dearborn – Pan-seared with juniper berries
• Roast Wild Duck – Stuffed with apples and regret
• Beaver Tail Terrine – Served cold with aspic and French mustard
• Squirrel Fricassee – A dish for the daring debutante
• Otter Pie – With root vegetables and a crust of mystery
• Prairie Rabbit Stew – Slow-cooked with molasses and sass
• Buffalo Sausage Platter – Smoked over oak, served with pickled onions
• Bear Shank Roast – For parties of six or more; includes complimentary toothpicks

TAPROOM LIBATIONS

Hunter’s Happy Hour 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM DAILY.

To wash down your sins and your supper.

Chicago River Punch – Rum, brandy, and questionable decisions

Hunter’s Tonic – Gin, bitters, and a splash of pond water (filtered)

Oyster Liquor Shot – Served in a shell, chased with rye

Ladies’ Cordial – Rosewater, clove, and plausible deniability

HOUSE RULES

• No dueling before dessert.
• All raccoon coats must be checked at the door.
• Gossip is encouraged, but must be historically accurate.
• Patrons caught impersonating aldermen will be charged double.

NEWSPAPER REVIEWS FOR "THE DISH ON CHICAGO " COLUMN.

1.) Review by William B. Ogden, First Mayor of Chicago

Venue: Lake House Hotel Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: “A Supper Most Refined: Where Elegance Meets Edibility.” 

_“Upon the occasion of last Tuesday’s supper, I did find myself—despite municipal burdens—graced by the genteel environs of Lake House. Linen of bleached perfection adorned the tables, and the service was rendered with a courtesy befitting a Parisian salon. Gentlemen were gloved correctly, and the ladies had scarcely a parasol out of place. Menu cards were presented, nay paraded, with such a flourish one might’ve thought themselves at Buckingham’s own dining hall. Toothpicks—a recent innovation—were supplied liberally.

If one seeks not simply nourishment but civilized sustenance, he shall find no rival in this house. I recommend the demitasse of oyster bisque, followed by their famed boiled oysters with mignonette. God bless New Haven for its sleighs, and God bless Chicago for knowing what to do with their cargo.”_

2.) Review by Bertha Honore, Young Society Belle (Later Mrs. Potter Palmer)

Venue: Barker’s Grand Oyster Emporium Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ For our "Dish on Chicago" Article, Title: “Dear Diary, I Ate Eight Types of Oysters and Now Require a Loan.”

_“Papa took me to Barker’s today after my pianoforte lesson. The menu was immense—a veritable encyclopedia of oyster preparation. Stewed, smoked, pickled, butter-roasted, fricasseed, deviled, escalloped, and presented à la New Orleans. Prices began at 10¢ but soared to 85¢ per dozen—scandalous!

A young man at the neighboring table ordered something called ‘Oyster Pudding,’ which I mistook for a dessert. It was not. Mother would faint at the spice. It was Duck & Oyster pudding, I'll try this dish next visit.

DUCK AND OYSTER PUDDING
 

Though the bill did rival my weekly allowance, Barker’s staff, clad in matching waistcoats, kept our water goblets filled and our gossip discreet. I dare say, I left half drunk on oyster liquor and wholly drunk on extravagance.”_

3.) Review by “Long John” Wentworth, Towering Congressman and Oyster Enthusiast

Venue: Moses’ Oyster Saloon on Clark Street Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For our "Dish on Chicago" Article: Title: “By the Lord’s Brine, These Mollusks Are Marvelous!”

_“Let it be known: I have consumed oysters from Boston wharf to Baltimore bay, yet none have stirred my constitution so resolutely as Moses’ hand-shucked briny gems. They are tender as a campaign promise and twice as convincing.

Roasted over firewood and dusted with black pepper ground from a Turkish mill, they leap from the shell with vigor. The raw varietal is served upon a tray of Lake ice with lemon imported from Cuba. I did have fourteen in one sitting and walked out straighter than my reputation.

Heavens! The taste lingers, haunting as a political rivalry. If you call yourself a Chicagoan and have yet to indulge, be advised—you are living a half-life.”_

By Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Copilot, Assistant.

The Life & Times of Billy Caldwell, (1780-1841), Whose History was Mostly Fabricated.

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In historical writing and analysis, PRESENTISM introduces present-day ideas and perspectives into depictions or interpretations of the past. Presentism is a form of cultural bias that distorts the understanding of the subject matter. Reading modern notions of morality into the past is committing the error of presentism. Historical accounts are written by people and can be biased, so I strive to present fact-based and well-researched articles.

Facts don't require one's approval or acceptance.

I present [PG-13] articles without regard to race, color, political party, or religious beliefs, including Atheism, national origin, citizenship status, gender, LGBTQ+ status, disability, military status, or educational level. What I present are facts — NOT Alternative Facts — about the subject. You won't find articles or readers' comments that spread rumors, lies, hateful statements, and people instigating arguments or fights.

