Back to school, just like that

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 284-7394

Just like that, it’s back to school. Saints Bruno & Richard Schools go back on Aug. 18. The sign at Peck School says classes resume on Aug. 22.

There will be a “Back to School Block Party” event at Kennedy High School on Aug. 20. There will be free school supplies, hot dogs, beverages, raffles and more.

The principal sponsor of this wonderful community event is Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors. Geno’s crew recently came to clean my gutters, with a job well done by nice workers.

Mary Stanek

We welcome baby Luca, grandson of Maria and Juan on 57^th Place. As I write this, I await a party that will be held in his honor this Saturday evening. I am sure it will be a good time. We also welcomed baby Santiago, son of Claudia on 57^th Place. Santiago was born in March and already is growing so fast.

From what I have heard, the man responsible for our Walgreens on 59^th Street being burned received five years at sentencing. It appears he started a fire in a bucket close to the pharmacy, which led to the collapse of the roof. But pretty soon we will have our drugstore back, from the looks of the work in progress.

Happy Birthday to Gustavo De La Torre from Archer Heights. Happy Birthday to Laura Faletti Dodge as well. She was one of my first bosses at the White Castle on Archer and Kedzie.

Those White Castle days were the best. We would have lines out the door, but served our customers well. I still believe I can set up a griddle of 30 sliders in a minute: first the onions, then the beef and salt, and finally the buns on top to get steamed. When ready, boxing required the addition of the pickle. On rare occasions customers would ask for “everything” which is a mixture of ketchup and Dusseldorf mustard,

I can remember Archer and Kedzie back in the late 70’s as if it were yesterday. There was Huck Finn and Park restaurants for good meals. Maury had his liquor store, and a bowling alley was down the street.

Shopping in Brighton Park included Petrie’s, a young women’s shop; and of course, Archer Ave. Big Store. Seeing a movie at the Brighton Theater meant a stop at the Gertie’s next door. Our first neighbor, Tony, and his family owned that ice cream shop.