| |
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Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist Temple |
|
Zen Master - Thich Nhat Hanh |
|
Doorsteps to our Temple - Always Open to
Visitors |
|
Whether you come with the intent to
learn about Buddhism or simply need a place to revive from life's daily
struggle, we welcome you. |
 |
Chua Quang Minh
Lincoln Square Neighborhood
4429 North Damen
Chicago, IL
60625
(773) 275-6859
Tuesday - January 26th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Ceremony
8pm to 9:30pm
Chanting Ceremonies are in Vietnamese
|
| |
Form does not differ from emptiness
Emptiness does not differ from form
That which is form is emptiness
That which is emptiness form
All are marked with emptiness
They do not appear or disappear
Are not tainted or pure
Do not increase or decrease |
|
In emptiness no form
No eyes, no ears, no nose, no tongue, no body
No object of mind, no realm of eyes
No realm of consciousness
No suffering, No origination
No stopping, no path, no cognition
No attainment, nothing to attain
No hindrance of mind, no fears exist |
|
Altar Room - Assembly Hall |
|
Close-up on Central Altar |
|
Miller - Happy Buddha (forefront) |
Bodhidharma Altar - Chan (Zen) Founder |
|
United States Release Date
January 22nd, 2016 |
|
Donnie Yen - Ignites the Screen in a
Return to the Role that Made Him an Icon
Ip Man - Real-life Wing Chun Grandmaster who
Mentored Bruce Lee |
| In this explosive third installment of the blockbuster martial arts
series, when a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property
developer (Mike Tyson) make a play to take over the city, Master Ip is
forced to take a stand. Fists will fly as some of the most incredible
fight scenes ever filmed play out on the big screen in this soon-to-be
genre classic. |
 |
Ip Man 3
Donnie Yen
Mike Tyson
Amc River East 21
322 East Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Thursday - January 28th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Movie - 9:35 pm
 |
Ip Man 3 is set in 1959, when the
Grandmaster is seen settling into his low-profile life in Hong Kong,
after his decades of struggle against feuding rivals, and then Japanese
oppressors during World War II.
Yen delivers a suitably understated turn as the mild-mannered master,
mingling with the masses and seeking nothing more than an ordinary life
with his martial-arts school and his family.
Bolstered by Yuen Woo-ping's exhilarating action choreography, defying
the gritty, hard-knuckle sequences which have defined the franchise, the
showdown unfolds in the kind of Matrix-like slow motion that has
propelled Yuen to international mainstream prominence.
Even more than in Sammo Hung's action choreography in the previous two
films, the physical combats here, of Ip taking on dozens of opponents in
an incredibly high-octane sequence in a shipyard, or just a single
adversary in a single room, take place mostly with feet on the ground
and fists cracking bones. |
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AMC River East 21 - Ftw Chicago
Games |
|
AMC River East 21 - Lucky Strike Lounge & Bowling
Alley |
|
Monterey Park's - Lunar New Year
Festival |
|
2016 - Year of the Monkey
(Chinese Zodiac) |
|
Moon Calendar
This Event taking place the week before the
Lunar New Year
Monday - February 8th, 2016 (Chinese New Year Day) |
 |
Monterey Park
California
Lunar
New Year
Celebration
Saturday
January 30th, 2016
Green Dragon
Society
Attended
Lunar Festival |
 |
|
Mystical Arts - Spiritual Healing |
|
Practical Buddhist Approach
Enhancing Physical and Mental Well Being |
 |
Guan Yin Citta
Buddhist Temple
40 W. Bay State Street
Alhambra, California
91801
626 236-7268
Wednesday - February 3rd, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Temple
 |
|
Year of the Monkey |
Guan Yin - Good Fortune Charm |
|
Ling Shen Ching Temple
Lunar New Year Celebration 2016 |
|
The Green Dragon Society invited visiting Taiwanese
Monks; associated with the Ling Shen Buddhist System, out for a Lunar
New Year dinner. This would be their 'holiday', as they would wake up at
dawn on New Years Eve, the following day, and have continuous duties,
till at least the end of the day, on Lunar New Year itself. --- The 'Peking
Duck' was superb! |
|
Taiwanese Monks
New Years Dinner
Emperor's Choice Restaurant
2238 S Wentworth Ave
Chicago, Illinois, 60616
(312) 225-8800
Saturday - February 6th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Dinner
 |
 |
Tibetans are making last-minute preparations for the arrival of the
year of the fire monkey, hoping the smart, jovial creature worshipped on
the plateau as an ancient ancestor will bring good luck.
The Tibetans are also looking forward to a series religious rituals that
take place only in the year of the monkey because Guru Rinpoche, or the
Lotus-born Master, was believed to be born in a year of the monkey.
The Tibetan New Year is normally marked by religious rituals, long
prayers, horse races, family gatherings and feasts. But the Tibetan
people's traditional love for the monkey has made the upcoming new year
celebrations even more significant.
The Tibetans believe a "monkeys' cave" in the mountains of Zetang
township in Nedong County of Shannan Prefecture, is the sacred residence
of their monkey ancestors. |
|
World Grandmaster of Tibetan Buddhist System |
Taiwan Buddhist Monks |
|
Outdoor Buddha Statue (night photo) |
|
Main Altar - Night Illumination |
|
Cheng Huang |
Cheng Huang Chamber |
|
Chua Quang Minh
Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist Temple |
|
Zen Buddhism
Zen Master - Thich Nhat Hanh |
|
|
Chua Quang Minh
Lunar New Year's Eve
Ceremony
Lincoln Square Neighborhood
4429 North Damen
Chicago, IL
60625
Sunday - February 7th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Ceremony
9:30pm to 1am |
|
There is Absolutely Nothing like Zen
in the New Year! |
|
When we arrived at Temple, the Buddhists were in an
extended ceremony that had begun at 6pm.
Traditional, home cooked Vietnamese vegetarian food and drink was in
abundance.
At 10pm the New Year Festivities began with 'Lion Dancing' and
'Historical Costume Dramas'.
50 cases of fruit were brought in as an offering before the altars.
Midnight - The second wave of chanting, ceremony and meditation begins.
When the Green Dragon Society exited at 1am hundreds were still involved
in the ritual. |
|
New Year's Eve - Prayers (Wishes) |
Buddhists at Ritual - Ending of 6pm Ceremony
(9:30pm) |
|
'Dynamic' Lion Dancing |
Announcer of Ceremonies |
|
10pm - New Year's Eve Festival |
|
The 'Yellow Emperor' Gives a Lecture |
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Scholarly Sage |
Monkey King |
|
Mystical, Mischievous, Monkey King |
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Big Headed Buddha |
'Big Headed Buddha' Walking the Lion |
|
The Vietnamese Lion Dancers
Put on one of the Most Powerfully Dynamic
Performances
The Green Dragon Society has Ever Seen!
It was also one of the longest and lasted nearly half an hour of nonstop
action.
It was so fast - the majority of the photos were too blurred for usage. |
|
Excellent Players to Keep the Action Going so Long
These Two Lion Dancers Show Exhaustion |
|
Buddhists at New Year's Eve Midnight Ceremony |
|
Midnight - New Year's Ceremony |
|
Hundreds Remain for the Celebration
Ritual |
|
Lighting the Midnight New Year Candles |
|
Zen Master - Thich Nhat Hanh
Leads Ceremony |
|
Lunar Calendar - New Year Day
(Monday - February 8th, 2016) |
|
Chinese New Year Day
Dharma Seal Temple
3039 Del Mar Ave.
Rosemead, California
(626) 288-5567
Monday - February 8th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Ceremony
|
 |
|
The Chinese Fine Arts Society - Celebrating its
32nd year. Kicking off the "Year of the Monkey" with a festive
display of Chinese Dance, Music, and Martial Arts. In addition to
featuring some of Chicago’s finest artists, the Long Yun Kung Fu
Troupe, founded by Jackie Chan and traveling from China, will
give a special performance showcasing a new art form melding martial
arts with elegant traditional Chinese dance. |
 |
3rd Annual
Chinese New Year Kickoff Celebration
1st year attended by the Green Dragon Society
Chicago Cultural Center
Preston Bradley Hall
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
Monday - February 8th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Event |
|
Chicago Cultural Center - Opened in 1897, and
is a Chicago Landmark building. It houses the city's official reception
venue where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed Presidents and Royalty,
Diplomats and Community Leaders. |
|
Dazzling Lion Dancers - Beat their drums to
scare away evil spirits and bring "Good Luck" for the New Year.
The beauty and elegance of Traditional Chinese Dance and Music
presented by some of Chicago's finest artists.
Also featured: A short preview performance by Jackie Chan's - Long
Yun Kung Fu Troupe.
Special Guest Speaker - Chinese Consulate General Zhao Weiping |
|
Dragon Dance Team Members |
|
Traditional Mongolian Instruments & Music |
|
Midwest Debut
Jackie Chan’s "Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe" came to
Chicago to usher in the 'Year of the Monkey' with modern dance that
draws on the traditions of Kung Fu, Ballet and Drama. This is the
troupe’s second performance in North America and their first time in the
Midwest.
Unlike other performances with martial artists, acrobatic artists and
dancers in the show, all the artists in the troupe learn Kung Fu,
traditional dance and music, and also ballet; to perfectly combine all
of these art elements. Their unique style of incorporating martial arts
and dance forms is called Xin Wu Lin, which means “New Martial
Arts.” |
 |
|
Chinese Consulate General Zhao Weiping |
Coming Sunday -
February 21st, 2016 |
|
After the Cultural Center Event |
|
Macys Department Store - State St. & Randolph St.
Corner
'Year of Monkey' Window Display |
Chicago Subway
Blind Musician |
|
On our way home from the Cultural Center we passed
Macys and encountered the musician in the subway tunnel. |
|
Stadhuis (Town
Hall) van Brussel, Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium |
|
City Hall of Brussels - A
Masterpiece of the Gothic Civil Architecture of the 15th Century |
|
Brussels laid the Foundation Stone of the
Magnificent Gothic Edifice in the Spring of 1402 |
 |
Brussel's Town Hall
General Reception
Grand-Place
1000 Brussel
Belgium
Monday - February 8th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Belgium
Brussel's City Hall
Town Hall of the City of Brussels is
a Gothic building from the Middle Ages.
It is located on the famous Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium. |
| Brussels Town Hall - Opened in 1420, is one of Belgium's
finest civic buildings. Not only because of the numerous sculptures
adorning its walls, but also because of its perfect proportions and the
incomparable beauty of its tower, the spire of which is topped by the
Archangel Saint Michael. It is 315 feet in height. |
|
Grote Markt - Brussels, Belgium |
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Archangel St. Michael at Peak |
Sculptured Figures |
|
Broadway and Argyle Street
Uptown Neighborhood |
|
Argyle 'Red Line' CTA Train Station |
 |
Argyle
Chinese New Year Parade
Hip Sing Society
1121 W. Argyle St.
Chicago 60640
Saturday - February 13th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Parade
Uptown - Little Asia |
|
The 'Green Dragon Society' wishes
the 'Hip Sing Society' - Good Fortune in the Monkey Year |
| It was a bright sunny day. The temperature hovered at about 12
degrees Fahrenheit. A 20 mile an hour wind off Lake Michigan produced
wind chill temperatures up to 20 degrees below zero. It was the coldest
day of the year in Chicago. |
|
Hip Sing Society Headquarters - 1121
W. Argyle, Chicago |
|
VIP Stage
Ceremony & Speeches |
|
Broadway and Argyle Street |
|
Asian Community - Standing in Front
of the VIP Stage |
|
Lions Dancing at VIP Stage |
Consulate General Peoples Republic of China |
|
Lion Dancers - Prepare for Parade |
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Hip Sing Society Flag - Leads Off Parade |
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Lions Bringing 'Good Luck' in the
New Year to Businesses
(Before and after the parade) |
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Employee Sweeping-up the Residue from the Fireworks
|
| The Green Dragon Society ate at the 'Hon Kee Chinese Restaurant',
partly to get out of the frigid cold. It is a no frills establishment.
But the food is very good. The Green Dragon Society recommends "Shrimp
with Lobster Sauce". |
|
Dr. Lily Yao - Chinese Medicine |
|
After our 'Excellent Meal'- The Green Dragon
Society visited the office of Doctor Yao |
|
The Green Dragon Society recommends
Dr. Yao |
|
Dr. Lily Yao |
Pulse Diagnosis |
|
Role and Symbol of the Monkey |
|
Among the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals - The one
closest to humans is the Monkey. Unlike the Dragon and the Tiger, which
both enjoy an exalted status in Chinese mythology, the Monkey is given a
humbler placement.
A famous Chinese character, the 'Monkey King', was a popular figure from
the novel "Journey to the West" by Wu Cheng'en.
The Monkey is an undeniable force of nature for its quick wit and
cleverness. Often viewed as mischievous, Monkeys are sometimes reported
to pickpocket. Yet, Monkeys are considered to be loyal, but they can
exhibit slyness, trickery and deceit.
