Streeterville in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Polk Bros Park
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2024
1. Polk Bros Park Marker
The Polk family - siblings Sol, Morris, Goldie, Sam, David and Harry - changed the course of American retail, the face of Chicago's neighborhoods and the everyday lives of Chicago's working families. From 1935 to 1992, the Polk Bros chain of appliance and furniture stores put luxury and convenience within reach, offering discounted prices on essential household goods and strengthening the economic base on which vibrant communities depend. In the process, what began as a single store in Portage Park, opened by the sons of Eastern European immigrants, became a Chicago institution: a vital fixture in 17 neighborhoods and the most successful Chicago retailer that never opened a store downtown.
Polk Bros Park is dedicated to Chicagoans everywhere: to all those who dream, dare, work together, and build a better life, not only for themselves but for their community and for generations to come. Through them - and through the work of the Polk Bros. Foundation - the Polk family and its entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit live on.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 41° 53.495′ N, 87° 36.612′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Streeterville. It is on Park Drive south of East Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the park, which is directly across from Navy Pier. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 762 N Streeter Dr, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 2021 Save the People's Pier Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Illinois & Michigan Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Storm Water Use for Irrigation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Captain on the Helm (about 300 feet away); To Sit a While (about 500 feet away); Reach (about 500 feet away); Milton L. Olive III Park (about 700 feet away); WBEZ 91.5 Chicago (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Also see . . .
1. Polk Bros Park on Wikipedia. The park was founded in the 2010s and has served as the "front lawn" of the Navy Pier. (Submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Polk Brothers on Wikipedia. History of the legendary but now defunct Chicago retail chain. (Submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2024
2. Polk Bros Park Marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2024
3. Polk Bros Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
