Cermak's House...Historic Landmark

Houses have histories, and the American Foursquare at 2348 S. Millard is connected to the only foreign-born mayor in Chicago history.

The 2 1/2 -story home was the residence of Anton Cermak from 1923 until his death in 1933. State officials said Wednesday that the National Park Service has placed the home on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This house is the only remaining structure that is closely associated with Mayor Cermak, and it is where he lived during the most important years of his political career,” said Jan Grimes, director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which runs the national register program in the state.

Understanding the potential of ethnic and racial voting coalitions, Cermak is credited with creating the Democratic Machine that ruled local politics for more than 50 years. Cermak was an alderman, Cook County Board president and Cook County Democratic chairman before he was elected mayor in 1931.

Records show his former home has been owned for years by Martha Miranda and Albert Vazquez. They could not be reached for comment.

The Lawndale home’s recognition as a historic site makes the owners eligible for tax incentives and grants for renovations. It is not a guarantee against demolition.

Cermak was born in 1873 in the current Czech Republic and came to Chicago with his parents a year later. His foreign birth was an issue in the mayoral race, with incumbent “Big Bill” Thompson making fun of his name and humble origins, calling him “Pushcart Tony.”

Cermak replied, “It’s true I didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but I came over as soon as I could.”

Cermak died in 1933 from an assassin’s bullet fired as the mayor was shaking hands with President-elect Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Miami. Cermak had rankled the Chicago mob as mayor, but gunman Giuseppe Zangara said his target was FDR, who was unhurt........Lol

Chicago Beef...Mob Style

YOU WANTED THE RECIPE ??  HERE IT IS.............
The Italian beef sandwich is serious business in Chicago.   We're not fooling around here.  Everyone has their favorite place. Once  people make up there mind that's it.  There's no changing it.

Let's separate the favorites by territory.  Taylor Street has Al's No. 1 Italian Beef, Elmwood Park has Johnnie's Beef, River North has Mr. Beef, Buona Beef in Berwyne and Max's Famous Italian Beef on North Western Ave., AND my FAVE Frannies in Schiller Park, just to name a few.Where I come from many of us grew up with Al's.  After trying all the rest Al's still remains my favorite.
Now  that I touched on the legendary Chicago Italian beef sandwich lets get  to my not so famous recipe. You can try it at home.  It's good and  you'll enjoy it but don't even tell me the ones I mentioned are better,  I'm sure they are.  They've been making them a lot longer than I have.
Still I guarantee this Italian beef sandwich will be one of the best home recipes you'll make.

INGREDIENTS 5 pound rump roast 6 cloves of garlic chopped fine 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp of dried basil 1 tsp of dried thyme 1 onion slice 2 cups of beef broth 1/2 cup of red wine 1/2 cup of water 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 1 tsp salt 3 red and green bell peppers Italian Rolls PREPARATION Mix garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub mixture into beef.  Massage it thoroughly. Like you're on a date. Place the beef in a large plastic bag and add 1 cup of broth, wine and onion. Let marinate in the refrigerator for about 4 hours or overnight. Heat oven to 350 degrees Place roast in a roasting pan and pour the marinade over the roast. Add the remaining broth and water. Roast with no  lid for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours turning once within that time. Remove roast and let stand till cool. Reserve juice. Slice beef thin on a meat slicer.  If you don't have a slicer, get one.  You'll use it for a lot more things than roast beef. Place beef in juice. Cut peppers into slices and saute in oil until done.Slice  your rolls and pile on that juicy beef.  Add sweet peppers or  giardinera and eat.  Don't forget those napkins.  In the summer, try  this recipe on a grill.  Oh my goodness!