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

---

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/

Colleen J. Flood

Colleen J. Flood was the owner of the Four Treys Tavern and helped to establish the neighborhood of Roscoe Village. She also initiated the “Retro on Roscoe” Festival and Car Show, as well as Winterfest and the Halloween Parade. She moved to Roscoe Village in 1979 and opened a beauty salon. Over the years she bought additional buildings and rental units in the area and established it as a family friendly and dog friendly neighborhood.

Alum
Carl Schurz High School (Chicago)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FourTreys (@fourtreys)

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Honorary Colleen J. Flood WAY

North Damen Avenue between West Henderson Street and West Roscoe Street

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 32
Alderman: Scott Waguespack
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

b. August 22, 1944
d. September 19, 2023. Age 79

near
Four Treys Tavern
3333 N. Damen

---

Source

20248766

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2023/10/13/23916149/colleen-flood-owner-of-the-four-treys-tavern-who-helped-revitalize-roscoe-village-dead-at-79

https://www.facebook.com/fourtreys/

https://www.instagram.com/fourtreys/

Keith O. Tate

Keith O. Tate was a leader of the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC) for more than 20 years. A community organization dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors through education, housing, and business. He also worked at the University of Illinois Medical Center for 25 years, and also Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Gary, Indiana.

CAPCC was co-founded in 1955 by Elwin Tate, who brought Keith to meetings and had him involved from a young age. In 1987 hundreds of residents were joined by Mayor Harold Washington in Cole Park to support a community development initiative which succeeded in raising money to buy and revitalize vacant properties; the event was featured on the television news program 60 Minutes. Through the years CAPCC attracted national retailers and black owned movie theaters to the community.

Alum
Colorado State University
Hales Franciscan High School
St. Dorothy Elementary School

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Honorary Keith O. Tate Memorial WAY

East 79th Street between South Rhodes Avenue and South Lawrence Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. April 14, 1949
d. December 17, 2018. Age 69

---

Source

20247805

https://citizennewspapergroup.com/news/2019/feb/20/keith-ovid-tate-shining-star-greater-chatham-commu/

Coleman Brothers

Coleman Brothers barbershops have been a fixture in the community for generations. The Colemans were father figures and older brothers to the neighborhood. They helped youth stay in school, pursue careers, and take care of family.

The brothers arrived in Chicago from Alabama in 1955 as part of the Great Migration of African-Americans from the southern states.

There were two locations:

• 63rd and Dorchester (Stephen and Ernest) closed

• 68th and Stony Island (est. 1963. James and Richard)

Through the years families as well as celebrities have been long time customers of Coleman Brothers. This quintessential south side Chicago barber shop has been a destination for more than 55 years.

---

Honorary Coleman Brothers WAY

6800 South Stony Island to South Harper Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 05
Alderman: Desmon Yancy
Neighborhood: South Shore

d. 2018. Age 88 James. 2016 Richard

near
Coleman Brothers Barber Shop
6802 S. Stony Island

---

Source

20248190

https://www.wbez.org/stories/it-was-the-place-to-be-to-have-conversations-barbershop-remembers-owner-james-g-coleman/cb426376-c5ad-4b44-aca0-4c761a614a83

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/5/7/18348367/founder-of-popular-south-side-barbershop-dies

https://youtu.be/3NJUYR6regQ?si=9YG2uyrmjRgc7lzY

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/richard-coleman-obituary?pid=180503850

Harry J. Fishman

Harris (Harry) Fishman was owner of the largest fabric store in the country in 1958. It was established as a tailoring supply store by his father, Gerson Fishman on Union Street in 1903 after he emigrated from Russia. Harry took over the business in 1926, added fabrics and made it a successful retailer. His son, Jerry, started in the business in 1956.

As of 1991 it is now a fourth-generation family owned store.

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Honorary Harry J. Fishman WAY

Desplaines Street between Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 28
Alderman: Jason Ervin
Neighborhood: South Loop

near
Fishman’s Fabrics
1101 S. Desplaines

---

Source

2024

https://fishmansfabrics.com/about/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpEWXKvHeZY

https://youtu.be/PnyUL0NtmtE?si=M-KqrRllALdZrjPU

https://youtu.be/ZLjZzcVcbK4?si=hGWrZMLKp7WXJg5e

Demetrios "Jimmy" Pirpiris

Demetrios 'Jimmy' Pirpiris was a local business owner and philanthropist to the Greek community and in the Ravenswood neighborhood. For 30 years owned and operated an Exxon Mobile gas station, and then a laundramat in Ravenswood Plaza until he retired at age 93 in 2022.

