Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

Blog

Filtering by Tag: Honorary Brown Sign

Phil Doran Way

Linda Zabors

Phil Doran, Sr. was a life-long Chicagoan from the Beverly neighborhood. He and his wife met in grade school. He was a lawyer and was active in his community and parish as a committed volunteer and former Chairman of the Board of the Franciscan Outreach.

Alumni:
Christ the King Elementary School and Parish
St. Ignatius High School
John Carroll University
Northwestern University - Law

Born in Chicago


Honorary Phil Doran Way

South Hamilton Avenue, between West 92nd Street and West 93rd Street

 

Approved: 2020

Ward: 19
Alderman: O’Shea
Neighborhood: Beverly

b. November 6, 1940. Chicago
d. September 18, 2020. Age 79.

Near
Christ the King Church


Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

Linda Zabors

Henry Coleman and his brother George started the Coleman Barbecue restaurant to bring real southern cooking to Chicago. In the beginning, Henry worked full-time at Brach’s Candy Company in addition to the restaurant. They grew the single location into 4 restaurants in Austin and Maywood, only two still remain. Henry’s children have kept the restaurant going.


Honorary Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

West Chicago Avenue from North Menard Avenue to North Waller Avenue

 

Approved: May 2018

Ward: 29
Alderman: Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Austin

b. October 30, 1943. Dermott, Arkansas
d. August 15, 2012. Age 68

Near
Coleman’s BBQ #2
5820 W. Chicago Avenue


Gus and June Travlos Way

Linda Zabors

Costas (Gus) and Anastasia June Travlos were long time residents of the Edgewater neighborhood, they were also the co-founders of the Edgewater Development Company and worked to improve the lives of their neighbors and spearheaded the revitalization of Bryn Mawr as a Historic District. Gus was born in Greece, they moved to Edgewater in 1964.


Honorary Gus and June Travlos Way

1000 West Bryn Mawr Avenue between North Broadway and North Winthrop Avenue

 

Approved: June 2018

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

June
d. November 1, 2016. Age 91

Gus
d. 2005. Age 70

Near
Edgewater Development Corporation
1055 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue





Source

Source

Chicago Public Art Group

Ramona Rouse Way

Linda Zabors

Ramona Marquitta Rouse owned and operated the Salon Pastiche in the Rogers Park neighborhood for 23 years. She supported local artists through Sungold Pastiche, the Roman Susan Art Foundation has a tribute art installation at the salon. Ramona was born in Chicago in the Old Town neighborhood, and grew up in in the early scattered site public housing integrated in Lincoln Square. She easily befriended her customers and neighbors and was well regarded in the community.

Alumni
Immaculate Conception Grammar School
Lincoln Park High School
National Lewis University
Pivot Point Academy

Dignity Memorial: Tribute video


Honorary Ramona Rouse Way

Loyola Avenue between Sheridan Road and Glenwood Avenue

 

Approved: September 2020

Ward: 49
Alderman: Haddon
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

b. September 15. Chicago
d. January 4, 2020. Chicago

Near
Salon Pastiche 1226 W. Loyola Avenue


Joseph Muntaner Way

Linda Zabors

Joseph Muntaner was a construction contractor and super volunteer to the 1st Ward and his church, St. Bonaventure. He was very dedicated and loyal and took his work very seriously, whether it was shoveling snow or removing graffiti.

Alumni:
Mather High School

Born in Chicago


Honorary Joseph Muntaner Way

West Diversey between North Leavitt Street and Western Avenue

 

Approved: 2018

Ward: 1
Alderman: Moreno
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. August 19, 1958. Chicago
d. May 14, 2017. Chicago


Eugene Lang Way

Linda Zabors

Eugene Lang founded Lang Exteriors in 1953; he built and installed windows and doors. His son Darb Lang succeeded him in the business. While serving in WWII Eugene invented the T-Wrench for setting the depth and speed of a torpedo.

Veteran: WWII


Honorary Eugene Lang Way

West 59th Street between Western Avenue and Oakley Avenue

 

Approved: April 2018

Ward: 16
Alderman: Foulkes
Neighborhood: Marquette Park

d: age 78.

