“Stilts!” That’s what early settlers needed to build homes here. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Avalon Park. This park offers a glimpse into the vibrant history of Chicago. Avalon Park wasn’t always the thriving community we see today.
Back in the 19th century, this area was mostly swamp. Houses were built on stilts to avoid flooding. Mud Lake and Stony Island were the main natural features. For a while, Avalon Park served as a waste disposal site due to its isolation.
German and Irish railroad workers began settling here in the late 1880s. Skilled mechanics, many from Pullman and Burnside, also made Avalon Park their home. Annexation to Chicago in 1889 spurred growth. The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the installation of drainage in 1900 further helped.
The community’s name was officially changed to Avalon Park in 1910. Before that, it was unofficially known as “Pennytown”. A second housing boom occurred in the 1920s. Another followed after World War II. This coincided with job growth in nearby steel mills and industrial plants.
By 1930, Avalon Park had over 10,000 residents. This was a significant jump from 2,911 just a decade earlier. The area became primarily residential. A shopping district at 79th Street and Stony Island served the community, along with schools and churches. Owner-occupancy rates have been consistently high.
Avalon Park has experienced transitions in both class and race. By 1930, about 19% of residents were of Swedish descent. They joined the earlier German and Irish residents. Most worked in railroads, steel mills, and factories. African Americans began moving into Avalon Park in the 1960s. Many were middle-class professionals like doctors, lawyers, and businessmen.
In 1970, Avalon Park’s population peaked at 14,412. African Americans made up 83% of the population then. By 1980, they constituted 96% of the 13,792 residents.
The population declined by the end of the century. It fell to 11,147, just below the 1950 level. In the late 1990s, developers planned multiunit housing along 83rd Street to counter this trend.
Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, lived in Avalon Park for a time. He resided at 8500 South Jeffery Avenue.
Today, Avalon Park is a vibrant community with a rich history. It stands as a testament to the resilience and diversity of Chicago. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath our feet. Think about the people who shaped this neighborhood. Their stories live on in the streets and parks of Avalon Park.