There are a lot of reasons I chose this spot for my first geocache hide - and not just because the establishment has a very appropriate name! I have seen many of my favorite bands inside these walls and outside as well, at their annual block party festival. These include Andrew Bird, The Frames, The Low Anthem, Jon Brion, Neko Case, Mavis Staples, and many many more. A lot of these concerts were shared and celebrated with some great friends who are no longer with us, including my father and geocaching partner POPLLC. This cache is a fitting tribute to many nights of great memories.
Beyond my own personal history, this cozy bar has a storied past of it's own, which is why I would like to bring cachers for a visit. Paraphrased from the establishment's website:
" This is a 100 year old balloon-frame house, built in two days, still here a century later. Hammers pounding in nails faster than the city could tear it down. Built by undocumented workers at the end of the 19th Century, run by undocumented bootleggers and gin runners, running numbers, racing horses, making deals, and moving in the make.
This is the place where the hard working man and the hard working hustler met for beer and eggs. Where the “26 girls” rolled the dice for dances and 10 cent drinks.
Born as a 19th Century Shanty, straight from the mud by ditch-digging Irishmen with dirty boots and hats, always hats, pushed aside by the nickel and dime Prohibition Era Sicilian button men. Cold War steel working Polish made way for the alternative, indie, free jazz, country, punk, post-rock of the 21st Century.
Haunted, holy, hallowed ground. Born of risk and haste, from a shack to a house, then a Public House. Hearty drinking, where everyone buys a round for everyone else. Family and friends, friends of friends, word of mouth, hand to mouth.
Same name since they made the juice legal, no sign on the outside, inside, and insiders only. Once inside we’re as thick as thieves. A clandestine destination with a guaranteed good time.
This is the last hold-out of the rebel club. It is located in the center of the industrial corridor along the North Branch of the Chicago River. It is surrounded by factories, and the looming City of Chicago Fleet Management Facility. Every night for over a decade, punk rock, alt-country, indie rock, post-rock whatever, break out their instruments and play like it is the last night on earth."
This area can be a high muggle area depending on the time you visit. Please be as stealthy as possible. Including four travel bugs for first finders. Please just take one! Thanks.
Thank you to the bar owners for helping me conceptualize and execute this hide! This cache is hidden outside the establishment. Geocachers are not required to go into the building to find the cache.