J. Y. Scammon

In researching the article about the Confederate monument in Oak Woods Cemetery, I stumbled into the fact that Chicago harbored Confederate sympathizers. It made me question my assumption that Hyde Park had been Lincoln country. I was glad to find that, while I can’t prove the general attitude in what was then a small town, … Continue reading J. Y. Scammon →

Binga Dismond, someone worth remembering

When I was researching Amos Alonzo Stagg and Stagg Field, I realized that, while Stagg is famous for football, but he was a huge presence for track and field too, especially promoting the Olympics movement. He also respected talent. Henry Binga Dismond (1891-1956) was one of his track stars in 1915-1917, a Black man competing … Continue reading Binga Dismond, someone worth remembering →

An Itinerary for CAC Open House in Hyde Park

Written for a friend who told me what was already in her plans, so I supplied her with links to background information on her way. 1. South Side Entertainment District along Cottage Grove.and 63rd Street It grew because of the Cable Cars, so you can see a couple photos and see why it was there … Continue reading An Itinerary for CAC Open House in Hyde Park →

Bob Dylan and Blues History

The University of Chicago Folk Festival Bob Dylan with acoustic guitar and harmonica (Bob Dylan Center) This post isn’t a history of the Folk Festival. This post is about how the hive mind of the internet helped me track down a legend about Bob Dylan playing (however briefly) in Hyde Park, which came around to … Continue reading Bob Dylan and Blues History →