ROGERS PARK — A trove of old photographs proves the neighborhood's intimate, longtime love for the waterfront.
From a mustachioed grandfather and granddaughter hand in hand in Lake Michigan to Chicagoan Peter Van Iderstein launching his boat at Greenleaf Avenue, the black-and-white photographs provide a glimpse into the past.
But, really, the maritime connection between Rogers Parkers and the water of Lake Michigan is not much different from today.
Take a look, and see for yourself.
The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society made the photos and caption information available to readers of DNAinfo Chicago.
Lake Michigan shoreline at Lunt Avenue in 1905. Most of the other land along the lakeshore looked very similar, consisting of small dunes, scrub and trees.
Loyola Beach, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., date unknown
Steinson Horse & Carriage by Lake Michigan, date unknown
Unidentified grandfather and granddaughter of the Olson family at the Estes Avenue Beach, date unknown, donated to the society by Pat Olson
A beach scene, looking north toward Rogers Park Beach, date unknown
Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy Avenue, Kristen Huml (l-r), Molly Paulo, Mary Pat Mackin and Molly Cummins water skiing, date unknown
Nancy Judd jogging at Pratt Beach, 1050 W. Pratt Blvd., March 25, 1987
An unidentified fisherman on Farwell Pier, June 1, 1983
Peter Van Iderstein launching a boat at Greenleaf Avenue, date unknown
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