Monkeys are often animals that possess conflicting traits. Aside from
symbolizing cleverness, they also symbolize impatience in Chinese
culture.
|
Hanuman - Hindu Monkey God |
|
Year of the Monkey (4714)
104th Anniversary of Chinatown |
|
 |
Wentworth
Chinese New Year Parade
Chinatown - Chicago
Presented
by
Chinatown Special Events
Sunday - February 14th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Parade
From 24th and Wentworth
North to Cermak
Featuring: Dragon and Lion Dances
Floats, Marching Bands, Special Groups, Performers
Chinatown Chamber of Commerce’s Miss Friendship Ambassadors |
|
Wentworth Ave and Cermak Rd |
|
Medicine Buddha at Enlightenment Temple |
| A windy, bitter cold with a snow storm, accompanied the parade. Our
first stop in Chinatown was the Chanh Giac Tu Buddhist Temple, the
Enlightenment Temple, at 2249 Wentworth Avenue. It is a Mahayana Chan
Temple. |
|
'Blue Lion' Dance Team - Waits before Parade |
|
Float - Consulate General Peoples
Republic of China
'Monkey King' Theme |
|
Chinatown Chamber of Commerce’s Miss Friendship
Ambassadors |
|
Chinese American Service League |
|
Northern Lion and the Magical Monkey
King
Monkey King (photo right) - Standing on One Leg
and holding 'Whirlwind Staff ' |
|
Indianapolis Chinese Community
Center |
|
Traditional Chinese - Green Dragon &
Red Dragon Dance |
|
Hung Mon Zhigong Tang Society -
Closes Parade |
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Navy Pier - Crystal Gardens |
|
Chinese Lantern Festival
Marks the End - 2 Week Chinese New Year Festival |
|
Dance - Music - Martial Arts
Vendors - Craftsmen - Entertainers |
|
Presented by
Chinese Fine Arts Society
for the
"Neighborhoods of the World Celebration" |
|
Chinese Lantern Festival
Presented by
Chinese Fine Arts Society
Navy Pier
Crystal Gardens
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago - Lakefront
Sunday - February 21st, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Festival
 |
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Mongolian Singer/Musician |
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Beautiful Crystal Gardens |
|
Musicians - Traditional Musical Instruments |
|
Featuring in Live
Performance |
|
A World Premiere Adaptation |
|
Based on the 1950 Movie
Considered a Classic of the 'Film Noir' Genre! |
|
This one will
leave you on the edge of your seat! |
|
Strawdog
Theatre Company
Presents
Adapted & Directed by Elizabeth Lovelady
Script by Russell Rouse & Clarence Greene |
 |
Frank Bigelow (Mickey O'Sullivan) walks into a police station
to report a murder: his own! The 1950, Rudolph Maté film noir classic,
comes to the stage in a new adaptation that captures the manic
desperation of this victim of foul play, who has only hours to hunt down
his own killers and untangle the web of lies that has brought him here.
New York Born, Chicago raised, and vagabond influenced. O'Sullivan has
recently worked on stage in Chicago, appearing in numerous productions.
Mickey also works in front of the camera both commercially and
theatrically. |
|
Strawdog Theatre Company -
Theatrical Productions and a Bartender |
| Strawdog Theatre Company is committed to ensemble acting and
an immersive design approach, offering Chicago the premiere storefront
theatre experience. We develop new work, re-imagine classic plays,
explore new fusions of music and theatre, ask provocative questions and
deliver the unexpected to our audience. We provide a home for our
celebrated ensemble to work and play with the most sought after artists
in Chicago theater along with the best new talents in the city. |
|
'Strawdog Theatre' must 'Vacate at the End of this
Season' to make way for a Redevelopment Project |
|
As a farewell to this long established theater, Strawdog
Company planned the final season with 3 world premieres; including D.O.A.
- The final production, which closes 25 years in Lakeview. Strawdog will
be re-opening its doors at another location in August 2016, at the new
Factory Theatre in Rogers Park. |
|
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Strawdog Theatre Company
Hugen Hall
3829 North Broadway
Chicago, IL
60613
(773) 528-9696
D.O.A.
Theatrical Production
Tuesday - March 15th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Play
Founded in 1988
Strawdog Theatre Company is located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview
Neighborhood
|
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Stairway to Box Office |
Entrance to Hugen Hall |
|
Offers an intimate 'Cabaret Theatre'
experience for Chicago
(Hugen Hall Cabaret - Features exposed brick and offers
Cabaret Lounge seating for 50, with a Bar)
Performance takes place around and amidst the audience - The
boundaries of the fiction and reality cross. |
|
"Intrigue is the name of the game in
this whodunit, and audience members are kept guessing to the end."
Ken Payne, Buzz Chicago
"The ideal final showcase for Strawdog's Hugen Hall space!"
Ella Seet, Buzz On Stage
"Well dressed and well played, D.O.A. proves itself alive and kicking!"
Stephen Best, Times Square Chronicle |
|
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Theatrical Performance |
|
|
Mallory Nees, Mickey O'Sullivan and Sean McGill |
|
Kelsey Shipley, Wm. Bullion and Mickey O'Sullivan |
|
Mickey O'Sullivan and Megan Skord |
|
Mallory Nees and Mickey O'Sullivan |
|
Mickey O'Sullivan and Sean McGill |
|
Joe Mack, Sean McGill, Mallory Nees and Mickey
O'Sullivan |
|
D.O.A.
1950 Movie Noir Classic |
|
1950 Movie Poster |
Edmond O'Brien (Bigelow) |
|
'Fisherman Club' - Waterfront Dive with a Jumpin'
Jazz Band |
|
Dinner
Longman & Eagle Restaurant |
|
(Logan Square Neighborhood) |
|
Prior to the Play - The Society ate a
fine Gourmet Dinner |
|
Hipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare - Plus
whiskey & craft cocktails
The 'Boar Burger' is a favorite delight |
| Longman & Eagle has six rooms available for overnight stay,
casual yet considered offerings that seasoned travelers will appreciate
when looking to immerse and initiate themselves within the fabric of a
bustling, vibrant urban enclave. |
|
Longman & Eagle - 2657 N
Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60647 - B/T Milwaukee & Schubert Ave |
|
California Yuan Yung Buddhism Center |
|
California Yuan Yung
Buddhism Center
6310 E. Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
90022
Liang Huang Po
Karmic Ritual
Friday - March 25th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Ceremony
|
 |
|
Featuring in Live
Performance |
|
A World Premiere Adaptation |
|
"The Hound of
the Baskervilles"
Authored by
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
First serialized in the Strand Magazine in 1901-1902
One of the most memorable Sherlock Holmes Thrillers |
|
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson trade
the foggy streets of London for the country wilds of Dartmoor
To shield the life of a young heir, whose family is believed cursed by a
murderous Hellhound! |
|
This Play takes place in London
and
Dartmoor, Devon England
19th Century . . . circa 1888 |
|
 |
Joel Thompson plays Sherlock Holmes superbly.
With Dr. Watson as narrator, The 'Hound of the Baskervilles', considered
as the greatest of all the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, deftly delivers
several long speeches that set the tone and moves the story along.
Nathan Pease is terrific as Doctor Watson.
We learn about the 'Ancient Curse' of the Baskervilles in a chilling
speech by Brian Bengtson as Dr. James Mortimer. We can almost see the
spectral hound said to haunt the clan. |
 |
|
Joel Thompson |
|
Nathan Pease |
| Atmosphere of the Gloomy Bog and the Moors of the Devonshire
Countryside - Was enhanced by Robert P. Llyod’s sound design. The
barks and haunting sounds added depth to the mysterious tone necessary
for the performance to work. The Hellhound is effective as the mystery
is solved with a few twists and an unusual act by Dr. Watson. |
|
Idle Muse Theater Company |
| Idle Muse Theatre Company - Established in 2006 by theatre
artists who were interested exploring the relationship between
individuals and worlds they inhabit. Seeking to create production
opportunities for themselves and other artists, they believed the best
way to do this was to build a “modern guild” of players, an environment
where theatre artists of different experience levels and backgrounds
could develop their craft and learn from each other. |
| Edge Theatre - Is the newest Chicago Theatre. It is not a
storefront, but a newly-built 115 seat theatre, complete with a large
stage, fly space, etc. The show is entertaining and the venue will blow
you away. Idle Muse Theater Company's current home is at the
Edge Theatre in the Edgewater Neighborhood of Chicago. |
Edge - The idea stemmed from the fact that
violence is a reality many children are living with everyday. My feeling
was that we shouldn’t shy away from the topic of violence, but open it
up and get kids to discuss it, find out where it comes from, and explore
it from a historical and theatrical perspective. What emotions bring
people to violence? What allows people to accept violence as a normal
reaction to a problem? What actions can we take to overcome the violent
impulse? What inner strengths and skills can we learn to master
ourselves?
Sword fighting and combat in movies and live theater is thrilling and
powerful, and often the peaceful warrior defeats the violent horde. Why?
How is this relevant to our students lives? EDGE uses concepts of stage
combat and weapons skills to answer these questions. We explore the idea
of the powerful and peaceful warrior to create new pathways to peaceful
conflict resolution. Over the course of 7 years, 50 assembles and 30
shows we’ve discovered that dynamic and often unconventional theater
experiences allow our students to explore history, art and
theater. Through these experiences they gain an understanding of their
own personal strengths, power and inner peace, to become peaceful
warriors in their lives and communities. |
 |
Idle Muse Theater Company
Edge Theatre
5451 North Broadway
Chicago, IL
60640
(773) 340-9438
Hound of the Baskervilles
Theatrical Production
Friday - March 25th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Play
 |
... Joel Thompson and Nathan Pease as Holmes and Watson,
respectively, make not only the individual roles wholly their own, but
embrace the adaptation's unique take on their relationship. Pease is a
more damaged Watson than we usually see, and one who struggles openly to
make his way in the world as a doctor, a former soldier, a writer, and
something more than just a sidekick to Holmes.
... Jack Helbig - Chicago Reader
Director Evan Jackson keeps the mystery unfolding with sophistication
and clever techniques. Fog billows along the ground. Actors become
framed portraits. The appearance of the hound itself is a bit of a
spectacle. Jackson does a fine job of giving us a few visual
distractions in this otherwise heavy mystery. |
|
There are many 'Movies of this
Famous Story' - But few American Productions
The most famous versions in the United States are shown below.
One of them is a British film. |
|
Hammer Films - 1959 |
20th Century Fox - 1939 |
Paperback Book - 1950's |
|
Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes . . . circa 1959 |
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes . . . circa 1939 |
|
Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce - Holmes & Watson |
|
From the 1939 Genre Classic
|
|
Dinner
Burkes Public House
(Edgewater Neighborhood)
Prior to the Play - The Society had an excellent Dinner |
|
Burkes Public House - 5401 N.
Broadway, Chicago, IL
Corner of Broadway & Balmoral |
|
Lee Family - Spring Festival Banquet |
|
1000 Guests - 12 Course Traditional
Chinese Feast |
|
Lee Association
Spring Banquet
2016
Furama Restaurant
2828 South Wentworth Ave.
(312) 225-6888
Chicago Chinatown
Saturday - March 26th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Attended Lee Banquet |
 |
|
Red Flowers are given as a 'Sign of
Appreciation' |
|
VIP Toast at the Green Dragon Society Table |
|
A Magical Institution - Since 1917 |
|
Oldest Occult Bookstore in the
World! |
|
Part of Chicago’s History for 100
Years
A Magical and Spiritual Resource for Generations of Healers,
Seekers & Dedicants upon the Path |
| Every person on the Occult Bookstore staff is a skilled and
experienced practitioner on the path of spirituality. For years, we've
made it our mission to immerse ourselves in the study and practical
applications of metaphysics and occult practices. Our specialty lies in
rare/antique artifacts, like books, tribal fetishes, relics, occult art,
ancient rites and living stones. We continue to be a place for
clients, practitioners, spiritual seekers and renowned experts in
esoteric fields to come together to share knowledge, wisdom, healing and
exceptional service to those not familiar with the metaphysical workings
and Magic. The caretakers strive for anyone with a driving desire to
boost and encourage their own spiritual growth to be welcomed,
supported, nurtured and heard within a store dedicated to the mysteries
of life. |
 |
Occult Bookstore
1164 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago IL, 60642
(773) 292.0995
Just outside of The Loop
At this Location for 9 years
Thursday - April 21st, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Bookstore
Noble Square Neighborhood
 |
|
"Occult" Definition:
'Hidden' or Beyond the Realm of Human Comprehension |
Historically - It was in 1917 that D.G. Nelson first opened
this business dedicated to "the mysteries of life, while actively
purveying the finest in esoteric texts and supplies." The original
storefront at 611 N. State Street, in Chicago's Loop, was frequented by
many of the personalities of the occult world, including Jean Dixon.
The Occult Bookstore eventually migrated in the 1950's to the Northside
of Chicago, locating at Clark Street and Belmont Avenue. Current
proprietor Louvel Delon moved the store to its current location on
Milwaukee Avenue, some nine years ago. The Chicago Occult Bookstore
remains dedicated to its spiritual community.
The Occult Bookstore - A pan-traditional team focused on
preserving the wisdom of the masters and keeping the knowledge of the
ancient mysteries intact, including initiatory experience in: Angelic
Magic, Astral Realms and Lucid Dreaming, Channeling, Mediumship, Fey and
Fairy Magic, Sabbatic Witchcraft, Pagan Practices and Crafting
Traditions, Solomonic Magick, Enochican Magick, Hermetism, Kabbalistic
Mysteries, Alchemical Magick, Germanic Occultism, Ancient Sumerian Rites
and Practices, African Diaspora Traditions and Practices, Native
American Tribal Spiritual Practices, Tantra, Zen Buddhism, Reiki, Pranic
Healing and the Divination Arts of Tarot, Runes, Pendulum, Astrology and
Palmistry. |
|
Interior Photos are Generally
Forbidden - Photographic Activity may Offend some Spirits |
|
Kingston Mines - Chicago Blues Club |
|
One of Chicago's Oldest, Largest and
most Infamous Blues Joints |
| Kingston Mines - Attracts locals, tourists, blues legends,
and celebrities alike who come for the blues that is played
continuously, alternating between two stages, deep into the heart of the
night (4/5am). |
|
"This place rocks. Sure it's a little
touristy, and there's always some frat boy doing something stupid, and
some middle aged mom out for the night getting freaky on the dance
floor, but that's part of the show."
Reader Newspaper |
 |
Kingston Mines
Blues Club
2548 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-4646
Friday - April 29th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited the Club
Blues Music Club where live bands play until late.
2 stages & there's a full BBQ menu too.
 |
|
Kingston Mines - Opened in a former machine shop
in 1968 on Lincoln Avenue. "Doc" Pellegrino, a physician by day
at the time, worked at the now-defunct Walther Memorial Hospital. The
initial format was more of a coffeehouse that featured more plays than
blues. In fact, in 1971 the original version of Grease premiered at
Kingston Mines. Titled 'Grease Lightening', the musical about
high school life in the 1950s was the creation of Chicago writers Jim
Jacobs and Warren Casey. Within a year, the play was revised, retitled
Grease, and moved to Broadway, where it became an instant hit.
