BERWYN PAST-TIMES

A PUBLICATION OF THE BERWYN HISTORICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2004 / VOLUME 25, NUMBER 1 P.O. BOX 479 / BERWYN, ILLINOIS 60402

The Paper Route … A Boyhood Memory

By Don Dickey papers, delivered same, returned home, had It was the fall of 1946. I was 13 years old breakfast and went off to school. attending the eighth grade at St. Leonard’s School I was given a free copy of the Tribune, which I in Berwyn, Illinois. More than anything, I wanted a studied at breakfast. This was before television. I motorbike: cost – $200. To earn the money, I loved the 4-color political cartoons that appeared on delivered the Tribune. I was paid $12 a the front page, inspired no doubt by the Tribune’s month plus a $35 bonus for keeping the route over boss, Colonel McCormick. One cartoon from the that typically cold, snowy, blustery Chicago winter. early forties that delighted me had Mrs. Roosevelt’s Chicago had several newspapers including Hearst’s face on the statue of liberty: politically incorrect

Don Dickey on his Marman Twin motorbike in his backyard at 3548 Wesley in 1947 Herald American, the Daily News, the Sun, the today. The sporting section gave my heroes new Times, and a thin Bohemian paper called the Deni prominence. was the Bears’ Hlastel, which I delivered along with the Tribune. quarterback. Halas coached. Other Bruin heroes Every morning, seven days a week, through every were the Osmanski brothers (one was a dentist who changing season of the changing mid-west year, I I assumed replaced his opponents’ missing teeth got up in the middle of the night, rode my bike free of charge after the game), George McAfee, down to my boss Gus’s office, loaded up my – the center with the (Continued on page 4.) Berwyn Historical Society’s th 14 Annual Antique Sale

Saturday, April 17, 2004 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pavek Center, 31st Street and East Avenue

$1 Could Win One of These Great Prizes BERWYN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Our mission is to preserve, protect and Take a Chance to Win! promote architectural and historic resources in Berwyn through advocacy and education. CULTURE Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House Guest Passes The Berwyn Historical Society was Glessner House Museum Tour Passes formed in 1979 to save the Berwyn train Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum Family Membership station. Its purpose is to preserve the Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour Passes history of Berwyn. The Society is an all- Adler Planetarium Tickets volunteer, non-profit organization whose Museum of Science and Industry Tickets membership is open to all individuals, Chicago Children’s Museum Tickets families, community organizations and businesses. Our office is located in the ENTERTAINMENT North Berwyn Congregational Church, DePaul University Merle Reskin Theatre Tickets 1241 South Oak Park Avenue. Court Theatre Tickets Membership includes educational Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding Tickets programs, special events and quarterly Zanies Comedy Nite Club Tickets newsletters. To volunteer or for other Second City Tickets information, contact the BHS office at (708) 484-0020, or write to: Berwyn CUISINE Historical Society, P.O. Box 479, Berwyn, Dinner for Two at Club 2100 – Sponsored by Renaissance Oak Brook Hotel Illinois 60402. Maywood Park Gift Certificates for Winners’ Circle Dining Room Party Pak from Buona Beef Restaurant & Caterer BOARD MEMBERS President SPORTS Lori Thielen Hawthorne Race Course VIP Package for 12 Vice President Maywood Park Club House Passes & Valet Parking Jacky Wawrzyniak-Kveton Kane County Cougars Tickets Treasurer Chicago Wolves Pro Hockey Autographed Puck Gail Lofgren Secretary Chicago Bulls Official Yearbook Rev. David Olson Chicago Cubs Tickets Striker Lanes Bowling Vouchers Rev. John Clark Joanne DeWig SERVICES Mary Mottet Shampoo, Cut & Style – Sponsored by Fantastic Sam’s Doris Remp Gus Trujillo GET AWAY Portfolio Bags with “Kovels Antiques & Collectibles” Book – Sponsored by Newsletter Editor: Anna Bass Berwyn Public Library Past-Times is a quarterly publication of the Berwyn Historical Society.

