Door-to-Door on 119th Street Over the Years
By John Hmurovic
February 2024
If you are looking for a complete list of every business that has operated over the decades on 119th Street in Whiting…this isn’t it. If you have such a list let us know, because as far as we know such a list does not exist. However, we believe this list is as close as you can get, and it is a constant work in progress.
We first posted this list on our website in 2019. Each year since, we have updated it. We’ve also done research into the past and added a number of businesses from decades ago.
119th Street is not long. It is less than two miles from the Forsyth Park entrance in Robertsdale, the street’s westernmost point, to its easternmost point at Front Street in Whiting. But, that relatively short street is the heart of the Whiting-Robertsdale community. It is our Main Street, our retail center.
There is another list, similar to this. It’s an excellent list for not just 119th Street, but for other business streets in the Whiting-Robertsdale community, such as Indianapolis Boulevard and Calumet Avenue. It is posted on the “Whiting Memories & Remember When” Facebook Site. Compiled by John Carroll, Carole Brozovich, John Koch, and with help from others, you can find it in the “Files” section of that Facebook page. We have used it to help create this list, particularly to fill in some of the blanks in our own research.
The list below starts with the south side of 119th Street from the intersection of Indianapolis Boulevard and goes east to Front Street. Then, it looks at the north side of 119th, again going east from Indianapolis Boulevard to Front Street.
Before 1930, the house and businesses numbers in Whiting were different than they are today. The Sanborn Insurance Maps from 1930, shows some of the old addresses. Where they did, we have added those numbers to this list. They are the numbers which appear in parenthesis below the current building number. For example, on the listing for 1240 119th Street, you will see (642) under it. So, 1240 119th Street, used to be 642 119th Street before 1930.
The South Side of 119th Street
Indianapolis Boulevard intersects
1232 2007-24 - Baran’s Parking Lot
1992-2007 - Jurek’s Whiting Service Station
1950-1992 - Bercik's Service Station
1948 - Harangody Service Station
1946 - F. & J. Whiting Service Station
1922 - Standard Oil Service Station
1236 2022-24 - Whiting Community Pharmacy
2019-22 - Vacant Building
1990-2019 - Scandal’s Hair Salon
1959-1977 - Hoosier Beauty Shop
1948 - Riffer's Dry Goods
1937-39 - Palenik Jewelers
1238 2023-24 - Nostalgic Treasures
(644) 2019-23 - Region Escape Room
1994-2011 - H & R Block Tax Service
1988-89 - Good Vibrations Records, Tapes
1975-83 - The Patchwork - gifts
1970-72 - Gazda’s - clothing
1960-70 - Curosh's Dry Goods
1935-1948 - Lipay's Dry Goods
1240 2011-24 - Griller’s Restaurant
(642) 1996-2001 - Jalisco Restaurant
1986 - Tiffany’s Gift Shop
1985-87 - John M. Roper - dentist
1981-85 - The Sandrick Agency
1980 - Whiting Sport Shop
1954- 79 - Jack and Jill Shop - clothing
1948 - Goldstein Beauty Shop
1948- 85 - Harry Barton – dentist
1947 - Calumet Beauty Supply
1937-39 - Berg Tavern
1242 2019-24 - The Moustache Lounge
(640) 2011 - Elena Travel
1995-2005 - Castelan Jewelers
1929 - Hoosier Flower Shop
1924-1977 - Whiting Shade & Awning
1244 2011-24 - American Trust Investment
1975-2005 - Donald L. Gray - attorney
1969-2001 - George T. Jancosek – dentist
1959 - Lillian Martz - music teacher
1959 - Thomas Jancosek – dentist
1952-78 - Hoosier Flower Shop
1950 - Dean Taggart - dentist
1246 2011-24 - Castelan Jewelers
1950-2005 - Gansinger Jewelers
