I Love Chicago! - Neighborhoods - Taylor Street Traditional Cache
Reviewer Smith: Reviewer Smith
I Love Chicago! - Neighborhoods - Taylor Street
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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A very small plastic vial in a very busy summer area. Parking might be tough!
The Short Story
Taylor Street, a tight knit neighborhood of Italian origin encompassed within the streets of Morgan, Taylor, Ashland and Harrison.
The Longer Story :)
Italians first appeared in Chicago around 1850. Only 43 were counted in Illinois that year by the United States Census. But over time that number grew and after more than 150 years, you can still find remnants of these communities in several different areas of Chicago, all with an Italian pride that was worked for and rightfully earned.
Those who originally came over, mostly from southern Italy and Sicily, encountered hardship and a negative stigma that Italian-Americans today wouldn’t even dream existed. But the Italian community proved themselves to be an established presence over the years and here in the heart of the near West Side, a dispersed but beautiful community can still be found.
A strong community with a long, diverse history whose vitality and charm can still be found if you look deep into its changing face. But today it is not what it once was. Somewhat obvious, it is a feeling of many who live here, at least those who remember a time when the area was almost completely Italian, up until the war and through the late 1950’s.
Throughout all of these changes, it was the parishes of the area that tied the community together. But they too, went through changes of their own. Thankfully, today, they are what seems to continually unite this neighborhood and where you will find the hearts of those people who are the true meaning of Taylor Street.
Our Lady of Pompeii Church was the first to open its doors on the northeast corner of Lexington in April of 1911. On October 10th, 1994, Joseph Cardinal Bernadin proclaimed the church a shrine, a center of hospitality, evangelization and spiritual growth founded in the Italian tradition and culture. Incorporating the Italian language into parts of the mass, Our Lady of Pompeii carries on old traditions and welcomes all who wish to attend. Other parishes that connect the community are Notre Dame de Chicago, a French-Canadian church on Flournoy, and St. Callistus on West Bowler, both of which have been major influences for those families who have lived here from the beginning.
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Dedication:
To the caching crew of JustUsTwo and Tishman and Lucy.
There isn't a group that has more fun in northern Illinois.
I just can't wait to hear of their adventures with this series. :)
Have fun you'se guys!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Thneqenvy