Visitors Guide

Home , Illinois Route 1, Robert Seyfarth, Western Avenue (Chicago)

Visitors Guide

CITY OF BLUE ISLAND

Blue Island City Hall 13051 Greenwood Avenue Blue Island, Illinois 60406

Phone 708.396.7035 Web www.blueisland.org Email [email protected]

This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior. This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to:

Office for Equal Opportunity Equal Employment Opportunity Office National Park Service OR Illinois Historic Preservation Agency 1849 C Street, NW, Old State Capitol Plaza Washington, D.C. 20240 Springfield, IL 62701

The Blue Island Visitor Guide is being supported in part by a Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Welcome

What’s inside? Welcome to Blue Island, Illinois!

Welcome The next time you’re thinking “outside Blue Island is a Welcome to Blue Island...... 1 the Loop,” come to Blue Island! We’re diverse, vibrant The City of Blue Island...... 2 easy to reach—25 minutes south of community with a Blue Island History...... 3 Chicago’s loop by car or aboard one of 100+ weekday Metra trains. However friendly atmosphere, Attractions you arrive, you’ll find a beautiful city noteworthy architec- List of Attractions...... 4–9 with small-town charm. Everything we Film ...... 9 ture, and natural have to offer is within an easy walk— Lodging...... 9 beauty. Shopping, and an even easier bike ride. Attractions Map...... 10, 11 dining, professional Architecture Start with the Blue Island Walking Tour services, and jobs are (page 12) to experience one of the Architectural Tour Descriptions ...... 12, 13 within easy reach of Architectural Tour Map...... 14, 15 metro area's most beautiful residential neighborhoods along tree-lined streets. most homes, either Businesses Stop at splendid Memorial Park to by efficient transit, List of Businesses and Map...... 16, 17 enjoy a few minutes on a shaded park bike, or walking. Annual Events bench. Then visit our "main street" List of Events...... 18, 19 district with its unique shops featuring Special Links...... 19 antiques, gifts, home, garden and a wide range of other specialties. Transportation Within Easy Reach...... 20 When you’re ready for a meal, choose BI and Surrounding Map ...... 21 from many dining options, including Media authentic Mexican restaurants to old In the News...... 22, 23 world Italian, to spicy Cajun. You’ll find some of our best restaurants along a Facts few blocks on Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island Facts ...... 24 the historic canal area. Blue Island is also home to some amazing bakeries and friendly taverns.

Stroll through the pages of this book and plan to spend some time with us!

Blue Island City Hall 13051 Greenwood Avenue Blue Island, Illinois 60406

Phone 708.396.7035 Web www.blueisland.org Email [email protected]

© 2011 City of Blue Island, Illinois Blue Island: Think Outside the Loop 1 Welcome City or 2 unto itself! still beloved asacity why BlueIslandis and you’ll understand Blue Island, however, center ofdowntown Just standinthe southwest corner. borders Chicago’s Now BlueIsland toward eachother. Chicago have grown Blue Islandand city. theyears, Over of theirindependent always beenproud Blue Islandershave ofBlueIsland The City Blue Island suburb? Chicago in theregion. some ofthefinestheathcare facilities many universities andcolleges, and industrial infrastructure, proximity to alternatives,transportation strong omy by leveraging of itsvariety blueprint to revitalize theCity’s econ- Development, adopted in2005,isour The BlueIslandPlanfor Economic whilefosteringcharacter growth. BlueIsland’s inpreserving active unique Local businessesandgovernment are Economic Growth 14 Aldermenrepresenting seven wards. council consistingcity ofamayor and ofBlueIslandisgovernedThe City by a neighborhood. Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park approximately borders 23,000people. It Blue Islandisa4.5-square of milecity tourism programs. through educationandheritage and appreciate localhistoric resources and encourage peopleto experience revitalization,opment andcommunity use historic assetsfor economic devel- to protect and celebrate your heritage, Preserve America communities nationwide. To bea America Island wasdesignated a ofBlue March of2008,theCity In AmericaPreserve pedestrian-friendly streets. aswell services, asits transportation thanks to thecity’s excellent public most ofitsneighboringcommunities, significantly lower inBlueIslandthan costs are Housing andtransportation Uniquely Affordable Community; oneofonly843 Community; Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop Community you have Community Preserve charms continue to bediscovered. towns inthe West.” Today, BlueIsland’s as “among theprettiest littlesuburban Alfred Andreas, describedBlueIsland Famed historian, nineteenth century produce, condiments, andrailroad cars. brooms, andcigars, to dentalequipment, ofproducts—from beer,wide variety havea and manufacturers exported late 1800s. Since then,ourbusinesses capitaloftheworldbrick-making inthe glacial lakebedmadeBlueIslandthe industry.and heavy by Clay the left wasdominated by railroadinghistory Blue Island’s earlytwentieth century operated here beginning inthe1850s. was markedby thefour breweries that home inBlueIsland. Their influence waves ofimmigrants to findanew Germans were thefirstofmany Island Railroad. does the1868depot serve continueMetra, to tracks, nowoperatedby 1892. These 1852. CentralThe arrived Illinois in RockIsland—in the firstrailline—the feeder canalopenedin1848,alongwith Blue Islandgrew rapidlyastheCalumet settlement to Fort DearborninChicago. Vincennes Trail, the whichconnected travelersserved alongthehistoric dents. Their hotel, theBlueIslandHouse, celebrated asthefirst permanent resi- NormanandJuliaRexford are Island.” vapor, hence theappellation, Blue appears standinginanazure mistof ridge, whenviewed from adistance, Chicago Democratobserved, “...the munities inCook County. 1834,the In itoneoftheoldestcom- 1835, making glacial ridge, Blue Island wassettledin onthesouthernedgeofanancient Set Blue Island Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop adjacent Society: BlueIslandHistorical communities contact For more of BlueIslandand information aboutthehistory mi:[email protected] Email: 708.371.8546 Phone: Blue Island, IL60406 Avenue13018 Maple BIHS/Albee House built by the Rock built bytheRock Blue Island, as History

