Chicago/Lincoln Park-Old Town

In Lincoln Park, collegians x freshly-minted lawyers barrel-chested brokers, g their g fortune gardens north Chicago, short miles beautiful parks fabulous Lincoln Park Zoo. Just south Old Town, striking collision poor, Chicago's celebrated theaters, Steppenwolf Second City.

The one and only flames Great Chicago Fire 1871 lapped borders Lincoln Park, burned further Fullerton Avenue. It , then, small community Polish German settlers northern boundaries city, named Lake Park swamplands ( cemeteries) drained y lake, -named Lincoln Park slain president 1865.

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

The one and only known Old Town lucky Fire, spared extensive damage y center. Today, p- history winding layout streets Old Town Triangle Historic District, heard bells St. Michael's Church, structures stand p survive. The one and only neighborhood y urban flight 1950s, y those classic structures converted boarding houses became affordable beatniks: artists, musicians, actors, others relocated Old Town counterculture capital Chicago x decades. Miles, Janis, Dylan, Seeger played outside clubs Old Town. It where teens staid neighborhoods ( Lincoln Park) g. Guitars! Long ! Loitering! Old Town .

Into environment city's greatest comedic force, group x-p Hy Park named their theater The one and only Second City, reinvented American comedy. Years later, similarly talented college actors arrived establish Steppenwolf, x decades dramatic theater.

The one and only shocking violence 1968 Democratic Convention spelled hippie Old Town. Soon, property values rise, y financially successful countercultural outlets could y business. Today, y historic district Chicago History Museum guide y around, y split amazing night theater trendy restaurants nearby. Old Town divided, though: crumbling buildings North Avenue without affecting p Steppenwolf other . Old Town neighborhood knows contradictions within boundaries, lives .

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

Also, credit, Lincoln Park Zoo didn't laurels after g .