He was a member of The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, where over the course of 60 years, he chaired several committees. He also raised money for the Greek American Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

He moved to the United States at the age of 19.

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Honorary Demetrios 'Jimmy' Pirpiris WAY

Northwest corner of West Montrose Avenue and North Damen Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 47
Alderman: Matthew Martin
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

b. October 1, 1929. in Greece

---

Source

20247866

Robert & Eugenie Brandt

Robert Brandt was the Alderman of the 33rd Ward for 8 years (1963-1971). They owned the Brandt Funeral home in the Logan Square neighborhood., where Robert was the Funeral Director for 56 years.

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Honorary Alderman Robert & Eugenie Brandt WAY

Southwest corner of West Fullerton Avenue at North Kimball Avenue to North Kedzie Boulevard

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 35
Alderman: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square

d. 1996. Age 74 Robert ;2009 Eugenie

near former location of
Brandt Funeral Home
3421 W. Fullerton Avenue

---

Source

20236053

https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/01/16/ald-robert-brandt-74-also-was-funeral-director/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/04/23/death-notice-eugenie-j-brandt/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/brandt-funeral-home-chicago

Yolanda Travis Mack

Yolanda Travis Mack was a McDonald’s franchise owner on the South Side of Chicago. In 2007 she acquired the first black owned and operated McDonald’s, originally opened by Herman Petty in 1968. She commissioned a mural on site to honor the original owner.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, she turned her locations in COVID service sites, she also donated masks to a local hospital.

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Honorary Yolanda Travis Mack WAY

South Lake Park Avenue, between East 52nd Street and East 53rd Street

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 04
Alderman: Lamont Robinson
Neighborhood: Kenwood

---

Source

20236364

https://news.yahoo.com/meet-yolanda-travis-owner-operator-145305341.html

https://afrotech.com/first-black-owned-mcdonalds-restaurant

https://youtu.be/FB61h7fc4lw?si=Ny8xumaaf4ORTzqZ

https://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/local-business-owner-engineers-mask-donation-franciscan-health

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yolanda+travis+mack

Titus Allen, Sr.

Titus Allen, Sr.

---

Honorary Titus Allen, Sr. WAY

South Vincennes Avenue between West 82nd Street and West 84th Street

 

Approved: December 2023

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham

b. January 2, 1944
d. September 4, 2022. Age 78

Time Out Lounge
8216 S. Vincennes Avenue

Sign Dedication: April 13, 2024

---

Source

20235640

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/243802321/titus-j-allen

Time Out Lounge

Lula Mae Watson-Williams

Mother Lula Mae Watson-Williams established the Williams Inn pizzaria and bar in 1969 after having worked at famous Chicago pizza establishments such as Pizzaria Due, Lou Malnati’s, and Gino’s. She was the mother of seven children. Her business offered good food and employment opportunities to the Englewood neighborhood. She also expanded it to include a full-service restaurant and a pool hall.

The original location at 5701 S. Ashland ran for 30 years in the Englewood neighborhood before it burned down. In 2021 a new location opened at 2210 South Michigan Avenue. It is still family owned and operated today.

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Honorary Lula Mae Williams WAY *

South Ashland Avenue between 57th Street and 58th Street

 

Approved: November 2023 *

Ward: 16
Alderman: Stephanie Coleman
Neighborhood: West Englewood

near
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
5701 S. Ashland Ave (original location)

---

Source

20234791

https://www.williamsinnpizza.com/about-us

https://wgntv.com/news/chicagos-very-own/owner-of-iconic-black-owned-gay-bar-opening-inclusive-pizza-restaurant/

* May 2024 Amended - to “Lula Mae Williams Way” from “Mother Lula May Watson-Williams Way”

Beth Murphy

Beth Murphy was the owner of Murphy’s Bleachers sports bar at the corner of Sheffield and Wavelend, across the street from right field at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field baseball stadium. The bar has a rooftop view of Cubs Baseball is popular among, fans, athletes, and musicians who all play at Wrigley.

Beth was active in the Lakeview community among rooftop owners and local businesses; she defended their interests amid the development in and around the iconic baseball stadium. She was the former president of East Lakeview Neighbors, and she led the annual Oktoberfest fundraiser.