1250 2019-24 - Through Street to Walgreen's
2004-05 - Seda Sports & Fashion
1959-2001 - Burton's men’s clothing
1300 2019-24 - Through Street to Walgreen's
1994-2005 - P & H Printing
1994-2001 - Video Zone
1978-81 -Powell's Shoes
1958-75 - Whiting Shoes
1939 - Ciesar Used Cars
1302 2019-24 - Empty Lot
2005 - Arts of Wisdom Kung Fu & Tai Chi
1973-79 - Gazda's Apparel
1955-69 - Whiting Store – clothing 1946-48 - Checker Yellow Cab Company
1304 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
2000-2005 - Vision One
1996-2000 - Hometown Carpets
1980-85 - Jumpers & Joggers
1939 - Acandan Confectionary
1937 - Freedman Shoe Repair
1306 2024 - Simply You Studios
2016-23 - Hobson Financial Group
1998-2011 - Joseph L. Curosh - attorney
1988-89 - Treats & Treasures
1986 - Videomania
1961-77 Georgianne Flower Shop
1936-59 - Pollock Jewelers/Watch Repair
1308 2023-24 - 80/20 Fitness by Crystal
(624) 2022-23 - Vacant Building
2011-21 - In-Touch Therapeutic Massage
1989-1998 - Levin Eye Care - optometrist
1981-1989 -Ritzi & Levin - optometrists
1975-77 - Gordon, Ritzi, Levin & Squires
1973-75 - Ritzi, Levin & Squires - optometrists
1960-1973 - Myron S. Gordon - optometrist
1956-57 - Dave’s Whiting Rexall Drugs
1927-1955 - Whiting Drug Company
1310 2019-24 - Vacant Building
(622) 1972-2005 - Whiting Cab
1955-71 - Calumet Cabs
1939 - Hoosier Flower Shop
1936-41 - Anthony & Brown Sporting Goods
1935 - Edward Zencka Men’s Wear
1312 1984-2024 - Center Lounge
1961-76 - Rudolph M. Zajac - attorney
1959 - Gilbert Brindley - attorney
1959-69 - Charles S. Perel - attorney
1946-48 - Gilbert Brindley - attorney
1936-78 - McHale’s Tavern & Restaurant
Temple Court intersects
1320 2023-24 - Richie’s Corner Deli
2021-23 - Vacant Building
2016-20 - Whiting Café & Cantina
2011 - Whiting Gyro
2004-05 - Nana’s Corner Deli
1996-2001 - Marina Deli
1993-98 - The Scoop Shoppe
1986-97 - Friend’s Gifts & Cards
1952-77 - Johnson's Cleaners & Shoe Service
1936-48 - Tri-City Cleaners & Dryers
1936 - Mike Juhasz - bowling alley
1925 - Jancek Brothers - men’s clothing
1322 2011-24 - Ritzi Law
1991-2005 - Gallery of Sports
1998 - Kenneth Fried - dentist
1998 - Inspection Inc.
1984 - Lakeshore Health Club
1977 - Vacant
1976 - Mika’s Ranch House
1956-76 - Ralph's Restaurant
1950 - Marjo’s Restaurant
1948-1952 - Michelin Restaurant
1947 - M & W Coffee Shop
1939-46 - Roman’s Home Restaurant
1936-38 - Hoosier Flower Shop
1324 1920-2024-American Slovak Club-Slovak Dom
1936-50 - Whiting Eagles Lodge
1911 - Ciesar’s Horse Shoeing & Blacksmith
1897-1911 - Hays Blacksmith - horse shoeing
1326 2016-24 - Beggar's Pizza
(610) 2011 - Vacant
2001-05 - Angels “R” Us
1998 - Full Circle Art Supply
1969 - Hunt Personnel Service
1969 - Magdaline Manchak - music teacher
1969 - Rudolph M. Zajac - attorney
1948-2005 - Sherman's Indiana Supply
1959 - Magdaline Manchak - music teacher
1955-59 - Wagner’s Insurance
1925-48 - Capitol Theatre
1328 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1948 - Auto License Bureau
1948 - Sam Sing Laundry
1939 - Schwab Confectionary
1937 - Capitol Barber Shop
1925 - Lake Port Motor Co. - used cars
1328 1/2 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1937 - Capitol Liquor Store
1330 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1937-48 - Burton’s Men & Boys Shop
1332 2017-24 - United Dental Center
(640) 1991-2016 - Whiting Dental Center
1984 - Robert Hoffman - optometrist
1984 - Morris D. Picklin - optometrist
1977 - Morris D. Picklin - optometrist
1969 - Morris D. Picklin - optometrist
1948 - George Konya Cigars
1939 - Main Cigar Store
1936-48 - Mary Konya Beauty Shop
1930-1935 - Hoosier Flower Shop