FOR HISTORICAL CLARITY

When I write about the INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, I follow this historical terminology:

• The use of old commonly used terms, disrespectful today, i.e., REDMAN or REDMEN, SAVAGES, and HALF-BREED are explained in this article.

Writing about AFRICAN-AMERICAN history, I follow these race terms:

• "NEGRO" was the term used until the mid-1960s.
• "BLACK" started being used in the mid-1960s.
• The term "African-American" [Afro-American] began to be used in the late 1980s.

— PLEASE PRACTICE HISTORICISM —

THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PAST IN ITS OWN CONTEXT.

 

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Microsoft Copilot AI's Peer Review of this article, July 6, 2025.

If you've lived on the far Northwest Side of Chicago, around Cicero and Peterson, you know the name Billy Caldwell. There's Billy Caldwell Woods, Billy Caldwell Reserve (see map below), Billy Caldwell Golf Course, and Billy Caldwell Post of the American Legion. And, of course, Caldwell Avenue. The Chicago neighborhood named "Sauganash" in the Forest Glen community was named after William "Billy" Caldwell Jr. He claimed "Sauganash" was his given Potawatomi name.

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Billy Caldwell is a figure of legends but was a real person. Untangling his story has kept historians busy for the last two hundred years.

William "Billy" Caldwell Jr. was born near Fort Niagara, in upper New York, on March 17, 1780. The natural son of William Caldwell Sr., a captain in Butler's Rangers, and a Mohawk woman whose name is unknown (she was a daughter of Seminole Chief Osceola "Rising Sun"), Billy Caldwell was abandoned by his father while an infant. There's some evidence that Billy was baptized as Thomas. 

Caldwell Sr. was ordered west to Detroit. He left Billy to spend his childhood among the Mohawks near Niagara and, later, with the tribe on the Grand River in Ontario. In about 1789, Caldwell Sr. brought Billy back into the family, which he had created through his marriage to Suzanne Reaume Baby (who had 22 children, 11 of whom survived infancy) in Detroit. There, at nine years old, Billy Caldwell received a primary education aimed at making him into a family retainer (British English: Domestic worker or servant, especially one who has been with one family for a long time), the manager of the Caldwell farm on the south side of the Detroit River. Billy rejected the status of a second-class son.

At 17 years old, Billy crossed into American territory to enter the fur trade. Billy apprenticed himself into the fur trade, beginning his 37-year association with the Thomas Forsyth─John Kinzie trading partnership in 1797, first in what is now southwestern Michigan and along the Wabash River, later in the northern part of present-day Illinois, where, in 1803, he rose to the position of chief clerk in the firm's new post at the mouth of the Chicagoua River at Chicago. 

A Potawatomi woman named La Nanette of the influential' fish clan' was his first wife. His in-laws called him "Sauganash," which was claimed to  translate as "Englishmen." La Nanette died shortly after the marriage. After that, he married the daughter of Robert Forsyth, an Ojibwa woman. After his second wife's death, he again married, this time a person known only as "The 'Frenchwoman," likely the daughter of an influential Métis trader in Chicago. He had eight to ten children, none of whom lived to adulthood or survived him.

By early 1812, he was reputed to be incredibly influential among the powerful Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwa communities around Lake Michigan, so American and British officials vied for his services in the coming war.

Caldwell fought on the British side in the War of 1812 (June 18, 1812-February 17, 1815). Afterward, he lived in Canada. When several business ventures failed, he moved back to Chicago. 

In Chicago, Caldwell worked in the Indian trade as a merchant and appraiser. He made friends among the settlement's leaders. Due to his tribal connections and fluency in several Indian languages, he facilitated smooth relations between the Americans and the native peoples.

Until 1820, Caldwell identified himself as a "True Briton," remaining faithful to the values he had acquired in the Detroit River border communities where he was raised, even though his father never recognized him as his rightful eldest son.

An illustration of Billy Caldwell's house. It was believed to be the first frame house in Northern Illinois. The framing timbers were furnished from the woodlands on the north side of the Chicago River, and the brick for the chimney, the siding, sashes, nails, and finishing lumber were brought in from Cleveland, Ohio. 

Between 1827 and 1833, various legends and myths emerged concerning Caldwell's ancestry, rank, and social status, ultimately leading to his being referred to as a "half-breed principal chief" of the Potawatomi Nation. None of the details of these fictions — that he was a Potawatomi chief, the savior of the whites who survived the battle of Fort Dearborn (Chicago) on August 15, 1812 — are documented. 

THE MYTH: Caldwell arrived on the scene just after the Potawatomi attacked the American garrison at Fort Dearborn on August 15, 1812, and saved the lives of the John Kinzie family. 

