The seventy-seven communities of Chicago are as unique and exceptional as the magnificent city itself. Chicagoans championed Burnham and Bennett’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. Following their urban design, every community has a park, and most have more than one. These beautiful parks belong to all the residents in a community. Also, every community in Chicago has its own distinctive history. These histories were presented by this Chicago History Examiner.
Chicagoans are descendants of immigrants who came from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. Chicago communities that maintain their diversity flourish and succeed because their residents can draw ideas from a world of wisdom.
The communities of Chicago began as villages of farmers who brought their crops from the north, south, east and west to the city in horse-drawn wagons on Native American trails. Bridges, roads, elevated trains and railroads united the city, and real estate developers formed communities for those who lived and worked in the area. Churches, schools and commercial areas were founded, and the communities thrived.
Outside events like WWI, the Great Depression and WWII affected many communities negatively by stopping construction and growth, but most recovered. The evil of racial strife devastated many communities, and some haven’t regained their diversity. Poverty caused by unemployment following the loss of industry harmed many communities, and they haven’t recovered. The worst threat to Chicago communities was and is crime because it endangers the lives and property of residents. Communities fought this ongoing threat in the past and continue to fight it in the present.
Chicagoans of good will assisted by the mayor and City Council will facilitate the solutions to any problems Chicago’s communities may have.
www.examiner.com/chicago-history/elaine-shigley
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