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HOME > HISTORY > HEART OF ITALY |
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Heart of Chicago community revels in rich history |
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Fontanella’s Restaurant also has been restored, and during the work was found tin ceilings and mahogany-paneled walls.
Martin’s Bar on 24th Place is an old-fashioned working-class bar and restaurant, with American and European dishes. My father always told me never to play poker with a guy named Lefty or to eat at a place that boasted of home cooking—but Martin’s has home cooking that’s really great.
Angels and saints
The area may have been a hangout for gangsters at one time, but some of the finest folks Chicago has produced made Heart of Chicago their home as well.
Irma Ruiz, a female police officer, was shot to death in the line of duty in 1988. A local grammar school has been named in her honor.
Local funeral director Joe Bacigalupo’s family had the honor of embalming the body of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. He made the arrangements for her wake, as well as for the transport of her body to New York City.
Another saintly woman, Sister Cutara of St. Michael’s School, is commemorated by a pedestrian mini-plaza bearing her name.
Good meals, good times, good history, and good people—all can be found in the Heart of Chicago.
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Editor's note: In "Reminiscing," the writer offers remembrances and opinions about the community. The opinions expressed in "Reminiscing" are those of the writer and may or may not reflect those of the editors of the Near West/South Gazette. |
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