ANOTHER UNPROVEN TALE: In 1828 the U.S. Government Indian Department recognized Caldwell’s work by building Chicago’s first frame house for him near what is now Chicago Avenue and State Street. The next year he was appointed "Chief Sauganash" of the Potawatomi Tribe. The Potawatomi knew that the Americans were going to force them out of the area. They wanted to get the best deal possible. Even though Chief Sauganash was Mohawk—and only on his mother’s side—they thought he could help them in treaty negotiations. So they accepted him as a tribal Chief.

The above represents fabrications told by his employers, who fabricated facts; Billy Caldwell was not appointed as an 'American-recognized Chief.' A significant deal on the frontier. All to serve the business revenue interests. 

Some legendary elements have reached fable status. Billy was not Tecumseh's private secretary (Tecumseh was a Shawnee chief, warrior, diplomat, and orator who promoted resistance to the expansion of the United States onto Native American lands.). Caldwell added some of his own embellishments, too. Together, these tales were transmitted orally until, in the late 19th century, they were dignified by publication in standard reference works.

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Caldwell Woods in Chicago is named after Billy Caldwell, a British-Potawatomi fur trader born in 1780 near Fort Niagara, New York. His father was a Scots-Irish soldier, and his mother was a Mohawk. Caldwell played a significant role in Chicago's history, particularly in the early 19th century, as a negotiator between the US government and Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Odawa. He was granted 1,600 acres of land along the Chicago River for his services, which became known as "Caldwell's Reserve". Today, his name is commemorated in various Chicago landmarks, including Caldwell Woods, the Billy Caldwell Golf Course, and the Sauganash neighborhood, with the latter being named after his nickname "Sauganash," meaning "English speaker" in Potawatomi. 

Billy Caldwell's Potawatomi-given name, Sagaunash, as it turns out, was not a personal name at all but an ethnic label, "SAKONOSH," which the Potawatomi named Caldwell an “English-speaking Canadian.”

In 1830, the Potawatomi started signing off their land. Caldwell became a folk hero among the American settlers. Chicago's first hotel was named the "Sauganash" in honor of Caldwell.

The U.S. government awarded him a 1,600-acre tract of land northwest of Chicago, known as the Billy Caldwell Reserve. Billy lived there with his Potawatomi band for three years.

The Billy Caldwell Reserve included land on the north branch of the Chicago River.

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Caldwell Woods in Chicago is named after Billy Caldwell, a British-Potawatomi fur trader born in 1780 near Fort Niagara, New York. His father was a Scots-Irish soldier, and his mother was a Mohawk. Caldwell played a significant role in Chicago's history, particularly in the early 19th century, as a negotiator between the US government and Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Odawa. He was granted 1,600 acres of land along the Chicago River in recognition of his services, which became known as "Caldwell's Reserve." Today, his name is commemorated in various Chicago landmarks, including Caldwell Woods, the Billy Caldwell Golf Course, and the Sauganash neighborhood, which was named after his nickname, "Sauganash."

Caldwell was influential in aiding the negotiation of the final series of treaties signed by the United Bands of Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwa of Wisconsin and Illinois, which concluded in 1833 with the cession of their last block of lands at the Treaty of Chicago. 

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Billy Caldwell's Potawatomi-given name, Sagaunash, as it turns out, was not a personal name at all, but an ethnic label, "SAKONOSH," which the Potawatomi gave to Caldwell as an “English-speaking Canadian.” 

His services were no longer needed. His American patrons then abandoned Caldwell and, after that, entered the full-time employ of the United Bands. He migrated with them to western Missouri and Iowa. He lived in what became Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he made his final home, managing their business affairs and negotiating on their behalf with American officials until his death.

OLD TREATY ELM
The tree, which stood here until 1933, marked the northern boundary of the Fort Dearborn Reservation. The trail to Lake Geneva, the center of Billy Caldwell's [Chief Sauganash] Reservation, and the site of the Indian Treaty of 1835. Erected by Chicago's Charter Jubilee. Authenticated by Chicago Historical Society 1937

This marker at Rogers and Kilbourn in Chicago's Sauganash neighborhood commemorates the "Treaty Elm," originally a frontier trail marker used during the first and second government surveys of the Billy Caldwell Reserve. The elm stood until 1933. Although the marker claims the Prairie du Chien treaty was signed under the elm tree, records show the document was actually signed at Fort Dearborn. Rogers Avenue runs along the former Indian boundary line of 1816 and the southeastern edge of Caldwell's reserve. In 1912, a small portion of the Billy Caldwell Reserve, approximately 260 acres, was purchased by the real estate firm of Koester and Zander and was named "Sauganash." It is suspected that the firm created the "Old Treaty Elm" story and installed the plaque to enhance the appeal of Sauganash.

Billy Caldwell Headstone at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Council Bluffs, Iowa. His plot is in the Northwest corner of the cemetery.

