History in Humboldt Park
Vintage Restaurants
Jimmy's Red Hots
Jimmy's Red Hots has been at the corner of Grand and Pulaski Streets, 4000 West Grand Avenue, since 1954. The hot dogs are renowned. The decor is not. But we're not talking haute cuisine here, so the only thing that matters is a clean kitchen and a friendly staff. There's no seating -- just a narrow passage allowing a few customers to stand and gaze out the window while they eat.
Margie's Candies
The “Security Sweet Shop” was founded in 1921 by a Greek immigrant named Peter George Poulos. Peter soon handed off the operations to his son George, who renamed the confectionery “Margie’s Candies” in honor of his wife, whom he met at the store during his youth.
History in Humboldt Park
Residents
Jens Jensen
Landscape architect Jens Jensen resided at 1141 North Sacramento Boulevard. Jensen created the Prairie Style of landscape design, which included no straight lines. He designed Columbus Park in 1916 and redesigned Humboldt, Douglas, and Garfield Parks. He also designed the Lincoln Memorial Gardens in Springfield.
L. Rrank Baum
Without writer L. Frank Baum, the world would not know Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. He wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz while living at 1667 North Humboldt Boulevard in 1899. Baum later moved to California and wrote more than 60 books. Oz Park (in the Lincoln Park neighborhood) is a tribute to him.
History in Humboldt Park
Mobsters
George "Baby Face" Nelson's Boyhood Home
This was the boyhood home of notorious bank robber, car thief, and bootlegger, Lester J. Gillis, a.k.a. George "Baby Face" Nelson at 944 North California Avenue. After FBI agents shot and killed John Dillinger, the FBI declared Nelson "Public Enemy No. 1."