The bar was originally Ernie’s Bleachers in the 1930s, In 1965 it became Ray’s Bleachers under new ownership. Beth’s husband, Jim Murphy, bought the bar in 1980 and ran it until his death in 2003. The bar is now owned by the next generation of the family, Brian Murphy.

Her honorary sign was dedicated at the Oktoberfest event in 2023.

---

Honorary Beth Murphy WAY

Southeast Corner of North Sheffield Avenue and West Waveland Avenue

 

Approved: September 2023

Ward: 44
Alderman: Bennett Larson
Neighborhood: Lakeview/Wrigleyville

b. 1955
d. 2023. Age 67

near
Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield

---

Source

20232741

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/14/beth-murphy-murphys-bleachers-late-owner-will-be-honored-with-wrigleyville-street-sign/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/04/24/beth-murphy-the-murphys-bleachers-owner-who-battled-the-chicago-cubs-over-the-wrigleyville-rooftops-dies-at-68/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/beth-murphy-owner-murphys-bleachers-dies/

https://abc7chicago.com/beth-murphy-chicago-obituary-cubs-news/13186851/

James W. Cole

James W. Cole was known as the “Shoe Shine King.” He gave the community and returning citizens the opportunity to learn the craft, and the personal service of shoe care and repair. He owned and operated Shine King for more than 57 years. Eventually he bought the buiding and rented out other shops to various businesses.

His shoe shine clients included former Mayors and Barak Obama.

He was born in Tennessee and moved to Chicago as a young boy.

Alum
Marshall High School

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Honorary James W. Cole WAY

North Central Avenue between West Fulton Street and West Corcoran Place

 

Approved: June 2023

Ward: 29
Alderman: Chris Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Austin

d. 2022, Age 78

near
Shine King
338 N. Central Ave

---

Source

20232094,1675

https://chicagodefender.com/james-cole-the-owner-of-chicagos-shoe-shine-king-dead-at-78/

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/07/18/james-cole-the-west-sides-shoe-shine-king-who-helped-his-neighbors-find-work-dies-at-78/

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2022/7/11/23204026/shine-king-founder-james-cole-obituary

https://chicagocrusader.com/west-sides-shine-king-james-cole-dies-at-78/

https://www.austinweeklynews.com/2018/07/11/james-cole-50-years-the-shoe-shine-king/

Prince Asiel Ben Israel

Prince Asiel Ben Israel (born Warren Brown) was the owner of the Original Soul Vegetarian restaurant (now Soul Veg City), which served vegan food on the South Side of Chicago and opened in 1981. The restaurant has continued on under the guidance of his children. It is one of the earliest black-owned vegan restaurants in the country. It promotes healthy, plant-based diets to prevent chronic disease.

He was also a member of the African Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem and studied in several countries. He served as an advisor to the World Conference of Mayors, the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, and was a member of the African American Clergy Network of Chicago. He served to support Black populations in North America, Africa, and Israel.

Alum
DePaul University
Dunbar Vocational High School, Chicago

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Honorary Prince Asiel Ben Israel WAY

East 75th Street between South Indiana Avenue and South Prairie Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. April 30, 1941 in Chicago
d. August 21, 2022. Age 81

near
Soul Veg City Restaurant
201-209 E 75th Street

---

Source

20231260

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/prince-asiel-ben-israel

https://www.soulvegcity.com/about

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/9/2/23334949/prince-asiel-ben-israel-chicago-black-hebrew-leader-memorial-service

https://www.blackjews.org/prince-asiel-ben-israel/

Reverend C. B. Taylor

Reverend Charles B. Taylor was a Baptist minister and the owner of the Taylor Funeral home, which he started in 1963. In 1982 he bought Oak Hill Cemetery Association in Gary, Indiana. The Reverend was driven by mission and entrepreneurial spirit; he made multiple and varied investments in business and faith on the south and west sides of Chicago.

He also started a wide variety of businesses, including: Thrifty Printing (1975), American Monument Company, Atlas Auctioneers, Taylor Coach, and multiple auto sales and rebuilders. Reverend Taylor was also a pilot.

He has decades of civic involvement and service in the Baptist Church, Schools, Masons, Shriners, and the funeral director business.

Reverend Taylor was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and came to Chicago in 1948. He served for 22 years in the Illinois National Guard, where he achieved the rank of First Sergeant.