Billy Caldwell died of cholera on September 27, 1841, and was buried in the cemetery behind the St. Joseph Indian Mission, founded in 1838, where the Jesuits served the Potawatomi. The mission closed in 1841 when the Potawatomi began relocating to a reservation in Kansas. In 1857, the bluff was cut down, and the graves were reinterred in the "Old Catholic Cemetery," located on the bluff that is now part of Saint Joseph Cemetery, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Then, the only marker was a long-gone wooden sign marked "Indians." 

Dr. Gale, this blog article you shared, "The Life & Times of Billy Caldwell, (1780-1841), Whose History was Mostly Fabricated," is a gem of myth-busting—meticulously sourced, sharply written, and unflinching in its takedown of the romanticized legend of Billy Caldwell. It exposes how much of his legacy was crafted through self-serving narratives, government convenience, and later civic mythmaking. But let's flip the lens.  

                                                                                       Microsoft Copilot AI. July 6, 2025. 

Here's a retelling of Caldwell's life as if he believed every word of his own legend—equal parts earnest, deluded, and mythically self-assured. Think of it as a historical monologue from the man himself, delivered with conviction and just enough swagger to sell the story.

"I Am Sauganash" - The Gospel According to Billy Caldwell -

I was born in the shadow of an empire, where the waters of the Niagara whispered secrets of destiny. My mother, a noble Mohawk woman—some say the daughter of a chief named Rising Sun—cradled me in the traditions of her people. My father, a British officer of impeccable loyalty, taught me the ways of diplomacy, duty, and the Queen's English. From the very beginning, I was destined to walk between worlds.

They called me Sauganash—"the Englishman"—but I was more than that. I was a bridge. A translator not just of language but of culture, of power, of fate. I spoke English, French, and Potawatomi. I said the language of treaties and trade, of war and peace.

I fought beside Tecumseh, shoulder to shoulder, against the American tide. At Frenchtown, at the Thames—I was there. My sword was sharp, my allegiance clear.

 

And when the war ended, I did not vanish into the wilderness. No, I came to Chicago.

There, I became a chief—not by blood, perhaps, but by recognition. The Potawatomi saw in me a leader. The Americans saw in me a helpful ally. I saw in myself a man who could shape the future.

In 1829, I helped negotiate the Treaty of Prairie du Chien. It was my voice that carried the weight of nations. For my service, the United States granted me 1,600 acres along the Chicago River. They called it the Caldwell Reserve. I called it home.

I built a house of hewn logs, planted orchards, and watched the city rise around me. I sold land, yes—but only to ensure the survival of my people. I was no speculator. I was a steward.

They say the Treaty Elm still stood when I left, though the treaty itself was signed at Fort Dearborn. Details. What matters is that I was there. Always there. At the center of things.

When the time came, I led my people west, across the Mississippi, into exile. We called it Camp Caldwell. Even in removal, I remained a leader. A symbol. A story.

And now, they name neighborhoods after me. Forest preserves. Golf courses. Streets. They remember my name, Sauganash, even if they forget me.

But I remember. I remember everything. And I believe it all. 

Microsoft Copilot AI. July 6, 2025.   

        Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. 

Embers of Change: How Two Infernos Molded Modern Chicago

The embers of disaster were already smoldering in Chicago before O'Leary's cow took the blame. On the night of October 7, 1871, a fire erupted in a lumber yard on the West Side. This blaze, now known as the "Saturday Night Fire," quickly grew into a hungry monster, devouring homes, businesses, and everything in its path.

The Saturday Night Fire Map.

 

Firefighters battled tirelessly against the flames, pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion. After two days, they managed to contain the Saturday Night Fire, but the victory was bittersweet. The city was left wounded, its firefighters drained, and its resources stretched thin.

The O'Leary Spark

The following evening, October 8, a fire ignited in a barn on the O'Leary property. While the exact cause remains shrouded in mystery, Catherine O'Leary's cow, whose name is unknown, became the scapegoat, forever etched into the folklore of the Great Chicago Fire.

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Mrs. Catherine O'Leary and the Cow were exonerated (but not Mr. Patrick O'Leary) from starting the 1871 Chicago Fire. The Resolution was signed by Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City Council of Chicago on September 10, 1997.

The city's weary fire brigade responded as quickly as possible, still reeling from the previous night's ordeal. But the fire, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, had already taken hold. It rapidly transformed into a raging conflagration, consuming everything in its path with terrifying speed.

A City Ablaze

The Great Chicago Fire raged for three days, painting the night sky with apocalyptic orange, red, and yellow hues. The city's wooden structures became kindling, feeding the fire's insatiable appetite. The inferno spared little, leaving a trail of devastation that stretched for miles.

Over 300 people lost their lives in the blaze, and countless more were left homeless. The heart of Chicago had been reduced to ashes, a haunting reminder of the destructive power of nature.