Kingston Mines quickly adopted an all Chicago-style blues format as the
popularity of the musical genre increased and because many would rather
hear blues in Lincoln Park than on the rougher South Side. In 1980, the
roof caved in (literally) and Kingston Mines moved to 604 N. Clark, in
River North.
When the landlord almost doubled the rent, Kingston Mines moved to its
current location in 1982, replacing a jazz club named Redford's. The
second Kingston Mines location was torn down and is now where the
Rock 'n Roll McDonald's currently stands.
Today - Kingston Mines is going as strong as ever, and Doc has
retired from medicine and frequently emcees the shows at his club. |
|
2 Alternating Bands - All Night Long |
|
Lurrie Bell |
Joanna Connor |
|
Kingston Mines - Wall of Fame |
|
Las Fuentes Restaurant - 2558 N. Halsted Street,
Chicago, IL 60614 |
|
Dinner
(Before the Nightclub) |
|
The Green Dragon Society
Ate a Delicious Mexican Meal |
|
Chicago March Against Monsanto
Hosted by
The Organic Consumers Association |
|
Let the World Know. . .
We the People . . .
Hold Monsanto Accountable for its
Crimes against Humanity and Nature
October 15-16th, 2016 - International Monsanto
Tribunal - The Hague, Netherlands |
|
 |
|
Nearly 40 Countries have Banned GMO
Crops
The European Commission is under increasing
pressure to reject Monsanto’s request to renew its license Roundup/glyphosate,
and in the U.S., more than half a million people have petitioned the EPA
to do the same.
Last year, the 17 scientists on the World Health Organization’s
prestigious International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) panel
unanimously agreed that Monsanto’s Roundup is a probable human
carcinogen.
This year, the grassroots food movement has blocked efforts by Monsanto
and the Grocery Manufacturers Association to pass a federal law
preempting Vermont’s mandatory GMO labeling law. The law will take
effect July 1, unless a last-ditch effort by Monsanto and Big Food stops
it.
Many food companies are already labeling, or have announced plans to
label their GMO ingredients. Some of those companies say they now
support mandatory labeling.
It has taken nearly 20 years, but we have come a long way in our efforts
to bring down one of the largest, most destructive, multinational
corporations in the world. |
|
 |
Chicago
March Against Monsanto
Rally
Federal Plaza
50 W. Adams St.
Chicago IL 60610
Saturday - May 21st, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Participated
 |
|
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building
230 South Dearborn St. - Chicago |
Federal Plaza
50 W. Adams St. - Chicasgo |
|
'Chicago March Against Monsanto' Coordinator -
Organic Consumers Association |
|
The March from the Rally Location |
|
First Stop: The USDA
Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
77 W. Jackson Boulevard
USDA promotes GMO Crops
As well as Obstructing Clear - On Package Labeling of GMO Ingredients
2nd Stop: Monsanto owned '640 labs'
(The Climate Corp)
2 North LaSalle Building
'Agricultural Technology Corporation' |
|
As the Protest Progressed along the Street - Ever
More People Flooded into the March |
|
US Department of Agriculture
Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
77 W. Jackson Boulevard |
|
March
on
2 North LaSalle Building |
|
'640 Labs' (The Climate Corp)
2 North LaSalle Building
Monsanto Owned |
|
Vaxxed
From Cover-up to Catastrophe
The Documentary |
| |
Producer
Del Bigtree |
Director
Dr. Andrew Wakefield |
|
|
“OH MY GOD. I CANNOT BELIEVE WE DID WHAT WE DID.
BUT WE DID.”
Dr. William Thompson
CDC Senior Scientist & Whistleblower |
|
De Niro - Blames his son’s Autism on
vaccines. He told the Today Show he believed there is a "definite link"
between the disease and vaccine ingredients. Hollywood star Robert De Niro is planning a documentary exposing vaccines. |
|
Landmark Century Centre Cinema |
 |
Vaxxed
From Cover-up to Catastrophe
Documentary Film Expose'
Landmark Century Centre Cinema
2828 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-7759
Friday - May 27th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Viewed Film
Movie Theater Screening New Releases
Independent, Foreign & Avant-garde Flicks
 |
| The Disclaimer Sign - (Shown Above), was attached to the theatre wall.
The Green Dragon Society asked the manager in the Box Office if they had
this procedure for all films. He replied that it was the overall theatre policy,
but that for "Vaxxed" the policy was posted on the wall
for public viewing. |
|
The Film
They Don't Want You To See |
In 2013 - Biologist Dr. Brian Hooker received a call
from a Senior Scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) who led the agency’s 2004 study on the
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine and its link to Autism.
The Scientist - Dr. William Thompson - Confessed that the CDC had
omitted crucial data in their final report that revealed a causal
relationship between the MMR vaccine and Autism. Over several
months, Dr. Hooker records the phone calls made to him by Dr. Thompson
who provides the confidential data destroyed by his colleagues at the
CDC.
Dr. Andrew Wakefield - British gastroenterologist falsely accused
of starting the anti-vax movement when he first reported in 1998 that
the MMR vaccine may cause Autism. In his ongoing effort to
advocate for children’s health, Wakefield directs this documentary
examining the evidence behind an appalling cover-up committed by the
government agency charged with protecting the health of American
citizens.
Interviews - With pharmaceutical insiders, doctors, politicians,
and parents of vaccine-injured children reveal an alarming deception
that has contributed to the skyrocketing increase of Autism and
potentially the most Catastrophic Epidemic of our lifetime. |
|
Interview with the Producer |
|
Big Pharma -
Doesn't Want
You to See!!
This is the Full UNCUT Interview
ABC World News Interview - Conducted with Del Bigtree the Producer of the "VAXXED"
Documentary |
|
'Vaxxed: From Cover-up to
Catastrophe' |
|
Trailside Museum of Natural History |
|
Forest Preserves of Cook County |
|
Nestled in Oak Woodlands near the
Des Plaines River
The 'Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History' is itself
an Historic Presence in River Forest, Illinois |
 |
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Forest Preserves of Cook County
738 Thatcher Ave.
River Forest, Illinois
60305
708 366-6530
Thursday - June 23rd, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Museum |
|
Erected in 1876 by Abraham Hoffman (Home & Private
School) |
During 1917 to 1919 - The Cook County Forest Preserves
purchased the building and surrounding land to use as their general
headquarters.
In 1932 - The building was converted to its present use as
"Trailside Museum of Natural History". It was the first Museum/Nature
Center to have an educational focus exclusively on Cook County native
wildlife, plants and habitat.
Early 1940's through 2005 - The Museum was used primarily for
wildlife rehabilitation.
In 2006 - Trailside museum returned to its roots as an
educational facility, featuring educational displays, native animals,
and nature programs about the diversity of wildlife, plants and habitat
found in Cook County. |
|
The Pond
(Not the Des Plaines River) |
|
Heavy Rains in the Spring |
|
Bald-faced Hornet Nest |
Coyote Display |
|
Chicago
Area - Archeology Exhibit |
|
The Chicago Geographic Location
Is
'Home to Humans'
Since (at least) the 'Retreat of the Last Glaciers'
Some 12,000 Years Ago
Prehistoric Native American Cultures
Artifacts:
Stone Tools and Weapons
Metals and Pottery
Stone Tools
Variety of Different Stones
(Usually Flint or Chert)
|
 |
|
Usage: Fighting, Hunting,
Fishing, Survival - Scraping & Cleaning Animal Hides - Drilling and/or
Carving Wood - Build Boats, Shelters, make Clothing.
Etc. |
|
Great Blue Heron & Sandhill Crane
Trailside Museum of Natural History |
|
Sand Hill Crane & Great Blue Heron (bottom)
American Egret & Black Crowned Night Heron (top) |
|
American Bittern - Green Heron - Least Bittern |
|
Trailside Museum "Great Horned Owls" |
Great Horned Owl |
|
Trailside Museum "Barn Owl" |
Trailside Museum "Long Eared Owl" |
|
Barn Owl & Long Eared Owl |
|
Trailside Museum "Screech Owls" |
Screech Owls & Short Eared Owl |
|
Trailside Museum "Barred Owl" |
Barred Owl |
|
Trailside Museum "Snowy Owl" |
Snowy Owl |
White Gyrfalcon |
The Peregrine Falcon - In the Old World, is the noble Falcon
of the days when Hawking was the chief of sports. The Peregrine is
represented in America by the Duck Hawk. The only difference between the
two birds is in the coloration of the throat and upper breast.
The Duck Hawk - Is sometimes so carried away by the lust of
slaughter that it will strike bird after bird from a flock of Sandpipers
and leave the victims where they fall. |
|
Rough Legged Hawk - Broad Winged Hawks (top) -
Marsh Hawk |
|
Cooper's Hawk - Adult Male |
|
Trailside Museum "Cooper's Hawk in Flight" |
|
Trailside Museum "Cooper's Hawk" |
|
Cooper's Hawk & Sharp Shinned Hawk |
|
Cooper's Hawk & Red Tailed Hawk |
|
Red Shouldered Hawk & Red Tailed Hawk |
|
Goshawk
Savage, Fearless and Merciless Foe of Poultry and Game Birds |
|
Trailside Museum "Osprey" |
|
A Three Generation - Family-owned
Business - Established in 1922
This Small Shop is on the corner of Halsted Street
and Jackson Boulevard in Chicago
It is the Only Original - Chicago Greek Town Proprietorship -
Existing on Halsted Street |
|
Experienced Staff produce Candles
from 100 Percent Beeswax
The Greek Orthodox and some other Faiths Consider the 'Burning of Animal
Fat a Sacrilege' |
Athenian Candle Company - Serves the liturgical needs of the
Greek and Orthodox communities locally and throughout the United States,
as well as churches of all denominations. Located in the heart of
Chicago’s Greek Town community, Athehian Candle manufactures a variety
of hand-dipped, tapered candles, in house, ranging from 8 inches to
5-foot length “Lambathes”. Their products are used in the celebration of
the sacraments and ceremonies of every day life, including weddings,
baptisms, candle ceremonies, memorial services, fund-raisers, dinners
and other festivities and special events.
Athenian Candle Company - Carries a wide variety of religious
products, including charcoal, incenses, as well as glass and plastic
vigil lights in various sizes. They offer an extensive range of quality
hand dipped taper and molded candles, as well as votive, tea lights and
pillar candles. |
|
The Green Dragon Society
Has patronized this establishment, for our ceremonial and
ritualistic purposes, for over 50 years! |
 |
Athenian
Candle Company
300 South Halsted St.
Chicago, Illinois
60661
312-332-6988
Monday - June 27th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Purchased Supplies
The business was started over 80 years ago.
Themistocles Godelas immigrated to Chicago from Greece.
He was carrying on a tradition started by his family in Athens. |
|
After Acquiring Supplies - The Green Dragon Society
- Dined on Greek Cuisine |
 |
Athena Greek Restaurant
212 S Halsted St.
Chicago, Illinois
60661
(312) 655-0000
Traditional Greek Food in a Spacious Setting
Featuring an Outdoor Patio
'With Sweeping City Views'
Excellent Saganaki
Excellent Service |
|
For those so inclined there are
'Hookah Pipes' and a wide variety of 'Flavored Tobaccos' |
|
Subdued Lighting and Eastern Oriented Music adds to
the Ambience |
|
Excellent Middle-Eastern style Cuisine Entrés |
|
Hubble Hookah Lounge
3308 N Harlem Ave.
Chicago, IL
60634
(773) 637-3600
Sunday - July 17th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Lounge
Relaxed, contemporary hangout.
Featuring 65 flavors of Hookah Tobacco & Organic Espresso |
 |
|
There’s more than 40 varieties of teas, espresso
drinks and a host of specialty cocktails and beers from craft breweries.
The laid-back contemporary atmosphere is ideal with the option to sit in
either a spacious booth or more intimate table. |
|
Tobacco Display |
Hookah Display |
|
The Bristol Renaissance Faire |
|
Voted “Country’s Best Renaissance
Faire” for the Fifth Consecutive Year |
|
Summer’s 29th Annual Bristol Renaissance Faire -
The perennially popular compliment of 16th Century merriment, music,
food and games.
The Sixteen Bristol entertainment stages feature nonstop music, feats of
daring stunts and an eclectic assortment of comedic performers who
invite their audiences to become part of the act.
Joining Faire favorites, including Dirk and Guido, the comedic
sword-fighting duo known as “The Swordsmen,” ropewalker, juggler and
foolish mortal MooNiE the Magnif’Cent, Guinness World Record-holding
fire whip artist Adam Crack, the Barely Balanced acrobatic comedy
troupe, and the Sturdy BeggarsTM Mud Show®, will be a breathtaking
aerial silk act suspended from the trees of the wooded Faire site.
Nearly 200 artisans and crafters display wares ranging from
stage-combat-approved swords and handmade chain maille to Scottish
kilts, handcrafted leather masks, tapestry wall hangings, sterling
silver jewelry, rare-edition books, hand-caned brooms, bamboo flutes,
even Steampunk adornments and even jester socks.
Often, patrons have the chance to watch potters, glass blowers, bowyers,
blacksmiths and other working artisans create their wares on-site. |
 |
 |
Bristol Renaissance Faire
12550 120th Ave.
Kenosha, Wisconsin
53142
(847) 395-7773
Saturday - July 23rd, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited the Faire
 |
|
The Year is 1574
Queen Elizabeth is on the throne and England is prospering under
her reign.
Once a year, the locals gather and travelers come from afar to the
Faire.
Citizens are merry because the Queen is visiting the Faire.
The Faire is a playground for young and old alike.
Costumes and personas are recommended.
