Halloween is coming! Enjoy this episode about Chicago's ghoulish past, including tales of forgotten cemeteries, grave robbers, mob graveyards, and more. Love the podcast? Leave us a review! https://lovethepodcast.com/chicago…
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lincoln Park had a “High Bridge” which rose 75 feet over the south lagoon water. As much appeal to sightseers as the big beautiful bridge had, it also had a dark appeal, quickly earning it …
On a cold day in 1932, a Chicago cop named William Lundy was gunned down at a speakeasy in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Two men were sent to prison for the crime, but did prosecutors get the right men? 11 years later,…
The Ferris Wheel, a marvel of engineering, first appeared at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. This is the story of what happened to the wheel after the fair closed. Chicago History Podcast Clothing, Mugs,…
Not long after The Beatles invaded America and kids everywhere picked up guitars and drumsticks and formed their own bands, enterprising individuals all over Chicago and the suburbs saw… opportunity. This is the story of Chi…
On this episode we discuss a few things you may not know about Labor Day and Chicago’s role in how Labor Day as a holiday came to be. Additional Reading (your purchase using the links below helps support the podcast): Death …
That beautiful fountain on Columbus Drive that you see when driving on Lake Shore Drive has an amazing history behind it. This is the story of the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Clarence's sister Kate, and Edward H. …
This is the story of "Big Bill" Thompson, a bigger-than-life character who served as Chicago mayor for three terms and is viewed as one of the most corrupt politicians Chicago has ever seen. Further reading (purchasing these…
In 1962, three of the country's top entertainers traveled to a venue at 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. near Northbrook to perform for a who's who of Mafia notables. This is the story of Villa Venice. Additional Reading (your purchas…
There was a time you could sit in your car and watch a movie on a giant screen. Crazy, I know. Wait - what? Drive-ins still exist? In this episode we discuss drive-in movies and their history in the Chicagoland area. Additio…
Six years after the closing of the World's Fair of 1893, on 10 acres near the University of Chicago, a new outdoor entertainment venue opened called Sans Souci. Sans Souci and Midway Gardens, although all but forgotten, pave…
It should have been a fun day of picnicking for workers at a local company but it quickly turned into chaos and death in the Chicago river in what is one of the worst accidents and loss of life on the Great Lakes. This is th…
Jay's Foods - from humble beginnings to becoming a snack food empire, their Jay's Potato Chips have been a longtime favorite created here in Chicago. This is the story of founder Leonard Japp's rise to the top. Chicago Histo…
The building looks like a castle and includes a history of bombs (both literal and theatrical ones), fine dining, fires, award-winning plays, extortion, and many other ups and downs over an 80-year history. Listen to learn m…
Chicago is the city that claims to be first in regards to many things. This episode has a bit of that but also stories about the first time certain events happened in the windy city. The band Nirvana's first visit to Chicago…
It is a film that tops many Chicagoans’ lists of their favorite movies shot mainly here in the second city and most certainly is a huge part of Chicago history. Today, June 20th, 2020, marks the 40th Anniversary of the relea…
Was she a good girl gone bad, as some news reports would have you believe, or was Wanda Stopa a naïve, lovestruck woman taken advantage of by an older man? Either way, this is a story that rocked Chicago's news in April of 1…
Sure, Chicago has the National Hockey League's much loved Chicago Blackhawks and also the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, but what about that OTHER Chicago hockey team? Today's we're discussing the Chicago Cougars, …
It was an innovative idea in its day - a 200 store indoor shopping center 35 miles outside of Chicago with a 31-ride amusement park in the middle. Unfortunately, once you throw in costly delays, waning attendance, lackluster…
You don't always have to be first, but when you are it certainly feels good. Chicago has had its share of firsts. The first skyscraper? Built in Chicago. The first female police officer? Chicago again. The first moving walkw…
Chicago has a long history with beer and breweries. Starting in 1881 and continuing for over 80 years, one street in Chicago was home to many breweries that experienced a number of highs and some might agree even more lows. …
One building, nearly 25 years of amazing concerts and the start of many successful bands. Episode Three of the Chicago History Podcast looks at Tuts and Avalon, two clubs that occupied the second floor of a building in Chica…
For 25 years, one building housed some of Chicago's most interesting music venues. In this episode, we'll discuss the first rock club at that address and how Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and m…
Before Walgreens became its current occupant, the northwest corner of Dearborn and Division in Chicago was home to storied movie theaters for over 70 years. Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod@gmail.com): https://www.…
