Events March 2008 – Nov 2008

The following listing is divided into special events and ongoing year-round events.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

"Seed Starting Basics” – Sunday, March 30, 2008, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Historic Pullman Garden Club—Winter Lecture Series, in participation with the Pullman State Historic Site. Learn easy steps for seeding, watering, and transplanting by Aggie Nehmzow, “The Tomato Lady.” This program will offer many planting techniques! Hotel Florence, 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. Open to the public at no charge. For information, call Norma Zarris at (773) 568-2441.

Book Party and Signing with Poet Myronn Hardy – Saturday, April 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Pullman State Historic Site and the Bronzeville/Black Chicagoan Historical Society. Come and hear excerpts from his latest book “The Headless Saints” and stay for the food, music, and dance! Free event at the Hotel Florence, 11111 S. Forrestville Ave.

Historic Pullman Garden Walk – Saturday, June 14, 2008, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Historic Pullman Garden Club, tour several beautiful gardens and discover how residents have transformed these urban yards into attractive landscapes. See how gardening is incorporating into these historic rowhouses. The 14th Annual Garden Walk will feature a Boutique with items for sale. The Pullman State Historic Site also will open its new exhibit “Small Space, Big Impact! The Gardens of Historic Pullman.” Start: Hotel Florence, 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Call (773) 568-2441 for ticket information.

Back to School Picnic – Sunday, Aug 17th, 3:00-7:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Pullman Civic Organization, Langley Park, 113th Street & Langley Avenue. Food, fun, and games for kids and adults.

Labor Day Events – DATE: Monday, September 1, 2008

Labor Day Bike Ride – Attention Bicycle Riders! Gather 8:30, start 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Pullman Civic Organization and the Pullman State Historic Site, this annual bike tour will visit several historical sites. A couple of last year's stops included Marktown, a planned community from 1917 on the National Register of Historic Places in Indiana, Burnham Trail, Whiting beach, Wolf Lake, 1937 Labor Day Massacre, and much more. Donation of $15 includes lunch and snacks. Pre-registration requested! Hotel Florence, 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. Call Patricia Oyervides at 773-264-6581 or go to: www.pullmanlaborride.com site for more info on this annual event.

Labor day "Love In” 2pm ish - (After the Bike Ride) Join local musicians for the 40th annual gathering of “Hippies in the Park” as they celebrate with amazing rock and roll and musical performances by local legends. Arcade Park and Hotel Florence – on the lawn, 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. Call Paul Petraitis at 773-264-6898 for info.

Labor Day Celebration – Join labor unions, the Historic Pullman Foundation and the Pullman Civic Organization at 2 pm for a Rally; Historical Exhibits and special guest speeches. Event will feature tributes and performances dedicated to early leaders in the history of the Labor Movement: Eugene Debs, A. Philip Randolph, a young Jennie Curtiss; with a special tribute to Franklin D. Roosevelt and the 75th Anniversary of The New Deal. For further information, contact Tom at tomshepherd2001@yahoo.com - (773)928-3040; or Larry at larrys@afscmeillinois.org - (312)641-6060x4318

Hobo Gathering and Grand Hobo Concert – SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008, Friendly community hosts free welcoming dinner on Saturday evening prior to Hobo Concert at famous historical Greenstone Church. Luther the Jet performs on the church's renowned Stearns & Turner pipe organ, as other Hobo minstrels, along with local Chicago talents, gear up to do stories and song for the eager audience. Throughout Saturday & Sunday, Hobos display exhibits, their special crafts, folklore, food, and music. Camping in adjacent park space and in neighborly back yards is available (some showers available - washrooms are handy). The event is crowned by a big barndance/squaredance, and finally, a musical extravaganza jam that includes a mix of Hobo, folk, bluegrass, R&B, and country. More info at: http://hobofest.southchicago.info For a little preview, see the following U-Tube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=UbY9DT4mCDw
For further information, contact Tom at tomshepherd2001@yahoo.com or call, 773-370-3305 or Luther the Jet at 608-244-5493.