Veteran: National Guard

Alum;
Prairie State College
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Jackson State College, Mississippi

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Honorary Reverend C. B. Taylor WAY

East 78th Street, between South Eberhart Avenue and South Rhodes Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
d. June 30, 2022. Age 93

near C.B. Taylor Funeral Home
63 E. 79th Street

---

Source

20231149

https://www.cbtaylorfuneralhome.com/

Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian

Sylvia Knabjian, a.k.a. Toy, was the proprietor of Bridgeport’s “Mike’s Hotdog Cart” at 32nd and Aberdeen, which her father Michael began.

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Honorary Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian WAY

West 32nd Place, from South Carpenter Street to South Morgan Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 2004

---

Source

2023262

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html

Mike 'The Hot Dog Man' Knabjian

Mike’s Hotdog Cart was a hand made, bright yellow, wooden, tin roofed cart at 32nd and Aberdeen in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.

Mike was the namesake founder and operator for 65 years. His daughter, Sylvia, succeeded him in the hot dog and tamale business.

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Honorary Mike 'The Hot Dog Man' Knabjian Way

West 32nd Place, from South Aberdeen Street to South Carpenter Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 1985. Age 84

---

Source
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html
https://legacy.suntimes.com/us/obituaries/chicagosuntimes/name/sylvia-knabjian-obituary?id=30132548

20222714
2023261

Donald L Seals, Sr.

Donald L. Seals, Sr. was the owner operator of the People’s Choice Grocery Store in the Englewood neighborhood for more than 33 years. He was an active community member who supported children in need with coats, food, and large doses of kindness and consideration. Local Aldermen referred to him as an “Angel of Englewood.”

After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and quickly rose to the rank of Captain and then Fire Chief. He went on to train State Fire Marshalls.

Veteran

U.S. Air Force

Alum

Edmund Burke Elementary School
Hyde Park High School

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Honorary Donald L. Seals, Sr Drive

5500 to 5659 South Princeton Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 16 and 20
Alderman: Coleman (16), Taylor (20)
Neighborhood: Englewood

People’s Choice Grocery Store
5647 S. Princeton Avenue

b. January 1, 1927
d. age 95

---

Source
20223738

Gaspar Gomez

Gaspar Gomez was the owner of the Shell service station on the corner of Damen and Division in Wicker Park, which he opened in 1977. Over 40 years his business grew to four location from the original location which ultimately closed in 2017. He was one of the first Latino franchisees and received several corporate awards for excellence and commitment to the community. He sponsored neighborhood festivals such as: Wicker Park Chill Fest and Do Division Street.

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Honorary Gaspar Gomez Way

West Division Street between North Wood Street and North Damen Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 01
Alderman: LaSpata
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

d. July 29, 2022. Age 84

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Source

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170829/wicker-park/1950-w-division-shell-gas-station-wicker-park-2017-closing-october-new-apartments/

https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/obituaries/name/gaspar-gomez-obituary?pid=202502513&v=batesville

20223763

OC Sanders

OC Sanders was the owner of Sanders Lounge, an Englewood establishment he opened in 1970 and ran for 51 years.

He was known for hosting events, booze cruises, softball leagues, … and his favorite saying…

Whisky sitting still, don’t may no bills

OC moved to Chicago in 1965 from Utica, Mississippi

Alum:
Utica Junior College (Mississippi)
Crane Business College (Chicago)

Christ Universal Temple

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Honorary OC Sanders Way

700 West 59th Street to 5901 South Halsted Street

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 16
Alderman: Coleman
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. July 29, 1942 in Utica, Mississippi
d. November 9, 2021

Sanders Lounge / OC Sanders Back Bar
700 W. 59th Street

---

Source

20222633

Charlie "Boot" Allen

Charles Herman “Boot” Allen was a businessman and educator in Chicago. He spent 35 years teaching in the Chicago Public Schools including: Mason Upper Grade, James Bowen High School,

He was the owner and operator of the Presidents Lounge on 75th Street, a popular local bar. Charlie ran an annual “Toys for Tots” campaign and established a scholarship fund for local high school students entering college.

Alum:
Tennesee State A&I University
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago

Member
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago

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Honorary Charlie “Boot” Allen Way

East 75th Street, between South Champlain Avenue and South Langley Avenue

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Greater Grand Crossing

b. December 10, 1941
d. February 8, 2017. Age 75. in Tennesee

Near: President’s Lounge
653 East 75th Street

---

Source

20222185