I took this photo on a cloudy and cold November morning in the year of 1983. The scene was photographed on South Paulina Street near Blue Island Avenue just outside of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. This industrial park setting, for many years was referred to as The Lumberyard District due to the many lumber and building supply companys that dominated this area. The Burlington Northern and the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads had merged in 1995, and eventually sold this line to shortline operator DRS Rail Services.Thursday, October 18, 2007
Burlington Northern Railroad industrial switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. November 1983.
I took this photo on a cloudy and cold November morning in the year of 1983. The scene was photographed on South Paulina Street near Blue Island Avenue just outside of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. This industrial park setting, for many years was referred to as The Lumberyard District due to the many lumber and building supply companys that dominated this area. The Burlington Northern and the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads had merged in 1995, and eventually sold this line to shortline operator DRS Rail Services.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I don't get near that part of Chicago when I head up there. How does this area look now? I heard there have been alot of changes in the Pilsen neighborhood?
Dennis
Hi Dennis.
Yes, there have been a few chjanges in Pilsen in recent years. It is still predominantly Hispanic in local population today.
This area is still an industrial park, although various industries have come and gone over the course of time. Most of the lumberyards have vanished.
Many of the houses have been rehabbed, as well as new construction activity and maybe a cappucino coffee shop here or there.
The area has seen better days, but it is gradually making a comeback due to its convenient location to downtown Chicago and the U.I.C Circle Campus nearby.
Thank You.
Eddie.
Pilsen is still one of the best places for true authentic Mexican food! I used to stop by a few tiny places when I attended UIC.
Prior to the 1970's, I was told that the Pilsen neighborhood had an imigrant population made up of Czechloslovakians, Polish, and people of other eastern European ethnic nationalities. Many were construction workers.
Thank You.
Eddie.
Like virtually all Chicago neighborhoods, it once was something, now is something else, and will be yet another thing in the future. All to be enjoyed for their various attributes, I believe.
I can still recall ugly grafitti on the sides of the old buildings, filthy rat infested alleys, and lots of street gang activity here in the mid 1970's.
It was ugly urban decay back then. Mayor Daley's grafitti blasters program has helped alot in recent years. It used to be a lot worse in Pilsen many years ago.
Rick.
Post a Comment