Victorian Tea at the Hotel Florence – Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 (check for further details), 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Historic Pullman Garden Club & Pullman State Historic Site. A High Victorian Tea features traditional homemade sweets and finger sandwiches, along with entertainment. Most Victorian Hat will be rewarded. Hotel Florence Veranda (or Ladies' Parlor for inclement weather), 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. Call 995-6172 for ticket information—reservations are required. (SOLD OUT)

Mexican Independence Day Celebration – Saturday, September 13, 2008

35th Annual Historic Pullman House Tour – October 11 & 12, 2008, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. OUR MOST POPULAR EVENT since 1974! Visit the interiors of seven to eight Pullman homes, the Greenstone Church, and the Pullman Visitor Center. Proceeds from the Historic Pullman House Tour go into a special brick & mortar fund for major public buildings and other restoration projects in Pullman. The Annual Historic Pullman House Tour is co-sponsored by the Pullman Civic Organization and the Historic Pullman Foundation, and is one of Chicago's longest running home tours. Tickets are $20 per person or $17 for seniors. Advance tickets are $17 by calling (773) 785-8901. The Hotel Florence and Pullman Factory Site will also be open for special guided tours this weekend.

YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES/EVENTS/TOURS:

Guided Walking Tours of the Pullman Historic District First Sundays of the month from May to October, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Historic Pullman Foundation, a volunteer docent will take you on a guided walking tour and discuss Pullman's rich history and a first-hand glimpse at the ongoing restoration. The tour begins at the Pullman Visitor Center, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave., with an introductory video. Duration 2 hours. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, (773) 785-8901.

Hotel Florence Guided Tours – Sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, groups tours can be scheduled in advance. Learn of the restoration and stabilization progress of the 1881 Hotel Florence as a docent will take you on a guided tour of the hotel where visitors will view some of the original rooms, and exhibits of original hotel furnishings and factory site. Free admission, open from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Start: 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. Call Linda Bullen, curator, (773) 660-2341.

Pullman Factory Guided Tours – Group tours available by advance arrangement and House Tour weekend. Sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, a docent will take you on a guided tour of the Pullman Factory grounds. Learn how the original 1880 Pullman Factory and Clock Tower is being reconstructed/preserved and view exhibits of associated architectural artifacts. Get a close look at the premier landmark clock, rebuilt as it was originally constructed. Duration 90 minutes. Call (773) 660-2341.

Pullman & Gately Park Farmers Market – Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., mid-June thru October. Originating from the Pullman Civic Organization's Community Improvement committee in 2002, the outdoor market offers several farmers with fresh produce, flowers, and seasonal plants. The Pullman Farmers Market is sponsored by the City of Chicago, Historic Pullman Foundation, and Pullman Civic Organization. Location - 111th Place & Cottage Grove Avenue. Free Parking.

Pullman Civic Organization – Monthly Membership "Town Hall" Meetings, Third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. The Pullman Civic Organization holds monthly "Town Hall" meetings for residents to discuss issues relating to the Pullman community. This strong civic organization, which represents approximately 800 families, was founded in 1960, when the entire historic section of Pullman from 111th Street to 115th Street was threatened with total demolition to create an industrial park. Today several working committees strive to make Pullman a nice place to live. One such committe is the Beman Committee, a volunteer stewardship group, is available to help residents in any exterior restoration information. The 2006-07 year was a membership high with the majority of Pullman households continuing as members. Meetings are held at the Pullman Visitor Center, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Avenue. Contact Thomas Shepherd, President, (773) 928-0664.

Historic Pullman Garden Club – Monthly Membership Meetings first Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m. The Garden Club maintains the flower beds and assists in beautifying Pullman's public parks including Arcade Park, Pullman Park, Hotel Florence Historic Rose Garden, Greenstone Herb Garden, Fulton Field (Langley Park), the 115th Street interstate ramp, and Gateway Garden—a city award-winning park at our neighborhood’s entry at 111th Street & Langley Avenue. The Club has more than 75 members and a core group of volunteers continue to beautify the neighborhood. Meetings are monthly, first Tuesday. Occasional lectures and field trips are planned throughout the year. Membership is open to all. Contact Susan James, President, (773) 568-4669.

Housing Committee – The Housing Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization is a volunteer outreach service about living in Pullman, and is not a real estate brokerage. Call Shari Parker (773) 821-7031 or Tom Shepherd (773) 928-0664.

Disclaimer: Tours do not cancel for inclement weather. Events subject to cancel without notice. (3/16/08)