| we think of Chicago we think of factories and pizza. | | | | the initiative to establish landmarks preserved and to |
| The Italian population has contributed too much of | | | | showcase Italian nationalism and culture. Today the |
| Chicago's diverse cultural, and the backbone of | | | | area is less an Italian hub, and more a student center. It |
| America's economy. | | | | is now populated by 25 000 students enrolled at the |
| One of the most inspiring areas in America is Little Italy, | | | | University of Illinois at Chicago, which houses a |
| in the Near West Side of Chicago with Taylor Street 's | | | | renowned medical teaching center. |
| little Italy hedged by Western Avenue and Morgan | | | | The neighborhood is home to the National Italian |
| Street, Harrison on the North, and Roosevelt Road on | | | | American Hall of Fame, founded in 1977. The |
| the South. This area grew under a mass migration of | | | | foundation is dedicated to advancing and promoting |
| Europeans, Italian, Greek, and Jews. Only the Italian | | | | the history and heritage of Italian Americans in Sports. |
| American enclave stayed to created a vibrant district. | | | | A new addition in recent years is the Frank Sinatra |
| Several of the grocery stores, pizza restaurants, and | | | | Performing Arts Center. This celebrates the famous |
| historic Roman Catholic churches remain. By 1927, | | | | people born and raised in Chicago. |
| Italians owned 500 grocery stores, 257 restaurants, | | | | Many of American's icons were born in Chicago. The |
| 240 pastry shops and other shops. Early success | | | | Radio Flyer red wagon was created by Antonio Pasi. |
| stories included the Gonella Baking Company, but the | | | | Today the company's 100 employees manufacture |
| list is too long for one article. | | | | about 8000 wagons a day. |
| Two of the more significant landmarks of Little Italy | | | | However, Chicago is not caught in the past. |
| are the Catholic churches, Our Lady of Pompeii and | | | | Restaurants like Rosebud's, Pompeii, and Tuscany |
| Holy Guardian Angel, founded by Mother Cabrini. | | | | now share the dinner crowd with home grown |
| Hull House, established by Jane Addams, is a historic | | | | franchises such as Vito's Pizza which still serves |
| site known for cultural and educational programs. | | | | classic Chicago pizza, and modern medical and nuclear |
| The city was a typical working city until it gained | | | | institutions. |
| notoriety. Chicago became famous in 1893 with the | | | | The auto industry has given way to The Manhattan |
| birth of the Word's Fair. | | | | Project, known for atomic research. The factories and |
| The history of Chicago's many Italian neighborhoods | | | | warehouses have evolved and grown, replaced by |
| are built around community centers where people | | | | Baxter Laboratories and the American Hospital Supply |
| come, eat, and socialize after a long day at work. This | | | | Corporation. |
| creativity and culture was preserved past WWII and | | | | If you are searching for an interesting and unique look |
| was sustained through the next 5 decades. | | | | at American Culture, then make sure you stop in |
| Today's Italian community is as vibrant as it ever was. | | | | Chicago, taste some world famous pizza, and enjoy |
| Little Italy is a proud neighborhood. The community took | | | | some timeless entertainment. |