Signs are clear: spring is on its way

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

The past couple of weekends have certainly been nice, what with a little warmer weather and some sun out to boot. Kayla and I certainly took advantage of them and spent some time at Marquette Park.

We made sure to stop at both playgrounds, per her request. It was great to hear the laugher of the kids running around and enjoying swings and slides. The ducks and geese were certainly glad to see us as we brought along some lunch for them as well. Bring on spring.

Some of you may remember Archbishop Robert Prevost OSA from his recent time here as Prior General of the Midwest Augustinians. Pope Francis has just chosen the archbishop as the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. With this assignment he leads the Vatican body responsible for recommending candidates to the Pope to fill the office of bishop as well. He takes on this new assignment in April.

Kathy Headley

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Party at St. Thomas More is this Saturday, March 11. Held in Donlan Hall, 2825 W. 81^st St., the party will include a buffet dinner, raffles, cash bar and dancing and features music by Dr Y and the Prescriptions. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:15.

Tickets are $35 at the door. Children age 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at the rectory. For more information, call the rectory at (773) 436-4444.

This Sunday, March 12, Community Cinema brings the 2021 Paramont film Rumble to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, at 2 p.m. Rumble is a PG film based on Rob Harrell’s graphic novel Monster on the Hill.

Chicago Lawn Adult Librarian Bruce Sullivan has put together an online event honoring Women’s History Month for Wednesday, March 15. Join Bruce and the Chicago Lawn Branch for a look at Hoopla, the library’s streaming service, as they celebrate Black Women of Jazz. The event takes place on Zoom from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register at chipublib.org at least 24 hours before.

Next week is a predominantly Irish week at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, beginning with Irish-themed word puzzles and music on Monday at 10 a.m. This one will also include pre-March Madness. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite college jersey. On Tuesday, March 14, it is Karaoke Irish Music with Harold at 10 a.m., followed by C.U.B. Lunch and Learn.

Then on Wednesday, March 15, it is Irish-themed crafts with Ms. Pena beginning at 10 a.m. On Thursday, March 16, it is Kelly High School Super Bingo at 10 a.m.; and then Friday, March 17 is the official St Patrick’s Day Celebration with D. J. Chico. On Friday, seniors are encouraged to wear green for the celebration.

During Lent, on Fridays at St. Thomas More, 2825 W. 81^st St., Stations of the Cross are offered after the noon Mass.

The Legion of Mary Chicago Senatus Acies 2023 will take place in Nativity BVM Church next Saturday, March 18. Rosary begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by individual and collective Marian Consecration and closing with benediction. Light refreshments will be served afterward. For more information, contact Mark at (312) 934-1349.

Later this month Archbishop Lionginas Virbalas will be visiting the Lithuanian communities in the United States. He will be coming to Nativity BVM on Saturday, March 25, for recollections at 3 p.m. and Mass at 4 p.m. Then on Sunday, March 26, he will celebrate the 11 a.m. Mass followed by a dinner in the parish hall. For more information call the rectory at (773) 776-4600.

Now back to 1973. Last week we had just filled up the tank of our Ford Torino at the Martin Gas Station on the northeast corner of Marquette and Kedzie and were headed over to the dealership for a little repair work. We were on our way to Murphy Motors.

Don S. was the first to remember the location of Murphy Motors. Don bought his 1979 light chamois Thunderbird at Murphy in Ford City. Light chamois with a landau roof – very cool.

John Murphy opened his first Ford Agency in 1924 in Cicero and moved it to Ford City in 1968. I posted a nice picture of his Ford City location awhile back on the Chicago Lawn Historical Society Facebook page. I have since seen it floating around the internet, so you should be able to find it easily if you are interested.

Fifty years ago, a local business owner had just received the Retailer of the Year award from the Brand Names Foundation in a national competition. By this time in 1973, he had already been in business in what has been known as “the Heart of Chicago Lawn” for 32 years. Opening is first store here, his firm grew steadily, eventually growing to a chain of 11 stores. Its flagship location continued to be here in Chicago Lawn even after he opened stores in Evergreen Plaza, Dixie Square Shopping Center and downtown.

Known for quality products, in 1973 one of the popular brands he would advertise was h.i.s. His advertisements were in the newspaper and could be heard over the airwaves on WLS radio. Who do you think we might be talking about today?