OTHER PRIZES $100 U.S. Savings Bond – Sponsored by Harris Bank Copyright © 2004 Mikasa Platter – Sponsored by H. Marik & Sons Funeral Home We welcome replies to the information ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SPONSORS contained in this newsletter. Article PAV Realtors contributions are also welcome. Please call or write us at the above address. The More prizes are coming in daily! Winners need not be present, but you;’ll miss the Past-Times is a membership benefit of the fun! Berwyn Historical Society. Call the Berwyn Historical Society at 708/484-0020 for more information.

Past-Times page 2 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 F. Pancner, Chicago/Berwyn Czech Store Owner

By Paul Nemecek Ferdinand Pancner was born in Kyjov, Moravia, April 29, 1892, and came directly to Chicago in 1912. He opened his Book & Stationery Store in 1913, where he along with his wife Besse (Kvech) showed the determination to succeed, working long hours in their store. They were married for 47 years. America in 1913 offered no aid from governmental or local sources, no compensation for the unemployed, no social security benefits, and no F. Pancner Store in Berwyn welfare. Ferdinand Pancner everything. It was a living egg – they would go to was prepared to stand on his thing for Czechs suffering under Pancner’s. Specialties of the own. It took many years of foreign rule. He imported shop included the delicate penny saving and long hours to lovely crystal glass for his store, opaline-over-glass vases that build his small empire in which but his true love was books, old were hand-painted and hand- he was his own master. He books and new books by good cut, ruby-red crystal etched with became a solid part of the authors who inspired readers folk scenes, one-of-a-kind independent Chicago Czech with a purpose in life. crystal bowls and plates, and community. Ferdinand had a Ferdinand would travel ceramic dishes and jugs purpose in life and instinctively to Czechoslovakia, not as a decorated with traditional folk knew what he wanted. His duty tourist, but to dig in old patterns. In addition, the store was quite clear: to preserve archives and book stores to imported dolls, records, books, Czech culture, especially the discover and save books. In sheet music, children’s toys, written word. Over the later years he saved books and even dumpling slicers. The centuries, his own nation had banned by the Communist best seller was the mill for been saved by writers with government. Twice a year he grinding poppy seeds. ideals. and Mrs. Pancner traveled there The store carried a Ferdinand Pancner to do their buying. And he variety of spices used in Czech opened his first business at returned home triumphantly to cooking in bulk, including 3505 W. 26th Street in the Ceska say: “I’ve saved many books poppy seeds, caraway seeds, Kalifornie neighborhood of again.” That was his mission in marjoram, and paprika. Lawndale in Chicago where he life. He was a loyal American Pancner also imported canned stayed for 44 years. Then he citizen, but deep in his heart smoked sausages and hams. moved to 6514 W. Cermak was the inherited love for The store printed its own Road in Berwyn and the books, the books that inspired greeting cards in Czech and business remained there for 28 his nation to survive centuries Slovak. He bought three Czech years. He started selling of foreign rule, two world wars, movie films (e.g. Treti rota), magazines, books and the and to outlive Communist which were shown in many Czech - English - Czech domination. Czech settlements in the USA. Dictionary of Charles Jonas. When local housewives Finally, he mediated the transfer He bought stocks of books from or others were looking for a of dollars to relatives in Geringer and other publishers. special gift – a piece of prized Czechoslovakia. (Continued on page To Ferdinand a book was Czech crystal or a hand-painted 5.) Past-Times page 3 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 (Continued from page 1.) perfect nickname, and the everywhere. Popular makes were Whizzer, infamous Ed Sprinkle who single-handedly Cushman and Powell. The experience of the developed a unique new way to tackle opponents – motorbike, like the paper route, taught me to be by their necks! responsible. I learned to drive a car when I was 14. One of the things I learned that year was When I was 15, I purchased my first car, a 1939 De how much I enjoyed being outdoors, even at that Soto, for $110. That car was titled and insured in outrageous hour. Also, I learned, “anything worth my name, however, I was not allowed to drive it doing is worth doing well.” until I turned 16. I was so Delivering the Chicago Tribune pleased I could drive my car to was the best part of my day. Morton High School at the start When the snows came, my father of my junior year. And it all made tire chains for my bike. started with a paper route. When the snow was too deep for In 2004, there are no a bike, I walked and pulled a sled. more newsboys with paper I took great pleasure in delivering routes and haven’t been for a those papers right in front of their long time. The daily paper is respective doors and keeping the now delivered by a grown man papers dry even if it meant who drives his car too fast on sticking the paper between the our narrow Mill Valley streets, doorknob and the jam. I never most of which have no missed a day or forgot a house on sidewalks. Frequently, I see a my route. On Christmas morning San Francisco Chronicle my boss, Gus, gave me handsome newspaper truck following up calendars to hand deliver to every those homes that didn’t get customer. I was rewarded with tips totaling $70 their morning papers. Newspaper boys with their plus a mountain of cookies and candy bars. Christmas calendars are a thing of the past. Perhaps By March of 1947, I had my brand new this is progress. One thing I know for certain: I’m motorbike, a shiny chrome tank Marman Twin on a glad I lived when newsboys delivered the papers maroon and cream Schwinn bike, purchased on because no newsboy ever enjoyed his paper route Chicago’s South Side. That spring, my friends and more that I did. I rode our motorbikes and motor scooters

