18 W Tooker Place_1919

Last night Dan and I were back in our first Newberry Library neighborhood and found the bricked up entrance to the Dill Pickle.  When my grandparents walked through this gray stone door it said

" Step High, Stoop low, Leave your Dignity Outside"

1919 Chicago

Meeting after work in the loop Grandpa and Gram walked along Dearborn with their picnic basket of sausage and cheese, apples and a bottle of wine.

“ fellow came to the board this morning on his best game, “ Grandpa was telling her as they strolled along.  “By three o’clock he’s turnin’ purple and left.  I don’t know if he made it home.“ Silence followed as they settled on a bench in Bughouse Square with tens of other couples, she lifted her veil and they removed their gloves to nibble slowly and enjoy the fresh air. “Eva received a letter from Alderbrook.  The family is looking forward to our arrival in August and has the church reserved.  We’ll have our reception at the McKillips across the street.”  Gram changed the subject.

“Sure will be nice to get out of the city.” He replied.

“Are we coming back to it?” she asked.  “ I’m considering Oak Park these days.” Dusk turned to dark as they stretched their legs and sipped their wine. The gas lamps were turned on.  Grandpa snoozed a bit. Gram wrote her response in a letter to Eva that plans for their wedding were set.  A slight chill settled in the air as the benches filled with night sleepers.

 “ Let’s go to the Dill Pickle tonight,” Gram suggested. “Carl Sandburg is playing his banjo.”

“You’re call,” Grandpa added, “what about a visit to Adolph’s for an unwind after? Renucci is always an inspiration on a bleak day.” 

“So what is he? The honorary mayor, chief of police or dog catcher on Rush Street” Gram laughed.  

“He’s the pulsing artery of the north side!” Grandpa put on his hat and they strolled along the diagonal path. “ as long as whoever knows the right rhythm of door knocks.”   The couple, separated only by ten years of age, walked arm in arm down Tooker Place and stepped up, ducked way down and left their ails behind.