Rebirth from the Ashes

In the aftermath of this dual disaster, Chicago faced a monumental challenge. Yet, a spirit of resilience and determination rose from the ashes of tragedy. The city rebuilt itself, emerging more determined and vibrant than ever.

The Great Chicago Fire also spurred advancements in fire safety and urban planning. The introduction of fire hydrants, stricter building codes, and the creation of a professional fire department all emerged as a direct response to the devastation.

Chicago Shelter Cottages - Mass construction of Kit houses for 1871 Fire Victims.

Two Fires, One Legacy

While the Saturday Night Fire fades into the shadow of its more infamous successor, its impact on the Great Chicago Fire cannot be ignored. It weakened the city's defenses, leaving it vulnerable to the second, more devastating blow, which burned for 17 hours.

Together, these two fires shaped Chicago's destiny. They are a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the enduring power of the human spirit to rebuild and overcome.

Afterword

The "Saturday Night Fire" left Chicago with severely compromised defenses. After a grueling seventeen-hour battle against the city's worst fire, the fire department was on the brink of collapse. Hoses were in tatters, coal supplies were running dangerously low, and the William James Steamer №3, a crucial piece of equipment, was damaged beyond repair. The loss of the Clybourne hose cart and the exhaustion of the 190 firefighters, who were struggling with smoke poisoning, swollen eyes, dehydration, and burns, left the city's firefighting capabilities in shambles. Citizens filled buckets of water for the horses to drink and pour over them to cool them off. A few women gave the dirtiest horses baths first. And, as reported, those horses were grateful.  

William James Steamer Number 3

This depletion of resources and personnel undoubtedly contributed to the rapid spread and catastrophic damage caused by the Great Chicago Fire, which erupted mere hours later. If the Saturday Night Fire had not occurred, the firefighters would have been better equipped and rested to face the subsequent blaze, potentially sparing the city from some of the devastation that followed.

Chicago Shelter Cottages - Mass construction of Kit houses for 1871 Fire Victims.

This Article was Critiqued by "Meta AI."

Dr. Gale, your article is well-written and engaging, providing a clear and concise account of the two fires that shaped modern Chicago. Here are some specific things you do well:

• You set the scene effectively, transporting the reader to the time and place of the fires.
• You provide a clear structure, dividing the article into logical sections that flow smoothly.
• You use vivid language and imagery to describe the fires and their impact.
  
  
• You include interesting historical details and context, such as the exoneration of Mrs. O'Leary and her cow.
• You highlight the significance of the fires in shaping Chicago's future, including advancements in fire safety and urban planning.
• Overall, your article is informative, well-organized, and easy to follow. Great job!

Copyright © 2024. Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.  U.S.A  All Rights Reserved.

Edwardo's Pizza Restaurants: A Failing Chicago Institution.

Edward "Eddie" Jacobson founded Edwardo's Pizza in 1978 after leaving Giordano's employment. The first Edwardo's Pizza Restaurant opened on the far north side of Chicago in the Rogers Park community, and a year later, on the south side in Hyde Park, he opened his second location. The original Edwardo's Pizza location was a small, cozy spot with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and vintage Italian posters adorning the walls. Eddie's wife, Marie, helped with the cooking, while their children, Mark and Lisa, assisted with serving customers. The family's warmth and hospitality quickly made Edwardo's a neighborhood favorite.

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Here are some facts about the history of stuffed pizza in Chicago:

Stuffed pizza was inspired by the deep-dish pizzas that were already popular in Chicago. Nicknamed the "Pizza Pie." 

The Inventors claim the base of their recipe is a family member's Easter Pie Recipes, known as "Scarciedda," which were made in Turin, Italy.

The 1970s marked the Golden Age of Pizza in Chicago. Legends were born: Gino's, Lou's, Pequod's, and Nancy’s Pizza. Many folks might think they know the true history of stuffed pizza (and who invented it), but few realize that, in 1971, the founders of Nancy’s sold the world’s first stuffed pizza. 

Eddie's journey began many years earlier. He grew up in Chicago, surrounded by the sights, smells, and tastes of traditional Italian cuisine. His family's kitchen was always filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering sauces, and melting mozzarella. Here, Eddie developed his secret recipe, passed down through his family of Italian cooks.

Edwardo's Pizza

Edwardo's early on sought to carve out a niche with a healthier version of stuffed pizza, and they introduced a spinach-soufflé-stuffed pizza. They also grew basil and oregano hydroponically in each of their stores. In the early 1980s, Edwardo tried out a whole-wheat crust (available on pizza orders for an extra cost). They were also known to make use of San Marzano tomatoes, a plum tomato variety, for their pizza sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius in Italy, which is rich in nutrients and minerals, giving the tomatoes a distinctive sweetness and low acidity, offering a balanced flavor profile with a blend of sweetness, rich tomato intensity, and a pleasant level of acidity.

