Ukrainian Village Blogger is a project to help with Ukrainian community build and information exchange.
Ukrainian Village history:
Ukrainian Village is a Chicago neighborhood located on the near west side of Chicago. It was originally a working-class neighborhood. A good portion of these immigrants were construction workers and craftsmen who had moved to the area in order to find work building large estates for nearby Wicker Park residents. Between 1880 and 1910, Chicago experienced its first wave of Ukrainian immigration. By 1910, Ukrainians were the most populous ethnic group in the neighborhood. By 1930, the number of Ukrainians in Chicago was estimated to be approximately 30,000, with most living in the Ukrainian Village.
Early Labor Movements
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chicago was a focal point for labor activism. Events like the Haymarket Affair in 1886, which advocated for the eight-hour workday, and the Pullman Strike in 1894, protesting wage cuts and poor working conditions, underscored the city’s labor tensions. While these events were citywide, their influence permeated neighborhoods like Ukrainian Village.
Ukrainian Labor Hall
A significant landmark in Ukrainian Village’s labor history is the Ukrainian Labor Hall, built in 1927 at 2457 W. Chicago Ave. Designed by Clarence W. Lampe, this building, also known as “The People’s Auditorium,” featured an auditorium, offices, and meeting rooms. It served as a hub for political meetings, church services, dances, and lectures. During the 1940s and 1950s, it was subject to anti-communist raids, highlighting its role in labor and political activism.
Architectural Significance
The neighborhood’s architecture reflects its working-class roots. The area boasts a well-preserved collection of workers’ cottages, single-family houses, Chicago-style flat buildings, and small apartments. These structures not only provided housing for laborers but also stand as a testament to the community’s resilience and dedication to preserving its heritage.
Preservation Efforts
In recent years, residents have actively sought to preserve the neighborhood’s historical character. For instance, in 2019, the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association endeavored to extend landmark protections to sections of Augusta Boulevard. This initiative aimed to safeguard early 20th-century workers’ cottages from demolition, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring its labor history.
Ukrainian Village’s history is deeply rooted in labor movements and worker activism. From serving as a haven for immigrant laborers to preserving landmarks that echo its industrious past, the neighborhood embodies a rich tapestry of collective action and cultural heritage. In a current state corresponding to the recent war, we call to pay more attention on our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.
Ukrainian Village Blogger 