It is where fantasy rules! |
|
Stop a Knife - Chain Mail Armor (30 pounds weight) |
|
Sensoji is an 'Ancient Buddhist
Temple' located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan
It is one of the 'Most Significant'
Temples |
|
Temple of the Asakusa Kannon
(Goddess of Mercy) |
|
It is known affectionately to people all over
Japan.
The Asakusa Kannon draws some 30 million visitors every year, remaining
an important center of worship. |
 |
Sensoji Buddhist Temple
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito,
Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3842-0181
Thursday - August 11th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Temple
 |
| According to Legend - Two brothers kept trying to return a
statue of Kannon, the 'Goddess of Mercy', to the Sumida River only to
have it returned to them the next day. This Temple was built to honor
her. |
|
Kaminarimon - Thunder Gate of Sensoji Temple
features an 'Unusually Large Chochin Red Paper Lantern'
The Gate - Houses four statues including 'Fujin and Raijin' - 'Gods of
Wind and Thunder'
Of the countless 'Chochin Lanterns in Japan' - This is certainly the
'Most Famous' |
|
Capone! How much longer can he get away with it?
(Sign: side of truck) |
|
Over 28 Years
Showing Visitors a Bang-Up Time |
|
Chicago . . . the 1920s
and 30s
Journey into the past cruising the city in search
of . . .
Old Hoodlum Haunts, Brothels, Gambling Dens and sites of 'Gangland
Shootouts'
Historically accurate accounts of the exploits of Capone, Moran,
Dillinger and the rest of 'Da Boys'
Excitement of Jazz-age Chicago Music during the Prohibition Era |
 |
Untouchable Tours
Departs from the "Rock 'n Roll" McDonald'
600 North Clark Street
Saturday - August 13th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Toured Gangster Past
1 hour 45-minute live action Gangster Tour
Inside story of Chicago's windiest politicians,
rollicking red-light districts,
and most notorious vice games.
The Old Gangster Hot Spots and Hit Spots
 |
|
Chicago is still 'Widely Known' for
its Connection to Depression-era Gangsters
Al Capone and John Dillinger |
| Tourgoers might travel down South Loomis Street to see
"Dead Man's Tree", where gangsters would post the names of enemies
to be gunned down. Others might visit a North Side location where
'Machine Gun' Jack McGurn's assassins left him, dead, and next to
him a nickel, because his father had run a five-and-dime. |
|
Gangstered Tour |
Gangster Tour Guide |
|
Biograph
Theater in Chicago |
|
The Biograph Theater is on the
National Register of Historic Places
It was designated a Chicago Landmark on March 28, 2001 |
|
Biograph Theater Today |
Biograph Theater (July 1934) |
| Designed by Architect Samuel N. Crowen - In 1914, the theater
has many of the distinguishing characteristics of movie houses of the
period, including a storefront-width lobby, recessed entrance,
free-standing ticket booth, and canopy marquee. The building is finished
with red pressed brick and white-glazed terra cotta.
Note: The Biograph Billiards Hall on the second floor in the
photo above right. Many such billiard halls existed in Chicago in the
1920's thru 50's. It was a popular pastime, though considered to be on
the shady side back then. There are few of the big, professional quality
pool halls still running in Chicago. The new trendy billiards rooms for
the fast and furious crowd is no comparison to the good old days.
In keeping with the tradition of the day (gangster activity), later
in the evening we visited one of the few remaining 1940's original pool
halls, Chris's Billiards on the North Side. Further down this section
are details of the Green Dragon Society's hustling activities. |
|
 |
 |
|
'Untouchable Tour Bus' arrives at Biograph |
John Dillinger |
Twenty-three people died of the heat on this date, but the death
that drew the most attention was that of a 31-year-old Indiana man who,
on his birthday a month earlier, had been declared Public Enemy No. 1 by
the FBI.
At the time of his death, handsome, daring bank robber John Herbert
Dillinger was as famous as anyone in America. In little more than a
year, Dillinger had robbed several banks, escaped from two jails, eluded
police traps and killed at least one police officer.
Anna Sage, was to become known legendarily (though inaccurately) as the
"Woman in Red." Sage in an orange skirt that looked red in the light of
the marquee walked with Dillinger to his death. She set him up with the
Feds. She wanted to avoid deportation, but they deported her anyway! |
|
Ambush - Dillinger Runs to Alley |
|
Ambush Scene - Crowd at the Alley where Dillinger
was Executed |
|
The Alley Today |
The Alley, the Crowd, Dillinger's Blood |
|
Playing at the Biograph Theater . . . 'Night
Dillinger was Killed' |
| A movie no one remembers or watches today, which Dillinger picked
himself. It was the last thing he ever did, before he died under a hail
of bullets in a Chicago alley. I can only assume it was not the plot,
but beautiful Myrna Loy that drew Dillinger, Public Enemy #1, to watch
Manhattan Melodrama. |
|
Prohibition
(18th Amendment to the Constitution)
From January 1920 to December 1933 |
|
The National Prohibition Act
Known informally as the Volstead Act
"no person shall manufacture, sell, barter, transport, import, export,
deliver, or furnish any intoxicating liquor except as authorized by this
act." |
Chicago's Criminal Underworld had existed since its inception
in 1833, as a brawling, boisterous frontier town. The very term
'Underworld' is thought to have been coined locally to describe the
horrid dens of depravity, that operated within a vast network of
subterranean caverns below the city's surface, during the 1800s.
With the enactment of Prohibition, the floodgates of opportunity were
opened wide for men with ambition and moxie.
Pre-prohibition taverns were transformed into "Speakeasies" overnight.
Every one of these joints came under the 'Protection' of one of the
neighborhood gangs, which would invariably be affiliated with one of the
powerful, prominent criminal organizations. |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Schoenhofen Brewery - What remains are the most
impressive pre-Prohibition era brewery structures in Chicago. Buildings
were first erected at 18th and Canalport in 1862. The last buildings
were built in 1912, and the brewery remained in buisiness until 1924, a
casualty of Prohibition.
The Schoenhofen Brewery Historic District is centered on the former site
of the Peter Schoenhofen Brewing Company at 18th and Canalport Avenue in
the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. |
|
Prohibition Era Speakeasy - Reopened as a . . .
"Speakeasy" |
| Speakeasy - The Untouchable Tour took us by the former
location of a 1920's Speakeasy. As we arrived, before our eyes, a
traditional gangland style wedding at the Speakeasy. Everything is
period costumes and gangster attitudes at the establishment. But the
booze is never too watered down. |
In 1919, the Kingpin of the Levee District in Chicago, at the time
of Al Copone's arrival there, was a colorful, gregarious man by the name
of Jim Colosimo. Colosimo arrived in Chicago several decades earlier as
a teenage immigrant from Naples, by way of Brooklyn.
The Leevee District was so named due to its proximity to the Chicago
River. Riverboat gamblers and their female consorts along with an
assortment of pimps, prostitutes and huslers had made their way to
Chicago during the Civil War to service the Union Army quartered
locally. Their imported expertise ultimately made the Leevee District
the most infamous area of its kind in the entire western world. |
|
Diamond Jim Colosimo |
Al Copone . . . circa 1930 |
Johnny "The Fox" |
| Diamond Jim had an obsession to indulge himself as a
collector of diamonds. His enthusiasm for acquiring the sparkling gems
became a fetish. He wore diamond rings on every finger of both hands. He
had diamond studded cufflinks and sported a diamond encrusted belt
buckle. Diamond Jim blinded onlookers with his four carat tie clasp. He
even held his socks up with diamond covered sock garters! And if he grew
bored by a discussion, he would thoughtlessly play with loose diamonds. |
| Colosimo's meteoric rise to the top had not been without dangerous
challenges. There was a problem with Le Mano Nera "The Black Hand". But
there also was a 'Criminal Mastermind' in New York. At Diamond Jim's
request, a young Johnny ''The Fox' Torrio escaped to Chicago just ahead
of his arrest, in 1912. Torrio made the payoff to the Black Hand. Their
throats were slit by assassins in the foliage. |
|
Colosimo's Restaurant . . . circa
1920 |
|
| Diamond Jim's fixation on pure crystallized carbon didn't hamper his
business interests. The brothels sold a commodity that was in continuous
demand. Colosimo was a brilliant impresario. He was skilled at
"Glad-Handing" the local politicians and society 'Swells' as well as
moving with ease among the denizens of the underworld.
He played the role of gracious host to the hilt at Colosimo's
Restaurant. This opulent nightspot, located at 2128 South Wabash Avenue,
in the heart of tenderloin, was lavishly appointed. The chandeliers were
gold-plated, the wallpaper was green velvet, the wine list was
impressive, and the food preparation impeccable. A unique feature
was the hydraulic dance floor with full orchestra that would rise
majestically from the basement, suddenly appearing to the astounded
guests as though by magic. As a bonus, they might even get a peek at the
likes of famous figures, including Charlie Chaplin, Al Jolsen, Sophie
Tucker or Jim's boyhood friend from Naples, opera star Enrico Caruso. |
|
 |
January 12th, 1899 - Alphonse Capone was born in Brooklyn,
New York. His parents immigrated from Naples, Italy in 1895. From Ellis
Island they settled in the Five Points neighborhood on Garfield Avenue.
Capone's pal was a rough neck Sicilian immigrant named Charlie "Lucky"
Luciano. The two became members of a local gang whose main rivals were
the Irish boys competing with them for the waterfront area adjoining the
Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Capone's considerable physical strength earned him a regular job as a
bouncer at a local dive called the Harvard Inn. It was owned by a fellow
named Frankie Yale. |
|
Four Deuces |
Four Deuces Dice |
Lucky Luciano (Mugshot) |
1918 - One evening at the Harvard Inn, Capone, an intoxicated
nineteen year old, became sufficiently emboldened to approach a young
lady seated at a table with several friends. Al whispered an off-color
comment into her ear. She immediately blushed crimson in embarrassment.
Her brother, Franco Galluccio, asked what was the remark. Upon hearing,
"Baby you've got a beautiful ass," he leaped across the table with a
stiletto knife.
He went for Capone's throat, slashing viciously four times. Capone
staggered backwards sufficiently to avoid his death, but suffered deep
lacerations from earlobe to jaw line, leaving scars that would forever
give a sinister appearance. "Scarface" was a moniker nobody said to Al's
face.
Capone preferred being called "Snorkey." In the 1920's it was slang for
a classy, elegant dresser. |
|
 |
Al Capone married Mary Coughlin. She was generally known as Mae.
Capone and his young pregnant wife made a hasty exit from New York in
1919. Allegedly, the "Big Fella" got into a dispute with an Irish gang
member. Al let his fists do the talking, leaving the other lad nearly
dead. Fearing retribution and a potential murder rap, Al made contact
through intermediaries with Mr. John Torrio (formerly of Brooklyn) and
was offered employment in Chicago. In late December, the Capones arrived
at Union Station on Canal Street.
Torrio introduced Capone to the Boss, Diamond Jim Colosimo. Al's first
job was at the 'Four Deuces', a joint located at 2222 South Wabash. This
notorious establishment raked in dough. Al's job was as bouncer and
barker. The first floor had a saloon. There were games of chance on the
second floor. If the patron had money, there was an open invitation to
make the acquaintance of the girls who were housed on the third and
fourth floors.
In the event any gentlemen should become too rowdy, Capone was required
to give them the "Bum's Rush" by introducing them to the alleyway exit
underneath the elevated train tracks.Johnny Torrio matured into a
formidable figure. Colosimo gradually became a celebrity who enjoyed
basking in his status and wealth while leaving the details of his
business interests to his second-in-command. The brothels, gambling
joints and saloons had blossomed into a small empire by the time Al
Capone arrived in Chicago. |
|
 |
|
Mrs. O'Leary and Her Cow (October 9th, 1871) |
Torrio and Capone desired to profit from the lucrative booze
business, but Colosimo refused to enter the wholesale beer and liquor
trade. His response to their repeated requests was, "Forget about it,
fellas. Things are going along swell as it is. Anyway, that's a federal
rap that even I can't fix with the boys downtown." Johnny and Al thought
that Colosimo had gone "Pazzo" (crazy).
May 11th, 1920 - Diamond Jim cut short his usual breakfast to go
to his restaurant early. Colosimo had a business appointment with Jim
O'Leary, a prominent South Side gambler who was the only child of Mrs. Katherine O'Leary of
"the Great Chicago Fire" fame.
Colosimo arranged himself in the front lobby for the meeting, in order
to avoid the hubbub and slippery floors of the club's interior, as
employees went about their daily chores in preparation for another
evening of business. |
|
Diamond Jim - Executed in Lobby |
Colosimo's Funeral Procession - Passes Restaurant |
A lone, unknown gunman, leaped from the telephone booth behind Colosimo,
emptying four rounds from a .38 caliber revolver into the back of
Colosimo's skull.
The funeral was a lavish affair befitting a head of state. Ministers,
big wig politicians, society dilettantes, and prominent businessmen
climbed all over each other in lavishing praise upon the departed soul.
Under the astutely cunning management of Johnny "The Fox" Torrio, the
South Side quickly began to form a smoothly running machine. Their
sphere of influence would eventually encompass the greater south side
area with its stockyards, packing houses, steel mills and factories that
virtually dotted the landscape. Chicago was a huge market for alcohol,
gambling, burlesque and prostitution.
Just as Diamond Jim Colosimo had done before him, Torrio forked over a
bit of tribute in exchange for 'Clout' in the Chicago City Hall. |
|
Diamond Jim Colosimo_Mausoleum at Oak Woods
Cemetery |
|
William Hale Thompson |
Jake Guzik |
Frankie Yale |
| William Hale (Big Bill) Thompson - (Mayor of Chicago)
Declared himself completely opposed to prohibition. Following his
reelection in 1928, he hosted a raucous celebration that attracted so
many revelers that the boat used as the "Party Barge" sank due to
overloading its capacity. Big Bill was photographed trudging through the
knee-deep muck of Belmont Harbor with his whiskey bottle held safely
aloft. |
| Jake (Greasy Thumb) Guzik - A Polish Jew who was a financial
wizard. He was the Mob accountant. When there were stacks of currency to
be counted, it was said he could count the bills so rapidly it was as
though he had 'Greased Thumbs'. Guzik was the only man Al Capone really
trusted in business matters. Guzik maintained his position with the Mob
until his natural death in 1956, at age 69. |
| Frankie Yale - Probable third man in O'Bannion murder.
