Mom’s Corner - The Sad Demise Of A Landmark!
When I was a child my Mom, Dad, & big Brother used to take me to Kiddieland. I loved the pony rides best, and my Brother used to lead me around and around.. Fast forward to when our children were young. Every Sunday morning, weather permitting, off we went to Kiddieland. First came the Ferris Wheel, then the Merry- go- Round, and finally the pony rides. Herb led each child around, and then again, as they pleaded, one more time, please Dad. Done with that we headed to the hot dog stand, for what they considered a delicious lunch. I can still see us sitting around the wooden table a tired, but happy family. All good things come to an end. That is a sad, but true fact. Last week I was watching WGN-TV from our home town in Chicago. The announcer came on and said, “Well folks, another institution, Kiddieland, which has been thrilling youngsters for over 60 years, is closing next week. I guess the location on 1st. & North Avenue is just too valuable a piece of property, and is being squeezed out by industry, hospitals, and housing closing in. So Dear readers, I know, and I am sure many others feel the same, that Kiddieland with it’s innocent pleasures, will be sorely missed, but will always be there in the memory of those of us lucky enough to have been there with our young family. Did your folks take you to Kiddieland as children? Is that where you first learned to love horses? How about Russel’s Barbecue? If you find it is still there, please go and enjoy it’s unique flavor. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Happy trails all you Buckaroos
Roberts Mom
Tags: feature
Marc Ulanowski — November 23, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
I would have never guessed going to Kiddieland was one of Roberts childhood traditions. I was sad to hear they were closing, I as well have fond childhood memories of the rides and especially the ponies. Growing up in down town Chicago that was truly my first equestrian experience.
Marc Ulanowski
Jean Dover — November 24, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Dear Marc,
I was delighted to see that I have another new friend from Chicago. It was quit a ride to Kiddieland from the city, so I am happy your parents were kind enough to take you there. Kiddieland was just 5 minutes from us. We moved to Toronto when Robert was 8 but he had many lovely Sunday morning on the ponies there.
Tell me about you. I always like to hear what you do, and what level you have achieved in Dressage. Do you still live in Chicago. Are there stables near you?
Let’s blame the mother in me for asking so many questions.
Love,
Robert’s Mom
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