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Arrigo Park

USA / Illinois / Chicago / South Loomis Street, 801
Arrigo Park ("Peanut park"), known as Vernon Park for much of its history, dates to 1857, when real estate developer Henry D. Gilpin donated the property to the City of Chicago. The city soon created a shaded "breathing spot" with an artificial lake and a few benches. In 1871, the modest residences surrounding Vernon Park fell to the flames of the Chicago Fire.

The West Park Commission transferred Vernon Park to the newly-created Chicago Park District in 1934. Forty years later, the greenspace was officially renamed Arrigo Park in honor of Victor Arrigo (1908-1973). A vocal advocate for the Italian-American community, Arrigo served as Illinois State Representative for Chicago's near southwest side from 1966 to 1973. Arrigo was instrumental in bringing sculptor Moses Ezekiel's statue of Christopher Columbus to the park in 1966.
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Arrigo-Park/
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   41°52'18"N   87°39'35"W

Comments

  • Miss Cleo (guest)
    Dis also bee cauld "Peanut Park" for de shape ob da park.
  • Larry (guest)
    The Great Chicago Fire never came this far west. The fire started about 1 mile directly east of "Peanut Park"(as the old locals still call it) and spread north. Check out any map about the fire.
  • Joan Salvitti (guest)
    It was all we had in the early 40's to run into to play games, get away from traffic and see green grass! Always referred to it a Peanut park, and so grateful for Mr. Arrigo.Joan Salvitti
  • steve (guest)
    Any OLD Chicagoan from Little Italy, remember The Shack, hot dog stand in Peanut Park witch is now Arrigo Park? Great dogs, lunch bag of french fries, Texas Tamale's,Lupini.
  • Glenn Gardner
    Victor and Adeline Arrigo were close friends of the Gardner-Muratori family, who lived below the Libonati's on Loomis. Adeline baby sat for my brother and I, and we continued the friendship even when we moved to Edgebrook-Wildwood on the NW side. I have photos of me, my dad, Victor and Libonati on the back porch/fire escape from about 1947.
  • Glen (guest)
    I'd love to know more about your history with the Arrigo's, in particular Adeline. I knew Adeline at the end of her life, and had the privilege of assisting her through her last days. I'm so grateful for having the time with her that I did. Oddly enough, today is the anniversary of her death, in 1993. I still miss this dear and marvelous lady today. My friendship with her was truly a gift. -----Glen Lusby
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This article was last modified 12 years ago