1334 1994-2024 - Levin Eye Care Center
1977-89 - Central Drug Store
1939-1976 - F.W. Woolworth - 5 & 10 cent store
1937 - Paradise Dress Shop
1936 - Tittle Brothers Packing Company
1336 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1937 - Home Equipment Co. - appliances
1937 - Whiting Electric Company
Clark Street Intersects
1342 2004-24 - Sunrise Restaurant
1979-2001 - Dimitri’s Cafe & Steak House
1977 - Drabek’s Restaurant
1960-1977 - Ralph’s Restaurant
1933-60 - Hoosier Walgreen Drug Store
1931 - Cozy Corner Confectionary
1344 2019-24 - Apartments
(556) 1950-60 - Morris D. Picklin - optometrist
1948 - George Thegrz - physician
1944 - Benedict Furniture Company
1939 - R & S Shoes
1939-48 - Harry Brandman - physician
1938 - O.E. Hargis - chiropractor
1937 - Kaufman L. Myers - dentist
1937 - John L. Murphy - attorney
1937-39 - Harold E. Pinkerton - dentist
1933-37 - American Meat Market
1922 - Majestic Restaurant
1346 2019-23 - Standard Tap Room
(554) 1994-2005 - Jane Berland School of Dance
1986 - Whiting Shoe Outlet
1977-80 - Garment Wheel - clothing
1976-77 - Carpet Showcase
1969 - Vacant
1964-68 - Otto’s Shoes
1960-63 - H&M Shoe Store
1950-60 - B.A. Weinberg - physician
1940-54 - R&S Shoe Store
1937 - Riffer Fruit Store
1932-48 - Louis Wisch - physician
1926 - Whiting Finance Company
1912-24 - Charles D. Gainer Insurance
1348 1994-2024 - Suncatcher’s
(552) 1936-91 - Aronberg & Kissen Jewelers
1929-36 - Sam Aronberg, Jeweler
1926 - Nate Kaplan - Home Builder
1920-22 - O’Keefe’s American Cafe
1350 2011-24 - Winey Beach Cafe
1994-2000 - Thrifty’s
1957-88 - Richards Prescription Pharmacy
1948-52 - Metts Confectionary
1400 2019-24 - Boost Mobile
(548) 1996-2016 - Whiting Wireless
1994-2005 - Hazel’s Place
1962-77 - French Flair Beauty Salon
1948-61 - Gansinger Jewelers
1942-60 - Harry A. Silvian - physician
1922-46 - Colonial Fruit Store
1920 - Whiting Fruit Company
1914 - Hotel Conroy
1404 2017-24 - Pekron Consulting
(546) 1999-2005 - Keter Consultants
1996-2001 - Seniors Home Health Care
1972-84 - Indiana Red Hots
1971 - Action Bandstand
1969 - Vacant
1959-66 -Marcie’s Women’s Clothing
1948 - Postrain Department Store
1947 - Whiting’s Store
1938 - Princess Theater
1936-39 - A & P Food Store
1929 - Obreshk Furniture Company
1925 - Wurlitzer Music House
1406 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1976-77 - Star Sales - department store
1935-69 - Seifer Furniture Company
1410 2016-24 - Dollar Tree
2011 - Deals
1994-2011 - Walgreen’s
1937-80 - J.J. Newberry - department store
1412 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
1937-80 - J.J. Newberry - department store
1936 - H. Gordon & Sons Department store
1418 2023-24 - Vacant
2019-23 - T-Mobile
1989-91 - A-1 Video
1994-2005 - Wonder/Hostess Thrift Store
1982-83 - Friend’s Hallmark
1959-80 - Big Ben Shoe-Per Market
1948 - Kroger Grocery Store
1939 - Vacant
1936-38 - F.W. Woolworth
1418 ½ 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1977 - Vacant
1937-39 - Hanis Restaurant
1930-80 - Indiana Red Hots/Hot Dog Louie’s
1420 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
(530) 1977 - Modern Table Manufacturers
1969 - Sullivan & Gray - attorneys
1959-69 - Schlack's Barber Shop
1950-54 - Richard’s Pharmacy
1948 - Dewey Kelley - attorney
1938-40 - Lake Loan Company
1937-39 - Inland Security Company
1935-59 - Joseph P. Sullivan - attorney
1912-20 - Jennings & Mattern Pharmacy
1896-1912 - Mattern Pharmacy
1422 2019-24 - Second Wind Resale Shop
(528) 1970-77 - International Sewing Shop
1959-69 - Riffer's Mens Wear
1937-48 - The Peoples' Store – clothing
1931 - Becker’s Dry Goods
1912-24 - Goldsmith’s Men’s Clothing
1424 2019-24 - Vacant Building