Near
Lang Exteriors, Inc. headquarters
2323 W 59th Street


Father Martin E. O'Donovan Way

Linda Zabors

Father Martin O’Donovan grew up in the St. Cristiana parish and he served as Pastor there for 15 years. He was ordained at Mundelein in 1978 and currently serves the Saints, Faith, Hope, & Charity Catholic Church in Winnetka. Previously he led the Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bridgeport. Father Marty, as he is known, has touched the lives of several parishes in the Chicago area. He has guided his parishioners through times of scandal in the Church

Alumni
Quigley Prep
Niles Seminary


Honorary Father Martin E. O’Donovan Way

111th and Homan Avenue

 

Approved:


Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Mt. Greenwood

Near
St Christiana’s Church
11005 S. Homan Avenue


Michelle L. Van Allen

Linda Zabors

Michelle L. Van Allen was the Principal of the Marcus Garvey Elementary School; she had been a student and then a teacher at the school. She was a proponent of social-emotional learning.

Alumni:
Marcus Garvey Elementary School


Honorary Michelle L. Van Allen Way

South Morgan between 103rd and 104th

 

Approved: 2019

Ward: 34
Alderman: Austin

Near
Marcus Garvey Elementary School
10309 S Morgan St


Source

Video Credit: YouTube, channel: Committee for Children, “What Keeps Michelle Motivated?”

Milton I. Shadur Way

Linda Zabors

The Honorable Milton Irving Shadur was a U.S. Federal Court judge for the Northern District of Illinois for thirty-seven years. When he retired he had been one of the longest serving Federal judges. He wrote more than 11,000 opinions while on the bench; he was appointed in 1980 by President Carter. Judge Shadur was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chicago Bar Association. Judge Shadur served on the Village Board for Glencoe and was a life trustee of the Ravinia Festival.

Photo: US Government, Public Domain

Photo: US Government, Public Domain

Alumni:
University of Chicago
University of Chicago Law School

Veteran: Navy, Lieutenant. WWII

Founding member of Congregation Am Shalom


Honorary The Honorable Milton I. Shadur Way

West Adams Street, from South Dearborn Street to South Clark Street

 

Approved: July 2019

Ward: 42
Alderman: Reilly
Neighborhood: Loop/Federal Plaza

b. June 25, 1924, St Paul, Minnesota
d. January 15, 2018. Age 93. Glenview, Illinois

Near
Dirksen Courthouse Building
218 South Dearborn


YouTube playlist: Milton Shadur. Honorary Chicago

Joseph F. Ferguson Way

Linda Zabors

Patrolman Joseph Ferguson was shot while making an arrest in the last days of 1968.


Honorary Joseph F. Ferguson Way

 

West side of South Paulina Street between West 32nd Place and West 33rd Place

Approved: July 2019

Ward: 12
Alderman: Cardenas
Neighborhood: McKinley Park

d. December 27, 1968. Age 26. Chicago 


Erie Neighborhood House Way

Linda Zabors

The Erie Neighborhood House, originally the “little Dutch Church,” was founded in 1870 in West Town. It is Chicago’s longest operating settlement house; it originally served immigrants and low-income residents. It now has several locations and offers education and workforce development services and advocacy under its mission to be inclusive and just.

YouTube playlist: Erie Neighborhood House. Honorary Chicago


Honorary Erie Neighborhood House Way

West Erie Street between North Elizabeth Street and North Armour Street

 

Approved: June 2019

Ward: 1
Alderman: La Spata
Neighborhood: West Town

Near
Erie Neighborhood House, 1347 W. Erie

Erie House sites and programs can also be found in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and in Little Village.


Carmie Shoes Way

Linda Zabors

Carmen Delaurentis, known as “Carmie Shoes” was a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Little Italy, Taylor Street neighborhood and the Our Lady of Pompeii congregation. He was a member of the Chicago Truck Drivers Union (CTDU) and Teamsters Union. In 1997 the Gazette awarded him the Donald C. Piemonte Man of the Year Award for Community Service.

Veteran: Army, WWII


 Honorary Carmie Shoes Way

Aberdeen from vernon Park Place to Polk Street

Approved: February 2018

Ward: 25
Alderman: Solis
Neighborhood: Little Italy

b. August 1, 1924
d. September 19, 2016, age 92.

 

Antonio Pasin Way

Linda Zabors

Antonio Pasin was the inventor of the American classic little red wagon childrens toy known as the Radio Flyer. Antonio had emigrated from Italy in 1914 and by 1917 had setup his own design shop in Chicago. His first wagons were made from wood; by 1933 he was building his wagons from steel and promoted and sold them at the 1933-34 World Fair in Chicago. He named his wagon after the two popular inventions of the day - radios and airplanes; hence, Radio Flyer.

