Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Summer is definitely behind us but, as we head into fall, the season has left us with some wonderful memories. Those include some great events presented by the Pullman National Historical Park Rangers and their staff, the beginning of the construction of a Chick-fil-A on 111th Street, the opening of the Pullman Club Café, the transformation of the off-track betting facility into offices for Chicago’s Red Line extension project, and the clearing of houses on 116th Street to make way for the project.
St. Anthony’s Parish has seen the ordination of its new deaconate couple, Mario and Graciela Delgado and the celebration of Fr. Mark Krylowicz’ 17th year as pastor of St Anthony’s. And as if that weren’t enough, the city of Chicago stepped up neighborhood offerings via Taste of Chicago, with great participation from Roseland and Pullman. And, on a personal note, I have committed to completing two writing projects.
The Pullman National Historical Park staff takes great pride in staging events for the youth of Roseland and Pullman. Many visitors to the park are surprised by the variety and thoroughness of the projects. Meanwhile, participants learn more about Pullman’s impact on the labor movement, the strike of 1894, and the Pullman Porter’s Union, which was recognized in 1925.
Pullman is once again home to a new restaurant as work is nearing completion on the Chick-fil-A on 111th Street. At this writing, I haven’t seen exact plans of the restaurant layout, but I believe it will have an in/out drive thru that will serve as an easy stop off near the Bishop Ford I-94 111th Street exit ramp.
The OTB facility has been completely remodeled to serve a more community- and city-oriented purpose. It now serves as the local office for the staff of Chicago’s Redline Extension Project. To meet the needs of the Redline Extension Project, the six homes on 116th Street east of Michigan Avenue and on the south side of 116th Street have all been purchased and cleared for the development. Many of the residents have remained in the area, such as longtime resident Jack Rossi, who is now a proud resident of Pullman’s Market Hall area.
Fr. Mark Krylowicz has celebrated 17 years as St. Anthony’s Pastor and has finally gotten some help. Deaconate couple Mario and Graciela Delgado have been permanently assigned to St. Anthony’s. Prior to Mario’s ordination, he served at the parish to learn the ropes. He and Graciela have been a positive influence on the parish’s young people. They have also become a great aide in helping Fr. Mark with his many duties. Mario and Graciela are a very welcome and important part of the St. Anthony community.
The Pullman House Project has provided new tour availability along with freshly restored homes with period pieces representing how Pullman residents lived. Tours begin at the Pullman Coffee Club located in the former Sessions Restaurant at the corner of 111th and St. Lawrence Avenue. For more information, look them up online or stop by for a cup of coffee and an old-fashioned donut.
Pullman’s participation in Chicago’s “Neighborhood Taste of Chicago – Pullman” has proven to be a real plus for the City’s South Side. With residents from South Pullman, North Pullman and Roseland, the event has brightened the four stars of the Chicago’s flag beyond expectation.
At a couple months shy of my 78th birthday, I’ve decided that I had better get a move on with personal projects that have been languishing in the recesses of my mind. To that end, I have committed to working on my autobiography and my second Roseland book, Roseland Recollections,” with both to be completed by early 2025.
“Petals from Roseland: Fond Memories of Chicago’s Roseland, Pullman and Kensington Neighborhoods” is available from me for anyone interested in sharing or revisiting their life in Roseland at $20 + $5 s&h. Contact me at petalsfromroseland@gmail.com or 11403 S. St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60628; 773-710-3559. My book is also available at D & D Foods, 1023 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights; Bookie’s New and Used Books, 10324 S. Western Ave, Chicago; and at Miles Books, 2819 Jewett Ave., Highland, Indiana.