3 Welcome Attractions Blue Island 4 3 2 1 4 “Uptown’s” variousantique shops. unique findsfrom thepast whilebrowsing restaurants. Treasure hunters willdelightat ofexcellent andavariety bakeries, publicart Center,Medical andflower gift shops, local (Western Ave(Western atGrove St) “Uptown” BusinessDistrict tour onpages12and13ofthisbook. featured architectural intheself-guided World War II,many ofthesebuildingsare development from theCivil War through Washington Maher. architecture Reflecting andGeorge Seyfarth Goldberg, Robert civic buildings by thelikesofBertrand ofhistoric homesand the variedcollection buffsArchitecture willenjoy andhistory Greenwood southofBurrOak. directly District Blue Island’sSilk Stocking quiet,tree-lined District Silk Stocking Cal-Sag Channel. tacular viewoftherailbridgesover the historic landmarks, ghostsigns andaspec- Clay Studio, today you willfindseveral Cornerstone StudioandthePottery Boys before theadvent ofrefrigeration. Home to east sideofthehillto store theirproduct several breweries operated here, usingthe neighborhoods. Long before prohibition, isoneofBlueIsland’s District Arts oldest with Olde Western south),theJamesStreet Western andJamesSt(notto beconfused Cal-Sag ChannelandtheCorner ofOlde bankofthe between thenorth Hidden (Olde Western Ave atJamesSt) James Street HistoricDistrict Guiseppe’s,Inn, Mario’s Tacos, andmuchmore. nation restaurants—including Maple Tree ishometo numerous District desti- Historic Olde Highway inIllinois. Hungry? Western businessontheDixie continuously-operated lished in1876andtoday istheoldest Jebens, whosehardware store wasestab- settlement, suchasthepioneerFriedrich from thepre-Civil War periodofGerman contains homesandbusinesses district during theFire of1896. The two-block Olde Western intact wasleft District Historic Protected by theCalumet feeder canal, the (Olde Western Ave, southofCal-Sag Channel) Olde Western HistoricDistrict THINK HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS Attractions “Uptown” wasestablishedin1835and Norman Rexford becameBlueIsland’s first permanentsettlerwhenheestab- lished the Blue Island House Inn therelished theBlueIslandHouseInn in 1836. Today, “Uptown” remains the historic central business district andregionalcentral businessdistrict medical center, including MetroSouth is tucked between Maple and is tuckedbetween Maple Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop 6 5 8 7 ety.com tickets, seewww.blueislandhistoricalsoci- For upcoming events andavailable cases, aswell astheperioddecor. thatfilldisplayhistorical objects photographsfacts, Visitors canenjoy localarti- events. appointment onlyorfor special 2003. The AlbeeHouseisopenby in Society the BlueIslandHistorical Women’s Clubdonated thehouseto the spiritofthatgenerosity, the in And ice organization founded in1890. Island Women’s Club, serv- acommunity bequeathed thehouseto theBlue Albee,erous whoin1942, resident, Myrtle Albee. It and Myrtle The AlbeeHousewasbuiltin1878for Harry Ave,(13018 Maple 708.371.8546) at The Albee House Blue IslandHistoricalSociety toconstructed keepproper flow intheI&M. feeder canal(now theCal-Sag Channel)was RiveratPeru,Illinois BlueIsland, Illinois. In a to the Chicago RivernearLakeMichigan route. The from 97-milecanalextended the portage shed alongalong-standingIndian water-Great River Lakesto theMississippi Canal, completed the in1848,connected ofnationalpark. duced anewkind The I&M first heritagearea inthenationandintro- Canal NationalHeritageCorridor wasthe Established by Congress in1984,theI&M (Cal-Sag Channel) I &MCanal National Heritage Corridor ways.com/dixiehwyw.htm street signs! More info at www.us-high- Route DixieHwy 1andHistoric Illinois cennes and Western Avenue. Look for the of through BlueIslandalongportions Vin- which runsfrom cuts Chicagoto Miami, States.Southern The Western division, withthe theMidwest in 1914to connect Highway was aU.S. auto route firstplanned Part oftheNationalAuto Trail system, Dixie Historic RouteDixieHighway to become apremier railroading hotspot. Station. Since thatday, BlueIslandhasgrown stillstandsat Landmark, Vermont Street 1852, andits1868Depot,aBlueIsland The Rockfirstpulledinto BlueIslandin to thesouth,Metra’s RockIslandDistrict. andanoverhead commuterthe north line bridges crossing theCal-Sag Channelto Broadway Ave backdropped by five truss verge Eighttrackscross atasinglejunction. “Blue IslandCrossing,” where four linescon- world have madethejourneyto thefabled from acrossRailfans theUSandaround the (RR crossing atBroadway, eastof Vine) Blue IslandCrossing & INDUSTRIALHERITAGE THINK HISTORY train orbus! andeasyto reach by ofparking Plenty Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop sbs kn is best , and various andvarious , own for itsgen-

5 Attractions Attractions 6 Blue Island 12 11 10 9 of Ashland Ave. Island Locks, whichare stillvisiblejusteast will enjoy theremnants from theoldBlue collegiate rowing. heritagebuffs Industrial and the Cochran andJablonic cupmen’s Fay’s Point women’s collegiate rowing event Island hosted The Regattaat Southland 1959 Pan 2009,Blue AmericanGames. In asthe rowing venueand served for the used by inthesummertime, pleasure crafts Chicago and adjacent isalso suburbs. It in thefarsouthernneighborhoodsof zonewhat wasanactive industry of heavy bargeThe Cal-Sagtrafficin Channelserves navigation canal dug from 1911to 1922. The Calumet-Sag Channelisa16-milelong Broadway Stto thesouth) (Between Vermont and Stto thenorth Cal-Sag Channel New Year’sDay. pending, therinkopensto thepublicon snacks inthewarminghouse. Weather super low fee. Enjoy hot cocoa andother for andskate free,skates orrent apairfor a inChicago.nium Ice Rink Bringyour own rinkthatrivalsMillen- outdoor ice skating Parking, Hart becomes afamily-friendly, As soonastemperatures hitbelow-freez- (123rd Stand Western Ave) ParkIce at Skating Hart Rink parks.org Splash Pad istheanswer. www.blueisland and otherevents, Park Memorial Pool & familyreunionsplace parties, for birthday off onahotsummerday, orwanta great tional. you’re If for aplace looking to cool public swimmingpoolsthatisstillopera- Deal andisoneoftheMidwest’s oldest the 1930’s underPresident Roosevelt’s New Labor Day, Park Memorial Pool wasbuiltin Open eachsummerfrom Day Memorial to Ave,(12804 Highland 708.385.3304) Memorial Park Pool &SplashPad www.meadowsgc.com or tee times, call708.385.1994orvisit through 31.For October more information isfromopened in1994.GolfSeason April1 Gibson, ASGCA,theMeadows golfcourse Red tee positions. Designed by J. Porter 6,580 yards ofgolfwithBlue, White and dulating andelevated, thecourse boasts rain andfeaturing large greens thatare un- on atleastthree holes. Builtonrolling ter- ways andwater hazards coming into play Golf ClubofBlueIslandfeatures openfair- The 18-holepubliccourse attheMeadows (2802 W 123rd St,708.385.1994) Meadows Club Golf THINK RECREATION Attractions Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop (continued) 14 13 ground Railroad. www.calsagtrail.org immigrant communities andtheUnder- centers andlegaciesofBigSteel, nature parks, forest preserves, marina, trails, transitsystems, retail areas, willincluderegionalConnections most importantly, otherpeople! and dams, flowers andwildlife and see bridgesandbarges, factories including BlueIsland. Trail userswill nities alongtheCal-Sag Channel, 14commu- 32-mile trailwillconnect Poised to becompleted in2014,this 2014) (expected Cal-Sag Trail stop by for avisit. park intown. Become amembertoday or legged friendsto thebestdog-friendly region—including visitors. Treat your four- dogs from allover theChicagoSouthland sizes. The BlueIslandBarkPark welcomes been “Home Field” for over 200dogsofall Since 2009,BlueIsland’s, “Bark Park”, has (2601 W 119thSt,708.385.3304) ParkBark Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop “Blue Island.” in anazure mistofvapor, hence theappellation, ridge, whenviewed from adistance, appearsstanding name. 1834,theChicagoDemocratobserved In “the the banksandhillside native floraandfauna. The vegetation thatthrived on Stoney Creek created awetland habitat,lushwith its dramatichairpinturntoward theLakehere—and capital. brickmaking The LittleCalumet—which makes island, thrivinginclay thatwould makeBlueIslanda When thewaters receded, prairiesurrounded the attheseshores. Lake Chicagobeating Channel, orplay Park. atMemorial glacial Imagine up hillfrom Vermont Street StationortheCal-Sag glaciers. Today, you canseetheirfootprint asyou walk an island, formed millionsofyears agoby retreating Island!BlueIslandwasindeed Welcome to life onan lent BlueIslandits evocative

7 Attractions Blue Island Attractions

(continued) Attractions 15 THINK MILITARY HISTORY 18 SEPA Waterfall Park #3 (Enter at Fulton and Chatham, along Civil War & Military Legacy Cal-Sag Channel, east of Western Ave) (12804 Highland Ave, 708.385.3304) Located on the north bank of the Cal-Sag Over 50 men from Blue Island served in the Channel, SEPA Waterfall Park #3 is one of five

