A Place in Bronzeville History – Bronze Ville Babies

A Place in Bronzeville History: Aldine Square

Aldine Square was located between 3700 – 3900 block of South Vincennes Avenue on the south side of Chicago Years later became the enclave for African American families and musicians.During the 1920’s and 30’s Aldine Square became
home to African American families, artists and musicians

Aldine Square was erected in 1874 and was deemed an exclusive enclave with 42 homes surrounded by a park and a beautiful man-made pond with a bridge in the center. It was quoted as being “the most beautiful and charming of all places of residence in the city.”

But years later this complex became housing for African Americans who moved to Chicago during the Great Migration. A report from local Chicago newspapers (1937) stated: ‘These buildings have been in a dilapidated and unsanitary site for some years.” But even so, the families living there strived to make a better way. The once exquisite Aldine Square complex was eventually demolished to make way for a new public housing development, Ida B. Wells.

When I wear my Pullman Porter uniform it is a source of pride for family and community

For more information about Aldine Square: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldine_Square,_Chicago