1963-2010 - Hoosier Flower Shop 1965-69 - O'Drobinak's Lo-Marks Clothing
1959-60 - Kurtz Clothes for Children
1948 - Cavanaugh Children's Clothing
1941-43 - Benedict Furniture Company
1937-39 - National Tea Company Grocery
1933 - Schlack’s Barber Shop
1426 2022-24 - Lakeside Barber Studio
2019-21 - Elite Nutrition/Jon Doce Barber
1994-2001 - Milka’s Crystal and Candy
1977 - Vacant
1969 - Vacant
1959-62 - Home Bakery
1955 - Hal Morris Music Mart
1933-48 - Terny’s Indiana Shoe Rebuilders
1920-24 - Indiana Shoe Shining Parlor
1426 ½ 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1969 - Vacant
1959 - Fetsis Fruit Store
1939-48 - Riffer Grocery Store
1931-74 - Busy Bee Restaurant
1432 2019-24 - Residential
(518) 1912 - Matthew J. Kolb, drugs
1438 2022-24 - Vacant Building
2017-22 - Mind Benders
2011 - Treasures-R-Us
2004-05 - Avon Training Center
1997-2001 - Little Store on the Lake
1992-95 - Install Masters
1945-81 - John J. Wargo Agency Insurance
1959 - Auto License Bureau
1950-51 - Whiting Surplus Store
1946-48 - Downtown Lunch Restaurant
1935-39 - Sherman Restaurant
1920-22 - Smith & Son - barbers
1920 - R.H. Smith Insurance
1440 2011-24 - Ana’s Beauty Salon
(512) 1998 - Little Store on the Lake
1981-92 - Whiting Deli
1976-78 - The Foot Locker
1959-69 - Local Finance
1952 - Gridiron Sweet Shop
1950-51 - Mikuly’s Confectionary & Grill
1936-48 - Gambini’s Confectionary
1912 - Mrs. Conroy, confections & cigars
1442 2022-24 - Mind Benders
1988-22 - Sandrick Consulting - Financial
1998-2008 - W-R Chamber of Commerce
1998 - David E. Mears - attorney
1992-1998 - The Sandrick Agency
1978-81 - Russell’s TV Service
1948 - Adams Furniture Annex
1947-77 - Orr’s Radio &TV Repair Shop
1941-46 - Hoosier Radio Shop
1940 - Mildred’s Vanity Fair
1939 - Elite Bakery
1936-37 - Farmers Meat Market
1914 - Royal Theatre
1444 2005-24 - Berquist Family Dentistry
2001-05 - Berquist, Biegel - dentists
1998 - The Mix Shop
1977 - Vacant
1952-58 - Whiting Surplus - work clothes
1948 - Harvstone Manufacturing
1939 - Whiting Furniture Company
1937 - Betty’s Sandwich Shop
1446 2022-24 - Lakefront Nutrition & Fitness
2021-22 - Vacant
1992-2020 - Calumet Bakery
1980-81 - Whiting Optical Company
1976-78 - Barton's Pizzeria
1969 - Residential
1959 - Residential
1952-56 - Western Tire Auto Service 1939 - Tony & Steve’s Sanitary Meat Market
1939 - Hoosier Auto Service
1937 - Elite Bakery
1446 ½ 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1939 - Edwin A LeRoy - physician
1448 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
(504) 1939 - Stillwell Furniture - repair shop
1948 - Ruzbasen Grocery
1936-38 - R & S Liquor Store
1936-37 - Mary Douglas Beauty Shop
1932 - Lura Lee Taffy Shop
1925 - Whiting Pastry Shop
1450 2022-24 - Cardboard Dreams
2011-22 - Traverse Surveying
1986-88 - And Sew On
1977 - A-1 Tarpaulin Repair
1956-77 - Green-Powers-Belshaw & Danko
1938-59 - Stilwell/O’Drobinak Furniture
1928-48 - Green & Powers - attorneys
1936 - Charles Perel - attorney
1452 2020-23 - Taco Dive
(500) 2016-17 - CJ’s Cafe
1982-2019 - Chrislove Gallery/Collectables
1977 - The Family Restaurant
1935-69 - Central Drug Store
1922 - Reuben Miller Drygoods
1922 - S.C. Dwyer - attorney
1922 - K.B. Keeler - physician
New York Avenue Intersects
1500 1991-2024 - Centier Bank
(448) 2000-05 - Cornerstone Art
1994-05 - Danko Goldsmith & Ritzi
1959-91 - First Bank of Whiting
1939 - Walter H. Smith - attorney
1939 - Michael E. Rafacz - physician
1937-39 - Dewey Kelly - attorney
1937-39 - Clementine Frankowski - physician
1937 - Michael E. Rafacz - physician
1935-48 - James S. McCarthy - attorney
1924-39 - Gavit, Hall, Smith & Gavit - atty.
