# It Fell Off The Back Of A Truck! **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 25, 2013, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144 "2013-12-25T11:13:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/1 "2013-12-25T11:13:50Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/2 "2013-12-25T13:09:40Z")
You are soliciting for stolen goods on the SDMB. The Mods frown on criminal endeavors. I urge all my fellows Dopers to refrain from proving you with any information. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/3 "2013-12-25T13:16:50Z")
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… legit in that it was and still is a market. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/4 "2013-12-25T14:12:57Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > You are soliciting for stolen goods on the SDMB. > > The Mods frown on criminal endeavors. > > I urge all my fellows Dopers to refrain from proving you with any information. 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: ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/5 "2013-12-25T14:30:47Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > 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… legit in that it was and still is a market. 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!☹ ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/6 "2013-12-25T15:02:01Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > So, they really did sell goods off the back of trucks, eh! Chicago, what a place! 🙂 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!) ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/7 "2013-12-25T15:20:54Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/8 "2013-12-25T16:19:35Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > For some people, the slightly shady aspect is part of the appeal, it lets them feel slightly naughty or something. 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. > [@Broomstick](#): > > 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, 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](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? ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/9 "2013-12-25T16:25:47Z")
I go to Maxwell St Market frequently but never get the polish there. Now the authentic home made Mexican food is where it’s at. I’m talking delicious consommé de chivo, huaraches, tacos of every stripe from steak to mushroom to pork skin and eyeball! In the summer you can even get amazing shrimp and octopus cocktail ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/10 "2013-12-25T16:27:23Z")
> [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](#): > > 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/11 "2013-12-25T16:29:52Z")
> [@MikeG](#): > > I go to Maxwell St Market frequently but never get the polish there. Now the authentic home made Mexican food is where it’s at. > > I’m talking delicious consommé de chivo, huaraches, tacos of every stripe from steak to mushroom to pork skin and eyeball! > > In the summer you can even get amazing shrimp and octopus cocktail OK Mike, that’s enough. Do you not realize that I’m a gazillion miles away from Chicago? What are you trying to do to me? ---
**Author:** ![randompattern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@randompattern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randompattern)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/12 "2013-12-25T16:43:09Z")
Bo Diddly in Trading Places. [bo diddley trading places - Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=bo+diddley+trading+places&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8) ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/13 "2013-12-25T16:46:08Z")
> [@randompattern](#): > > Bo Diddly in Trading Places. [Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=bo+diddley+trading+places&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8) _ **“This video is not available”** _ Am I allowed to say “shit” on this forum? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/14 "2013-12-25T16:48:04Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > Riverside is gone? Oh, the pain! Yes, gone for quite awhile now. People still mourn… > [@](#): > > What about Old Town, Rush Street … 9th. street beach? 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. > [@](#): > > And Lincoln Park Zoo - now that SHOULD be shut down. 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. > [@](#): > > Somebody also told me that Dick Biondi is still kicking, but that can’t be true. Yep, still on the air on WLS. ---
**Author:** ![randompattern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@randompattern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randompattern)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/15 "2013-12-25T16:53:32Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > _ **“This video is not available”** _ > > Am I allowed to say “shit” on this forum? Hmmm it worked when I tried it. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/16 "2013-12-25T16:57:39Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > Am I allowed to say “shit” on this forum? Hell, yes. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/17 "2013-12-25T17:01:21Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Rush Street is still a spot for night life, though, not a lot changed. I don’t suppose Flip Wilson is still doing his Geraldine routine there, eh? > [@Broomstick](#): > > 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. That’s good news though I don’t how it can continue to compete with Brookfield … unless that is closed down? > [@Broomstick](#): > > Yep, still on the air on WLS. No! It can’t be true! You’re joking! He must be 173 years old by now. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/18 "2013-12-25T17:03:35Z")
> [@randompattern](#): > > Hmmm it worked when I tried it. Maybe it’s not allowed in Sweden due to some copy-right. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/19 "2013-12-25T17:05:44Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Hell, yes. Well I’ll be … uh … darn! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/20 "2013-12-25T17:09:19Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > I don’t suppose Flip Wilson is still doing his Geraldine routine there, eh? Well… seeing as Flip has passed away that would be just a _bit_ difficult… > [@](#): > > That’s good news though I don’t how it can continue to compete with Brookfield … unless that is closed down? 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. > [@](#): > > No! It can’t be true! You’re joking! He must be 173 years old by now. He only _looks_ that old. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144.md?page=2)