Attractions Union armies. Many enlisted with the elegant and innovative Sidestream Elevated 39th Illinois Volunteers, whose engage- Aeration Stations used by the MWRD to im- ments include Appomattox. Other impor- prove the Calumet River System. At Waterfall tant battles that saw our soldiers serve Park #3, water is pumped up to a holding include Perryville, Gettysburg, and Chat- pool and cascaded back down to the river tanooga. The homes of many Civil War vet- through a series of aesthetic, concentric erans remain, a heritage unrivaled in the weirs. Since built, the SEPA stations have even Southland. A troop of Blue Island men been popular spots for wedding photos. fought in the Spanish-American War, and hundreds served in both World Wars and 19 Mural & Sculpture at Metro South Park Vietnam. Today, Blue Island American Le- (12975 Western Ave) gion Post 50 supports charitable causes in Metro South Park, located at the center of the community. town, is home to two public works of art. The Sculpture was created by Bruce Niemi. 15 Memorial Park & Pool (WPA) It was dedicated to the hard-working Main (12804 Highland Ave, 708.385.3304) Street volunteers who initiated our Christmas Memorial Park was dedicated on “Decora- Light Parade, the façade improvement pro- tion Day,” May 30, 1922. Land for the park gram, and other enhancements for Blue was purchased by public subscription in Island businesses and residents. The Heart of commemoration of the Veterans of WWI. the Community is the first mural project of A WPA project, the art deco Pool House the new Blue Island Arts & Culture Commit- was completed in 1938 and designed by tee. Completed in 2010, the mural was arch. Godfrey E. Larson. Later memorials designed by Blue Island artist, Ricardo include historic artillery and a Corsair A7D Gonzalez, and includes images significant to jet. Until 1898 the corner of Burr Oak and Blue Island's history—railroads, churches, Highland was the Blue Island Cemetery, and rich cultural diversity. and a monument has been dedicated to our early pioneer families. THINK LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

16 Ottawa Battle Site Blue Island has been used for location shots (Des Plaines St at Division St) in several movies and television series due to our tree-lined streets, diverse housing stock, Centuries of Native American culture have historical architecture, railway bridges, been recorded in Blue Island. Alongside waterways, parks and much, much more. the Little Calumet River can be found both Scenes from Paramount Pictures, Flags of council place and burial ground, as well as Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood the site of a 1769 battle between Chief was filmed in Blue Island; Universal Studios Pontiac’s Ottawa with Potawatomi, film The Express starring Dennis Quaid; Chippewa, Fox, and Saux tribes allied The Lucky Ones with Tim Robbins, Rachel against the Illini. The fight carried south McAdams and Michael Pena; and New Line along stream and river, ending with the Cinema filmed exterior shots for The Rite, Illini defeat at Starved Rock. starring Anthony Hopkins. TV series episodes THINK SUSTAINABILITY of Early Edition and Cupid were filmed in Blue Island. Academy Award nominee Gary 17 Community Gardens/Urban Agriculture Sinise was born in Blue Island, along with (Various locations) John Franklin who appeared in Children of Blue Island has a rich history of agriculture the Corn and The Addams Family. See page that is still evident in the popularity of 19 for our annual Hollywood Tour event. community gardening. Local residents without adequate yard space or looking to garden with others are flocking to Blue Lodging Island’s community gardens and locally Baymont Inn Chicago Alsip Hampton Inn growing their own vegetables, fruits, herbs 12801 S. Cicero Avenue Chicago/Crestwood and flowers instead of buying produce that Alsip, IL 60803 13330 S. Cicero Avenue often travels hundreds of miles before it 800.337.0550 / 708.597.3900 Crestwood, IL 60445 reaches the grocery store. Some of our www.baymontinns.com 800.HAMPTON / 708.597.3330 existing gardens are located at Memorial www.hamptoninn1.hilton.com DoubleTree by Hilton Park, California Gardens, Salvation Army Chicago-Alsip Days Inn Alsip and Senior Suites at Fays Point. 5000 W. 127th Street 5150 W. 127th Street www.blueislandgardens.org Alsip, IL 60803 Alsip, IL 60803 800.222.TREE / 708.371.7300 800.225.3297 / 708.371.5600 www.doubletree1.hilton.com www.daysinn.com

8 Blue Island: Think Outside the Loop Blue Island: Think Outside the Loop 9 Blue Island Attractions Attractions 1 Olde Western Historic District 13 Western Ave to Olde Western Ave, south of Cal-Sag Channel

Attractions 2 James Street Arts District Olde Western Ave at James St

3 Silk Stocking District (designated by purple area) 10 4 “Uptown” Business District Western Ave at 12 Grove St

5 Blue Island Crossing Railroad crossing at Broadway St, east of Vine St

6 Historic Route Dixie Highway Olde Western Ave

7 I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Cal-Sag Channel 11 15 17 8 Blue Island Historical Society at The Albee House 13018 Maple Ave 3 708.371.8546 19 9 Cal-Sag Channel H Between Vermont St 4 to the north and Broadway St to the south 8

10 Meadows Golf Club 2802 W 123rd St 708.385.1994

11 Memorial Park Pool & Splash Pad 14 2 18 12804 Highland Ave 708.385.3304 7 9

12 Ice Skating Rink at Hart Park 12301 Western Ave 5 6 16 13 Bark Park 1 2601 W 119th St 708.385.3304

14 Cal-Sag Trail (expected 2014) 17 Community Gardens 19 Mural & Sculpture 15 Civil War & Military at Memorial Park at MetroSouth Park Legacy / Memorial 12804 Highland Ave 12975 Western Ave Park & Pool 12804 Highland Ave 18 SEPA Waterfall Park #3 16 Ottawa Battle Site Enter at Fulton and Des Plaines St Chatham, along Cal- at Division St Sag Channel

10 Blue Island: Think Outside the Loop Blue Island: Think Outside the Loop 11 Architecture 12 The William HenkeHouse Jebens Hardware The AmericanHouseHotel Blue Island The YoungHouse Blue IslandOperaHouse The GuentherHouse adae(13311Olde Hardware os (2506BurrOak) House (2824 BurrOak) important ofitsgeneration. important andmakethishomethemost Italianate mark aturningpoint fromtheGothicto deep eaves, andstrong bracketsanddetails Register, itssteeply-pitched gabledroof, built fromitsdoorstep around Green Blue Island’s finesthomesare found onand Silk StockingDistrict and takeaseatattheir1890sSchlitzbar! you’re atit,stopinthe to Jebensisatripbackintime. Andwhile business atthislocationsince1876.Atrip Olde W (12952 Western) flourishes. Sullivan-esque clad ingleamingwhiteterracottawith Barn farm,the last intact Henk to InternationalStyle!10) Revival; andfrom Prairie SchooltoModerne and beyond—fromItalianateto Victorian to This areaincludeshigh-stylesofthe1890s asthe became known District.”“Silk Stocking including theblockthatishometo and severalremarkable oldblocksremain, House landmark The District. Olde Western Avenue, todayaHistoric Island’s centralbusinessdistrict—andalong canbefound mid-century “Uptown”—Blue more. Architecture fromthe1850sto landmarks, suchasthe remaining onBurrOakincludeseveral supply housing materialswereinshort needs ofbothfarmersandtravelers, but built aprosperousvillagethatsuppliedthe The firstsettlersarrivedin1835andquickly The AmericanHouseHotel TourSelf-Guided w farmers Olde Western wasthesiteofabustling treats asvintageneon,ghostsigns and alongthewayyou Western Avenue mergesintoDixieHighway, Western Avenue with orchards and dairy cows with orchardsanddairy In the1840sBurrOakAvenue wasdotted Burr OakAvenue still befound throughoutBlueIslandtoday. Hand-hewnloghomescan in 1844! Indiana was builtfromboardsrafted upstreamfrom builders, andbankers. The These werethehomesofdoctors, architects, mrcnH American screened “talkies” inthe1920s. 6) restored 1890svaudevilletheaterthat House Architecture or th Building , at e House(12939Green (13114 W (2445 HighSt ’ estern marketthroughoutthe19thcentur 2221 ouse wood A W Avenue (13042 Western) . estern 123rdSt Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop and the3) Hotel (2636 Collins St) is asleek1960sgem. 4) venue ) . NowontheNational 5) Krueger Houseand ’ll findsuchroadside saw entirevillages 2) 7) Ave) . SeeBlueIsland W Blue IslandOpera 9) The Lyric Theatre Heacock House . estern Ave) 11) The WilliamThe , anareathat Maple Tree w Guenther is anexpertly- . F ood). Young armhouses The Wool- is aclassic, 8) , ar Jebens . 1) t, and , in The ’ s y