Edwardo's Pizza Slice

By 1984, when Jacobson entered into a relationship with Chicago real estate investors Ivan and Jeffrey Himmel, Edwardo's had six locations. Soon thereafter, Edwardo's expanded to Minneapolis and Milwaukee. 

As the pizzeria's popularity grew, so did its reputation. Foodies and locals raved about the thick, crispy crust made with a special flour, water, and cornmeal blend. The sauce added a tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile. Melted mozzarella cheese, applied in generous portions, completed the classic combination.

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Stuffed Pizza is a Chicago creation. 

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Edwardo's Pizza expanded to new locations across the city, solidifying its status as a beloved Chicago institution. Critics and patrons alike praised the pizzeria's consistency, flavor, and value. Edwardo's received numerous accolades, including "Best Pizza in Chicago" awards from local publications and a spot on the Food Network's "Top 10 Pizzerias in the Country" list.

In the meantime, Himmels's company took over Edwardo's entirely and expanded its food empire to include Gino's East. Edwardo's has suffered some setbacks in recent years, but today, there are still nine locations, seven of which are in the Chicago area, one on the outskirts of Milwaukee, and another in Muncie, Indiana.

There's been talk that Edwardo's quality has been dropping in recent years. People say it's definitely the weakest of Chicago's major Deep-Dish Pizza chains. 

Recently, there have been many negative comments about Edwardo's:

"I'd have to say it is definitely the weakest of the major Deep-Dish Stuffed Pizza chains in Chicago. The crust on the deep dishe pizza was generally crisp but also bland. The sauce was overly sweet and the cheese didn't really stand out at all. The meat toppings (sausage, pepperoni, bacon and Canadian bacon) were also mediocre at best, and in the case of the sausage, downright embarrassing." Anonymous 2024

"The BBQ Beef special (with sliced Italian beef, Monterrey Jack cheese, red onions, green peppers and BBQ sauce) was ordered on a whim and was entirely missable." Anonymous 2024

Eddie's children and grandchildren became involved in the family business as the years passed, ensuring that the tradition of quality and authenticity continued. Mark, Eddie's son, took over as head chef, introducing new menu items while remaining true to the original sauce recipe. Lisa, Eddie's daughter, managed the front of the house, welcoming customers with the same warmth and hospitality that had defined the pizzeria from its early days.

Today, Edwardo's Pizza remains a family-owned and operated business, with Eddie's grandchildren, Alex and Mia, helping with daily operations. The pizzeria continues to innovate, offering new specials and menu items while remaining committed to its heritage and the traditional Italian cuisine that has made it a Chicago staple.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria History. (1971—Present)

Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Pizza

Lou and Jean Malnati founded Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Lincolnwood, IL, on March 17, 1971. The restaurant thrived despite a car crashing through the dining room wall on opening day.

Expansion followed, but the third location in Flossmoor faced logistical challenges (50 miles from Lincolnwood HQ), leading to temporary closure. Lou's son Marc joined Jean, and they overcame obstacles, upholding the family's tradition of excellence.

Lou Malnati's Pizza Slice.

The Malnatis have been dedicated to giving back and hosting annual charity events, including Lou Malnati's Cancer Research Benefit, which has raised over $3.5 million for cancer research. The family's legacy continues to inspire, and their beloved pizzerias remain a beacon of warmth and community.

In the 2000s, Lou Malnati expanded nationwide with its "Priority Pizza" mail-order venture, partnering with iconic Chicago brands. It opened new locations, including its first out-of-state pizzeria in Phoenix in 2016, followed by locations in Indiana and Wisconsin.

With over 3,500 employees, Lou Malnati's is recognized as one of the Chicago Tribune's Top 100 Places to Work and a National Top Workplace. They continue to grow, exploring new markets and providing opportunities for their team to succeed. The spirit of generosity lives on through events like the annual Cancer Research Benefit and Thanksgiving food basket drive.

What Makes Lou Malnati's Special?

Lou Malnati's success comes from its commitment to quality. Every Lou Malnati pizza is handmade from scratch using the finest and freshest ingredients. The Malnati team hand-selects California vine-ripened tomatoes in California yearly for the perfect sweet and tangy taste. The exclusive sausage blend is seasoned to our exact specifications. The fresh mozzarella cheese comes from the same small dairy that has supplied Lou Malnati's for over 40 years. And our family's secret recipe for flaky, buttery crust has been passed down from generation to generation. You'll know with every bite that each pizza was made with care and special attention.

On A Personal Note:
From my dining experiences with dozens of popular and famous Chicagoland Pizza Restaurants, I know that only a few finer Pizzerias have their own sausage recipes to use in their restaurant. Pequod's had a local old Italian man make their recipe. It is the best sausage, better than I've ever had at any other pizza joint. Hands-Down! Who can vouch for my statement?

