Month: June 2019

The Chicago French Market is located at 131 North Clinton Street (between Washington and Randolph) right next to Ogilvie Transportation Center. This West Loop Market has over 30 local vendors that offer a variety of foods from different cultures. There’s Chinese, Korean, Belgian, French, Ethiopian, Kosher, Vietnamese and much more!

It was opened in 2009 by the Bensidoun Family. It has the look of a European Market but offers all locally made Chicago products. It has a nice eating area/cafe in the back with beautiful murals of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower. I went last week and had delicious and spicy authentic Korean soup with pork dumplings and bought a Walnut Strudel to take home. It is conveniently located in the downtown area right next to Ogilvie Station and within walking distance of Union Station and most of downtown. It’s definitely worth the trip. I already know it’ll be one of my regular lunch spots!

Gately’s People’s Department Store was located at 112th Street and Michigan Avenue in the Roseland neighborhood. The store was open from 1917 until 1981. The store claimed it sold “Everything for the Home” as stated on the side of the building. In its early days, it was considered to be the largest store on Michigan Avenue.

During the holidays children could visit with Santa and the windows were decorated for Christmas. The shoe department had an X-Ray or flouroscope machine where you could see the bones in your feet. You could also get a haircut there. They also had a restaurant that served the Shoppers Special – a full meatloaf meal for $1 with a slice of blueberry cobbler or crunch cake. They even had a second fast food restaurant in the basement – the Green River Hot Dog Stand and kids could eat from the Donut Machine and ride on the Donut Train while their parents shopped!

The owner, Mr. Gately could be seen walking through the stores making his rounds to the different departments making sure customers were getting the products and assistance needed.

The building that formerly housed Gately’s People’s Department Store was destroyed by fire last Friday………………………….but these nice memories plus many others will forever remain in our thoughts!

*Note – Photos are from Wikipedia and Chicago Tribune

Naper Settlement is located in Naperville Illinois at 523 S. Webster Street. It’s an outdoor history village museum that has 30 historical buildings and structures documenting the history of the settlement of Naperville Illinois from the founding of the town in 1831 through the 20th century. Many of the buildings were moved there from their original locations and refurbished in a style fitting the period or replicated. It was established in 1969 on 12 acres of land given to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin Mitchell.

It is operated by the Naperville Heritage Society in partnership with the City of Naperville. With a commitment to the community and a focus on the future, the Naperville Heritage Society collects, documents, preserves and supports the history of Naperville Illinois to present day.