🏡 Bungalows, Bells & Cemetery Spells: A West Portage Park Stroll! 👻🌳

🗺️ Explore West Portage Park: A Chicago for Chicagoans Walking Tour!
“A Pay-What-You-Can Tour with Chicago for Chicagoans – Discover the history, homes, and hidden gems of Portage Park’s west side!”

🏡 Bungalows, Bells & Cemetery Spells: A West Portage Park Stroll! 👻
📅 Sunday, June 29, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (approx.)
📍 Start: Southeast corner of Portage Park, 4100 N Long Ave
🎯 End: Mount Olive Cemetery, 3800 N Narragansett Ave
👟 Approx. 2 miles of walking | Tour ends ~1.4 miles from start
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✨ About the Tour:
Join us for a special public walking tour of Chicago’s historic Portage Park neighborhood! This is part two of a two-part series focusing on the West Side of Portage Park.
Presented in collaboration with Chicago for Chicagoans, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting residents with their communities, this walk is open to the public — all are welcome!

💸 This is a Pay-What-You-Can event with donations collected at the end, per nonprofit policy.
✅ Registration is required to attend – secure your spot here:
👉 Register for West Portage Park Tour
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🏘️ What You’ll Discover:
We’ll explore the rich history, architecture, and culture of West Portage Park, including:

• Classic Chicago-style bungalows 🏡
• Historic churches and shuttered schools ⛪
• The 1920s Patio Theater movie palace 🎬
• Beautiful parks and the former Cook County Poorhouse site 🌳
• Century-old cemeteries
• And much more local lore and hidden gems!

📸 While not a formal photo walk, there will be plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way!
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🍽️ Optional Post-Walk Meetup:
Join us afterward for a casual meal at Jolly Inn Restaurant — everyone’s welcome!
Menu: http://jollyinn.com/restaurant.aspx
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📚 Why Portage Park?
Named for an ancient Native American portage route between the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers, Portage Park is steeped in immigrant heritage and architectural charm.
🏊‍♀️ Home to the iconic Portage Park Pool, which hosted the 1959 Pan-Am Games and 1972 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, the area also boasts:

• National Veterans Art Museum
• Portage Theater & Patio Theater
• Six Corners Shopping District
• Merrimac Park
• And so much more!

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🤝 About Chicago for Chicagoans:
Founded in 2016 by Patti Swanson, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit offers tours and lectures to help Chicagoans connect with their neighborhoods. Learn more or donate:
🌐 www.chicagoforchicagoans.org
💖 Make a tax-deductible donation
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🚇 Getting There:
Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps.
🚗 Metered parking available nearby on Irving, Central, and surrounding streets — watch for permit zones.
⚠️ Remember: The tour ends about 1.4 miles from the starting point — please plan parking accordingly!
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🔁 Attending Saturday too?
The East Portage Park Walk is on Saturday, June 28th — both tours are listed separately on Meetup, and you’re welcome to join both!
📲 Please RSVP and update your attendance if plans change — no-shows hurt planning.
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Can’t wait to explore my special neighborhood with you! 😊
—Giovina