Frankie Yale was briefly detained for questioning by the Chicago Police,
when he attempted to board a train bound for New York City, several
hours after the shooting at the Schofield's Flower Shop. |
|
O'Banion was the Head of the
Notorious 'North Side Gang' |
O'Banion grew up on the streets of Chicago's "Little Hell" on the
near northwest side, an Irish and Italian slum. There he learned how to
fight. He was also an altar boy at Holy Name Cathedral. He formed a
youthful gang called the "Little Hellions" who became expert at 'Jackrolling'.
They would jump drunks and bums in the alleys and steal their 'Jack
Money'
Later, Deanie graduated to "Slugger" for the Hearst Newspaper Syndicate.
He assured the vendors the most lucrative locations. Trespassers were
slugged, beaten and battered to within an inch of their lives. He
expanded into burglary and safecracking. Finally, came hijacking liquor
shipments when prohibition became the law.There never was a more
close-knit, loyal or dedicated gang in Chicago than the North Side Gang
of the O'Banion outfit. They were a multi-ethnic crew composed of
Irishmen, Italians, Poles and Jews.
But O'Banion also had a lifelong fascination with flowers, along with a
natural talent for their aesthetic arrangement. Dion bought into a
part-ownership of the Schofield Flower Shop at 612 North State Street.
Its prime location, directly across from Holy Name Cathedral, made it
the obvious florist for weddings and funerals, and placed it at the
center of classy Catholic functions. |
|
Dion O'Banion |
Chicago Daily News (November 13th, 1924) |
John Scalise & Alberto Anselmi |
| John (Giovanni) Scalise & Alberto Anselmi - The likely guess
for two of the three hit men, along with Frankie Yale who was brought in
from New York specifically for the job. No one was ever charged with the
murder. |
"Bloody" Angelo Genna - Was the boss of the six brother Genna
clan. He was the youngest, but the most treacherous. The family was
known as the 'Terrible Gennas' because they had long preyed on their
upon their own people as "Black Handers". They extorted money
from their hapless fellow immigrants by threatening to doom them forever
via the dreaded "Malocchio" (Evil Eye). If they didn't response
to esoteric threats, that generally respond to shotgun pellets.
'Terrible Gennas of Taylor Street' wanted O'Banion to take their
lousy whiskey. But O'Banion was strictly a quality merchandise dealer.
This created hard feelings. |
| Animosity also existed between O'Banion and the Torrio-Capone
organization. They wanted O'Bannion to promote prostitution in his area.
But Dion had utter contempt for men who would profit this way at the
expense of woman. O'Bannion said this was an insult to the Holy Mother
herself. |
|
Angelo Genna |
Murder Diagram |
Schofield's Flower Shop. . . circa mid 1950s |
Unione Sicilana - President Mike Merlo passed away from
natural causes. His successor to the throne of power within the Sicilian
community was Angelo Genna. At age twenty-six Genna now assumed the post
of President.
On the day of the Merlo funeral, at the Schofield Flower Shop,
business was brisk filling orders for the elaborate funeral. Bill
Crutchfield, an employee of the shop heard people enter the store. O'Banion greeted them, "Hello boys, are you here for the flowers for
Merlo's funeral?"
Six shots were then fired! O'Banion lay in a pool of blood as his
assailants fled. Crutchfield only caught a glimpse of them.
Note: In the 1950s Photo (above right) - The only other
building left standing adjacent to the flower shop, is where a gun nest was
situated, at the second floor window. From here were killed Hymie Weiss
and Patrick Murray (see below). All the other businesses, including the rooming
houses on the right, were all knocked down. |
|
Mike Merlo Funeral (November 13th, 1924) |
|
Hymie Weiss
Following O'Banion's Assassination |
|
Leadership of the North Side Gang
Fell into the 'Capable Hands' of Earl "Little Hymie" Weiss
Weiss was short, powerfully built and terrifying.
He was aggressive in temperament and apparently fearless. |
| Despite repeated protests from the southsiders Johnny Torrio and his
protege, Al Capone, regarding their innocence, Hymie Weiss was utterly
convinced they were accomplices in the murder of his beloved friend Dion
O'Banion. Weiss informed them, "The only business that I'll have with
you two is when I'm standing over your dead bodies with a pistol". |
|
Earl "Little Hymie" Weiss - Mug Shot |
Al Capone |
Hymie Weiss |
Weiss & George "Bugs" Moran - Set about the task of
eliminating the South Side leadership in Chicago. He began with a
symphony of gunshots, in a pitched battle, during the Christmas season
of 1924. Hymie stood on the running board of a sedan while exchanging
shots with Al Capone and his bodyguard Frankie Rio, after they exited a
court building.
January 1925 - Ushered in a more professional plot. Johnny Torrio
was the successful head of the South Side's Criminal Organization. The
northsiders put a "Tail" on Torrio. They shadowed him everywhere. They
learned his habits. They found he frequently gave his body guards the OK
to go home early.
Afternoon of January 24th, 1925 - Johnny sent the boys home
early in anticipation of an impending snowstorm. Torrio approached his
residence at 7011 South Clyde Avenue on the city's South Side and heard
a voice shout," Hey, Johnny", followed by three shotgun blasts. This
from none other than Hymie Weiss and Bugs Moran. Weiss ran up to finish
Torrio with a fatal head shot, but the pistol misfired.
Torrio was hit in the gut, chest and neck, but known as the "Fox",
Torrio lived up to his moniker and escaped the reaper. The hospital
found his injuries not to be life threatening.
Torrio retreated to Brooklyn. Capone took over the reins and said,
"Whoever did this to Papa Johnny, I'll put them on the spot". |
The Genna Family had immigrated to America from Marsala,
Sicily, around the turn of the twentieth century. They were the "Black
Hand" and practiced the "Evil Eye". By sorcery or shotgun they would
have their way.
The Genna Family put the finger on Dion O'Banion. Hymie Weiss was
certain of it.
The Gennas were lined up in the crosshairs of the persistent Mr. Hymie
Weiss, who continued O'Banion's blood feud with them, as well as with
the South Side. Open warfare with the Genna brothers reached its
conclusion in the spring of 1925. Weiss figured he should strike quickly
before the Gennas themselves initiated the inevitable.
Weiss and Bugs Moran had recently made a big show of making
daylight visits to the Genna turf, in "Little Italy". They were even
seen walking down Taylor Street like they owned the place. When warned
by a cop on the beat that they were really pushing their luck by being
in the area, Moran replied, "I wish one of those wops would show
himself. I'm nuts to blow off some grease ball's head". |
|
 |
 |
|
Mike "The Devil" Genna |
3rd Brother Slain |
May 26th, 1925 - "Bloody" Angelo Genna was driving to the
Lakeshore Drive apartment that he shared with his new bride. He never
made it home for dinner! Four men in an automobile pulled up beside his
car and blasted him with more than a dozen rounds, blowing him to
kingdom come. The assailants remain unknown, of course, just like all
the gangland murderers during Prohibition. Not one of the cases was ever
successfully prosecuted.
June 13th, 1925 - Eighteen days following the murder of Bloody
Angelo, the always ferocious, psychopathic Mike "The Devil" Genna went
down for the count in a gun battle with Chicago policemen following a
high speed chase. The police pursuit was initiated when the Devil, in
the company of ace hit men John Scalise and Albert Anselmi, went
speeding through the South Side in the belief that the Weiss-Moran gang
was hot on their tail! The Devil's paranoia (North Side Gang nowhere in
the area), incited him to drive erratically enough to crash into a light
pole at Fifty-Fifth and Western. The three hoofed it, and Mike Genna
died when he fired on the police.
Wisely, the Genna Family perceived an obvious pattern. The family fled
back to Sicily to buy some olive trees and get into the salad oil
business. |
|
Frankie Rio |
George "Bugs" Moran |
Johnny "The Fox" Torrio |
| September 20th, 1926 - In the morning came a truly flamboyant
attack. Alphonse Capone and his bodyguard Frankie Rio were enjoying a
quiet breakfast in the cafe of the Hawthorn Hotel in Cicero, Illinois.
It was Big Al's stronghold just outside the Chicago city limits. |
 |
As they sipped steamy coffee from mugs, they heard what sounded like
gunfire from down the block. Capone rushed to the window to see what was
up. Frankie Rio rushed over and told Capone, "Get down, Boss! It's a
setup!" No sooner said than a caravan of sedans paraded by, the
occupants firing Thompson submachine guns.
It was devastation! Hundreds of slugs shattered the windows and walls
of the Hawthorn Hotel. Capone, Rio and the customers were frozen to the
floor. Weiss himself brazenly stood in the middle of Twenty Second
Street blazing away with a Tommy Gun, blasting bullets into the building
until he leaped into the back of a getaway car.
October 11th, 1926 - Weiss still used the Schofield Flower
Shop as his front, although he was not florally inclined. As Hymie Weiss
and his companions were crossing the street from their fancy touring
car, which they parked in front of Holy Name Cathedral, they were
greeted by a barrage of machine gun fire from at least two gunmen. |
|
Hawthorn Hotel in Cicero, Illinois |
|
Weiss was returning from Criminal Court. |
| Hymie Weiss caught thirty-five slugs. His driver was killed.
His lawyer and a local policeman were wounded but survived.
The 'North Side Boss' was gunned down by hit men who had
camped out on the second floor of an apartment building at the southwest
corner of State and Superior streets. They had been there about a week
according to their landlady. She said they rarely left the apartment
except to procure takeaway food from a local greasy spoon restaurant.
Their rent was paid a month in advance. They left the place littered
with cigar stubs and cigarette butts. The primary attraction for the
renters was the excellent lie-of-fire between their window and the front
of Holy Name Catholic Cathedral. |
|
Diagram of the Assassination |
| Next door to the North Side Gangs headquarters at the Schofield
Flower Shop there was a rooming house. Frank Nitti had one of his men
rent a room for eight dollars a week. The room had a perfect vantage
point for ambushing Hymie Weiss when he would approach the entrance to
the shop. Nitti and "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn moved into the room and
went on a stake out, waiting for the right moment to bag their prey.
Informants kept them aware of Hymie's movements. They wanted a clear
shot at him when there were no innocent bystanders to get caught in the
crossfire.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Weiss's Cadillac pulled to a stop
in his customary parking place in front of Holy Name Cathedral. A second
sedan eased in behind, and its occupants climbed out. Hymie Weiss and
his bodyguard, "Paddy " Murray, began walking across the State Street
toward the flower shop, with driver Sam Pellar a few paces behind them.
The trailing vehicle had been driven by Benjamin Jacobs, the
investigator for William O'Brien, Weiss's lawyer. The duo of Jacobs and
O'Brien were still on the church side of the street when Hymie and Paddy
were nearing the sidewalk in front of the shop. |
|
 |
|
"Machine Gun Nest" (742 North State Street . . .
2nd Floor) |
| "Machine Gun" McGurn let loose with a volley of Thompson
submachine gun fire that chopped them down before they made the curb.
Paddy Murray caught eight slugs in the head and body that killed him
immediately. Pellar, Jacobs and O'Brien received wounds but survived the
onslaught. |
|
Schofield Flower Shop - Sign can be Partially Seen
at Left (wers)
Angle for the Hit Upon Weiss |
Hymie Weiss
(Death Photo) |
Weiss managed to stay alive a few hours, incredibly, without
regaining consciousness. His personal effects included a .45 caliber
pistol, a set of rosary beads, and $5,000 in cash. These were his usual
accessories. He would frequently have his gun in his right hand while
working the rosary with his left as he was preparing to shoot somebody.
McGurn and Nitti made a fast exit out of the rooming house by way of the
back stairs that led to the alley. They ditched the Tommy Gun and a
shotgun on top of a neighbor's dog house, then leaped into a getaway
car.
In the end . . . "Nobody could prove nuthin." |
|
Vincent 'The Schemer' Drucci |
Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti |
"Machine Gun" Jack McGurn |
Vincent "The Schemer" Drucci upon the death of "Little Hymie"
Weiss, briefly held the top spot on the North Side of Chicago. His
tenure was abbreviated on April 4th, 1927, when he wised off to some
Chicago cops who were driving him to police headquarters for
questioning. The cops claimed he made a grab for a policeman's service
revolver, which then accidentally discharged.
George "Bugs" Moran then took over the mantle of authority within
the North Side Gang. Moran had always been wild and crazy. Newspaper
reporters said he was "Buggy", meaning he had bugs in his head buzzing
around. Phrased similar, he should be in the "Bughouse." Moran's
reputation for impetuous boldness was only enhanced when he tirelessly
attempted to challenge Capone to do battle, "Any time, any place, and
any how."
Later, would come another bloody saga involving Capone and Moran -
"St. Valentine's Day Massacre" (see below) |
|
Holy Name Cathedral (735 North State Street,
Chicago)
The most famous Catholic Cathedral in America |
|
Holy Name Cathedral - Magnificent Gothic Style
Catholic Mass in Progress |
|
Holy Name Cathedral . . . was also
wounded when Hymie Weiss was slaughtered! |
| The Cathedral took many hits, as the rounds rained down upon the
street from the 2nd floor machine gun nest. The damage was eventually
covered up with steps and repairs, except for one wild shot up higher .
. .
Note: Schofield Flower Shop, the machine gun nest building,
and all buildings across from Holy Name Cathedral, have been torn down.
