Home comforts abound here on East North Avenue. It is a street where people come early and stay all day. It has a distinctive home atmosphere.
East North Avenue stretches east and west through Chicago and its suburbs. It runs for 32.31 miles. The avenue’s story is deeply woven into Chicago’s history.
Once, East North Avenue marked Chicago’s northern boundary. This was west of LaSalle Street. It happened upon the city’s incorporation in 1837. As Chicago grew, East North Avenue expanded. It annexed areas westward. This expansion reflects the city’s dynamic growth.
Saturday evening on East North Avenue is a family affair. Fathers arrive forgetting their work worries. Mothers come ready for Sunday shopping. Children join hand in hand. They create a little human set of sausages. The avenue becomes a place for family relaxation.
The shop windows along East North Avenue are mouthwatering. They display beefsteaks, chops, carrots, apples, and cabbages. Family entrances peek out. Shops display signs like “Complete Home Outfitters.” These shops create a homey feel.
Children play freely on East North Avenue. They come from miles around. They rally among the cars and wagons. They run and play on the sidewalks. Mothers aren’t afraid. “She’s just over on East North Avenue somewhere playing,” they say.
“As German as East North Avenue” used to be a common saying. The avenue was the main road for north side Germans. Over time, the street reached westward. It became a business street for both the north and west sides. The area east of the river remained German. The street to the west became Scandinavian or Swedish.
The business life of East North Avenue divides into four centers. Between Sedgwick and Halsted lies the heart of old north side German life. Merchants were mostly of German descent. Crowds packed the streets especially on Saturday nights.
Further west near Humboldt Park is another prosperous area. This is between Western and California avenues. Scandinavians predominate here. Westward from Western Avenue, the street widens. The atmosphere matches any thriving west side street.
Westward again, East North Avenue hustles from Kedzie to Lawndale. Frontage values are high. Vacant places vanished. Business thrives.
At Fortieth Avenue, another mercantile center arrived. Swedish merchants built up bank accounts. Construction was still ongoing. Home makers were moving in.
Three business men’s associations support East North Avenue. The oldest is the North Avenue Merchants’ Association. It rules the street between the lake and the river. This association organized ten years ago. It took up the work of the defunct North Side Merchants’ association.
Between Western and California avenues, the West North Avenue Business Men’s Association works for its merchants. This association removed obstructive buildings. It worked on transportation problems.
The third association is the West North Avenue Business Association at Fortieth Avenue. These associations highlight the community’s commitment. They show how they are committed to improving the avenue.
East North Avenue touches two parks: Lincoln and Humboldt. It is the southern boundary of the lakefront park. The intersection of Clark Street and East North Avenue bustles. Mothers bring babies for lakefront coolness.
The avenue passes through densely populated areas. The heaviest population is between Ashland and the river.
St. Michael’s Church and school is a point of interest. This parochial school enrolls many children. The Germans who settled the street were mostly Roman Catholics. Near the avenue is the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Theaters dot East North Avenue. These include the Plaza, Sittner’s, and the Crystal. These are home theaters.
East North Avenue continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of Chicago. It remains a vital part of the city. Its history reflects Chicago’s growth. Its community continues to shape its future. It is a street of home comforts. It is a street of memories.