Trips to Chicago
When I was a boy, I remember trips to Chicago
They were summer trips to see dad's bother-in-laws and SPORTING EVENTS.
I remember cousins Johnny and Ellenor and Uncle Louie and Aunt Marge.
I remember the Homewood house along the IC Railway.
I remember Johnny's upstairs bedroom overlooking the front lawn.
And, I remember the kitchen where food was aplenty, card games galore and arguments went on into the night..
When I was a young lad, I remember coming of age in Chicago.
They were a teenage dream come true.
I remember riding in Johnny's convertible.
I remember our trips to The Indiana Dunes.
I remember Johnny's blond girlfriend with a great figure.
I remember her female friends who taught me "the rumble-seat ropes."
When I was an adolescent "man," I remember the games my dad loved.
On numerous trips to Chicago, we took the train to Soldier's Field to see the College All Star Game.
I remember the times when we cheered for Alex Karris, Paul Geil, Kenny Ploene, Willy Fleming, Paul Horning and Crazy-legs Hursh.
I remember attending White Sox games and Cubs games .... I once saw a triple play and a few grand slams.
I remember cheering for Minni Minoso, Jim Landis and Ernie Banks!
My father was a "sports nut," and it is genetic!
When I was an impressionable teen, Uncle Louie would take me past the jaguar Dealership on the way to his office.
He would promise me that someday I could have one of my own.
Hard work was the payment for such a luxury ... I remember wanting one so bad.
I remember visiting Uncle Louie's office at Illinois Bell ... he was so loved by his many employees, friends and co-workers.
I remember that he'd finish work early so that we could hop the subway (The El) to Wrigley Park to catch a Cubs-Cardinals game.
Uncle Louie was such a wonderful guy. He loved his sister, Al and the Hale children. I could feel his love.