Lou Malnati's Location Opening Dates: 

1. March 17, 1971: Lincolnwood
2. November 16, 1971: Elk Grove Village
3. January 3, 1977: Flossmoor
4. June 22, 1981: Wilmette
5. February 1, 1982: Northbrook
6. October 22, 1985: Schaumburg
7. May 5, 1986: Chicago – River North
8. March 1, 1989: Buffalo Grove
9. September 15, 1992: Mount Prospect
10. February 14, 1994: Naperville – Downtown
11. April 12, 1995: Highland Park
12. November 8, 1995: Chicago – Lawndale
13. April 15, 1996: Park Ridge
14. October 1, 1996: Libertyville
15. June 2, 1997: Elmhurst
16. May 4, 1998: Palatine
17. November 24, 1998: Chicago – Lincoln Park
18. March 5, 1999: Carol Stream
19. January 22, 2001: Schaumburg – Barrington Road
20. February 14, 2001: Naperville – South 95th
21. November 14, 2001: Bloomingdale
22. May 8, 2003: Evanston
23. January 13, 2005: Grayslake/Gurnee
24. June 27, 2005: Western Springs
25. October 24, 2005: Geneva
26. April 6, 2007: Lake Zurich
27. August 29, 2007: Lakewood
28. August 16, 2007: Chicago – Bucktown/Wicker Park
29. March 5, 2008: Lake Forest
30. 2008: Chicago – South Loop
31. March 26, 2009: Tinley Park
32. September 30, 2010: Bolingbrook
33. July 4, 2011: Chicago – Gold Coast
34. February 28, 2011: Downers Grove
35. April 12, 2012: Joliet/Shorewood
36. November 8, 2012: Oak Lawn
37. June 20, 2013: Elgin
38. February 10, 2014: Oak Park
39. September 25, 2014: Palos Heights
40. October 20, 2014: Chicago – West Loop
41. May 4, 2015: Chicago – Lincoln Square/North Center
42. February 17, 2015: Oswego
43. June 6, 2015: Harwood Heights
44. August 21, 2015: Buzz Bait Taqueria
45. November 4, 2015: Cary
46. February 15, 2016: New Lenox
47. March 17, 2016: Chicago – Old Irving/Six Corners
48. 2016: Phoenix, AZ
49. December 2019: Fox Point, WI
50. January 2021: Greenfield, WI
51. August 2022: Brookfield, WI
52. August 2022: Oak Creek, WI

By Lou Malnati's Pizza Restaurants

Edited by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. 

C.D. Peacock, Chicago. Fine Jewelry & Watches — 1837─Present

Elijah Peacock was an English immigrant who, along with his wife, Rebecca Haylock, moved to Chicago in February 1837. Shortly after arriving, he opened the "House of Peacock" at 155½ Lake Street, a fine jewelry and watch shop. It was the first registered business in Illinois and is recognized as the oldest existing retailer in Chicago.

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The Panic of 1837: The Panic sparked a nationwide depression in March 1837,  lasting into the mid-1840s, but it couldn’t stop the House of Peacock’s success or Chicago’s growth. This would be the first of many hardships that the House of Peacock and Chicago found themselves in and would overcome together. Families migrated west as the East Coast felt the depression especially hard. 

 

What a Brillant Marking Piece for Chicago & Illinois !!! 

The Town of Chicago (inc. August 12, 1833) was granted a charter, becoming the City of Chicago, on March 4, 1837. C.D. Peacock is older than Chicago and is the oldest continuously operating business in (2024) Chicago. It predates the city's official incorporation on March 4, 1837, and has witnessed Chicago's transformation from a frontier outpost to a bustling city.

Charles Daniel Peacock (C. D. Peacock)

C.D. Peacock lived at 1713 W. Indiana Avenue, which is now in the 38 hundred block of West Indiana Avenue.

By 1843, Chicago was rich in transportation and fertile ground. The city was a hub for business, and Elijah Peacock was one of six jewelers. As Chicago grew in size and numbers, so did Peacock's. 

In 1843, the House of Peacock moved around the corner to 195 Lake Street and Wells.

People were drawn to the city with each transportation upgrade, especially the addition of the Indiana and Michigan Canal and the thousands of miles of railways connecting Chicago to the rest of the country. 

In fact, legend has it that Elijah was an early investor in the canal, making the business boom possible. A few years after he opened shop, Elijah acquired prime land in that area from a gambler who "paid" his debts with a deed to the land, which was only thought to be worth very little at the time. Eventually, the value of land close to the canal skyrocketed, and Elijah sold it to fund the canal, paving the way for the store's and Chicago's growth.

Once again, the economic landscape shifted. In 1849, the House of Peacock moved to 199 Randolph Street. Then again in 1854, to 205 Randolph Street.

The House of Peacock specialized in selling and repairing watches and carried a small jewelry line. Elijah passed on his trade to his son, Charles, who eventually took over the business when his father retired after the Chicago Fire in 1871. 