Where once they stood is now a much needed parking lot. |
|
'Untouchable Tour' Gangster Bus Driver (Points Out
Wild - Hymie Weiss Bullet Hole)
He is standing on 'Stairs Erected to Cover-up Multiple
Bullet Holes' |
|
Hymie Bullet Hole - Just About Photo Center (on
column) |
|
 |
 |
Alphonse Capone was a physically imposing man. Standing five-feet,
ten inches tall and weighing in at about two hundred sixty pounds, he
was well proportioned in a husky way. His knife scarred left check gave
him a sinister quality, despite his broad smile and engaging
personality. When necessary Al's demeanor could turn on a dime. He was
the last person you would want to anger, but his legendary temper was
reserved for special occasions far removed from the public eye.
Despite the business he was in; which after all, everybody wanted his
product, Capone had unflinching integrity. His handshake sealed a deal.
He always upheld his end, woe to those who failed to live up to their
end of a bargain. He commanded the trust and respect of those he led.
Capone's motto was, "Al for All and all for Al." The 'South Side
Organization' was a team, Al the coach, and everyone playing their
designated positions.
Occasionally, there were certain individuals who lacked team spirit, and
they were cut. Capone's inner circle consisted of not more than fifty
associates. Most were of Italian ancestry, primarily due to a natural
bond among first and second generation immigrants who shared a common
cultural heritage in which English may not have been their first
language.
Al connected with Jews, Irish, German, Polish and Anglo-Saxon
nationalities. Al Capone would do business with anyone. He was as
American as apple pie in his outlook.
Proudly displayed on his oversized desk at his Lexington Hotel headquarters were statues of elephants that symbolized Capone's
admiration for the Republican Party. Behind his high backed desk chair
hung portraits of his favorite Republicans: Abraham Lincoln, George
Washington, and William Hale Thompson. |
|
 |
|
Lexington Hotel - 2135 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago |
The Metropole Hotel - At 2300 South Michigan Avenue was Al
Capone's primary headquarters early on in his Chicago dealings. When
Mayor Dever supplanted Big Bill Thompson in 1924, it became expedient
for Capone to hightail out of the city. During that time, Big Al
operated from Cicero, where he bought the run of the town, and had no
competition.
From the Metropole - Five miles due west on Twenty Second Street
lay the town of Cicero. It was an ideal location for the Capone
command center. From his Cicero headquarters in the Hawthorn Inn Hotel
at 4800 West Twenty Second Street, Capone could easily drop in to check
on the action at The Ship, The Hawthorne Smoke Shop, or any of their
other gambling joints and speakeasies around town.
The Cicero Police themselves, provided security for Capone's
operation. Local village officials snuffed out any attempts by outside
authorities to encroach upon their jurisdiction. The neighboring towns
of Berwyn and Stickney also proved to be extremely amicable toward the
Capone franchise. In these towns the brothels were prevalent. In Cicero
there were none. The only rule on Capone was no prostitution in Cicero.
Capone kept exactly to the deal. |
|
 |
|
Metropole Hotel - 2300 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago |
|
Frank Capone |
Matt Capone (right) |
Ralph "Bottles" Capone |
Battle of Cicero in 1924 - Saw Al Capone's brother, Frank
Capone, killed! He was killed by police in a gun battle on an overheated
Election Day. Despite reinforcements from the Chicago Police Department
in an effort to aid the outnumbered Cicero Police, the Capone
electioneering swept their slate of candidates into office.
Cicero would be the new home of the organization until "Big Bill"
Thompson could be reinstalled to his rightful position, as Chicago
mayor. So complete was Capone's control of this municipality that
several years later Capone felt free to bounce the Mayor of Cicero down
the City Hall steps when his honor stepped out of line.
Cicero had a voracious thirst for beer and no particular aversion to
gambling. But Cicero was rigidly, religiously opposed to houses of
prostitution. They insisted that this sinful, corrupting influence be
relegated to the neighboring towns. In exchange for this agreement
Capone was given the keys to the city.
Ralph "Bottles" Capone - Al Capone's older brother. He was
distribution manager for the liquor business. Whenever the 'Speakeasy'
operators spotted Ralph entering their establishments, they new they
would be purchasing a quantity of bottles. And so goes the name.
Matt Capone - Was Capone's brother who disappeared from Chicago
prior to Capone taking over from Torrio. Matt left Chicago without any
criminal record, went to Colorado and, under an assumed name, became a
policeman. He ultimately became a county sheriff whose real identity
didn't become known until after his death. |
|
 |
 |
|
Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti |
"Machine Gun" Jack McGurn |
Frank Nitti - The 'General Manager' of the organization was a
Sicilian. His name was Francesco Nitto, but historically he is known by
his assumed name . . . Frank Nitti. He was called in fear by the title
"The Enforcer". Commands from Capone were expedited by Nitti. Everyone
understood his orders were backed by the full power of the Boss. He
always remained as shadowy a figure as possible.
Nitti was adept at altering his appearance to evade adversaries.
Sometimes he sported a mustache and slicked-back hair; sometimes not.
Often he would change from business attire to workingman's overalls in
the office. He would then depart in an old truck, rather than in the
fancy sedan in which he had arrived earlier. He relished the roll of
being the "Man behind the curtain".
Jack McGurn (real name Vincenzo Gibaldi) - The most colorful,
flamboyant and feared member of Capone's cast of characters was Jack
McGurn. He was born in Licata, Sicily on February 15th, 1905, as
Vincenzo Gibaldi. The family immigrated to Brooklyn when he was a small
child.
McGurn's natural father was murdered by New York mobsters in a case of
mistaken identity. His mother married a gentleman named Angelo DeMora.
The family moved to Chicago to open a grocery store on Vernon Park Place
in the "Little Italy" neighborhood.
When he was eighteen years old an event occurred that would render him
simultaneously shattered and hardened for life. Two young punks staged
an armed robbery upon Mr. DeMora's store. They shot and killed the
unarmed man in the commission of the robbery. But what the police
assumed was a robbery was actually something else. Mr. DeMora had been
selling sugar to some local bootleggers who became incensed when they
discovered him selling to their rivals as well!
Young Vincenzo rushed to the crime scene as soon as he heard of the
tragedy. He told the police at the scene, "You don't have to worry
yourselves about this case. I'm big enough to take care of it myself."
True to his word he handled the case as judge, jury and executioner.
Once he found out who the killers were, he cornered them and asked, "Why
did you kill my old man?" They pleaded for their lives, "Please Jack, we
didn't know that was your old man! We just thought he was an old "Nickel
and Dimer".
Vincenzo, not yet called "Machine Gun", used a .45 to say goodbye. To
punctuate his reply he placed nickels in their cold, dead hands, to show
who was really "Small Change". He repeated this personal tradition of
"Designer Killing" a couple dozen times during his career as Chicago's
premier hitman!
Vincenzo was very athletic and sought to test his boxing skills as a
professional prizefighter. The boxing racket at the time was promoted
principally to Irishmen who liked to gamble on the outcome of the bouts.
The best way to get on a fightcard was to be Irish, or pretend you were.
Vincenzo Gibaldi took the "Ring Name" of "Battling" Jack McGurn. From
1919 to 1921, he was a professional boxer. Jack could throw a punch, but
was no contender.
Seeing no hope of success Jack dropped out of the ring, but retained the
McGurn moniker. Jack was on a mission to whack as many of the Genna
Family gang as he could, and he didn't want to bring his family name
into the sort of notoriety that was sure to follow. It wasn't long
before Jack McGurn got called up to the big club following his quick
success in bumping off a half dozen or so Sicilian gang members.
McGurn was designated by Frank Nitti as the trigger man for the hit on
Hymie Weiss. That event would earn him the prefix "Machine Gun". McGurn
and Capone became good friends. They shared an appreciation of wine,
women and song, as well as an enjoyment of the game of golf.
McGurn was an occasional golf partner of Bing Crosby when he was
in town during his years as a crooner. Jack was sufficiently
accomplished on the links to qualify for the Western Open Championship
one year. Jack had to make an exit in the middle of a round, leaving his
clubs on the green as he fled from the police who had a warrant for his
arrest |
|
 |
|
Hymie Levine (Bottom Center) |
| Hymie Levine - In the absence of Capone and Nitti, Levine was
the top Capo. Levine was an unknown outside the inner circle of the
Capone Mob. Levine's anonymity made him especially effective in a
supernumerary role. His only brief public appearance was when he was
indicted for murder. The charges were subsequently dropped for lack of
evidence. Levine disappeared into the nether regions of the "Underworld"
shortly thereafter. |
| 1928 - Capone purchased his Florida retreat. Capone enjoyed
being outdoors and loved fishing, as well as being able to lounge around
the pool with family and friends. The Capone's were doing well and
seemed to be under the illusion that their situation, while always
tenuous, was somehow perfectly normal. In the nine years since
Prohibition began, Capone had become a celebrity on a grand scale. |
|
Al Capone - Peaked in the Year 1928 |
| Gambling was one of Snorkey's favorite recreational outlets. Unlike
many of his contemporaries, Capone insisted that the games at his
gambling dens be strictly "On-the-Level". The odds were always in the
favor of the house anyway, so why be greedy and cheat the public?
Personally, Capone liked to follow horse racing. The only problem was
the horses had their own ideas. Rumor was that Capone lost about a
million bucks a year at various racetracks around the country. When the
ponies weren't running there was the dog racing at the Hawthorne Kennel
Club in Cicero. Capone and none other than George "Bugs" Moran opened it
in partnership prior to them become bitter enimies! |
| 1929 - Al Capone wisely decided to go south for the winter.
The winter was unusually hard and bitter weather. Whiskey supplies were
down, but demand was high on the North Side, so "Bugs" Moran ordered his
crew to hijack some of Capone's loads. Whoever controlled the presidency
of the Sicilian Union had unfettered access to that vast stock of booze.
Of course, that person was Al Capone |
|
Louis "Little New York" Campagna |
Antonio "Tony the Scourge"Lombardo |
Joey Aiello |
| Capone left his financial wizard Jake Guzik and Frank "The Enforcer"
Nitti in charge during his absence. Any heavy work could always be
entrusted to "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn, Louie "Little New York" Capmagna,
and Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo. Tony Accardo would go on to
become the top man in the Chicago Mob scene.
Suddenly, there was an opening for the office of President of the
Sicilian Union. The vacancy occurred following the daring, daylight
assassination of Tony "The Mafia King" Lombardo, who was gunned
down in the Chicago Loop in the middle of a rush hour crowd. There
was little doubt that the hit was engineered by Joey Aiello, a
George Moran, North Side Gang ally. Aiello also had a burning desire to
personally head the "Unione Siciliana". Not to mention,
Lombardo's "Bodyguard Joseph Lolardo", set up his boss for the
hit.
To the dismay of the ambitious Mr. Aiello, the newly elected
president of the Sicilian Union was . . . the brother of the "Mafia
King's" bodyguard, one Pasqualioro "Patsy" Lolardo!
January 2nd, 1929 - "Patsy" Lolardo returned home from
shopping. Shortly thereafter three unannounced visitors arrived. Mrs.
Lolardo set out wine and snacks. She was ironing in the other room. In
less than an hour she heard shots in the front parlor. Mrs. Lolardo
identified Joey Aiello as one of the three visitors from police photos.
He was never brought to trial. This was another unsolved murder case
that would ultimately be resolved by "Street Justice". |
|
 |
 |
|
Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo |
Tony "Big Tuna" Accardo |
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The St. Valentine's Day Massacre |
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The Most Spectacular Gangland
Slaying in Mobster History |
| Legend - Has it the Purple Gang of Detroit called
George "Bugs" Moran on the telephone with an overture offering premium
whiskey at a discount price due to overstock at their end. The North
Side Gang was short on liquor and it sounded like a good deal.
Supposedly, a rendezvous had been arranged at Moran's S.M.C. Cartage
Company located at 2122 North Clark Street, to be held at 10:30 a.m. on
Valentine's Day. |
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| This appointment would pinpoint Moran's location and thereby line
him up in the crosshairs of would be assassins. This maneuver was one of
the elements in the in the planning of the operation. The guerilla
warfare tactics of setting up an ambush was exactly the perpetrators
expertise.
Circumstantial connection was later made between two street-front,
second floor apartments, several buildings apart, on the opposite side
of the street from the garage. A room was rented at 2119 North Clark on
the same day a room was rented at 2135 North Clark, both paid a month in
advance, both having views of the front door of the S.M.C. Cartage
Company, from opposite directions, and both vacated without notice after
only a week, on Valentine's Day. George Moran's arrival could be viewed
from whichever direction he headed that morning. Lookouts would then
call the firing squad who would drive over and do the job.
February 14th, 1929 - During the course of the morning,
one-by-one, Moran's men arrived at the garage. There were the brothers
Gusenberg (Frank and Pete), James Clark and Adam Heyer (prominent local
bootleggers), John May (the garage truck mechanic), and Al Weinshank
(speakeasy operator and treasurer of the North Side Gang), and his
German Shepard, "Highball". The lookouts were only waiting for Bugs to
arrive. |
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Jack McGurn - Wanted Poster |
George Moran |
Frank Gusenberg |
| Unlucky number seven arrived shortly, dressed in brown head-to-toe
as Moran always was dressed and otherwise fitting Moran's physical
description. But this was a mistaken identity of a hapless optician for
the notorious leader of the North Side Gang, George "Bugs" Moran, Al
Capone's chief Nemesis. Dr, Reinhart Schwimmer, liked to visit with the
boys and listen to their stories as they played cards, picked the wrong
day.
10:45 AM - Two blocks from the garage, a newspaper delivery
truck sideswiped a police car. The driver was astounded when the
occupants of the squad car merely waved him off and continued on their
way. Moments later, a local youth observed a police squad car with a
damaged fender slide into a parking space in font of the garage. Four
men got out. All four were carrying long boxes. Two were in Chicago
Police Department uniforms and badges. The other two wore suits, ties,
overcoats and fedoras. The young man was excited at the prospect of
observing close up the real, live arrest of some criminals. The driver
of the vehicle remained behind the wheel. He was a tough looking man and
told the kid in no uncertain terms to beat it. The kid did as told, but
only ducked out of sight into a nearby doorway.
