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Episodes

June 3, 2020

Chicago History Podcast Mini - Chicago Firsts 102 - Author Marvin Mason

Marvin Mason published his first novel Curse of Black Hawk's Treasure well into his 50's and in the first year after being published is on track to have 10 works in print. Hear more about Mason's pursuit of a literary life. …
May 30, 2020

Episode 106 - Old Chicago Amusement Park

It was an innovative idea in its day - a 200 store indoor shopping center 35 miles outside of Chicago with a 31-ride amusement park in the middle. Unfortunately, once you throw in costly delays, waning attendance, lackluster…
May 27, 2020

Chicago History Podcast Mini - Chicago Firsts 101 - Ralph Covert (The Bad Examples)

Ralph Covert has been a working musician in Chicago since the late 80's, and with his band The Bad Examples has had many memorable shows. I recently talked to Ralph and asked about his Chicago First story playing as a band. …
May 23, 2020

Episode 105 - Chicago Firsts

You don't always have to be first, but when you are it certainly feels good. Chicago has had its share of firsts. The first skyscraper? Built in Chicago. The first female police officer? Chicago again. The first moving walkw…
May 16, 2020

Episode 104 - The Breweries on Bosworth

Chicago has a long history with beer and breweries. Starting in 1881 and continuing for over 80 years, one street in Chicago was home to many breweries that experienced a number of highs and some might agree even more lows. …
May 9, 2020

Episode 103 - Tuts and Avalon

One building, nearly 25 years of amazing concerts and the start of many successful bands. Episode Three of the Chicago History Podcast looks at Tuts and Avalon, two clubs that occupied the second floor of a building in Chica…
May 1, 2020

Episode 102 - Quiet Knight

For 25 years, one building housed some of Chicago's most interesting music venues. In this episode, we'll discuss the first rock club at that address and how Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and m…
April 18, 2020

Episode 101 - The Theater at Dearborn and Division

Before Walgreens became its current occupant, the northwest corner of Dearborn and Division in Chicago was home to storied movie theaters for over 70 years. Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod@gmail.com): https://www.…