Polish Triangle

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Comment by Daniel Pogorzelski on November 3, 2009 at 7:44pm

The Chicago Center for Working-Class Studies (CCWCS) has created a do-it yourself-tour of "Polonia Triangle" as part of its Interactive Labor Trail.

You can take a peek at it by clicking right here

The Labor Trail is the product of a joint effort to showcase the many generations of dramatic struggles and working-class life in the Chicago area's rich and turbulent past. The Trail's neighborhood tours invite you to get acquainted with the events, places, and people -- often unsung -- who have made the city what it is today. The map illustrates 140 significant locations in the history of labor, migration, and working-class culture in Chicago and Illinois.

Comment by Daniel Pogorzelski on October 30, 2009 at 2:34am

Poet John Guzlowski, who's been featured on programs such as NPR's A Prairie Home Companion wrote about growing up in the vicinity of the Polish Triangle:

Lightning and Ashes: DPs in the Polish Triangle, Chicago, 1950s

Comment by Placemaking Chicago on October 23, 2009 at 12:20pm

WPB is planning a great Halloween event with the award winning Collaboraction theatre troupe. To join in the fun, meet at the Polish Triangle at noon on Oct. 31 - and be sure to bring your noisemakers and wear your costumes!

Comment by Placemaking Chicago on August 25, 2009 at 6:04pm

Park(ing) Day is coming up on Sep. 18. Some of you guys who wanted more activity at the site - this could be a fun day to do something!

Comment by Daniel Pogorzelski on July 16, 2009 at 1:59am

Here are two ideas to draw attention to Polonia (aka Polish) Triangle.
http://theplacemakingmovement.ning.com/group/polishtriangle/forum/topic/new?target=http%3A%2F%2Ftheplacemakingmovement.ning.com%2Fgroup%2Fpolishtriangle#

1) Modifying the CTA Blue Line stop's name from Division to Division-Polonia Triangle. In recent years the CTA has modified the names of some of its stops such as the Bronzeville stop on the Green Line. Additionally, the stop is directly underneath the actual triangle. Folks who would otherwise be oblivious to its designation would hear the stop announced every day.

2)Marking its history to let passersby the significance of this plaza. We could work to install a plaque somewhere on the property about Polonia Triangle's historical importance. I am aware of a similar initiative as part of the streetscape project at Six Corners in Portage Park. If we so chose we could even apply to get Polonia Triangle on the National Register of Historic Places, or better yet officially designated as a recognized Chicago Landmark

Comment by WPB on June 17, 2009 at 11:16pm

Hope you can stop by the Polish Triangle before the end of the week - we're having a commuter station for Bike to Work Week. We've been there every day this week, with lots of people stopping by. Check out the pics on our flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wearewpb/sets/.

Comment by Trixie Triangle on June 12, 2009 at 6:48pm

Thanks Kevin for summoning me back to this fabulous group. I was just at the triangle enjoying wine in a paperbag with all my homeless pals. My hope is some day soon, we can get that crystal palace built. That way, the triangle can be enjoyed 4 seasons of the year. Kevin, if you need convincing how great an idea this is, please get off the computer, and get yourself over to Europe. These little triangle cafe's, near metro's, are open all day selling morning coffee, lunch, wine, etc. These cafes also have art openings, open mics, etc. Without someone, such as Levy concessions or whomever taking a leadership role, this triangle is just too busy, loud, noisy, fumey to be anything more than what it is right now. The last thing in the world the police are going to do is start managing the homeless at the triangle. Has anybody dealt with the police station on wood street? That station over there hate even fighting crime let alone fight the homeless.

Comment by Jennifer russano on June 8, 2009 at 11:08am

There is some great space surrounding the trees and fountain that could really use some flowers/small bushes. With a large group, 3-4 hours and some funds, we could easily make the place look more presentable.

Comment by Bucktown Steve on June 8, 2009 at 11:02am

I have to say, I kind of agree with Polish Kevin here…sarcasm noted. I think it is universally agreed that getting rid of the pigeons and doing a better job of managing the folks who have decided to take up residence in the triangle is job number one. And, after that is done, power wash the place. Really, any programming is not practical to start until that is done.

Why can’t that be done now? Those efforts cost virtually no money.

Comment by Placemaking Chicago on June 8, 2009 at 10:21am

Thanks, Kevin. We haven't lost all of your great ideas and are definitely planning to use them as possible as we develop a long-term vision. Our question right now is: if you had 2-3 hours and could host an event/performance/interactive session, what would you do with that specific amount of time?
My apologies if the previous posting wasn't clear.

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