Have you ever heard of Resurrection Mary? She’s a ghost, a vanishing hitchhiker, and West Archer Avenue is one of the places you’re most likely to encounter her. The stories have been told and retold for generations. Every year, countless people report seeing her, a young woman dressed in white, standing on the side of the road, looking for a ride. They pull over, offer her a seat, and then, just as quickly as she appeared, she vanishes. West Archer Avenue is a road steeped in history. It follows the original trail connecting the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River, a route once used by French explorers Marquette and Joliet. This road is not only a place of spectral encounters, but it also holds echoes of the Irish immigrants who settled in the Bridgeport neighborhood. The road was named after William Beatty Archer, the first commissioner of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. His political views caused friction with the Irish, but after he provided them with jobs constructing the canal, Archer became a well-respected figure in Bridgeport. So, as you stand here on West Archer Avenue, remember its rich history, its ghostly residents, and its connection to the early days of the city. The road holds an undeniable charm, a mix of the macabre and the historic, making it a truly unique experience for anyone who dares to explore it.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one