The WeberHouse mark first home, at personal expressions ofhisarchitecture. His designed inBlueIslandare amongthemost Maher, andtheeightbuildings Seyfarth Our own details are found. Maher RomanBrickandclassic Buff-colored ar denber home at12) tour yieldsunrivaledvariety! ofourresidential districts suburb to thevibrant,diverse you community seetoday. A from farmcenter to railroad hub;andfrom risingindustrial Blue Islandhasgrown from settlementvillageto canaltown; Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop www.blueisland.org/searshomes www.blueisland.org/landmarks list ofarchitectural gems, pleaseseethefollowing links: There are many more finehouses to seeinBlueIsland. For a complete found throughout thecity. bungalow thatmay be isanotherstyle Island, withmore to befound. The brick homes Sears boxcar andassembledonsite. twenty Over T and Wards. helped buildman Herman Nickel Fine Victorians aboundinBlueIsland. EraThe Victorian and Offic designed the17) Goldberg, City, architectBertand ofMarina residencesRevival-style inChicagoland. among themostarchitecturally-distinct, of bold handling his design vocabulary, butstillexhibitsa homes for BlueIslandresidents include Prominent architects thathave designed Prominent Architects Vandenberg. Age, theresidence oflocalbuilder William Ward at 16) at Ward such asthehomehedesigned for hisbrother values. Seyfarth’s laterwork, Prairie School homes from companies suchasS Blue Islandisespeciallyproud ofits “kit” Sears’ HomesandBungalows Police Stationwasbuilt in1979. from Edward Dart Across the street you’ll findalater design the doctor’s theopaqueglass. office—note Bauhaus. The NewStreet entrance housed of thefew USarchitects to studyatthe pure InternationalStyle. Goldberg wasone 1939. The brickandglassmodernismis htcua callingcard ofthe Victorian chitectural ably straightforward expression straightforward of ably os (2520Union) g House Robert Seyfarth Robert e (13020Greenwood Ave) hese homeswere delivered by 2523 HighSt 2627 Walnut. The 15) have beenidentifiedinBlue was a local craftsman that was alocalcraftsman geometric form. These are y, andyou canfindhis own 12853 Maple,isare- Dr. HeimbachHome : his Blue Island : his G Maher, Bertrand Goldberg, and . Seyfarth Robert Maher’s 14) os (12956 House Green York andGreenwood. a stately blockguard- ing thecorner of eorge Washington , displays ashif apprenticed with wood Ave) is another ears, Alladin, 13) Weber Van- in t in

is Dr. Heimbach Home & Office & Home Heimbach Dr. The Nickel House The Nickel The Ward House Seyfarth The Robert Seyfarth House Seyfarth The Robert Sears “Kit” House “Kit”Sears

13 Architecture Architecture 14 (by modelname) Blue Island Sears “Kit” Houses “Kit”Sears 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 4 3 2 1 5 6 2255 W 119thPl “Rodessa” 2338 W 121stSt “Hampton” 2235 121stSt “Verona” 12139 Ann “Belfast” 2257 W 122ndSt Price House Lillie The “Crescent” 12546 Elm “Vallonia” 2324 W 120thPl Jose”“San 13020 Greenwood Home &Office Dr. Heimbach 2523 High House Ward Seyfarth 12853 Maple House Seyfarth 12956 Greenwood Weber House 2520 Union Vandenberg House 2627 Walnut House Herman Nickel 2445 High Young House OldeWestern 13301 Maple TreeInn 13311 Olde Western Jebens Hardware 12952 Western The Lyric Theatre 13042 Western Building The Woolworth 13114 Western Opera House Blue Island 2221 W. 123rd St & Barn Krueger House 2506 BurrOak Guenther House 2824 BurrOak Heacock House 2336 Collins House Hotel The American 27 26 25 24 Self-Guided TourSelf-Guided 12561 Vincennes “C 2009” Orchard 2529 W “Corona” 12221 Artesian “Sunlight” 2148 W 121stSt “Somorset” Architecture Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop 31 30 29 28 2515 Grunewald “Starlight” 2049 Broadway “Hampton” 2749 Broadway “Starlight” 12947 Highland “Van Jean” 2 29 28 18 1 11 14 15 12 2 20 16

13 31 26 3

10 35 34 33 32 25 9 8 Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop 12210 Gregory “Vallonia” 2318 120thPl “Vallonia” 2238 120thPl “Crescent” 2220 120thSt “Crescent” 5 6 7

34 35 22 17 H 19 33 23 21 32 4 37 36 38 27 37 2061 W DesPlaines 2061 W “Collingwood” added) (2nd story DesPlaines 2152 W “Hampton” 1906 High “Vallonia” 24 30 38 36

15 Architecture Businesses FOOD &DRINK 16 Blue Island SHOPPING 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 708.389.7810 12237 WesternAve Tommy’s Place 708.239.0888 12121 WesternAve Subway 708.925.9143 11925 WesternAve Ice Cream Homemade Shawn Michelle’s 708.385.8900 12454 WesternAve Richies Too 708.597.3401 12100 WesternAve Popeye’s Chicken 708.597.6313 Saloon Nick’s Fat Man 708.371.6118 11920 WesternAve McDonald’s 708.389.4023 Western Avenue 13325 Olde Mario’s Tacos 708.388.3461 Western Avenue 13301 Olde Maple TreeInn 708.389.2427 Western Avenue 13328 Olde Grill&Cantina Loft 708.385.8699 12601 WesternAve Jimmy John’s 708.385.8535 13404 WesternAve Bar &Grill Hideaway 708.388.9000 12454 WesternAve Giuseppe’s Pizza 708.597.6331 13101 WesternAve Baskin Robbins Dunkin’ Donuts/ 708.371.8558 2323 BurrOakAve Baskin Robbins Dunkin’ Donuts/ 708.388.0940 11915 WesternAve D’Masti Catering 708.385.1234 12660 WesternAve Beggars Pizza 708.824.9171 2357 YorkSt Carr Gardens 708.925.0733 12255 Western Ave C Clothes B & 708.597.4647 13021 WesternAve Lillian’s Attic Antique Shop ARTS &CULTURE 35 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 37 36 34 33 32 708.272.4444 Western Avenue 13201 Olde Clay Studios Pottery Boys 708.389.0011 2412 JamesSt &Studio Gallery Cornerstone 708.371.8546 Ave13018 Maple Historical Society Blue Island 708.388.1078 2433 YorkSt Public Library Blue Island 708.820.0567 12625 WesternAve Walgreens 708.597.3331 13034 WesternAve Time WasAntiques 708.597.3331 13016 WesternAve Antique Mall Three Sisters 708.385.8116 13016 WesternAve Clothing Store Susy’s 708.389.0300 12625 WesternAve Italian Imports Stefanelli &Sons 708.597.8688 12125 WesternAve Radio Shack 708.388.0996 13311 WesternAve Hardware Jebens Ace 708.385.1650 12822 WesternAve &More Gifts Gardenia Flowers, 708.389.0000 13019 WesternAve Franklin Framing 708.388.5555 13022 WesternAve Flowers byCathe 708.???.???? 12541 WesternAve Fashion Store 708.597.2555 Ave12764 Irving Flowers &Gifts Evay’s Fresh 708.239.0686 12742 WesternAve El RanchitoMarket Businesses Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop RECREATION TOURIST INFO GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION 43 42 41 40 39 38 708.385.1234 127th &Kedzie Beggars Pizza MAP AREA OUTSIDE OF OTHER BUSINESSES 708.388.1000 St 2434 Vermont Industry Commerce & Chamber of Blue Island www.metrarail.com Vermont Metra Blue Island- 708.385.0113 St 2441 Vermont U.S. Post Office 708.597.8603 13051Greenwood Ave City ofBlueIsland 708.385.1994 2802 123rdSt Meadows GolfClub 708.385.3304 Ave12804 Highland Park District Blue Island 39 Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop 38 35 43 40 37 34 41 36 8 10 27 14 17 28 13 11 24 26 21 29 12 5 2 6 9 3 1 7 32 31 16 15 18 30 25 33 23 19 19 4 20 H 22 42

