Zielinski family photographs, [ca. 1933-1940]

  • Collection ID 2006.0185.5-8
  • Title Zielinski family photographs [graphic].
  • Dates [ca. 1933-1940]
  • Physical description
    • 1 tintype photograph in paper mount ; 3 x 4 1/2 in.
    • 2 photographic print : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
    • 1 photographic print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
  • Collection summary Photographs relating to the Walter and Mary Zielinski family, Polish immigrants who operated Walter's Tavern and restaurant at 47th Street and Ashland Avenue, just south of "Whiskey Row" in the Back of the Yards community area of Chicago (Ill.). Includes tintype of Zielinski children next to a stuffed bear at Lincoln Park Zoo 1935; view of Walter's Tavern, 1147 W. 47th Street, right to left: Irene Zielinski, Walter Zielinski, Mary Zielinski, Walter Zielinski Jr., and customer known as "Polly" Zielinski behind the bar along with children and customers, including African Americans, ca. 1933; St. John of God School Grade 1 Rm. 103 class picture including Irene T. Zielinski (third row from top, third from left) ca. 1936; Irene T. Zielinski (with one knee raised) dancing at a Polish cultural club dance, Chicago, ca. 1939.
  • Biographical or Historical Note Mary Zielinski came to the U.S. as a young child; Walter worked as a sausage maker in Europe, and emigrated after developing arthritis from making sausage and being unable to do that work. In the late 1920s or early 1930s, they opened the tavern, which did not discriminate against Polish or African American customers, one of the few taverns in the neighborhood that served African Americans as well as whites at the time.
  • Location of Other Archival Materials Note Chicago History Museum's artifact collection includes related items.
  • Acquisition information Gift of Irene Zielinski Dodaro (2006.0185.5-8).
  • Names
    • Zielinski, Walter Portraits.
    • Zielinski, Walter, Jr. Portraits.
    • Zielinski, Mary Portraits.
    • Dodaro, Irene Zielinski Portraits.
    • Walter's Tavern (Chicago, Ill.)
    • 1147 West 47th Street (Chicago, Ill.)
    • Lincoln Park Zoo Photographs.
  • Subjects
    • Families Illinois Chicago 1930-1939. lctgm
    • Polish Americans Illinois Chicago 1930-1939.
    • African Americans Illinois Chicago 1930-1939.
    • Bars (Drinking establishments) Illinois Chicago 1930-1939. lctgm
    • Children Illinois Chicago 1930-1939. lctgm
  • Geographic coverage
    • Chicago (Ill.) Social life and customs 20th century.
    • Back of the Yards (Chicago, Ill.)
  • Genre
    • Interior views. aat
    • Group portraits. gmgpc
    • Gelatin silver prints. gmgpc
    • Tintypes. gmgpc
  • Geographic name United States Illinois Cook County Chicago.