Shortly thereafter, the chill morning air was shattered by the deep
rumble of machine gun fire from inside the garage building, followed by
two shotgun blasts. Within seconds, the two men in civilian attire
exited the building with their heads down and their hands up. The two
uniformed policemen had what looked to be the fabled Thompson submachine
guns planted firmly in their suspects' backs as they shoved them into
the backseat, entered the vehicle on either side of the "Arrestees"
and calmly drove away south on Clark Street.
Among the dead were the brothers Frank and Peter Gusenberg.
The Gusenbergs were "Bugs" Moran enforcers who had previously ambushed
Jack McGurn on two separate occasions in 1928 (the first time so
severely wounding McGurn that he was hospitalized for three weeks). |
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St. Valentine's Day Massacre |
Diagram of the Crime |
Police were summoned by the neighbors and arrived within ten minutes
to a scene of horror. Six men were lying in a bloody, gruesome heap at
the base of the north wall. A trail of blood led to the prone figure of
Frank Gusenberg who was trying to make a getaway. He died only three
hours later. Gusenberg had made no death bed confession or accusations,
staying true to the gangland code of "Omertà", an ancient Sicilian
expression for keeping silent to authorities. Even at the end he said,
"Nobody shot me. I ain't shot!"
The only survivor was "Highball", the dog who had entered with Mr.
Weinshank. |
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Fred "Killer" Burke |
"Machine Gun" McGurn (Mastermind & Assassin) |
| The young man who had observed the killers both entering and exiting
the building volunteered to assist the investigators by going through
mug shots. He positively identified "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn, John
Scalise and Fred "Killer" Burke, a killer for hire from St.
Louis. An all points bulletin was issued for Fred Burke. The manhunt
proved fruitless for several months, until he was arrested in St. Louis
and extradited to Michigan to be tried for the murder of a St. Joseph,
Michigan policeman following a traffic altercation. He did a life
sentence in that state and died in prison never having admitted his
guilt in the "Massacre". |
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| Both McGurn and Scalise were indicted for the St. Valentine's
Massacre, but were armed with alibis that got them off the hook. Jack
had a "Blond Alibi", named Louis Rolfe. She insisted that she and
Jack had a romantic morning together, far away from the scene on Clark
Street. She and McGurn quickly married, thus disarming the prosecution
from forcing her to testify against him. Scalise was sheltered by his
shadow, the mysterious Albert Anselmi, who vouched for his companion's
presence at a location miles away.
At the time of the Massacre, Capone was entertaining prize fighter
Jack Sharky and the Dade County, Florida Solicitor at his Palm Island
home. When informed of the events Capone issued this statement, "It was
tragic what happened up there in Chicago. That guy "Bugs" Moran is nuts.
That's why they call him "Bugs". I'm out of town attending to business,
and he lines his own guys up against a wall and shoots them all. Some of
those guys were personal friends of mine."
"Bugs" Moran, spared being splattered against the wall of the garage
by a case of influenza that kept him in bed that morning. His initial
reply to reporters asking for his comment was, "You must be new in town,
kid. Only Al Capone kills like that!"
No one was ever convicted for the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. |
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Louise Rolfe |
Jack McGurn & Girlfriend Louise Rolfe |
| "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn was so hot following the St. Valentine's
Day Massacre he became unemployable. McGurn fell from grace with Frank
Nitti and the Outfit, following Capone's illness and retirement. McGurn
became a surly loudmouth and a heavy drinker. These habits made him
increasingly more perilous to mob interests. His mental state declined,
along with his personal finances. He became paranoid, and threatened to
let the feds in on some of his inside information about higher up
mobsters, unless Frank Nitti cut him in on the action.
February 15th, 1936 - At approximately 1 a.m. McGurn was
gunned down by 'Assailants Unknown' in a bowling alley at 805 N.
Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. When the police arrived, the only people
still present were the pinsetter and the janitor who had telephoned the
police. McGurn's two bowling partners had snatched up the scorecard to
conceal their identities. The janitor said three men had barged in with
guns drawn and told everyone, "You move, you die." Three fatal shots
were fired into Jack McGurn.
Louise "The Blond Alibi" Rolfe - Remarried following the death
of her husband, "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn. In fact, she was married six
more times, and twice to the same gentleman. Adhering to a healthy diet
of "Daiquiris, Lobster & Pall Mall Cigarettes", the lovely doll lived to
be 89. She passed away in Sonoma, California in 1995. |
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Site of old 'Avenue Recreation Bowling Alley'
805 North Milwaukee Avenue |
"Machine Gun" Jack McGurn
Murdered |
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2122 North Clark Street - Today |
1929 - The responsibility of enforcing Prohibition had
recently been transferred from the Treasury Department to the Justice
Department. A special operation was authorized for Chicago. The
assignment, to bring down Al Capone.
The agents were all selected from the ranks of Civil Service workers,
who were educated, diligent and fastidiously honest. Initially, the
focus was on destroying the breweries, alky cooking plants and other
Prohibition offshoots; such as gambling dens that were fueled by the
revenue from alcohol operations.
The well publicized raids by seemingly incorruptible coppers inspired
the creative writing skills of a local reporter who claimed that one of
the arrested gangsters remarked in amazement, "These guys won't take
bribes. They are untouchable!" True or not, the label stuck to these
agents who struggled by on 2,500 a year in an era when the bootleggers
would have gladly paid them ten times that amount to lay off!
To compound everything else, the stock market crash of October 1929
pulled the plug on the economy. Gains made during the "Roaring Twenties"
went down the drain. And the repeal of Prohibition was in the air. |
| An accounting graduate of the University of Chicago, Eliot Ness, a
native "Southsider", was 26 when, in 1929, he was hired as a special
agent of the U.S. Department of Justice to head the Prohibition Bureau
in Chicago, with the express purpose of investigating and harassing Al
Capone. |
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Untouchables Television Show |
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Untouchables Opening Sequence |
Robert Stack as Eliot Ness |
| The most monumental appearance of Mr. Alphonse Capone occurred in
1930 when his image graced the cover of Time Magazine. His face
plastered on the cover guaranteed increased circulation. Although he
rarely allowed himself to be photographed from his scarred left side, he
made an exception in this instance. Sporting a big 'Cheshire Cat' grin,
his photograph appeared above the caption, "Alphonse Scarface Capone". |
Al Capone Symbolized Chicago - At that moment in
history, for much of the world (to the dismay of the blue blood, silk-stocking
crowd). But the little guys, the "Strap Hangers" on the streetcars and
the average 'Joes' enjoyed basking in his reflected glory as much as
they enjoyed the libations provided by his breweries.
To the huddled masses, Al Capone was a larger than life legend they
would probably never lay eyes on in real life. They did somehow delight
in their geographic proximity to Capone, to somehow cast their humdrum
lives in a different light. This gave them a hint of glory in the same
way that sports fans vicariously revel in the antics of their heroes.
Capone's Generosity was Legendary - For instance, he opened a soup
kitchen at 936 South State Street for poor people down on their luck.
One of the grateful diners was seen and heard on a movie newsreel during
the early thirties exclaiming, "If it weren't for Mr. Al Capone, me and
the boys woulda starved to death last winter!"
Capone arranged for deliveries of coal to poor families faced with the
prospect of shivering through the bitter cold of a Chicago winter in
their drafty, freezing flats. Christmas gifts for the children at Saint
Columbanus parish, where his mother attended mass daily, were
distributed as presents from Capone as Santa.
On Christmas Eve, Capone would personally greet cabbies who were lined
up in their taxis in front of his Lexington Hotel headquarters. Wishing
them a hearty "Buon Natale" (Merry Christmas), he would give each of
them $50 in gratitude for their having steered customers to his
Speakeasies. |
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Al Capone's Cell - Eastern State Penitentiary in
Philadelphia |
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Origin of Term "Boot Leggers"
(Selling Hidden Alcohol) |
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Chris's Billiards - Famous Chicago
Pool Hall |
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Walk back into the "Time of the
Great Pool Halls"
Championship Tournaments, Fan Seating, Top
Professionals, Hustlers
An Established History . . . and the Atmosphere! |
CBS Chicago on Chris's Billiards:
If you are looking for the best pool hall in Chicago to practice your
skills, check out Chris’s Billiards. Located in Portage Park, Chris’s
Billiards has more than 40 full-sized billiard tables that are perfect
for those wanting to play a game of pool or practice their craft alone. |
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Chris's Billiards
Portage Park Neighborhood
4639 N. Milwaukee, Chicago
Saturday - August 13th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Following on the theme of the day (Gangsters)
The Green Dragon Society shot pool into the Night
Chris's Billiards is the last of the
"Old Time Pool Halls"
It goes back to the 1940's |
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Made famous by the 1986 film "The
Color of Money" |
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MetroMix Chicago says this about Chris's Billiards
Chris's Billiards is the most famous pool hall in Chicago. How famous?
Back in 1986, director Martin Scorsese filmed key scenes of his movie "The Color of Money"
there. Director Martin Scorsese checked all the pool rooms in
Chicago, but then he said that this room reminded him of a room he
played in Philadelphia. Most of the old rooms were in the downtown area. They were in multi-story buildings.
You took an elevator or you took the stairs. When you mount the long
staircase that leads to Chris's Billiards the framed photographs on the wall tell
you you aren't ascending into a yuppie pool room. The pictures of world
championship players who have chalked their cues at Chris's tell you
that this is not a room for dilettantes.
People who are interested in
the game come here because the rates are lower and the competition is
good, so you can learn more. The space is a vast plain of green felt:
more than 40 tables. On weekends, they're almost all clacking. The back
room has a set of bleachers for watching tournaments. The competitions,
with purses of up to $5,000, have drawn highly skilled pool players.
30 years since legendary director Martin Scorsese used
the Chicago area as a blank canvas for his pool hall fable, If you’re
looking to travel back in time, one shooting location which has
maintained the magic Scorsese saw three decades ago is Chris's
Billiards. For Bruce Perry, who was on set for Scorsese’s
sequel to “The Hustler”, there’s no question as to why the
director would have chosen Chris's Billiards for a crucial scene in the
film . . . "It’s Real". |
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| Chris’ Billiards is littered with memories of the film’s production,
but their faded colors stand as a reminder that life goes on. It may not
look like much upon first glance, but it’s the home of Hollywood
history. |
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Chris's Billiards - The Green Room |
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Celebration - Chinese Moon Festival |
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Full Moon Jam
Fire dancers from the greater Chicago area and Great Lakes share
their creative gifts by the shore of Lake Michigan.
Set to the percussive, impromptu beats of local musicians, under the
lunar light of the brightest Full Moon. |
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Pagan Fire Dancers
An Elemental Exhibition
An Appreciation of Fire Art
The Spectacle of Music, Movement and Flame
Thursday - September 15th, 2016
Autumnal Full Moon Night
Brightest Full Moon of the Year
Green Dragon Society
Attended Fire Dance
Lakefront Location: ¼ mile south of the Foster Ave
Turf Fields on the lakefront. Lakefront jams are south of the Foster Ave
Beach, on the east side of the lakefront trail, in the big field.
Time: Nightfall till the park closes. |
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Chicago Park District - Tree Trunk
Sculptures |
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Sunset - In Preparation for the
'Festival of Fire' |
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Mankind's Eternal Fascination with Flame. Still
photography is inadequate to capture the blazing glory of these fire
dances. In motion there is a whirl of fire trails as the artist dancers
spin, gyrate and manipulate the fire to dance together with them. It is
truly beautiful to behold in the darkness of the night. |
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Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago |
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The Terracotta Army
Ranks
One of the 'Most Spectacular Archaeological Finds' of the Twentieth
Century! |
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This Year - 2016
The Field Museum is the 'Only Venue' where the "Traveling
Terracotta Army"
Can be seen in the United States of America! |
Ten Terracotta Figures - Including a horse, will be on show.
Also, included in the exhibition are 170 related artifacts, made of
bronze, jade, ceramic and stone. And, the temporary exhibition makes a
great companion to the Field Museum’s recently opened Cyrus Tang Hall
of China permanent exhibit, which showcases 350 pieces from the
museum’s vast collection of over 33,000 Chinese artifacts.
The Terracotta Figures - The General will be joined by an
infantryman, a kneeling archer, an armored standing archer, an armored
charioteer, a cavalryman, a stableman, a horse, as well as a civil
official and an acrobat. |
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Field Museum of Natural History
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Open every day except Christmas
Terracotta Warriors Exhibition
&
Cyrus Tang Hall of China
Exhibit
Wednesday - October 12th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Field Trip |
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D3D Cinema and The Field Museum
present "Mysteries of China" |
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Unearth one of the greatest archaeological discoveries
in recent history. Mysteries of China embarks on an immersive journey
through time to experience the reign of China’s powerful First
Emperor and the beginnings of a nation.
After guarding the Emperor’s tomb for over 2,000 years, the Terracotta
Warriors came to light in a surprise discovery that reshaped the story
of China’s origins.
With rich visuals, captivating landscapes, and clues about the enigmatic
Emperor and his underground army, this 3D adventure is a mesmerizing
glimpse into China’s past and present. |
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More than 2,000 Years Ago |
| The First Emperor of China - Constructed a massive tomb where
he was buried with an army of more than 8,000 terra-cotta sculptures,
depicting soldiers, horses and chariots that were created to protect the
emperor in the afterlife. In 1974, farmers in China's Shaanxi province
uncovered some of the life size statues, spurring a gigantic 22 square
mile excavation of the tomb that archeologists continue to explore
today. Aside from the pyramids, it's one of the most ornate examples of
burial art that has been discovered. |
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An Amazing Discovery - Stranger than fiction, which took
place over 40 years ago when a farmer, digging a well in his field,
discovered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
It was an ancient Necropolis (prehistoric burial ground)
created for China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi (pronounced,
Chin She-Wong-Dee), as a place he could continue to rule in the
afterlife.