Baseball Benchm arks

1858 First known baseball song, “The Baseball Polka,” is published. 1866 President Andrew Johnson is the first President to attend a baseball game. 1867 The Cincinnati Red Stockings wear knickers for the first time to give players more mobility. Fans laugh out loud. 1868 With the opening of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Cincinnati Red Stockings travel to small towns across the country to play ball. 1869 Fans enjoy a seventh-inning stretch for the first time. 1870 The first time a catcher wears a “glove.” 1876 The catcher’s mask “rat trap” is invented. 1882 The American Baseball Association is established, and called “The Beer and Whiskey League” because alcohol is served. Admission fee is 25¢, and games are played on Sundays. 1884 Pitchers are permitted to pitch overhand. 1887 Batters can no longer request high or low pitches. 1889 Batters get a “walk” after four balls, rather than nine. 1894 The first electrical scoreboard is produced; results are communicated by telegraph and projected on a ten-foot-square board.

Past-Times page 4 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 (Continued from page 3.) Czech - Americans express gratitude to F. Pancner for YOUR LETTERS… maintaining the heritage to the country of his birth. Succeeding generations of Czechs cannot gather today without commenting January 14, 2002 that “we greatly miss the Pancner store on Cermak Road.” Ferdinand, a member of Sokol Chicago and Dear Editor: the Odd Fellows, died October 18, 1985 at the age of 93. His final resting place is the mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery in As the nephew of Mildred Prchal, I Forest Park. read with deep interest your lead article in the Winter 2003- 2004/Volume 24, Number 4, issue. It was a very nice article and brought back many fond memories of Charles and Milred [sic] Prchal, a wonderful aunt and uncle.

However, there were a couple of glaring errors which I felt should not stand unchallenged. Mildred Prchal’s maiden name was Mildred Prochaska, not Prochuska, as shown in the article. But more significantly, the article states incorrectly that she was not of Czech heritage. Her father and mother were both born in Bohemia, a part of what is now the Czech Republic. Her father was born in 1862 in Zleby, Bohemia, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1890. Her mother was born Frances C. Notes: Kotesovcova in 1870 in Neuraz, 1) At the time of his death, Ferdinand was survived by his brother Miles, two children Prestic, Bohemia, and entered the Ferdinand (Fred O.) and Robert, and U.S. in 1889. several grandchildren. 2) The author thanks Dr. Zdenek Hruban, who was a friend of Ferdinand, for Thank you for reading my letter. providing some of the details for this article. I am sure that you already have

