section 2
section 3
Thousands of Chicagoans and folks for the surrounding townships were show at one time
The Translation
Picnic and kids with Rifles in 1877
Over 15k in Attendance in 1887
The Swedes at a Gathering in 1895
The Poles had a Gathering in 1896
The Old Settler's in 1903
West of Western Avenue:
at Harm's Park
photo - Daily New Archives1894 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
The apparent location of the park based on the information from Forgotten Chicago - title link
Many events and festivals were held in Harms Park, most
notably the Chicago Old Settlers’ Picnic, which celebrated the north-sider's oldest
citizens. The year 1937 marked Chicago’s hundredth year, and the Chicago Charter Jubilee
held various celebrations and events, among them this picnic, which was held
annually until 1946. This Charter Jubilee was also responsible for the
placement of many historical plaques in various places throughout the city.
- Forgotten Chicago
According to several Chicago Tribune articles Harms Park was a popular location for this event since 1874. The first event was held at Harms Park with up to 5000 residents gathered to celebrate a Chicago annual tradition. According to a photo of the Daily News Archives the Old Settlers Picnic was at least once held in Riverview Park in 1905,once part of Schuetzen Park, one year after its own public opening. - see photo above
Picnic of 1944
Picnic of 1945
Community of North Central
vintage transportation west on Belmont Avenue
and Roscoe Street
Riverview was established in 1904 by William Schmidt, on the grounds of his private skeet shooting range. The Schmidt family owned and operated the park throughout its lifetime. - Wikipedia
postcards - Ebay
1905 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Sheet 32
Sheet 32 below
Entrance on Western Avenue
just north of Belmont Avenue
Transport and Energy Stations near by:Chicago Electric Transit Power House
Chicago Electric Transit Car Barns
District of Lake View
(link above to my post about it)
Ferris Wheel Park was established in 1895 when Lake View was a newly formed District of Chicago along Clark Street between Wrightwood Avenue just south of Diversey Avenue (Parkway).
Ferris Wheel Park was the creation of a transportation baron from the 19th century who owned streetcar rail company from Chicago to Clark & Wrightwood so that folks from Chicago could reach this amazement park for his own personal financial gain.
The park existed for a brief period of time in the 1890's.
The neighbors hated it!!
photo below - Calumet 412
view from Pine Grove Avenue north
The American
Civil War:
The State of Illinois was a major source of troops for
the Union Army (particularly for those armies serving in the Western Theater of
the Civil War), and of military supplies, food, and clothing. Situated near
major rivers and railroads, Illinois became a major jumping off place early in
the war for Ulysses S. Grant's efforts to seize control of the Mississippi and
Tennessee rivers. Statewide, public support for the Union was high despite Copperhead sentiment. However, not everyone in the state supported the war. In
fact, there were even calls for secession in Southern Illinois or Little Egypt
by several residents. In Marion residents voted to secede from the United
States. A few, even, volunteered for the Confederate States Army in Tennessee. - Wikipedia April 1864, Governor Brough and the governors of
Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin met together and lobbied the federal
government jointly to accept militia forces from each state for active duty. On
April 21, they sent their formal proposal to President Abraham Lincoln. While Governor
Brough had hoped this surplus of men would result in Confederate defeat in one
hundred days or less, the South's downfall did not occur in this time limit.
Nevertheless, the surge in men did provide the federal government with
additional soldiers who helped the Northern military win several important
victories during the summer of 1864, bringing the Confederacy closer to
collapse. - Education.com
The Mustering
at Wrightwood Grove
once part of the Township of Lake View
This segment lists the boys of Lake View Township that volunteerly joined the Amerian Civil War in 1864 for only 100 days.
Lake View Township in 1862
The WL Flower Map
The borders of the township were the lake to the east, Western Avenue to the west, Fullerton Avenue to the south,
and Devon Avenue to the north.
A Photographic Glimpse Inside Camp Fry
March 1865
by modern historian Stephen Osman
photograph of Camp FryThe 156th Illinois Volunteer Infantry was a one-year regiment and the last Illinois infantry unit raised for the Civil War. It was formed at Camp Fry in late February and early March 1865. Once uniformed, equipped, armed and given some basic drill instruction the regiment took trains to the Nashville area where it was broken into small commands to guard the strategic railroads outside that fortress city. The regiment returned to Illinois in September to be mustered out.
