Chicago/Lincoln Park-Old Town

I Lincoln Park, collegians x freshly-minted lawyers barrel-chested brokers, g their g fortune gardens north Chicago, short miles beautiful parks fabulous Lincoln P Z. J south O Town, striking collision poor, Chicago's celebrated theaters, Steppenwolf Second Cy.

T flames Great Chicago F 1871 lapped borders Lincoln Park, burned further Fullerton Avenue. I , then, small community Polish German settlers northern boundaries city, named L P swamplands ( cemeteries) drained y lake, -named Lincoln P slain president 1865.

B fire, though: refugees poured neighborhood safety, their former homes ashes, plenty decided y. L "worthy families," suddenly became y fashionable place . W arrival elevated train, construction frenzy began. I fact, estimated 60% buildings currently stand Lincoln P three decades after . Cultural institutions emerged match: example, $10 purchase , Lincoln P Z opened visitors 1874, DePaul University evolved small religious college center neighborhood, strong academic sports programs throughout twentieth century. (Lg- basketball coach Ry Meyer introduced concept skilled seven-footer sport recruited George Mikan 1940s.)

T known O T lucky Fire, spared extensive damage y center. Today, p- history winding layout streets O T Triangle Historic District, heard bells S. Michael's Church, structures stand p survive. T neighborhood y urban flight 1950s, y those classic structures converted boarding houses became affordable beatniks: artists, musicians, actors, others moved O T counterculture capital Chicago x decades. Miles, Janis, Dylan, Seeger played outside clubs O T. I where teens staid neighborhoods ( Lincoln P) g. Guitars! Lg ! Loitering! O T .

I environment city's greatest comedic force, group x-p Hy P named their theater T Second City, reinvented American comedy. Years later, similarly talented college actors arrived establish Steppenwolf, x decades dramatic theater.

T shocking violence 1968 Democratic Convention spelled hippie O T. Soon, property values rise, y financially successful countercultural outlets could y business. Today, you'll historic district Chicago History Museum guide y around, y split amazing night theater trendy restaurants nearby. O T divided, though: crumbling buildings North Avenue without affecting p Steppenwolf other . O T neighborhood knows contradictions within boundaries, lives .

Lincoln Park, other hand, oblivious. M North S wouldn't Lincoln P y p , Lincoln P would refuse anywhere else, understanding other neighborhoods y wastelands poorly groomed people unacceptable shortage Starbucks. Thanks presence DePaul, Lincoln P distinctly collegiate atmosphere, created y y students y young professionals memories having students within decades. T weekend scene Lincoln P either offer exhilarating p y college years vision earth. T aside, Lincoln P shopping boutiques y city, taxes churn through local economy g -maintained expanses eponymous park, lakefront jogging trails, North Avenue Beach.

Also, credit, Lincoln P Z didn't laurels after g .