To the Library!
BEN: Back of the Yards is one of our frequent library haunts. For the “official” Project 81 visit, we headed over for a program called The Sound of Science, where the kids each made a “Sound Sandwich” – a rubber band sandwiched between popsicle sticks, with plastic straws as spacers, resulting in a monophonic harmonica of sorts. (I’m pretty sure this qualifies as a single reed, but it’s an interesting example, since it’s physically bounded on both sides…it’s sort of a free reed aerophone, but the reed isn’t free…if you have the correct term, comment below!)
Anyway – the kids interviewed the delightful children’s librarian, Ms. Corina, who told us that while the branch is not “circ-heavy” (meaning book circulation is lower than average), it’s a well-loved meeting space for families to build community – playing, talking, and attending programming. The library is especially known as a safe gathering space in the neighborhood. The large outdoor space also provides unique programming opportunities, like a bubble and water play event we attended last year.
Ms. Corina also told us that the library will, eventually move from its current, relatively small space embedded in the campus of Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School, to a new mixed-use building near 46th and Ashland.
Back of the what?
BEN: Here’s a neighborhood with a direct and literal name – Back of the Yards refers to the area directly south of (and today, inclusive of) the Union Stockyards, historically the butchering and meatpacking capital of Chicago, and perhaps of the world at the time. Did you learn about muckraker Upton Sinclair and his classic exposé novel, The Jungle, in high school? This neighborhood is the setting. Unsurprisingly, it was also the physical birthplace of the concept of community organizing, courtesy of Saul Alinsky. The area was initially settled by immigrants from Eastern Europe – their legacy is still apparent even in our adjacent neighborhood of Bridgeport, where a nearby cross street is called Lituanica Ave. Today, the neighborhood is predominantly Mexican-American – which leads us to our delicious culinary adventure!
(Sidenote: if you haven’t before, take a moment and learn about the difference between the terms Latino and Hispanic. Hint: one of them deals with geography, and the other with language.)
Tacos de pescado y camaron, por favor
SAM: We went to visit one of the restaurants that Ms. Corina suggested, Tacos Don Cuco, on 47th St. We ordered the Taco Dinner from the menu and selected a taco de camarón (shrimp taco) and a taco de pescado (fish taco). The employees were friendly and helpful. They assisted us in the salsa choices and informed us on the level of spiciness of each of the three salsas. Ben and I were able to practice a little Spanish while we were interacting with them (and they were very kind to us about it).
What about Transit?
DANIEL: Hmm… This is interesting. The Back of the Yards Branch is served by CTA Buses #47 and #48. The #48 can take you to Western Orange line station, where you can transfer to the #49, #X49 and #94. If you are coming in on Metra, and don’t want to spend half the day on transit, you’re kinda screwed 🙁
Let me get this straight: WE NEED A METRA CONNECTION!!! But, as we don’t, well, good luck, suburbanites! My final review: (Drumroll please) 4/5.
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