17 Businesses Annual Events 18 Blue IslandAnnual 4th ofJulyParade |July Street) Detailsatwww.blueislandparks.org Park—at Memorial and127th (Highland crafts, games—andofcourse cotton candy Fun = Amusementrides, live music, food, Memorial Park Festival |June Details atwww.blueisland.org ParkSouth (York Stand Western Ave). and thelive musicisfree. Located atMetro months. Food isavailable atmodestprices picnic onFridays, duringthesummer Blue Islandinvites you outdoor to aweekly TGIF Picnics |Fridays, June–August York Street. Call for details:708.371.8546 on will beonviewacross from theLibrary cars headsouthonDixieHighway, many this annual from“blast thepast.” Before the and modelsgatherinBlueIslandto launch Nearly 200Antiquevehicles ofallmakes Drivin’ theDixie|June Detailsatwww.blueisland.orgsnack. from many localrestaurants for lunchora hold items, clothing, andmore. Choose bungalowscozy filltablesofantiques, house- in BlueIslandwhenitsstately homesand Are you atreasure hunter? You’ll wantto be Giant Yard |June Sale www.blueisland.org. water. Food andlive music. Detailsat onthe speed boatsandcruisersreflect lightsthatgracewhere local twinkling onthebank oftheCal-SagGather channel, Light UptheRiver |August parks.org. Detailsat www.blueislandSEE-worthy! build may notbewaterproof, butitwillbe shores Park ofMemorial Pool. The boatyou and launchtheircardboard onthe craft Shipbuilders ofallagesare invited to build Cardboard Boat Contest |August Details atwww.blueisland.org. Blue Island’s “main street.” pageant on Western Avenue, marchers inthistraditional tique carsandcostumed floats, bands, horses, an- show offtheir entertainers ganizations, schoolsand Businesses, or- community announced eachyear) (weekend date tobe Welcome Weekend |September All are welcome to helpuscelebrate our city with a kick-off party in Metro in party withakick-off city South Park,South followed by thean- nouncement of The Cavalcade of Pride winners(voted theyear’s best house, blockandbusiness!).Detailsat www.blueisland.org. Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop Events Special Links www.bichamber.org Commerce andIndustry Blue IslandArea Chamber of www.blueislandlibrary.org Blue IslandPublicLibrary www.blueislandparks.org Blue IslandParks www.blueisland.org City ofBlueIsland www.blueisland.org. movieatourLibrary.very Detailsat fun-facts, andthenwatch that the-scenes visit scenelocations, learnafew behind- “Blue Islandfilm” andyouareinvited to lar films. yearwe Every feature adifferent Blue Islandisthebackdroptomany popu- Hollywood Tour iday shopping. Detailsatwww.blueisland.org a cupofhotcocoa.Latestorehoursfor hol- nighttime floats, anaudiencewithSantaand processionof Bundle upfor atwinkling Christmas Light Parade |December www.blueisland.org downtown BlueIsland.Detailsat celebrate Autumn on Western Avenue in andothergoodiesathand,With crafts arts, FestivalHarvest |October Details atblueislandlibrary.org as wellsharingstories. Allageswelcome. about famousghostsoftheChicagoarea, have includedalocalghosthunter, stories favorite! Presentationsand free—Halloween yourseatsearly forReserve thispopular— Ghost Tour |October Details atwww.blueislandparks.org games, winprizesandcreatelegends! a winnerattheMemorialPark Pool. Play Get yourfishingrodandbaitreadytoland Fishing Derby|October Details atblueislandhistoricalsociety.com homesinBlueIsland. this annualtourofselect flowers inafternoon lightsetsthestagefor Late inSeptember, theglowofsummer House Walk |September Details atwww.blueisland.org any oneofourlocalrestaurantsortaverns. design andfeatures, thentakeabreakat spiration fromavarietyoflandscaping beauty ofourBlueIslandhomes. Take in- explosion ofgarden colorsbehindthequiet You mightbesurprisedtodiscoverthe Garden Walk |September Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop www.preserveamerica.gov Preserve America www.nps.gov National ParksService www.blueisland.org/calendar Community Calendar www.blueislandhistoricalsociety.com Blue IslandHistoricalSociety

19 Annual Events Annual Transportation leIln:Within Island: Blue 20 inand tion are alsoavailable. For more informa- Paratransit andseniortransitservices Blue Islandeasily, andwithoutacar. to shoppingorrecreation work, from the southsuburbsandChicago. Get to andfrom BlueIslandthroughout economical andfrequent busservice CTA andPACE provide convenient, commute asnap. theweekdayrun on-time, making Comfortable, fastand frequent trains Blue Island’s fiveMetra stations. or theMuseumCampus from oneof Avenue’sMichigan Mile, Magnificent nations includingU.S. Cellular Field, to getto someofChicago’s top desti- and casino. Andthere’s nobetter way suburbs includingJoliet’s downtown other populardestinationsinthesouth Blue Island. It’s aneasyrideto many 25 minutes viacommuter trainfrom reachOn Metra, theloopinaslittle Loop,” inBlueIsland. when you “think outsidethe well pastChicago’s congestion Michigan’s lakes, you’re already away to Indiana’s beachesor And for thosetimesyou’d liketo get your way withinminutes. journey outofstate, you canbeon trip across ona town, orembarking and I-80). Whether you’re onaquick to three majorInterstates (I-57,I-294 thanks to BlueIsland’s closeproximity Highway travel isequallyconvenient bus.com. www.metrarail.com andwww.pace PACE pleasevisittheirwebsites at schedules for METRA and schedules for METRA Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop Easy Reach

Metra Electric Chicago to University P

Chicago

Univer

Hyde Pa

McCor

Univ. o

A Ken

sh B

hland A hland

R R urr O urr u o

rsity ark 51st/53rdnwood/47th St. St. rmick Place

of Chicago/59th St. Park A acine

Blue Island Park

Wes 18th St.

55th-56th-57th

Stew 27th St. t Pullm t ve.

ve. art R art

Millennium Station

an 63rd St.