YouTube playlist: Antonio Pasin. Honorary Chicago


Honorary Antonio Pasin Way

 

West Fullerton and Grand Avenues between Natchez Avenue and Normandy Avenue

Approved: September 2019

Ward: 29
Alderman: Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Montclare

b. 1897. Bessano, Italy
d. 1990 Age 93. River Forest, IL

Near
Radio Steel and Manufacturing Co. Headquarters


Source

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-07-08-9002250622-story.html

John Novi Way

Linda Zabors

John Novi founded Cosmat Insurance in 1964 after arriving in Chicago from Italy in 1958. Cosmat offers small business and healthcare insurance. He was an active and enthusiastic member of the community.

Alumni
State Teachers College, Salerno, Italy.


Honorary John Novi Way

 

West Belmont Avenue between Central Park Avenue and Lawndale Avenue

Approved: 2019

Ward: 30
Alderman: Reboyas
Neighborhood: Old Irving Park

d. June 6, 2018. Age 83
Glenview, IL

Near
Office of Cosmat Insurance Agency, Inc.
3601 W. Belmont


Double Bubble Way

Linda Zabors

Double Bubble is a local tavern which has been a good neighbor for decades. “The Bubble',“ as it is known, has hosted many fundraisers through the years for residents, schools, and local causes. The owner, Larry Swoboda has offered cheap beer and priceless company for all.

Larry Swoboda March 22, 1950 - May 27, 2020. Age 70.


Honorary Double Bubble Way

 

North Broadway between Norwood Street and Glenlake Avenue

Approved: 2019

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

Near Double Bubble Bar
6036 N. Broadway


Roy L."Bill" Frakes Way

Linda Zabors

Deputy U.S. Marshall Roy Frakes was one of two law officers killed in the line of duty in the attempted escape of a prisoner from the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse building in the Loop. He posthumously received the Marshals Service’s highest honor, and an air operations hanger in Oklahoma City was named in his honor at the Will Rogers Airport.


Honorary Roy L. “Bill” Frakes Way

South Dearborn Street from Jackson to Adams Street

 

Approved: February 2020

Ward: 42
Alderman: Reilly
Neighborhood: Loop

d. July 20, 1992. Age 30.

Near
Everett McKinley Dirksen Courthouse Building - on Federal Plaza
219 S. Dearborn

Reverend Dr. David D. Clay Way

Linda Zabors

David Daniel Clay was the pastor at the Maryland Avenue Baptist Church, which he moved and renamed from the Central Avenue Baptist Church. He was born in Louisiana and spent high school in Texas before moving to Chicago and attending the Moody Bible Institute. Reverend Doctor received many invitations to preach, including one from a large Baptist congregation in Hong Kong.

His motto was: “Every saved soul is saved to help saved souls!”

Alumni:
Southern University (Baton Rouge)
Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
Moody Bible Institute


Honorary Rev. Dr. David D. Clay Way

Northwest corner of 81st St. & Maryland Ave. and Norhteast comer of 81st St. & Cottage Grove Ave

 

Approved: January 2020

Ward: 8
Alderman: Harris
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. 1913. Lousiana
d. April 2, 1972.

Maryland Avenue Baptist Church
8058 S. Maryland


Source

Neftali Reyes, Jr. Way

Linda Zabors

Neftali “Buzzo” Reyes was 19 years old, he graduated with honors from Roberto Clemente High School in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was a star athlete and an outstanding sportsman for the Wildcats. It was his dream to be a Major League Baseball Pitcher. Neftali was on a full scholarship at Claflin University in South Carolina. He was at home in Chicago for the holidays and recovering from a sports injury when a stranded friend called in need of a ride late one night. Neftali became the innocent victim of a shooting.

Alumni:
Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School


Honorary Netfali “Buzzo” Reyes, Jr. Way

1000 and 1100 blocks of West Luis Muniz Marin Drive

 

Approved: April 2020

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

b. May 3, 1998. Chicago
d. December 29, 2017. Age 19.

Near
Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park


Coach Lewis Thorpe Street

Linda Zabors

Lewis Thorpe was the basketball coach at North Lawndale College Prep, who led the team to the 2008 state Championship. He was demanding and firm, and highly respected as a coach.


Honorary Coach Lewis Thorpe Street

 

West 16th Street between south Christiana
south Spaulding
&
south Thompson between Burkhardt and Farrar

Approved: 2020

 

Ward: 26
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: Lawndale

d. Age 56

Near
North Lawndale College Prep, Christiana Campus
and Collins campus in Douglas Park