1911-59 - Bank of Whiting
1897 - William Marquardt - barber
1504 2004-24 - The Junkyard
1994-04 - Cheap Seats Sports Cards
1935-78 - Saylor’s Paint Store
1920 - Henry Simson Insurance & Real Estate
1897 - Anton Marcilini Fruit Store
1506 2011-24 - Paradise Liquors
1969-2005 - Oasis Liquors
1948-59 - Herakovich Liquors
1939 - Farb Liquors
1937 - Stewart Barber Shop
1508 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
(440) 1936-59 - Whiting Recreation Parlor - pool hall
1924 - Pitzele’s Speciality Shop
1912 - Dr. E.L. Dewey
1897 - Sing Sing Laundry
1510 2019-24 - Dos Sabores Restaurant
2016-19 - Skeeter’s Diner
1939-2005 - Whiting Plumbing & Heating
1920- 39 - Spurrier & Smith Hardware
1897 - J.K. Van Sickle - cigars & tobacco
1512 2019-24 - Dos Sabores Restaurant
(436) 2016-19 - Skeeter’s Diner
1969 - Residential
1959 - J & N Cycle Shop
1956-57 - Kinkade’s Bicycle & Fix-It Shop
1948 - VFW Post
1929-42 - Spurrier Company - hardware store
1912-24 - Spurrier-Smith Hardware
1897 - Ed Gerrard - restaurant
1514 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
(434) 1998 - Marina Deli
196 7-77- Mister Ed's Tavern
1959 - Dug Out Tavern
1937-48 - National Tea Company Grocery
1897 - Henry Soltwedel - saloon
1897 - Seip Brewing Company
1516 2019-24 - Whiting Community Health Center
(432) 2021-23 - Dr. Elizabeth Springer - dermatology
1998 - ES Communications
1946-59 - Supreme Appliances
1939 - Sam Lee Laundry
1937 - Vacant
1936 - Whiting Meat Market
1912-1925 - Tittle’s Meat Market
1897 - Freel & Tracy Millianery
1518 2017-24 - City Place Apartments
(430) 1991-2017 - Rebeca’s Hair Care
1978-85 - Tim Swisher Prudential Insurance
1977 - Vacant
1926-69 - Dernay Tailor & Cleaners
1897 - Whiting Hardware Company
1520 2021-24 - The Glowbar by Cyn
2019-21 - Vacant Building
1978 - Hegewisch Records
1937- 69 - Stice Watch Repair/Jewelry
1522 2017-24 - H&R Block
2017-24 - Vavrek Architects
2022 - Airswift - workforce recruiter
1998 - Marvin Silverman - attorney
1994-2005 - Richard S. Tebik - attorney
1994-2001 - Navta-Bergman - attorneys
1987-91 - Rudolph Zajac - attorney
1977 - Steven T. Bielak - attorney
1974 - Al’s Pizza
1969-78 - George R. Pate - attorney
1948-59 - Robert & George Pate - attorneys
1939 - Standard Food Market
1937 - Hanusin Grocery Store
1937-39 - Robert Pate - attorney
1931 - Whiting Photo Studio - Joseph Ondrejka
1897 - H.M. Atkin Groceries & Meat
1524 2019-24 - Parking Lot
(424) 1969 - Vacant
1959 - Julius Food Center - grocery
1945-46 - Standard Food Mart
1939 - Wilkinson Restaurant
1937 - Wilkinson Cigars
1924-25 - All American Confectionary
1526 2019-24 - Parking Lot
(422) 2000-05 - Engineered Rigging
1991 - The Pet Boutique
1977 - Snip & Clip
1969 - Hazel's Beauty Salon
1959 - Vincent’s Barber Shop
1948 - Pastorchik Barber
1937-39 - Joe Waywood’s Barber Shop
1897 - U.G. Swartz - postmaster
1897 - Smith & Bader restaurant
1528 2019-24 - Parking Lot
2001 - J-N-T’s Tacos & Pizza
1998 - Muncheez
1980-81 - Crack Comic Service
1970 - Wilkening Castle
1969 - Erma's Dining Room Restaurant
1965 - Purple Onion
1939-65 - Murad Restaurant
1937 - Bachurek Shoe Repair
1897 - Odd Fellows Hall
1530 2012-24 - Memory Makers
