Liths to honor 1933 Darius-Girenas flight

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Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

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This coming week marks the 91^st anniversary of the transatlantic flight of Captain Steponas Darius and Lieutenant Stasys Girenas. Both were born in Lithuania and immigrated to the United States at a young age. Both enlisted in the U. S. Army and fought during World War I, with Darius receiving a purple heart for is valiant service in France and Girenas serving as an aviation mechanic in the 136^th Airborne Squadron.

The pilots teamed up in1932 with the dream of flying over the Atlantic Ocean to Kaunas, the temporary capital of Lithuania. Purchasing a used Bellanca CH300 Pacemaker plane from the Chicago Daily News, they worked on the plane at the Standard Oil Anchor at Municipal Airport, which, of course, we now call Midway Airport.

Darius and Girenas were determined to be the first to make this transatlantic flight thereby connecting their new home in America with their birthplace in Lithuania. They were stopped just 650 kilometers short of their goal when their plane crashed in a forest in southern Germany. Their flight is considered a most noble endeavor.

In the United States, there are two monuments honoring these aviators, one in New York City and one here in Marquette Park–standing on the southwest corner of Marquette and California Avenues.

Kathy Headley

This Sunday, July 14, members and friends of the Lithuanian community will gather at the monument at 10 a.m. and celebrate the anniversary of the historic flight. After the ceremony, folks will make their way to Nativity BVM parish hall for an art program and lunch. All are invited to participate. For more information, contact the parish office at (773) 776-4600.

Remember today, Friday, July 12, is Music Bingo at the Chicago Lawn Library, 6120 S. Kedzie Avenue, from 2 to 3 p.m. Join in for a fun twist to Bingo and listen to top music hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.  Listen carefully and fill your song title bingo cards for fun prizes!

On Saturday, July 13, it’s Family Project Hour from 2 to 3 p.m. where families will work on a STEAM project together. Register by 4 p.m. today, Friday, at chipublib.com/events or call the library at (312) 747-0639.

Then on Sunday, July 14, beginning at 2 p.m., Community Cinema brings the 2023 Universal animated film Migration to the library.

This weekend St. Rita of Cascia parish is hosting a Garage Sale on the St. Clare of Montefalco Campus, 2640 w. 55^th Street, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call the parish office at (773) 434-9600 if you have any questions.

Seniors, this coming Tuesday, July 16, is National Ice Cream Day and the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Avenue, is hosting an Ice Cream Social beginning at 10 a.m. featuring karaoke with Harold.

Next Thursday, July 18, an Eighth District Community Meeting will take place at St. Rita of Cascia, 6243 S. Fairfield. The agenda includes: Roll Cal; Public Comments; District Council Member updates; and Public Discussion. The Guest Speaker will be a representative from Sound Thinking (ShotSpotter).

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 27, when once again this year a Taste of Chicago Pop-up comes to Marquette Park. Just as last year, the event will set up on the southeast corner of the park at 71^st and California.

Now let’s return to 1964. When we left last week, a Chicago Lawn landmark was coming under the wrecking ball over at 63^rd and Spaulding. It had been a cornerstone of the community since 1922. Paul M. said he was just guessing on this one because he was too young at the time to really know, but he was right.  It was the huge Marzano’s Million Dollar “Palace of Pleasure” bowling alley stretched from 3315 to 3331 on 63^rd Street.

By this time in 1964, the wrecking ball was busy in Ashburn as well as the demolition of some of the old Ford plant buildings at 74^th and Cicero had begun. The first blast of TNT sent the onlookers running as the walls came tumbling down. This marked the start of the remodeling and reconstruction of the new shopping center on the site. Ford City would open one year later in the spring of 1965.

At 63^rd and Western, right across the street from the Western Recreation Bowling Lanes, a new business was about to celebrate its grand opening. The Marquette Manor Chamber of Commerce went all out to promote business for this new establishment. They took out a full two-page ad in the SWNH. Filling the ad were numerous congratulatory wishes from chamber businesses.

Then on opening day members of the Chamber were all out there welcoming the new addition to their shopping area. Joining them were Rep Walter ‘Babe’ McAvoy and representatives of the CTA and 15^th Ward. How gratifying that must have been for the new owners.

As you may have guessed, this week’s question is: What was that business?

Here’s a hint: It was a great place to eat breakfast.