Southwest Side
Development was slow in West Elsdon. Development in nearby communities’ industries including Midway Airport made the neighborhood an attractive place to live. Growth continued after World War II as many immigrants settled into the area and were given the opportunity of owning their own home in a quiet neighborhood.
Drastic change came to West Elsdon as they became a strong force for racial segregation and the first vocal political opponent of Chicago Housing Authority. Residents fought in the Airport Homes race riots in 1946, which was the start of a series of public housing riots in Chicago.
The residents were successful in their riots against integration and public housing and remained a predominantly middleclass white neighborhood until the 1990s. The additional service to the Loop on the Orange Line has brought more diversity to West Elsdon, as well as suburban-style retail developments and raised property values nearby.
information courtesy of Moody Publishers
"Chicago Neighborhood Prayer Guide" by Dr. John Fuder with Elizabeth Koenig
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