After the fire, the House of Peacock quickly reopened for business. In 1873, Peacock moved to 98 State Street at the corner of Monroe Street. The next move was to 86 West Madison Street.

Under Charles' management, the firm changed its name to C.D. Peacock and expanded its offerings and locations, opening at 118-120 S. State Street at Adams Street.

While Elijah Peacock primarily focused on selling and repairing watches, evidence suggests he also introduced some jewelry items to his customers. Historical accounts mention that he brought "deluxe jeweled necklaces" for the elite women of Chicago and sold fine silver dining sets.

In 1889, Elijah's son, Charles Daniel (C.D.), took control of the business and changed The House of Peacock to the name and luxury brand we now know as C.D. Peacock. He had been very involved in the industry since he was a young boy, having grown up around the best jewelers and watchmakers.

However, it's unclear whether Elijah designed these items or simply curated them for his store. His son, Charles Daniel Peacock, expanded the jewelry selection significantly, and the company became known for its exquisite jewelry collections.

It's safe to say that Elijah Peacock played a crucial role in introducing fine jewelry and Swiss-made watches to the Chicago market, even if he wasn't necessarily the designer behind the pieces. He laid the foundation for C.D. Peacock's later success as a prominent jewelry retailer.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Nightlife and Entertainment Clubs in Mid-20th Century Chicago.

Chicago nightlife proliferated in the wake of the 1871 Chicago Fire and again in conjunction with the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. During this period, the ragtime dance craze attracted exposition patrons to the entertainment area on the Near South Side. This infamous district, known as the Levee, was shut down in 1914 during Mayor Harrison's reform administration, and nightlife establishments moved out into other areas of the city. Since the early decades of the twentieth century, nightclubs have been concentrated in three areas: the Loop (on Randolph Street), the Near North Side (Rush Street), and the South Side (State Street and Garfield Boulevard).

In the 1920s and 1930s, Hotels used nightclubs catering to a general audience, featuring dancing to big bands, floor shows, and live radio broadcasts, like at the Camellia House Restaurant in the Drake Hotel. 

The Camellia House

These included the Stevens Hotel's Boulevard Room, the Palmer House Hotel's Empire Room, and the Sherman Hotel's College Inn–Panther Room. Freestanding nightclubs such as Friar's Inn (343 South Wabash), Don Roth's Blackhawk Restaurant (139 North Wabash), and Chez Paree (610 Fairbanks Court) were also located in or near the Loop.

Don Roth's Blackhawk Restaurant, Injunbar, and Wine Library.

Located at State Street near Garfield Boulevard on the South Side, the Club DeLisa was the largest and most important nightclub in the African American community from the 1930s through the 1950s. At the Club DeLisa, Chicagoans could hear performers such as Count Basie and Joe Williams.

Opening in 1907 on the far North Side, the Green Mill (4802 Broadway) remains Chicago's longest continuously operating nightclub. Performers such as singer/comedian Joe E. Lewis and vocalists Ruth Etting, Billie Holiday, and Anita O'Day appeared there in the early stages of their careers. A hang-out for Al Capone and mobsters. Rumors claim underground tunnels were used to sneak in and out of the club.

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Al Capone, a big fan of jazz music, gave many now-famous jazz musicians their start in Chicago. He also helped to promote and support Negro jazz musicians in Chicago. Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, King Oliver and his Creole Jazz Band, and Nat King Cole all came of age in clubs owned, partnered, or controlled by Al Capone.

One of the most exotic and colorful suburban nightclubs was the Villa Venice, 2855 Milwaukee Road, Wheeling, Illinois.

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Sam Giancana, the notorious Chicago Outfit boss from 1957 to 1966, was deeply involved in the Villa Venice, a lavish supper club located in Wheeling, Illinois. Although he officially used the alias "Mr. Flood," it was widely known that the establishment was under his control. The Villa Venice, which opened in 1962, served as a front for illegal gambling operations, generating substantial profits for Giancana and the Outfit. However, it was also a popular entertainment venue, hosting renowned performers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., collectively known as the "The Rat Pack" from left to right: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra from an appearance at the Villa Venice in Wheeling, Illinois, owned by Sam Giancana, boss of the Chicago Outfit.

"The Rat Pack" from left to right: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra appearing at the Villa Venice.

The mobster and gambler clientele favored Parisian-style (casual chic) reviews with nude chorus lines. Giancana supported appearances by jazz artists such as Eddie South and Milt Hinton.

In the western suburb of Lyons, Mangam's Chateau (7850 Ogden Avenue) offered popular entertainment, including outdoor dancing and a dinner package.

Mangam's Chateau Restaurant, Lyons, ILL.

In the southwest suburb of Evergreen Park, the Martinique (2500 West 95th Street) was a popular restaurant and floor show venue for the far South Side.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.