July 3- Chicago Stuff That Should Still Be Around
In yesterday’s Sun Times, there was an article in the Showcase section by the entertaining Ms. Paige Wiser, regarding things that were in Chicago that should make a comeback. She wrote this article as a response to an AOL Money list of 25 things that they wished would make a comeback- so, Paige asked a few Chicagoans what THEY wish would return here in the Windy City.
Bob Sirott wanted to see the old Buffalo Ice Cream shop back, among other things. I’m sure he’d also like to see his beloved Cubs return to a World Series as well…author Bill Zehme misses the Playboy Building (complete with lit-up sign on top) and Mr. Kelly’s, the hot night spot of years past. And- one
“Son of Svengoolie” (Paige, Paige! I’ve been just Svengoolie since 1995! But I still love ya) had a few suggestions.
One was the old Olson Rug Indian waterfall display. When I talk about this, some people act like I dreamed it up, but NO! It DID exists (Paige even found a picture!)-it was on Pulaski at Diversey, by the Olson factory (now a Marshall Field …oops… Macy’s building.) It was a full-blown rock garden with Native American figures, teepees, and even a waterfall, plus a great phony full moon hanging overhead! The funny thing is- my family and I used to drive by it, and be amazed by it- but never once set foot there! I wish we had- but now, it’s too late- Olson Rug display went to happy hunting ground.
I also mention that I miss drive-in movie theaters- there are so few now- and there’s a lot of people who never got to experience the fun of these showplaces. Not to mention the varying quality of the snack bars, or the countdown film, with the clock being moved by an elf who kept stuffing himself with snack bar treats, or, the hot dog refusing to leap into the bun.
What drama!
I also brought up the JoJo’s chain of restaurants (somebody find me a place that makes that “Santiago Skillet!”)-and, as a nod to my pals in the downsizing newspaper biz, I mentioned fully-staffed newspapers.
I got an e-mail from Gary, who recalled the display, and even sent a copy of a postcard his family had of it! His family actually DID spend time on the premises there. I also got an e-mail from Gil, who said that I should have stated that I wish more programming like the stuff I do would make a comeback.
Right you are, Gil…at least I’m still doing it, thanks to the auspices of our fine stations.
Is there something YOU wish would make a comeback inn the Chicago area? Please e-mail it to me at svengoolie@wciu.com
And maybe it’ll be a new blog down the line…
Bob Sirott wanted to see the old Buffalo Ice Cream shop back, among other things. I’m sure he’d also like to see his beloved Cubs return to a World Series as well…author Bill Zehme misses the Playboy Building (complete with lit-up sign on top) and Mr. Kelly’s, the hot night spot of years past. And- one
“Son of Svengoolie” (Paige, Paige! I’ve been just Svengoolie since 1995! But I still love ya) had a few suggestions.
One was the old Olson Rug Indian waterfall display. When I talk about this, some people act like I dreamed it up, but NO! It DID exists (Paige even found a picture!)-it was on Pulaski at Diversey, by the Olson factory (now a Marshall Field …oops… Macy’s building.) It was a full-blown rock garden with Native American figures, teepees, and even a waterfall, plus a great phony full moon hanging overhead! The funny thing is- my family and I used to drive by it, and be amazed by it- but never once set foot there! I wish we had- but now, it’s too late- Olson Rug display went to happy hunting ground.
I also mention that I miss drive-in movie theaters- there are so few now- and there’s a lot of people who never got to experience the fun of these showplaces. Not to mention the varying quality of the snack bars, or the countdown film, with the clock being moved by an elf who kept stuffing himself with snack bar treats, or, the hot dog refusing to leap into the bun.
What drama!
I also brought up the JoJo’s chain of restaurants (somebody find me a place that makes that “Santiago Skillet!”)-and, as a nod to my pals in the downsizing newspaper biz, I mentioned fully-staffed newspapers.
I got an e-mail from Gary, who recalled the display, and even sent a copy of a postcard his family had of it! His family actually DID spend time on the premises there. I also got an e-mail from Gil, who said that I should have stated that I wish more programming like the stuff I do would make a comeback.
Right you are, Gil…at least I’m still doing it, thanks to the auspices of our fine stations.
Is there something YOU wish would make a comeback inn the Chicago area? Please e-mail it to me at svengoolie@wciu.com
And maybe it’ll be a new blog down the line…
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I'm glad Svengoolie is not on the list of Chicago stuff that should still be around.
We're lucky to still have you, Mr. Goolie! :-)