Tracy,
Don’t want to burden you, but the following regarding the ontology of the Taylor Street Archives (TSA) is also pertinent.
I approached Rev Fragemini about the TSA in 2006. His enthusiasm for the project was such that he urged me to place the information on the tables at the rear of the church. Unfortunately, the lay staff took it upon themselves to remove that material. Upon inquiring the reason for the removal, the lay staff had determined the TSA was too violent…pointing to that portion of the instructions which read: “Remember, if you submit a story in which you beat up more than 23 guys at one time, you must include the names of at least 2 living witnesses.” I pursued the project without their support.
Vince
In my limited search into my beloved Taylor St. I find that there is little ink given to the real heart and soul of our neighborhood. While I am very proud of my neighbors that are the hard working, talented and industrious people that was the DNA of our Italian parents. I feel that little time or print is afforded the many colorful characters, who really put Taylor St. on the map. In Chicago, the United States and the World. If it were not for these men and women Taylor St. would be just another street in Chicago. It was the fun, on a hot summer night in the neighborhood, by these men and women that brought the real color to the neighborhood. Maybe we should focus on the American-Italian Experience ( In that order ) that was the real pulse and identity of our Neighborhood.
Dickie Pope.