Today, let’s start with the answer to a question that came up two weeks ago: Who was the Singing Ford Man? George C. knew the answer and he was kind enough to share it with us. It was Harry Schmerler. As soon as I read that name, I recognized it! Thanks, George.
Now let’s go back to 1931 when Charles Birdseye had just come up with a new process for preserving vegetables, which he dubbed, Frosted Food. New advertisements claimed, “June peas as gloriously green as any you will buy next summer.”
By 1931, kids had yo-yos, Lincoln logs and tinkertoys, as well as Crayola Crayons and Lionel trains. Adults had talking pictures at the movie houses for entertainment. And, the Delight Shop at 3428 W. 63rd St. had a television on demonstration in its store window.
In 1931, members of the Marquette School Parent-Teacher Association asked for the co-operation of the Marquette Manor Lions Club in securing public playgrounds for children living within the boundaries of the district.
The PTA stated that in the area from 63rd to Marquette Road and Western Avenue to California Avenue, the children had no playing area except the street. While Marquette Park was only across the boulevard, there were no provisions at the park except for tennis courts.
The only play area was at Central Park, which was too far for the children to reach themselves.
The two available tracts of land that were recommended by the committee were vacant lots on 66th Street between Talman and Rockwell avenues and another at 64th Street and Western Avenue.
The PTA further stated that if a permit could be obtained for either of the two proposed sites, the children, under the supervision of the Marquette PTA recreation committee, would clear away the debris, cut the weeds and put the grounds in good condition.
Eager to help, the Lions invited the PTA to its next meeting. As an interesting side note, the PTA members at that time were all women. After gaining support from the Lions, Mrs. J. McNeill, 6235 S. California Ave., presided at the piano, and the Lions Club members joined the PTA in a sing-a-long of popular tunes. Isn’t that a great way to kick off a project?
Once the plan was put into proper form, Walter Morris, then 18th Ward alderman, presented it to the city council adding a request for adequate police protection of the new playlot. A total of 400 adults and 1,700 children supported the project at the time the appeal was handed in.
“Money Smart Week Chicago, Financial Fitness For Your Family” will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, April 26) in St. Rita Parish’s St. Augustine Hall, 6201 S. Fairfield Ave. The fun-filled event sponsored by local businesses and groups will provide everyone from seniors to children with an opportunity to hear from experts regarding wealth creation, debt elimination, youth entrepreneurship, preparation for the first time homebuyer, financial planning, protecting your assets, banking, mortgages and more.
There will be plenty of booths and chances to win prizes. Employment and business opportunities will also be available. For more information, call (877) 557-9647.
Have a great week.