Calling Uptowners with long memories or a good knowledge of Uptown's history!
"The Nelson Algren Centennial Committee is planning to celebrate the author’s 100th Birthday on March 28th in his old stomping grounds of Bucktown/Wicker Park.
However, we know from our research that this iconic Chicago author lived, worked and socialized in other neighborhoods as well.
That’s where Uptowners (at least those with long memories) come in! We know that somewhere around Broadway and Montrose was a location for a notorious “established permanent floating card game” (props to Guys & Dolls) that attracted cops as well as “characters” including Algren. Anybody who can supply the “inside skinny” on this is welcome to contact us, confidentiality assured.
Also, in 1924 there was something called the “Uptown Arrows” basketball team, for which Nelson was record-keeper. Again, anyone who can clue us in on this is invited to contact us.
For more information about the Committee and the man we celebrate, contact http://www.nelsonalgren.org/."
If someone's looking for Algren background and local ties, you should check with Bill Savage up at Northwestern. Savage has been an Algren and Chicago cultureal scholar for a number of years.
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm familiar with Bill Savage and most of the usual Algren suspects (including the dear departed Studs Terkel). Which is why I'm trying to go "outside the box" to look for people that are beyond the pale for Bill and me.
ReplyDeleteWe know that somewhere around Broadway and Montrose was a location for a notorious “established permanent floating card game”
ReplyDeleteThat may be the current location of the Driftwood bar. Before it was Driftwood it was know in the neighborhood as Heinz Liquors. Back in the 70's, rumor had it that there was illegal gambling taking place there - so it's possible there was earlier activities also.
Missing contact information for the requestor I'm posting here.
Thanks, U.L. I'll have someone from the Nelson-Tennial Committee check it out.
ReplyDelete