FEATURED ARTICLES
A Place in Bronzeville History: Aldine Square
Years later became the enclave for African American families 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.
For more information about Aldine Square: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldine_Square,_Chicago
Barbara Ann “The Ultimate Dream Girl”
HI! My name is Barbara Ann, and I am a Bronzeville Baby!”
“I am 8 years old and was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1930. My parents, seven siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandmother all live in the same apartment complex, Aldine Square. A neat block of Greystone buildings with a pond and bridge as our front yard.
Many musicians live here like Jelly Roll Morton. My daddy, known as Frank Sweet Williams, is also a musician and plays at downtown night clubs and on the north side of Chicago in exclusive white clubs. Sometimes he and his friends have jam sessions in our living room. Daddy works for Illinois Central Railroad during the day as security guard. To help make ends meet, mama sews beautiful clothes for well-to-do ladies. Lucky for me she can use the fabric remnants to make party and school dresses for me.
My family calls me the ‘dream girl’, because even though my home was crowded, I’d always find a private space to dream. . . under the dining room table, or outside on the bridge that’s over the pond in our front yard. I dream of what I want to be when I grow up. I think about being a model or work in a retail store downtown. But since I love family life, I may become a loving wife and mother.”
Eddie Travels was a Pullman Porter
“Hi! My name is Eddie Travels“, and I am a Bronzeville Baby
My family is from a small town in Texas where I was born in 1920. My father moved to the Bronzeville community in Chicago in 1938. My mom, sister and I followed shortly after. I am now a Pullman Porter. My family is very proud of me
My job is on the Pullman Car, part of the long trains that traveled throughout the country. Pullman cars were attached to regular train cars ad were very classy and prided in service. Being a Pullman Porter is hard work both physically and mentally. While traveling I don’t get much sleep. I do everything from making beds, carrying luggage, serving food, to babysitting. Often times I am the first Negro man the white travelers have ever seen. But my job is to make sure they have a comfortable trip.
My travels on the railroad take me away from my wife and children for long periods of time. But every penny I make goes back home to support them. In my travels, I often see other porters who came from my home state of Texas. We share stories about family and friends still back home down south. I miss my home, family, and friends who are still living in Texas. I miss being there, but Chicago is the place to be! It’s a new life for new dreams.”
A People without knowledge of their past . . .
“A people without knowledge of their past, is like a tree without roots.”
Black nationalist, Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), promoted political and social movements for people of African descent. His approach and leadership was insightful as well as controversial. However, his philosophy supported black identity and black ancestry.
This quote resonates with many of us today as we seek to fulfill our dreams. But what does this saying actually mean today? We took a survey of friends and customers and this is their interpretations:
- “I have old black and white photos on the walls in my home. They are pictures of old family and friends. I use them to educate my granddaughter about her history.” – L. Flowers
- “To know your past is to anchor yourself to your present to gauge the future!” – C. Barker
- “You could have been born stupid. But you don’t have to stay that way!” – B. —-
- “As a young person in the black community I think it is necessary to inform myself of my history. Honoring the people before me is so fulfilling and I can learn so much from them. This keeps me grounded.” – K. Freeman
- “I was never a history buff until I started doing community development work and realized it was not that long ago. No much has changed!” – M. Thompson.
- “History connects the present with the future.” -B. Turner
- “History for me is the building blocks of knowledge to use to keep me uplifted, full of pride, moving forward.” -Aleta
- “Bronzeville is the name for fashion, writers, poets, blues and jazz. American history is Bronzeville history!” -Jerome
So, what does: “A people without knowledge of their past . . .” mean to you? Please share with us in the comments section . Your responses may be included in our next Bronzeville Babies issue!