State St. State Van Buren St. idge Roosevelt Rd. 79th St. 75th St.

Richton Park Matteson 211th St. Olympia Fields

Flossmoor Homewood Calumet Hazel Crest Harvey 147th St. Ivanhoe Riverdale

83rd St. Joliet 95th St. 91st St.87th St. 107th St.103rd St. Kensington/115thPullman/111th St. St. S 100+ weekday trains. Metra Chicago’s Loop by We’re easytor Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop to ny Islan Bryn Mawr

d Alsip South Shore Midlothian

Windsor Park

Cheltenham New Leno

83rd St. x 87th St.

Mokena - Front St. Front - Mokena

Effective Januar Joliet to Chicago Blue Island/Vermont St. Island/Vermont Blue

93rd St. District Island Rock South

Chicago Park Morgan Beverly Hills Beverly Metra Chicago t

Universit

Mokena - Hickory Creek Hickory - Mokena

Tinley Park/80th Ave. Park/80th Tinley

Tinley Park Tinley

Oak Forest Oak

Midlothian Robbins

y 8, 20

Prairie St. Prairie

123rd St. 123rd

119th St. 119th

111th St. 111th

115th St. 115th

107th St. 107th

103rd St. 103rd

99th St. 99th

95th St. 95th 91st St. 91st

07 Effective Sept.16, 2007 Sept.16, Effective

Chi

Un Brainer d

iue ot of each—25 minutes south

Washington Heights Washington

Chicago

Longwood Gresham Blue Island

car oraboard oneof Joliet

New Leno

Chicago Calumet To To Park

21 Transportation Media Blue Island 22 e: [email protected] p: 708.396.7035 Communit Poulsen Mary CONTACT:

h h

Home

southtownstar.com

News ArchiveArchive Local Digest Local Local ElectionsElections ObituariesObituaries OpinionOpinion Soldiers' stories Soldiers' Soldiers' Summer festivals Summer Summer Summer fests blog fests Summer Summer Project Sunshine Project Project Tinley Park Shooting Park Tinley Tinley WeatherWeather Best photos of 2009 of photos Best Best ColumnistsColumnists Fran Eaton Fran Fran DavidDavid Johnson Phil Kadner Phil Phil Marlene Lang Marlene Marlene Kristen McQueary Kristen Kristen Rich Miller Rich Rich Guy Tridgell Guy Guy

// //

y y RelationsDir

Kadner

Tridgell

photos

Eaton

Miller

| Neighborhood Star Neighborhood |

Digest

Johnson

Park

Neighborhood

Sunshine

McQueary

Lang

festivals fests

stories

Shooting

tht tht

blog

2009

Star

/ t t

NEWSN :

BlueB

September 16, 2010 2010 16, September Se BY CARMEN GRECO JR., Correspondent JR., GRECO CARMEN BY e to celebrate this w this celebrate to It's time an anniversary of the city's fou city's the of anniversary Th Pe The sc w Peloquin

"A othe of scores "W Th ye 175 hits town a "Any time in e want to celebrate our history our celebrate to want "We O and adapt to able been has town The ne hi future." the in

"W inviting are Organizers ye com Chicago nearby So neighborh historic wo

Bl chairm Kaliski, Mike already," said years ima our polishing been have "We fre "W Society. th neighborh wonderful cit

WWhile Island Blue tra in freight hihis be Works Progress the stations cleaned its onc cleaned stastations id blue-collar scrappy, city's wi will be hugging its bank hugging be will th of proud are residents While "W cit "We condom attracting by trails so down historic lik m city's become Po w those for something un like the history of the town." the of history the like BIRTHDAY ulsen said officials do not w not do officials said Poulsen Blue Island's 1 Island's Blue Bl party. birthday Friday's until M in P South Metro include the unveiling of the city's n city's the of unveiling the include Th he Blue Island Historical S Historical Island Blue The

Member of Sun-Times Media Sun-Times of MMemberMember

NeNews

Any We

cores

ears

omething

nniversary

earby

ecome

ntil

eptember

eight

ails

eloquin

ociety.

lue

oulsen

lue

ews

onderful

s ty's

ill

ty's

rganizers

storic

ations

IRTHDAY clude EWS

etro

the

i t

time

CARMEN

Print Article Print

Comments

Works

festivities begin Friday at M at Friday begin festivities

the

really hav really

festivities

town

Blue

want

have

really

Friday's

time

Island

Island's

scrappy,

marketing

| |

future."

already,"

residents

South

Island

into

hugging

Opinion Opinion

Chicago

arketing d arketing

Island

neighborh

t d downtown

history

the

attracting

cleaned

"We

to Chicago an Chicago to

said

Article

/2715216 /2715216

will

Island

other

has

been neighborh

ore

Progress

celebrate

have

ill unveil a n a unveil ill

for

16,

Chicago

Sun

grew up on the strength of rail lines that carry pe carry that lines rail of strength the on up grew

e want to show the city in a better light. T light. better a city in the show to want e

are

unveiling

town

grew

celebra

Park,

unveil

GRECO

town area as we as area town

birthday

want

EVE

175th

officials

attractive

been

r well-wishers. r

begin

attractive

those

ark, York Street and W and Street York ark,

e a lot of areas to m to areas of lot a e

2010

75th birthday party w party birthday 75th

blue

the

VENTS

inviting

said

its

well

| |

Times

polishing

are

director.

communities

Historical

its

Sports Sports

celebrates 1

hits tor. "There is som is "There irector.

the

oods

oods and downtown and oods

celebrates

condominium

banks

lot

NTS

city's

area

York

-collar

-wishers.

able

once

birthday

proud

and

Mike

Administratio

oods

oods and fan and oods

Friday

who

091610BI 091610BI

munities of Beverly and M and Beverly of munities

this

JR.,

new

175

show

town."

ail Article EmEmailail In theNews

dministratio

party.

ho like arc like ho

Media

residents from throughout the south suburbs and suburbs south the from throughout residents

d beyond. The Cal-Sag C Cal-Sag The beyond. d

ew city logo an city logo ew

our

residents

s w

and

e-polluted waters. A new A waters. e-polluted

the

areas

Street

| |

founding.

beyond.

weekend

-polluted

"There

within

not

Business Business

our

Kaliski,

identity.

Correspondent

years

and

developers

city

inium

Society

eekend as Blue Island m Island Blue as eekend

ithin a few years. few a ithin

history

developers

well

adapt

nding.

the

city's

entity.

strength

downtown

ociety H ociety

Article

ars old, it's a time to time a it's old, ars

party

want

those

image,

architecture

ll as along the channel. The channel h channel The channel. the along as ll

MetroSout

logo

ant to reveal the design o design the reveal to ant fantastic

ose roots, city officials h city officials roots, ose

and

city

and to and

etroSouth Park, w Park, etroSouth

old,

Beverly

and

hitecture, and som and hitecture,

from

market

ge, but we've been on the m the on been we've but ge, new

The

few

n in the 1930s, has also has 1930s, the in n

and all the peop the all and

tastic homes here." homes tastic

and

chairm

and

will

waters

ew logo. ew

along

somet

House

i i

arket here," said M said here," arket

175t

and

roots

| |

West

ill be ill

ouse W ouse

it's

Entertainment Ente

75th

tow

reve

but

yea

estern A estern

Blu

ings still ahea still things great with survive,

d share pieces of birthday cake with cake birthday of pieces share d

the Ca

since

thr

log

area this area

sin

man

thing for train enth train for ething

wnhouse

wnhouse developm wnhouse

urvive,

hhomes

bbetter

sshare

go.

ars.

a roughout

ail

ertainment

tern

thing

rea

nce

t eal

, ector

an of the B the of an

here,"

held from held

and

ththe

Share / Bookmark / Share

we've

held

-Sag

the

1930s,

city

Walk

time

Park,

and

Island

lines

the

alk Tour w Tour alk

a series of w of series a

this

anniversary

a channel. new

Avenue.