This paper albumin photograph originated in the estate of Marcus L. Bosworth, a private in Company F. Inscribed on the back in very faded pencil is Bosworth’s signature, “Company Picture” and “March 1865.” Company F was composed of many men from Kane and Kankakee Counties; Bosworth himself was from Manteno. Following a January 19, 1865 order from Illinois Governor Oglesby Camp Fry was designated an additional camp of rendezvous, and recruits from the first, second, third and sixth congressional districts were to muster there.
There is little published information on the mustering and service of this final 1865 unit. But the Chicago Tribune has been digitalized by the Library of Congress on their Chronicling America website. A search for 156th Illinois, and then Camp Fry confirmed their service there. On the evening of March 15, 1865, the nearly 1,000 men of the 156th marched out of Camp Fry in a pouring rainstorm to begin their six months of service in the south.
The barrack in the background was no doubt occupied by Company F. Each vertical board and batten wood frame quarters for a 100-man company had a tarpaper roof and no insulation. Inside were triple tier bunks, each shared by two men, plus tables and benches. Poorly heated by coal stoves, the barracks must have been drafty and miserable in late winter 1865.
Most of the men are still wearing their overcoats in this early March photo. Surprisingly many appear to be wearing mounted pattern boots rather than the laced ankle bootie typically issued to infantrymen. Their uniforms and equipment are new; canteen straps have not yet been shortened and only a couple men have substituted felt hats for the just issued forage cap. Only two men carry their muskets and they were probably detailed for armed service that day but wanted to be in the photo with their comrades. The company officers – Captain Henry J. Allen probably flanked by Lieutenants William E. Craib and Narcisse Reeves – are front and center.
Scholars are fortunate that one private in that company saved this unique photograph that documents the Civil War camp in Wright’s Grove – now [in the vicinity] the intersection of North Clark, Broadway and Diversey Parkway.
Stephen E. Osman
Minneapolis, MN
6 March 2018The Order of
Establishment
An Account of Camp Fry
in 1864
Bayoneted Rifles Arsenal,134th Illinois Volunteer
Infantry,Columbus, KY
Creator(s): Carbutt, John, 1832-1905, photographer
Date Created/Published: [1864]
photo & text above - Ebay
A Problem in June 1865* the war ended in April *
Forgotten
until Now
A Gathering
at Wright Grove in 1869
The Regiments/Companies
that Mustered at Camp Fry
published text
by Stephen Osman, modern historian
The residents of the township were all in the 134th either in Company D and F
Phillip S Wood
Conrad Bristler
apparent brothers
George & Charles Catlin
134th
according to Library of Congress
Mayor William Hale
Thompson
TThe last Republican mayor of Chicago was a World War I pacifist. He was also a pacifist in 1939. In 1917 he allowed the
The city alderman were not happy either
Honoring Soldiers on
Dedication Day
(Veterans Day)
in 1944
Honoring on
Veterans Day 1968
at Greenview & Wolfram
photos by Nick Nikola Sr.
via LakeView Historical-Facebook
2019 view of same cornerThe structural bases of the Flag Poles
on another corner
in 2019
The Modern
Gatherings
and Events
illustration above - 1931 Chicagoan Magazine
NOTE
In order to find these and other gatherings google the
Chambers of Commerce
many of these events can be located at
The Events Timeline
as of 2023:
(I am sure I missed one or 2)
February
Soup Walk &
Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival
once called the Halsted Winter Fest
March
Restaurant Week
(Feb-March)
Chicago Shamrock Crawl in
Wrigleyville!
