* Neighbor Shares a Neighborhood Tale

For those that don't read the comments, you would've missed this one below.

Lafew said... Well, I lived in Evanston from Sept 1981 to June, 1982 before heading up north. I attended Kendall College, which was demolished this year. Our dorm was Firing Hall, my RA was Stu, and I found occasional relief going south to Howard, when Dieter, Duane, John, or others wanted to imbibe. The Festival was still around, as well.

We also depended upon Gullivers, because Michellinis could not hold a candle to it.

Also, as a member of Highland Park High School in the seventies, we hit Howard at sweet sixteen, as well, because it was easy. Howard was a magnet for underage drinking, among other northside haunts eager to serve anyone who could belly up to the bar. It was an extremely seedy area in the late seventies and early 80s. It reeked beyond imagination of beer, puke, reefer, and other things, but people still came. Craig just does not know what he missed!

The CPD stayed away unless they had to mop and patch up at St. Francis or the other hospital just west of Western. Chicago and Evanston Police patrolled to prevent the bold and obnoxious from getting killed or rolled.

And yes, the crime came from Jonquil, but most of the wannabe gangsters were from Evanston. The Jamaican immigrants were in Rogers Park; a few were influenced by their spoiled ETHS neighbors. Most of the intelligent kids transferred to Lane Tech, Loyola High, Ida Crown, or their parents just moved north.

I can tell you from experience, we went to a Howard liquor store with a striped awning or front. Once the drinking age rose to 21, many head north to Kenosha. However, many went to Kenosha, because it was a better crowd at the Brat Stop. I actually headed to the southside, because some of my Kendall friends lived there.

I spent my time at another friend, Ron's place at Touhy just west of Sheridan during the summer of 1982 I stopped by a few times to Biddy Mulligans, to hear the Jack Kerouac-like poetry, among other places. I remember when the Heartland Cafe was an infant.

I also recall Potawatomi Park was called "pot park." Potawattomi is extremely tame, now; anyone who is ignorant enough to say otherwise is a neophyte. A group of Touhy and Rogers neighbors pretty much stayed in place and made a significant difference. To this day, many of them still live in content in the area.


We all know of extremely immature adults, who could learn more about manners from a 15 year old. Just hang out in Craig's neighborhood.

From my experience, it is the transplants dependent personalities looking for companionship, who get corked, buy crack and stick out on the sidewalks. Many are transients, who are looking for a better life, but have dependent personalities and don't know how to work with this trait. Many lack an education and are looking for high paying jobs for the under-educated that don't exist.

The community has its share of mental illness, but by no means as obvious as Uptown. People should not cast dispersions and call it as it is.

Secular or non-religious outreach, Craig, that is a challenge. A hard core drug user does not want to hear about "sweet Jesus" unless they can coax out a few dollars, a cot, or a meal out of a church. That is why some go to Beth Emet in Evanston every Wednesday, because they don't have to listen to anyone preach the gospel.

For those who call me a neophyte, I regret to tell you that I have spent more time on these streets. I walk the streets, because I treat my neighbors with respect, regardless. The Golden Rule is the key to unlimited devotion.

If the CPD wants to park itself in the Potawattomi Park lot, then let them, but neighbors respect those who they recognize. It is the outsiders and transients that do not show respect, harrass neighbors, and trash our streets.

My attitude, among others, is if you plan to stay in RP, then work with those who know, don't simply cast dispersions on the realities of city life.

We don't need any to see the "Debbie Downers," we know they exist, but you should consider some of the Sandy Success stories. They exist, but you need to you give them the attention that you give the Bearcat Police radio. I enjoyed hearing about the struggle with the planters.

What about construction on the Howard Street Station or the huge Condo development on Howard? This area is a bargain. I don't know of many City workers repeatedly running over Skokie Taxi drivers in Rogers Park, but there was a situation in Lakeview.

Happy Holidays.

Blognotes: If you don't read the comments, you would've missed this juicy one too.