Terracotta Figures - Dating back over 2000 years, mark China's
first Emperor's rise to power in 221 BC effectively ending an era known
as the “Warring States” period, a time when China was composed of seven
competing states and was marked by instability and broken alliances.
China’s First Emperor - Unified the land that would one day be
known as “China” and protected it by constructing the first Great Wall
(the pre-cursor to China’s “Great Wall”). Among his many other projects,
including the construction of new roads, canals and regulated cart
axles, was his vast army of Terracotta Warriors. |
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Emperor Qin Shihuang |
Terracotta Warriors |
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Archeological Excavation
Discovered in 1974 - Near Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China |
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Terracotta Army Excavation |
Each Warrior - Unique Features |
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Realistic Facial Expressions |
Bronze Bell with Inlaid Gold |
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Ritual Tripod
Eastern Zhou Kingdom (300 BC)
Possibly Captured War Booty
Large Size (Weighs 465 pounds) |
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Originally Brilliantly Colored
Some Pigment Remains (above) |
8,000 Eternal Warriors
Guard Emperor's Tomb |
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Recreated - Color Terracotta Warriors |
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Model of Imperial Palace |
Woman of the Imperial Dynasty |
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Warring States Period
3 Footed Steamer (above) & Ritual Tripod (below) |
Incredible Variety
Gazes and Expressions |
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Stone Armor for an Eternal Army |
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Warring States Period (475-221 BC)
#9) Dagger (Bronze) - #10) Lance Head
#11) Sword |
Chin Dynasty
Dagger Axe
(221-206 BC) |
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Sword Encrusted with Turquoise & Jade |
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The General |
The Eternal Army |
| Generals are the highest ranking officers found so far in the
First Emperor's burial complex. Archeologists have only found nine
Generals to command over 8,000 soldiers. The palms of this General's
hands face downward, as if pressing on a sword's pommel. Each soldier
once held a real weapon. Most of the weapons were looted sometime after
the Emperor's death, others have disintegrated. |
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Terracotta Warriors at the Field Museum of Natural
History |
Field Museum's New Permanent Exhibition - The 9,000
square-foot Cyrus Tang Hall of China. A potent showplace for the
institution's trove of more than 30,000 Chinese artifacts, which range
from ancient tombstones, to a 27-foot-long hand-painted scroll, to an
abundance of censers and ritual tripods, etc.
Billed as the nation's only major permanent exhibition in the U.S.
examining China anthropologically. It is a display appropriate to
China's place in world history as an innovator, a trader and, often, the
dominant player on the Asian continent. |
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Diorama - Ancient Chinese Settlement |
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Wall Mural - Chinese Peoples |
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Bronze Drum - Han Period (206 BC-AD 220) |
Liquids Vessel |
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Elaborate Incense Burners |
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Head of a Sculpture (center)
Marble - Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD) |
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Tomb Figure - Ceramic w/Pigment
Six Dynasties Period (220-589 AD) |
Kuan Yin Bodhisattva |
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Rank Badge (Mandarin)
Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) |
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Camels - Traveled Along the Ancient Silk Road |
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Sword (Iron) - Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220) |
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Axe (Iron & Wood) Han Dynasty (206 BC - Ad 220) |
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Sword (Chrome Plated) . . . circa 221-206 BC |
| Chrome Plated Sword - Over 2,000 years old. Scientific
testing has revealed that the surface of the sword is covered with a
thin coating of Chrome, which protects it against corrosion. Modern
Chrome plating was not invented until the 19th or 20th centuries.
Archeologists are not certain how this ancient form of plating was
accomplished. |
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Test Bow and Sword with Stinkpot |
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Stinkpot - Ceramic (Earthenware)
Ching Dynasty |
Test Bow - Wood, Lacquer, Animal Hide
Ching Dynasty (Qianlong Period - 1736/1795 AD) |
Sword - Bronze
Han Dynasty |
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Jade Blade - Shandong Longshan Period (2600-1900
BC) |
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Halberd - Bronze (Southwestern China)
Eastern Zhou Period (770-256 BC) |
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Dagger-Axe - Bronze (Northern China)
Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) |
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Sword - Bronze (Han Dynasty) |
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Charles R. Knight (1874 to 1953)
Painting - "Rancho La Brea Tar Pools" . . . Cenozoic Era
Famous for Ground-breaking Depictions of Dinosaurs and
other Prehistoric Animals
Millions of people are exposed annually to this artist's works in major
institutions around the world |
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Chicago's Most Famous Ghost! |
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Resurrection Catholic Cemetery &
Mausoleums |
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Who or What is this 'Young Girl' -
Wandering this Street for the last 80 years? |
Driving down Archer Avenue - In the suburb of Justice,
Illinois, which is just a few miles southwest of Chicago. It is late at
night. You pass the Willowbrook Ballroom. Suddenly you see a beautiful
young girl wearing a long white dress on the side of the road. You stop
to see if there is anything wrong. She asks for a ride and gets in the
back seat.
She evades every attempt at conversation. She does not even tell you
where she needs to be dropped off. She suddenly demands you stop. The
young girl exits the car and runs into the Resurrection Cemetery. The
ghostly hitchhiker was Resurrection Mary.
Since the 1930s there have been over three dozen substantiated reports
of men picking up a young girl who is walking along Archer Avenue
between the Willowbrook Ballroom and the Resurrection Cemetery. These
are only reported witness accounts. Who knows how many others have had
run-ins with this mysterious woman and not reported it. |
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Resurrection Mary
Resurrection Cemetery
7201 Archer Avenue
Justice, Illinois
60458
708 458-4770
Wednesday - October 26th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Ghost Hunt
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| Green Dragon Society visited Resurrection Cemetery in the day
and tried to pick up Mary along Archer Avenue in the night.
Unfortunately, we found no female hitchhikers, ghostly or otherwise. |
Resurrection Cemetery was consecrated in 1904 and opened
officially in 1912 to serve the Polish Catholic community in the
southwest area of the Archdiocese and today the entire Catholic
community in that area. It is maintained and operated by the
Archdiocese. The cemetery was named in commemoration of the feast
celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Resurrection Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in North
America. It encompasses over 540 acres and is shaped like a huge
isosceles triangle. With over 152,000 graves, not counting the 5,300
crypts in the mausoleum, it is truly a mammoth burial ground. Area
residents have nicknamed it “The Resurrection Triangle” due to all the
strange events that have taken place there throughout the years. |
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Resurrection Cemetery Monument
(Inscription Below} |
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Our Lady of Lourdes
(Immaculate Conception the Virgin Mary) |
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The Ghostly Tale - Mary was a teenage girl who
had been dancing with her boyfriend at the Willowbrook Ballroom when,
for unknown reason, they got into a heated argument. Emotionally
distraught, Mary rushed out of the ballroom and braced the cold Chicago
winter night and began walking home. While heading down Archer Avenue
she was tragically struck by a vehicle. The driver left the scene of the
accident. Mary laid on the ground mortally wounded. Between the cold and
her injuries Mary could not make it without medical attention, she died
that night.
Next Day - Her parents became concerned when Mary did not return
home. They contacted her boyfriend who told them about the fight and how
Mary walked home. Her parents drove down Archer Avenue and discovered
the mangled body of their daughter. They buried Mary at Resurrection
Cemetery in her pretty white dress. |
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The Search for Resurrection Mary |
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Section of Plots where 'Mary' could be Buried (Mary
Bregovy) |
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But no grave seems to match the story. Mary Bregovy's
story is similar, but does not match.
Mary's name remains unknown. Perhaps her real name is not Mary.
Maybe 'Mary' became attached because of it's association with The
"Resurrection". |
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Replacement Gate Bars (Today)
One Bent Bar - Same Location as Old Damage |
Old Gate Bars
Legend - Caused by 'Mary's Hands' as She is 'Trying to
Get Out' |
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The mischievous act of young Hooligans? Likely
scenario.
But the metal shows no marks of tools such as a crowbar.
Whatever bent it used mein strength. |
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Note: (photo above) - Unidentified
lights in upper left quadrant of picture. Ghostly cell phones? |
| Several Cab Driver’s - Claim to have picked up young girl’s
outside of various nightclubs only to have them exit the cab at the
cemetery and disappear into the graveyard. The cabby’s main complaint is
usually that she didn’t pay her cab fare. There are also reports of
people’s vehicles actually running over a woman on Archer Avenue and
when they stop, there is no one there! |
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'Art of the Gravestone'
Flourishes at Resurrection Cemetery |
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No ghostly phenomena was discovered in any of the
photographs taken at Resurrection Cemetery.
No one experienced any other-worldly feelings. The general impression
was one of serenity. |
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Willowbrook Ballroom - 6,000 sq. ft. Dance
Floor |
Willowbrook Ballroom |
| Founded in 1921 - On 5 acres along wooded Archer Avenue. In
1930, the pavilion was destroyed in a devastating fire. In 1931, more
than 1,700 invited guests and dignitaries danced the first dances in the
new "Oh Henry Ballroom". It had been built at the then staggering Great
Depression era cost of $100,000. The Ballroom attracted the best bands
of their times. In 1959, the entire Oh Henry Complex was renamed
Willowbrook Ballroom. |
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Eerie Side Note:
Historic Willowbrook Ballroom was 'Destroyed
by Fire' just days before Halloween this Year |
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The Building at the Center of one of Chicago’s most
well-known 'Ghost Stories' - Burned to the Ground |
2 p.m. Friday, Oct 28, 2016 - A roof fire was reported at the
Willowbrook Ballroom at 8900 Archer Avenue, according to Fire Chief
Daniel Niemeyer of the Tri-State Fire Protection District. Upon
arriving, firefighters found smoke coming from the roof, which broke out
in flames minutes later.
According to Legend - The ballroom is where the teen girl spent
her last evening in 1927 before she was killed in a car accident on her
way home. From then on, there were numerous accounts of “Resurrection
Mary” sightings in and around the ballroom, dressed in a white gown and
slippers. Those sightings were particularly common around Halloween.
Friday’s fire at the Willowbrook was deemed “A Total Loss” and
the cause remained under investigation. The ballroom had celebrated its
90th birthday in August, 2016. |
|
First Stop was a 'Bar Louie' |
| Of course, the World Series baseball game was on the TV
featuring the Chicago Cubs. We watched the early innings and
moved on. The Cubs lost that one but went on to take the World Series. The Green
Dragon Society congratulates the Chicago Cubs on their much deserved
championship. Some of our members are diehard Cub fans to the bitter
end. These guys can relax some now. Talk about ghostly activities! The
"Billy Goat Curse" placed on the Chicago CUBS way back when, on
October 6th, 1945, has as of the recent Cubs 'World Series Victory',
now become merely a figment of 'Chicago Lore'. This ended a 108
year World Series championship drought, which was the record drought in
Major League Baseball. |
|
Halloween Weekend
Chicago Nightlife
Navy Pier
Fireworks
Saturday - October 29th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Holiday Celebration |
 |
|
Newly Built - Huge Ferris Wheel |
|
Navy Pier's Merry-Go-Round |
|
Ride the Green Dragon at Navy Pier |
|
Navy Pier's Halloween
Fireworks Display |
|
Night View Downtown Chicago - From Navy Pier |
|
Hanuman Hindu Mandir
(Spiritual Community Center) |
|
Hanuman is the 'Monkey Deity'
Renowned for his Courage, Power and Faithful,
Selfless Service |
|
"The Goal of the Hanuman Temple"
Create a Safe and Peaceful Place for Prayer, Meditation and
Reflection
For Attendees and Members of the Public at Large for Generations to Come |
|
Hanuman Mandir (Temple) in Glenview Illinois |
|
The Green Dragon Society
Visited Hanuman Mandir in Celebration of the "Year of the Monkey" |
 |
"Year of the Monkey"
&
Grand Opening (2016)
Hanuman Mandir
Hanuman Temple
of
Greater Chicago
3623 W. Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
847 832-4444
Friday - November 25th, 2016
Green Dragon Society
Visited Mandir
Hanuman is also 'Something of a Rogue'
A Trickster of Hindu Mythology
A Mischievous Troublemaking Deity
But a 'Heart of Gold' with a 'Glint in his Eye' |
|
Hanuman is One of the "Mightiest of Warriors"
- He is the symbol of strength and energy. He is conceived as
the 'Superman' of Hindu Mythology. He has the greatest strength of all
and is worshipped by Indian wrestlers for gaining physical power.
Hanuman is Worshipped - As a subsidiary figure in Temples
dedicated to Rama or directly in Shrines dedicated to Hanuman himself.
The latter are generally thronged by Monkeys, who know that they cannot
be mistreated there. In Temples throughout India, he appears in the form
of a monkey with a red face who stands erect like a human. |
|
 |
This 37,200 sq. ft. White Marble and Glass Temple - On 3.98
acres, includes fountains, a tall glass dome, and tall Sikhras. Besides
sanctuary, it also includes a community center for various cultural,
educational, social and spiritual programs.
Hanuman Mandir Grand Opening (April 15-17th, 2016) - Was blessed
by the presence of more than 5,000 devotee visitors during its grand
opening ceremonies .
Dr. Chandra Khurana - Took the leadership towards building this
Hindu Temple. With the grace of 'Divine Blessings of Hanuman', came
realization of a noble and long cherished dream within the Indian
community residing in the northern suburbs of Chicago. A Brahmin Cow was
brought to the site and given proper respect to ensure that the Vedic
tradition was followed.
Hanuman's 22.5' Moorti - Is a single marble piece, and is one of
its kind in the entire USA. The 47,000 lb. Moorti was installed on the
Mandir floor with all the important Poojas giving it the proper respect.
It is the blessings of Almighty that despite the size and weight of the
Moorti, it travelled safely from Jaipur, India to Glenview, Illinois
without a scratch. The biggest crane was needed to move the Moorti from
the container to its pedestal. |
|
 |
|
Little India Neighborhood |
|
Sagar South Indian Cafe
2520 W Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659 |
|
Tuesday - December 27th, 2016 |
|
Green Dragon Society
End of Year Dinner |
|
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