Taste of NorthHalsted
April
Ravenswood 5k
Run for the Rose 5k
Chicago Pickle Fest
May
Cover the Bases
Mayfest
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
WOOGMS Memorial Day Parade
Lincoln Roscoe Art Craft Fair
June
Live Lakeview
Porchfest
SausageFest Chicago
Chicago Pride Fest
Summer on Southport
'Gay' Pride Parade
Southport Art Fest
Ravenswood SideWalk Sale
July
Live on Lincoln
Southport Art Festival
Taste of Lakeview
and once called Rock Around the Block
Dine Out Broadway
(July - through Sept)
Southport Art Festival
Senior Picnic
Dine Out Broadway
(July & Sept)
August
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Porch-Fest
OUT at Wrigley
Northalsted Market Days
September
WOOGMS Labor Day Parade
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
Octoberfest at St. Alphonsus
Kids Bike Ride
Ravenswood Art Walk
Graceland West Nieghborhood Fest
October
Race to Wrigley
Ravenswood Art Walk
Ravenswood Costume Crawl
Bank of America Marathon
former known as La Salle Marathon
Graceland West Fest
Taste of NorthHalsted
Trick or Treat on Southport
Halloween Block Party
Family Trick or Treat
November
Life Time Turkey Day Chicago
December
Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run
Wrigleyville Lantern Parade
12 Bars of Christmas
The Southport Holiday Stroll
The Holly Jolly (Ravenswood) Trolly
The Events
in Some Detail:
February
Events:
Warm up to winter! From super cool winter exhibits to a steamy soup walk that's sure to warm your bones, there's something for everyone at Northalsted Winter Fest. Our restaurants, retailers and performers will be dishing out fire and ice to make this a 'Sunday Funday' for the books - since 2014
NorthHalsted Business Alliance is holding a Winter Fest for the first time later this month, with hopes that fire dancers, an ice sculptor and free hot soup will attract people out into the cold. In the 7-Eleven parking lot at 3407 N. Halsted St., an artist will be sculpting chunks of ice into works of art with a chainsaw during the day. At Taverna 750's patio, 750 W. Cornelia Ave., dancers will be performing with fire. And outside Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N Halsted St., the club's drag queen divas will be dressed up as ice kings and queens for photos. - DNAinfo 2014 - and currently called ...
March
Events:
in Wrigleyville
On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. That means you.
Grab your closest friends and empty all the green gear out of your closest.
It’s time for you to celebrate the right way as we take over the Wrigleyville
neighborhood with this one of a kind event. Picture it: You’re laughing and
singing and you start to feel that giddy St. Patrick’s Day morning buzz. All of
a sudden, you realize that you can Irish dance! Then you realize that ALL of
your friends can Irish dance too, and they can do it with beers in hand! Make
this dream a reality. We’ll see you there. All of the venues are within walking
distance so you can spend more time partying with friends.
since 1998
since 2020
Lock in and lace up for the Fourth Annual Run for Rosé
5K! This 3.1 miler is a fun run/walk along the lake (with an after party at our
place) that we created as a way to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association
and celebrate drinking pink. Here is one snack that just doesn't get the credit that
it is due..the PICKLE! We have heard the cries of pickle lovers world wide and
so, in honor of this tangy delicious treat, we're throwing a street fest style
party at the best bar in Wrigleyville! We will be partying all day with pickle
beer, pickle cocktails and special pickle-focused food items! This will be a
party that you will relish for the rest of your life!
Pickles, pickles, pickles, pickles and more pickles.
There will be so much fun and food to choose from. The world is your oyster!
... or should we say, pickle?
Wearing GREEN is not required at Chicago Pickle Fest, but
of course it's more fun if you do! - Eventbite
This three-day celebration that began in 1995 kicks off the City of Chicago’s festival season. This event located at 3100 North Ashland near Lincoln Avenue brings in three days of celebration featuring Chicago’s BEST Bands, Festival Cuisine, pretzels, beer, and a broad spectrum of super cool entertainment starting off Friday with VIP Party for the general public.
May since 1984
Established in 2001, this event is a weekend event that showcases local music talent. The event is located between Belmont and Addison and along Sheffield. The Fest (video) offers continuous live music, tastings from area restaurants, and goods and wares from local merchants with the famous ballpark as a backdrop.
