Ralph "Mr Canoe" Frese

Ralph Frese was the owner of the shop Chicagoland Canoe Base and the last blacksmith shop in Chicago. He was a fourth generation blacksmith who became a canoe builder and a nationally recognized expert. He began exploring Chicago area waterways in a canvas kayak as a teenager; in the 1950s he established the Illinois Paddling Council, the DesPlaines River Canoe Marathon, and began building canoes for local Boy Scout troops and replicas of historic birch bark canoes. He also supported the Chicago Maritime Society and Museum. A Chicago parks and waterways trail was named in his honor.

He led ambitious campaigns to recreate the explorations of the United States and Mississippi River by canoe in the 1600s by voyagers Marquette & Joliet, and LaSalle. These reenactments were brought to life in the 1970s.

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Honorary Ralph "Mr Canoe" Frese Way

Irving Park and Narragansett

 

Approved: 2013

Ward: 38
Alderman: Cullerton
Neighborhood: Portage Park/Dunning

b.
d. December 10, 2012. Age 86.

near
Chicagoland Canoe Base (former location)
Irving Park and Narragansett

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Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Frese

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130921/dunning/mr-canoe-be-honored-with-street-sign-after-50-years-of-paddling/

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170630/dunning/portage-park-dunning-apartments-ralph-frese-chicagoland-canoe-base-demolition-zitella/

https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/life-and-times-of-mr-canoe

https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/mr-canoe-paddles-on

https://news.wttw.com/2018/01/25/documentary-showcases-renowned-chicago-canoe-builder-ralph-frese

http://windycityhistorians.com/episode-4-la-salle-and-the-voyageurs/

Merri Dee

Merri Dee had a long career in Chicago media as a television anchor on WGN-TV, Channel 9, from 1972-1983; then as Director of Community Relations and manager of the the stations Children’s Charities until 2008. After leaving broadcasting she served the Illinois Chapter of AARP until 2022.

She was born, Mary Francis Dorham in Chicago. Her first job was in radio in Harvey, Illinois at WBEE. She then went to WCIU, followed by WSNS where she hosted her own talk show The Merri Dee Show.

In 1971, she survived a kidnapping and murder attempt. She was involved in Illinois’ adoption of the Victim’s Bill of Rights in 1992, which became the basis of legislation in other states. Merri Dee was well known for her work with charities and has received several awards.

Alum
Midwestern Broadcasting School
Xavier University, Louisiana
Englewood Technical Prep Academy, Chicago

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Honorary Merri Dee Way

1300 South Damen Avenue at West 13th Street

 

Approved: November 2013

Ward: 02
Alderman: Fioretti
Neighborhood: Near West Side/Illinois Medical District

b. October 30, 1936 in Chicago
d. March 16, 2022. Age 85

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Source

20137731

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merri_Dee

https://youtu.be/EvPbpe_OiFs?si=X1e2qDKlxRQbKjtg

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, a Grammy Award winning singer and musician is known as the “Queen of Funk,” although she was also known for R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Gospel music. She started her career in the band, Rufus, before launching her highly successful solo career. In 2023 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She was born Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago, and took the name Chaka as her spiritual name, and the name Khan as her married name. She was a regular performer on the TV show - Soul Train.

July 28, 2013 is Chaka Khan Day in Chicago.

Alum
Kenwood High School
Calumet High School
St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School

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Honorary Chaka Khan Way

South Blackstone between East Hyde Park Avenue and East 50th Street

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Approved: 2013

Neighborhood: Kenwood

b. March 23, 1953 in Chicago

near
Kenwood Academy High School
5015 S. Blackstone

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Souce

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaka_Khan

https://www.kenwoodacademy.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=186512&type=d&pREC_ID=376144

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaka_Khan

https://chakakhanmusicwebsite.com/

Honorary Chicago Guidebook, Second Edition, Michigan Avenue and Beyond