Morgan

people

officials l h

for

light.

il ti

from

venue. Festivities w Festivities venue.

pieces

nniversary

the

series

with to

Channel,

organ Park to visit the city's the visit to Park organ

here."

said

been

something

Tour

design

weekend.

that

hannel, whic hannel,

where

developm

celebrate," Peloquin said. celebrate," Peloquin

regional bike trail also trail bike regional

Bookmark

train

has

celebrate,"

regiona

the

marks

eekend.

70°F Cloudy WeatherWeather

Blue

here Mayor Dona Mayor here

o came before us. before came who le

| |

great

There's

arks the 175th the arks

ething for others for ething

lue Island Historical Island lue

Mary

p.m 8 to

Classifieds Classifieds

will

carry

here's some here's

who

south

Park

also

Festivities

ThThe

hope

ary Poulsen, the Poulsen, ary

enthusiasts,

ill be ill

ope to blaze to ope

Mayor

Island

water

birthday

f the new city logo new the f the

the

which

things

ater aeration ater

the

p.m.

Poulsen,

came

lized the symbolized

bike

channel

symbolized

ent people

ent near its near ent

for

usiasts,

l h

suburbs

some

held

map

175th

Peloquin

eld from eld

ople and ople

h was built b built was h

new

. Friday at Friday .

visit

ap for a 175 a for ap

others

aeration

Historical

near

blaze

Donald

Friday

trail

was

before still

| |

will

from

cake

for

Video Video

Buzz up Buzz

the

ill

and

city

hhas

the

also

its

new

built

ahead

and

new

who

noon Search » Search

noon

iys city'scity

with

said.

logo

175

the

us.

Site Site by Search Web

up!

| | Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop

Site Web

Lifestyles Lifesty

YAHOO!YAHO

OO!

earch

yles

All Papers All

All

TOP

NEWS Trucking company paying $10 paying company Trucking Trucking million to settle harassment settle to million million claimsclaims

BUSINESSBUSINESS Parceling out mortgage bailout mortgage out Parceling Parceling painpain

SPORTSSPORTS Frustrating night for Sox for night Frustrating Frustrating

coupons! Visit Visit coupons!

Circulars

Papers

STORIES

Ebert by Ebert

STORIES

i2aecom zip2save zip2save.com

company

settle

out

The Wrap - Sept. 10 Sept. - The Wrap

The Wrap – Sept. 3 Sept. – The Wrap

night

otgage mortgagemo

BECOME A BECOME

MEMBER!

CouponsCoupons

Wrap

harassment

What's

this? this

for

paying

Video

Sox

Archives ?

Archives

–

Sept.

bailout

for a

for

$10

Deals Deals

all

ll your fa ll

Blogs

Become a member of our communit our of member a Become Becom content.contencontenc contribute to here in sign Please

your

ntnt.

ssign

Obits

favorite

vorite

member

| RSS |

here

RSS

circulars

irculars

Elite Magazin Elite

Elite

our

contribute

communit

Magazin

1 P

| Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop

23 Media Facts 24 Blue Island Ethnicity Education Age Gender Blue IslandPopulation: 23,706(Alldata basedon2010USCensus) Other: 0.7% Other: Bachelor’s degreeorhigher:11.3% Over 60:12.1% Caucasian: 21% Caucasian: African American: 30.3% American: African Under 20:32.9% tourists. atmosphere that awaits visitors and and businesses, andthewelcoming the cooperation between residents Blue Islandcelebrates itsdiversity, 14and15 SenateDistricts: Illinois 27,28and30 HouseDistricts: Illinois U.S. Congressional 1 District: 2434 W.Annex, Street. Vermont HallEast Chambers located inourCity Council inCity month at7:00pm the 2ndand4th Tuesdays ofevery wards. City representingand 14Aldermen seven Council,City consisting ofaMayor ofBlueIslandisgovernedThe City by a Facts Hispanic: 47% Female: 49% Male: 51% 20–59: 54.9% Council meetings Blue Island: Think Outside theLoop or higher:74.3% High school are held Email Web Fax Phone Townships County Zip State 2434 W.Street Vermont 911 Cent City HallEastAnnex & 13051 Greenwood Avenue Blue IslandCityHall of Morgan Park and Beverly. borders theChicagocommunitiesIt 4.5-square of23,000people. milecity Blue Islandisasouthsuburban City ofBlueIslandLocation er [email protected] www.blueisland.org 708.597.1221 708.396.7035 Bremen, Thornt Worth, Calumet, Cook 60406 Illinois

on Facts COBI Memo card 5.47x4.21 front.pdf 12/13/11 COBI Memo card 5.47x4.2 BACK.pdf 12/13/11

City of Blue Island 13051 Greenwood Avenue Blue Island IL 60406 708.597.8603 www.blueisland.org

COBI logo 4x4 sticker.pdf 12/13/11 City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

DIRECTIONAL ON SITE

MUNICIPAL

ON SITE: LOCATION ON SITE DIRECTIONAL City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

DIRECTIONAL City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

ON SITE LOCATOR City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

ON SITE with LOCATION City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

ON SITE City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

DIRECTIONAL City of Blue Island Municipal Signage

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL JOB #30749–18”x 15” RECT. APPROVAL, SIGNATURE & DATE: PLAQUE #1

CHARLES & EMILY ROBINSON HOUSE built 1840 This residence was home to two of the earliest and most important Blue Island families, the Rexfords and the Robinsons. Charles Robinson, his wife Emily, and their infant daughter came to Blue Island in 1840 and settled in this frame farmhouse built by the family. The farmhouse was occupied by the Robinsons until 1845. The home was later occupied by Heber S. Rexford, brother of first settler Norman Rexford, and who had settled permanently in Blue Island in 1844, delivering mail for the United States government. Heber's son Everett Rexford lived at this address until 1908. Everett was a Civil War hero, serving as a member of Company A, First Light Artillery from Blue Island. Everett Rexford located the first large brickyards in Blue Island and secured the right-of-way for the Chicago and Blue Island railroad, later known as the B & O Calumet Terminal. Everett Rexford served as Village Trustee and as President of the Village Board.

HISTORIC BLUE ISLAND, ILLINOIS Founded 1835 THIS PROJECT IS BEING SUPPORTED IN PART BY A PRESERVE AMERICA GRANT ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR JOB #30749–18”x 15” RECT. APPROVAL, SIGNATURE & DATE: PLAQUE #2

FRED & MAMIE DORMAN HOUSE built 1903 This residence, built in 1903 by Fred and Mamie Dorman, is an outstanding example of a worker's cottage. Small, narrow homes like the Dorman House were often built on stone foundations and employed “balloon framing” – an innovative construction technique pioneered in the Midwest that used machine-sawn wood members of standard sizes and inexpensive, machine-cut nails to construct a home quickly and without the need for highly skilled craftsmen.

Blue Island's broad spectrum of historic homes includes excellent examples of vernacular styles, such as the Dorman House. All of them contribute to our understanding of Blue Island's heritage.