The author is vice-president of CSAGSI received a number of calls and (Czech & Slovak American Genealogy letters that bring these facts to Society of Illinois), the library chairman for the CSAGSI Library and a frequent your attention. contributor for the CSAGSI journal Koreny. Sincerely yours, Eugene Prochaska Hinsdale, Illinois

Past-Times page 5 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 for your correction and thank you for taking interest in our newsletter. Editor’s note: Thank you, Mr. Prochaska,

Past-Times page 6 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 Past-Times page 7 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 MEMBERSHIP NEWS

THANK YOU… Rita Heyduk Mary & Ken Mottet DONATIONS… To all who renewed: James Irmis & Family Barbara & Donald Thank you to the Jane Anderson James & Williams Novak following for Dianne Andrews Jewelers, Inc. Greg Ostrowski additional financial Ellie & Bernie Babka Marianne & Wally Linda & Ed Rios support to help provide for the future Frieda Bellino Jankowski Glenn Roberts of the BHS: Tom Benson World's Marilyn Wolff John Jerry & Kathy Rokosz Dianne Andrews Largest Laundromat Eileen Kash Richard Sklenar Debbie Busch Scott & Gillian Boyer Kiwanis Club of Neal & Amelia Dorothy Doruska- Debbie Busch Berwyn Sordelli Bastian Nona & Mike Charles Kocan Walter Stoneham Donald Dickey Chapman & Family Tom Koppes Rick Toman John Gariffo Dollie Chlapecka Tom Krenek Charline Watson James Irmis & Family John Gariffo Viola Kuehling Joanne Zendol Marilyn Wolff John Doraine Harris Marge Matyaszek Richard Sklenar Walter Stoneham

SOCIETY NEWS BHS RECOGNIZED FOR THANK YOU… ITS WORK WITH THE to Walter Stoneham PARK DISTRICT for helping again this year retrieve raffle On February 17, 2004 prizes for the at the Monthly Berwyn upcoming Antique Park District Board Show. Also thank Meeting, Lori Thielen, you to Jeanmarie President, Berwyn His- Hajer, Elena Hajer, torical Society accepted a Jessica Valch, Anna plaque on behalf of the Bass and Laura Berwyn Historical Soci- DiLaureto for assem- ety from Jeff Janda, bling the Antique Executive Director, Ber- Show mailing. wyn Park District for the

Society's help in the last SPECIAL two referendum attempts MENTION… for the former First BHS member Joyce Jeff Janda, Berwyn Park District Executive United Methodist Church Orland has been Director and Lori Thielen, BHS President recognized by Heri- of Berwyn. tage Middle School The award is from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and with the Flying Illinois Association of Park Districts with the Berwyn Park District. The Falcon Award for her award was in recognition and appreciation of outstanding contributions and participation in unselfish devotion for the advancement of parks, recreation and leisure in the scheduling and guid- community and the state of Illinois. ing our local history The Society is very proud of its work in the community and was grateful bus tours. Congratu- for the recognition. lations Joyce!

Past-Times page 8 Spring 2004 Vol. 1 No. 25 UPCOMING EVENTS

th Saturday, April 17 Berwyn Historical Society’s 14 Annual Antique and Collectible Show at Pavek Recreation Center, 31st Street and East Avenue – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., $2.

Thursday, May 20th House History Workshop in celebration of National Preservation Week, presented by house history researcher and author Betsy Green at Berwyn Public Library – 7:00 p.m., Free

Saturday, June 5 The Chicago Outfit ("The only complete history of the Mob in Chicago") presented by author John Binder, program and book signing at the Berwyn Public Library – 1:30 p.m., Free

BERWYN HISTORICAL SOCIETY U.S. POSTAGE “Remembering Our Past for the Future” PAID BERWYN IL Box 479 PERMIT NO. 165 Berwyn, Illinois 60402

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