R.I.P. June Marie Carvell (Owner of Funtown Amusement Park)
September 7th, 2011 by ShortyI want to thank a Shorty reader for sending me the Chicago Sun-Times story about the death of Ms. June Carvell, the owner of Funtown Amusement Park. Ms. Carvell died at age 84. Click the link above to read the full story and to see a photo.
I felt the need to honor Ms. Carvell because I think FunTown was a novel idea; it allowed for family fun; and it was around for several years. It was an institution on the South Side, and I would be amiss for not paying my respects.
Apologies. I don’t have an image.
Seeking Chicago Roller Skaters 50 & Older for a Roller Skating Project
August 14th, 2011 by ShortyIf you know of 50-somethings and older who used to roller skate in Chicago, or who still does, please let me know. I am having the hardest time finding anything on roller skating, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, check out the late Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the Founder of DuSable Museum of African American History, as she skates in her 90s.
Thanks for your help!
Do You Have Any Images from Fun Town Amusement Park in Chicago?
July 28th, 2011 by Shorty
I am looking for information and images on Fun Town Amusement Park that was located on 95th east of Stony. I have discovered that there is nothing in writing about this community treasure (well, I haven’t found it), and there is story that needs to be told. If not with words, then with images.
In addition to images, if you can direct old employees and the family members of the previous owners, that would be great.
One more thing, I am working on getting permission to sell the Fun Town jingle from my site. I’ll keep you abreast of my progress.
Thank you for your support with this project.
What Are Your Favorite Memories of Marshall Fields?
July 21st, 2011 by ShortyWhile conducting research on Chicago for Bougie Magazine, I ran across a few sites about Marshall Field’s department store. I could not believe the number of people who were still upset about the store being gone. I understand the reasons for the emotional reactions, though. Marshall Fields is a Chicago icon, and it’s hard to let go….even though it’s six (6) years later. With that said, what are some of your favorite memories of Marshall Field’s?
Image: Wikipedia
Roller Skating Is Still Hot on the South Side
February 20th, 2011 by ShortyI said it before in a previous post and I’ll say it again: roller skating is still the hot thing to do on the South Side. Don’t believe me? Check out the video below.
South Side Soul Food Restaurant Army & Lou’s Has Closed Its Doors
February 5th, 2011 by ShortyLegendary soul food restaurant, Army & Lou’s, has closed its doors after serving Chicago’s South Side for over 65 years. In addition to being one of the oldest black-owned restaurants in the Midwest, Army & Lou’s, located at 422 W. 75th Street, is best known for high quality soul food, service and a “down south” family atmosphere. It was a favorite place of dining for families, politicians, celebrities and other well-known individuals until its last days. Unable to with withstand these challenging economic times, they officially closed on Sunday, January 30, 2011. The owners and all of their supporters are hoping that the closing is only temporary.
Read the Sun-Time for full story
I do have a question, though. Why was this story reported almost a week later if the restaurant closed on January 30, 2011?
Jazz’n at the Regal - November 3rd
November 1st, 2010 by ShortyTake a mid-week break with mellow jazz tunes at The New Regal Theater on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. The Regal is located at 1645 East 79th Street on Chicago’s South Side.
Mr. Lee’s Memories of the FunTown Jingle
October 3rd, 2010 by Shorty
Mr. Lee is one of the FunTown Fans who responded to my post about about the lack of information about the park on South Side of Chicago. Read more on his memories.
Funtown Memories of Mr. Lee:
Over the past 12 years , I’ve been looking for archival records Funtown. The closest thing I have run across was a old radio jingle that was played last year on WVON during a tribute on the passing of Richard Pegue - he did the jingle for Funtown. All of us who were around during those times still remember. When I heard it, I caught the recording halfway and recorded it with my cell phone. Since then I have changed phones, but I still have the phone. Hopefully, the recording is still on there.
Also, I’ve also been in search of archival records of places that I usally bring up on My Facebook Page. The Loop Roller Rink on 95th; The Magikist Lips On 87th & the Dan Ryan; Community Department Stores; etc.
I found this on the Roller Coaster Database:
“Funtown, Funtown for the kids and you, 95th and Stoney Island Av-e-nue, Funtown!”
Thoughts from Shorty:
Mr. Lee brought up an interesting thought. Would you be willing to pay to download the Funtown jingle as a ringtone?