I knew Chicago back in the … uh … well, a long time ago. There was a place in the 50’s - 60’s where you could find most things, clothes etc. “cheaply” because you could barter for the goods and people used to say they were “stolen goods”. I bought a black, leather jacket there. They were as popular as chrome and white-wall tyres. Well, I’ve been trying to remember that place, but I can’t. I think it was called ***“XXX” Street ***- you know like Rush Street.
Does anyone know what it was called? Is it still there?
No, hon, he’s talking about an actual place, the Maxwell Street Market, which was sort of a giant street-side flea market. Yes, there were hot goods there, just as at a lot of flea market type places. Some legit, too, but it had a reputation.
It is sort of still there, except it was forcibly moved some time ago to a nearby location and it’s watched a lot more closely by the authorities these days. You can still get deals there, but much less stuff that “fell of the back of a truck”. Old timers whine the prices are as good but yeah, well, that happens when you have to actually buy your wares you’re selling.
So you think I will go all the way from Sweden to buy a stolen whats-it? Ho ho! The plane ticket itself would probably be worth more than anything I could find there, even if I were going to the States. I haven’t been to Chicago in 40 years. I’m sure I can get a replacement leather jacket in Turkey or Tunisia next time I’m down there.
Who said the place in Chicago really sold stolen goods anyway? :rolleyes:
Yes! Maxwell Street! That’s it! Thank you! I’ve been trying to think of the name of that place for 3 days now. Nostalgia has got the best of me lately. Italian sausage, Italian beef, oooooooo! Parky’s hot tamales, mmmmmm! Riverview, wowwwww! The Hungry Eye in Old Town. hehehehe!
So, they really did sell goods off the back of trucks, eh! Chicago, what a place!
DISCLAIMER. I own no stocks or interest in any of the foods I’ve mentioned above and any similarities to establishments (past and/or present) are merely intentional by way coercion at the beckoning of my stomach and not in anyway connected with voluntary soliciting or criminal activity. Hey I’m sick, I need help!
Also “fell off a passing train”, Maxwell street being fairly near some of the train and switching yards.
Flea markets are not an uncommon place for people to attempt to unload stolen goods. The one about two blocks down the road from me usually has a vendor or two arrested every couple of months for doing exactly that… but the majority of them are legit, at least in the sense of their goods being legally obtained. They might be slightly misrepresented or overpriced or the like… or they might be actual good deals. For some people, the slightly shady aspect is part of the appeal, it lets them feel slightly naughty or something.
In particular, the auto parts at Maxwell street had a reputation for being illicit.
Maxwell Street Market also featured Chicago Blues. Greats such as Muddy Waters, Bo Diddly, and others all played there at one time or another.
Oh, and as the OP noted, lots of what’s now called “street food”, low priced eateries, and ethnic eating. Low priced and very tasty.
The New Maxwell Street Market is a lot less shady, but many also think it lacks a lot of the original character. Personally, I also think the City of Chicago is whitewashing the history of the original a bit in trying to appeal to tourists. The original MSM was by and for the people of the city, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, it was not a tourist attraction though lots of tourists went there and they were certainly welcome. (So was their money!)
If you *are *contemplating a trip, be aware that Riverview is gone, too.
And although the Maxwell Street Market is no longer on Maxwell Street, you can still get a good Maxwell Street Polish at many fine establishments across the city.
I think it’s just that anything that is illegal is assumed to be a good deal, cutting out the front man, the middle man, and the tax man.
Oh, that you should mention Bo Diddly! If the secret police ever hack into my internet connection-history they’ll think I’ve lost my mind for every time that I’ve been here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeZHB3ozglQ It’s the link I’ve clicked more than any other. Note the bandy-leg choo-choo he churnes out … and the moves of that trio of women is something you won’t find in any dictionary!
I take it you still live in Chicago or there-a-bouts?
Riverside is gone? Oh, the pain! What about Old Town, Rush Street … 9th. street beach? And Lincoln Park Zoo - now that SHOULD be shut down. Somebody also told me that Dick Biondi is still kicking, but that can’t be true.
Yes, gone for quite awhile now. People still mourn…
Still there, of course, as geographical locations. Old Town got gentrified and is now more upscale, a lot of the characters from 20-30 years ago moved out when prices went up. Rush Street is still a spot for night life, though, not a lot changed.
It has changed a LOT, and much of the exhibit space upgraded to more modern standards (not all of it, but a lot of it). You might like it better, now. Fewer cages and bars, more natural settings wherever possible.
Well… seeing as Flip has passed away that would be just a bit difficult…
Brookfield and Lincoln Park tend to specialize differently so they aren’t in the same sort of direct competition you might think. Also, Lincoln Park is still free admission, Brookfield costs money to get in the door.
While they’re both zoos they have slightly different target audiences.
