UPTOWN — Dearly Beloved...
We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a pillar of the Uptown community that has bountifully provided us with the gift of knowledge through literature, the perfect vinyl to complete the set list and reimagined cool for half a century through its eclectic music collection.
Shake, Rattle and Read at 4812 N. Broadway has been a neighborhood treasure since it opened as the Book Box in 1966. Though it's seen various neighbors move away from Uptown, it had remained an anchor on Broadway for five decades before it finally closed its doors Saturday.
In this time of reflection, it's important to remember that behind every great small business there's a cool cat manning the counter and making the community a home. Luckily Shake, Rattle and Read just happened to have the coolest cat west of Lake Michigan — Ric Addy.
Related Link: The Demise of Shake Rattle and Read and The Adaptation of Ric Addy
Addy, ageless like the front man of your favorite rock band, has spoiled customers with rare memorabilia accompanied with a wild story that's bound to raise its sentimental for years after purchase, since he purchased the shop from his family in the 80s.
In November, a gloomy cloud of melancholy swept over the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Broadway when he announced his retirement and the store's closure, but like the records he's made a living selling, Addy was able to illuminate the path during the despondent times with a farewell tour of epic proportions.
During the seven-month farewell, Addy blessed the community with a marathon of sales and celebrations culminating in a retirement party at the Green Mill on Sunday featuring the final performance by Addy's band The Pogo Ponies.
And just when we thought the nostalgia was over Addy gives us one more reason to shed a tear for an Uptown staple and the lively rocker who gave it life.
Here's a tour of the empty shelves of the store to forever remind us of the cavity it has now left in our hearts:
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