May since 2002
unknown date photo - Chicagoland-Facebook
This annual event kicks the cars off of beautiful Lake Shore Drive so you can peacefully ride their bike along it. You get to admire Chicago from one of its best vantage points and view LakeView East that includes Belmont Harbor along the outer drive. All eight lanes are open for riders along a 15 mile stretch. If you make the entire loop (north and south), it's a 30 mile ride. Marker 7 & 8 (mile) are located in Lake View.
since 2009
Lincoln Roscoe
Art Craft Fair
This event, hosted by Special Service Area 27, is free
and takes place on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and School Street. Returning
to Chicago on Saturday this northside event features art for the home including
fabulous paintings, sculptures, and fiber pieces, as well as décor, jewelry and
more; all hand made by artists and artisans. Live music all weekend long,
painting classes, selfie stations, festival food, interactive art activities
for kids hosted by local businesses! Beer lovers will be happy to see a broad
selection of brews for purchase presented by Friends of Lakeview and curated by
locally based Bitter Pops. June
Events:
Ravenswood SideWalk Sale
since 2024
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to
announce the first Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, June 8th! Enjoy open
air shopping, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and amazing specials along Montrose,
Damen, Lawrence, and Ravenswood avenues. While you’re out exploring, enjoy an
incredible brunch or delicious bite at one of the many fantastic restaurants in
the neighborhood.
The Senior Picnic
since 2004
since 2018 The event hub is St. Alphonsus Church
at 1429 W Wellington Avenue
June since 2010
*moved to Old Town as of 2015*
- Redeye pics
Celebrate all things having to do with encased meats at Sausagefest. This fest is in the shadow of Wrigley Field in the community of Wrigleyville. This annual summer street festival features plenty of live music, arts & crafts and, of course, stellar sausage offerings from local butcher shops and eateries such as Bobak's Sausage Company, Paulina Meat Market, Chicago's Dog House, Murphy's Bleachers, Notolli & Son Italian Sausage Shop and Greek Delights.
June since 2003
*once held on the same weekend as Pride*
2022 map
2022 photos below
Wrigley Aerials/Twitter
Just steps away from the friendly confines of Wrigley
Field, the two-day festival will showcase some of the city’s best and most
diverse artists. Southport Art Fest will highlight a wide range art mediums
including oil, acrylic, watercolor, jewelry, sculpture, photography, wood,
glass, paper, metal, and mixed media at center stage all weekend long. - Choose Chicago
*apparently discontinued*
Once
eleven local restaurants will set up booths along Aldine at Halsted for a
walk-around tasting event including live music and entertainment in the form of
the Waiter's Race Cup. Online sales are now closed. Tickets at the door cost
$35, but you get access to some of the neighborhood's best restaurants and
chefs including Yoshi's Cafe, HB Home Bistro, Hearty, D.S. Tequila Company,
Chicago Diner, Las Mananitas, Whole Foods and more.
July
Events:
Live on Lincoln
the original logo for this event below
since 1988
one of the first outdoor fests in Lake View
2017 photos - Southport Corridor News & Events
once called
Summer on Southport
south of the Belmont Harborsince 2010
and apparently lasted about a hour
photos - Flickr
Dine Out
Broadway
August
Events:
Wrigleyville Summerfest
since 2002
*suspended??*
August since 1982
This lower photo as of 2012
A crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Market Days on Halsted Street in August to celebrate an annual event. It's the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country's finest festivals!
View my friend's, Greg Baird's
August since 1959 in Chicago
While this event occurs over North Avenue Beach the residents of Lake View experience it during their practice runs
on Thursdays & Fridays before the show
Michael S Lyons via Pictures of Chicago-Facebook 2017
2016 photo - DNAinfo
turning around with a view of Belmont Harbor 2002 photos
by Bruce Uruh from the Belmont Harbor area
since 2001
The nation's largest annual LGBTQ+ sporting event
Ravenswood
Art Walk
Graceland West
Neighborhood Fest
Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner
Yes, it's in September!!
since 1988
their Facebook page in 2016Lake View's version of Oktoberfest located at one of the oldest Catholic churches in the neighborhood. St. Alphonsus Parish was founded by German immigrants in 1882 and continues to recognize its German roots by celebrating an authentic Oktoberfest every September. Keeping with tradition, festival-goers can expect to experience homemade bratwurst, the “oom-pah” of German bands, the music of top area headliner bands, activities for kids (“Kinderfest”), and of course lots of great beer! The festival is held outdoors in a beer garden fashion under a ‘big-top’ tent. Thousands from Chicago of all ages attend and raise their stein to toast this German event. As of 2013 the new location was at Southport between Lincoln Avenue and George Street instead of tradition Oakdale. their Facebook page