CONRAD & MATILDA KICH HOUSE built 1878 Conrad Kich arrived in Blue Island in 1849 at age 11. His father, Peter, was among the first Germans to settle in Blue Island. Kich worked as a “section boss” for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, was also a volunteer fireman, and became a City Trustee in 1879. Conrad Kich married Matilda Sittig and had nine children, building this two-story Italianate home in 1878. The Kich family lived in the house until 1907 when it was sold to Walter and Frieda Alsip. The Italianate influences in the Kich House include double bracketed eave supports on the front gable of the house, rectangular arched windows, and a single story, column supported front porch. This architectural style was popular in the mid-1800s, being built by talented craftsmen and homeowners working from newly published pattern books. These craftsmen and builders were supplied with elaborate woodwork which made impressive detailing available to the middle classes.

WALTER JOHNSTON HOUSE built circa 1930 Blue Island's prosperity is connected with railroads. With the coming of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, Blue Island developed from a rural enclave to a prosperous city. Walter Johnston was the son of a Rock Island Railroad engineer. This inspired a fascination with railroads, and Johnston began building scale model train replicas. Johnston's large scale model railroads weighed 1800 pounds, ran on anthracite coal, and could pull 30 persons at 12 mph. Replicas of these engines are on display at the Blue Island Historical Society Museum. The Johnston House is an example of Tudor Revival architecture, a popular style in the 1920s and 1930s. The home features brick wall cladding, veneered in an elaborate decorative pattern. The entryway features a stone arched doorway, and this arch styling of the front entry door is carried out through many of the room openings inside the house as well.

NICHOLAS & WILHELMINA STOLL HOUSE built circa 1868 Nicholas Stoll was born in Switzerland on March 13, 1843 and immigrated to Blue Island in 1864. During the Civil War, Stoll entered the service of his adopted country, enlisting in February, 1865, as a member of Co. G, 1st Illinois Light Artillery. Upon his return, Stoll resumed his occupation as a carpenter in a billiard table manufacturer. In 1877 Stoll opened a factory of his own in Chicago, which later became known as the Garden City Billiard Table Company. Stoll served as Village Trustee from 1886-88. This handsome frame home features bracketed decorations beneath the eaves, a popular Italianate feature of the time.

ALBERT & ALICE ROCHE HOUSE built 1878 Albert Roche, son of Walter P. Roche, was a stockbroker in Chicago. Albert married Alice Kile, a pioneer settler and daughter of Village Board President Merrill Kile, the year this home was built. The Albert Roche House has been expertly maintained, and is a wonderful expression of how 19th century architecture was able to unite very simple features into a pleasing, interesting whole. The groups of windows at the front of the home provide a well-lighted and ventilated parlor for the family. A planar hood molding provides protection for the windows and a bit of architectural interest. The second floor windows sport a unique octagon “arch.” The entryway is a classic of the period: long divided sidelights, a glazed and paneled door, topped with a transom window.

ELMER & CHRISTINA BENNETT HOUSE built 1878 Elmer Bennett and his wife Christina were engaged in the livery business in Blue Island before the turn of the twentieth century. The Bennett House was built from bricks made at the Reusnow brickyard. Clay left by the glacial lake bed surrounding Blue Island became the raw material that made Blue Island the brick-making capital of the world for three-quarters of a century. The first brickyard in Blue Island was established in the 1850s near the Calumet River. Carl Reusnow opened his yard at Vermont and Ashland Avenue. Here clay was softened beneath wheels turned by horses, which was then packed into molds and allowed to dry in the sun. Workers would turn the bricks by hand and, when sufficiently dry, the bricks were burned to hardness over wood fires. Reusnow operated until 1883, and the brick is identified by its dark color.

BLUE ISLAND OPERA HOUSE built 1908 The Blue Island Opera House was built by John L. Zacharias, Blue Island's first mayor, and founder of the First National Bank of Blue Island. The Opera House replaced Robinson Hall, an enormous 1850s wood structure that was destroyed in 1896 during the great fire of Blue Island. When the Opera House was first constructed, the auditorium featured vaudeville and repertoire shows. The facility became known as the Grand Theater. When motion pictures became the featured fare, the Grand was one of the first theaters to show “talkies.” The architectural design features several elements of Italianate style, which include the round topped paired windows. The classically inspired cornice was reconstructed in 1998 by a local artisan and designed by a local historian. The Opera House was an Illinois Main Street award winner for interior and exterior design in 1999-2000.

HART'S DRUGSTORE built 1858 Built for Christian Schmidt, a tailor who came to Blue Island from Germany in 1856, this building's most prominent occupant was Blue Island Mayor John M. Hart, who operated a pharmacy here for many years. Hart was first elected Mayor in 1937 and remained in that office until 1965. Buildings of this style once lined both sides of Western Avenue as Blue Island boomed before the Civil War. A burgeoning population of German shopkeepers served the entire southland region. Built over 150 years ago, it is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Blue Island and has been in continuous use since its opening in 1858.

Listed in THE ILLINOIS HISTORIC STRUCTURES SURVEY

LUCHTEMEYER'S JEWELRY STORE built circa 1885 George Luchtemeyer came to Blue Island in 1858. He first lived on the east side of Western Avenue south of Grove Street, where he made his living repairing guns, watches and clocks for the early settlers of the community and the surrounding region. Later he purchased this property and the business developed into a jewelry store. The Luchtemeyer family carried on the business for nearly 130 years. Luchtemeyer commissioned this greystone building in 1885. The architecture reflects the popular styles of the day, the growing wealth and sophistication of Blue Island's prominent German-born residents, and the high craftsmanship of its builders.

HISTORIC BLUE ISLAND, ILLINOIS Founded 1835 THIS PROJECT IS BEING SUPPORTED IN PART BY A PRESERVE AMERICA GRANT ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Blue Island Think Outside the Loop.

Think History with our industrial heritage, civil war and American Indian heritage sites. Think Recreation at the Meadows Golf Club, biking, our outdoor ice skating rink or rowing on the Calumet-Sag. Think Shopping at one of our many garden shops, antique stores and gift shops. Think Dining with classic Cajun creole, exceptional Mexican, or old world Italian. Think Architecture with 175 years of historic homes from Maher to Goldberg to Sears. Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org City of Blue Island Web Advertising

Note: “Lorem ipsum” text is replaced per the targeted niche. Think Heritage. Think Outside the Loop.

Explore railroad history, a century of architecture, and the footprint of industry. Blue Island invites you to Think Heritage. Located on Chicago's southwest border just 15 miles from the Loop, Blue Island is easily accessible by rail or interstate.

Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org !Hola! Hello! Ciao!

Think Culture. Think Outside the Loop.

Picture diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant arts scene, and engaging cultural programs. Blue Island invites to to Think Culture. Located on Chicago's southwest border just 15 miles from the Loop, Blue Island is easily accessible by rail or interstate.

Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org Fresh

Think Local. Think Outside the Loop.

Discover homegrown foods, authentic restaurants, and family-run businesses. Blue Island invites you to Think Local. Located on Chicago's southwest border just 15 miles from the Loop, Blue Island is easily accessible by rail or interstate.

Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org Think Play. Think Outside the Loop.

Enjoy miles of trails, sports and leisure, and outdoor recreation. Blue Island invites you to Think Play. Located on Chicago's southwest border just 15 miles from the Loop, Blue Island is easily accessible by rail or interstate.

Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org Think Green. Think Outside the Loop.

Envision tree-lined streets, a transit-oriented community, and a sustainable future. Blue Island invites you to Think Green. Located on Chicago's southwest border just 15 miles from the Loop, Blue Island is easily accessible by rail or interstate.

Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org Think Blue. Think Outside the Loop.

Imagine picturesque waterfalls, native landscapes, and leisurely waterways. Blue Island invites you to Think Blue. Located on Chicago's southwest border just 15 miles from the Loop, Blue Island is easily accessible by rail or interstate.

Think outside the loop. Think Blue Island. www.blueisland.org