Step into Paschen Park, named after Christian P. Paschen, the city’s Commissioner of Buildings from 1927 to 1931. It was once a vacant lot. Back in 1929, the city of Chicago leased a small piece of land from the Board of Education to create a playground for the rapidly growing Rogers Park neighborhood. Paschen, who also headed the Christian P. Paschen Company, a brick and masonry contractor, played a role in negotiating that lease. Today, Paschen Park is a cherished green space, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. But the park has a complex history, much like its namesake, a man who would be charged with income tax evasion and sentenced to 19 months in Leavenworth Penitentiary in 1932.
A plaque sits quietly near the sidewalk, a reminder of a family that once lived in the shadow of Paschen Park. The Pollard family, who moved to Rogers Park from Missouri to escape racial tension, were trailblazers in their own right. John Pollard, a Civil War veteran, moved his family to Chicago in the 1880s. Catherine Amanda Pollard, John’s wife and a seamstress, were the first Black residents of Rogers Park. They raised a large family. Their children went on to achieve remarkable things. Fritz Pollard, the first Black quarterback and head coach in the NFL, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Artissmisia Pollard was the first Black licensed nurse in Illinois, and Naomi Pollard, the middle of three daughters, was the first Black woman graduate of Northwestern University.
Paschen Park continues to play a significant role in the community. Today, it is a place where children can play, families can relax and people can connect. The park has undergone renovations, upgrading the playground and providing a contemporary space for recreation. As you step inside, take a moment to appreciate the green space in front of you, a testament to the evolving story of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The legacy of Paschen, though marked by controversy, and the remarkable story of the Pollard family are woven into the fabric of this small park, showcasing the city’s intricate history and the resilience of its people.