I grew up in the city of Chicago during the reign of Daley I, Hizzoner da Mare. .... BTW, when I was growing up, America was divided into a number of parts:HI ex 'neighbor'my neighborhood, the 50th Ward, aka Nortown, West Rogers Park, West Ridge...
the North Side of the city, Cubs country;
the South Side, Sox country;
But a looooong way from you, on the SW Side, in Sox Country. The 12th Ward, Brighton Park. And back before x-ways, a car ride to your neighborhood would require a packed lunch. But I'm sure I passed through it as a kid going to Fox Lake. We'd take Western Ave north to Milwaukee Ave then to US Rt 12 to Fox Lake (iirc).
Our big trip to the North Side was the loooong Bus Ride 'up' Western Ave. to Riverview Park. Then in '57 & '58 we'd go Ice Skating at the Chi Public Park near Irving or Montrose(?) & Lake Shore Drive (near/around the Totem Pole). It had the smoothest ice and the Warming Hut served Hot Dogs :-)
You're spot on.. My sister lives just off of 176 & 12 in Wauconda.
I've traveled that route up 12 many times, but it was years ago..different life time ago..
Here’s anudder of Da Mare’s kids. 36th and Wells. Block over from Da Mare. ‘37—43. Dose were da days, my friend. First pack of smokes in the little park north side of Comiskey Park. Sliced italian beef and peppers and tamales from the street wagons. 12th St. Beach; I used to help Mike the corner hot dog guy on 35th and Wells during games. Dad worked at Mack Truck. My older brother and I always fighting with the Sorice kids. Usually won.