(418) 1977 - Ed's Pool Hall
1969 - Dink's Pool Hall
1959 - Muto Pool Room
1948 - Bright Sewing Machines
1947-48 - Garment Machine Company
1939 - Hassan Grocery Store
1937 - Whiting Furniture Company
1936 - Roberts Food Shop
1912 - L. Miller Bakery & Restaurant
1532 2016-24 - Curosh & Curosh - attorneys
(416) 2022-24 - L. Felipe Sanchez - attorey
1977 - Vacant
1963-74 - Busy Bee Restaurant
1963 - Melody Restaurant
1961-63 - Liberty Lunch
1952-59 - Hassan Restaurant
1948 - Raybolt & Co. - petroleum inspectors
1939 - Star Hotel
1939 - Cvitanvich Cigar Shop
1937 - O’Donnell Cigar Shop
1936 - Grand Cigar Store
1936 - Elaine Hotel
1931-32 - Main Drug Store
1926 - Charlie’s Smoke Shop - cigars, billiards
1897 - W.D. Rial - Chicago newspaper dealer
1897 - A. B. Orins - jewelry
1897 - M.A. Johnson - millinery & dressmaking
1897 - J.C. Fieres - barber
1534 1997-2024 - Benchik Medical Health Center
(414) 2019-24 - Genesis Rehab Services
2005 - Foot & Ankle Clinics of America
1959-77 - Residential
1934-50 - Fred Beisal Department Store
1912 - D.P. Owens - undertaker
1897 - L.H. Mattern - drug store
1538 2011-24 - Vision One
1969 - Vacant
1948-62 - John Golub's Super IGA Grocery
1948 - Hansen Buick - auto dealer
1897 - C.M. Weyer & Co. - dry goods
1897 - A.W. Street - physician
1897 - Openheimer Brothers Dry Goods
1897 - P.O. Dahl - tailor
1540 2019-23 - Address No Longer in Use
(408) 1925 - The Prospect Tailors
1897 - Z. Plewkewicz - barber
1542 2021-24 - Building Under Construction
2019-20 - Empty Lot
1945-85 - Radio Center
1937-39 - Szanyi Barber Shop
1897 - Whiting Drug Company
1897 - J.F. Take - physician
1897 - C.A. Johnson - undertaker
1544 2017-24 - Rebeca’s Hair Care
(404) 1959- 77 - Residential
1948 - Jean & Ladd Tap Room
1939 - Kalapach Tavern
1937 - Murad Restaurant
1936 - Western Electric Company
1912 - Massa Ladies & Gents Cleaning
1548 2019-24 - White Oak Condominiums
2021-22 - Priority Merchandising
1936-98 - Moose Lodge
1897 - Fischrupp Brothers Grocers
White Oak Avenue Intersects
1600 2020-24 - Grindhouse Cafe
2019 - Indy Perk
2017 - Pie Eyed
2017 - The Market @ 119
2011-13- White Oak Cafe
1994-2005 - Just Little Things
1955-77 - Whiting Hardware Co.
1926-48 - Kozacik Hardware Company
1900 - M. Hoffert & Co. - tailors
1604 2022-24 - Major Cutz Studios
2021 - Vacant Building
2019-20 - Amex Nooter
2005 - Old Town Skates
1996-2005 - Center for Arts of Wisdom
1962-77 - Whiting Lunch & Donuts
1959 - Residential
1954-58 -Uptown Lunch
1948 - Hassan Restaurant
1606 2024 - History Center of Whiting-Robertsdale
(310) 2019-23 - Vacant Building
2005 - Curves for Women
2000 - National Consumer Rights Research
1998 - OCAW Union Regional Office
1985 - Someplace Else Tavern
1959-69 - Nardi's Lounge Tavern
1936-39 - Venetian Grill Tavern
1936-48 - Lazzareachi Tavern/Restaurant
1912 - Lake Electric Supply Company
1897 - G.S. Hilliard - dentist
1897 - Whiting News - newspaper office
1897 - F.R. Ladd - real estate & insurance
1608 2019-24 - Vacant Lot
(308) 1912 - Migatz & Stiglitz - Hub Dept. Store
1610 1998-2024 - WR Historical Society
(306) 1969 - Vacant
1959 - Residential
1937-48 - Choltye Barber Shop
1900 - C.A. Johnson - undertaker
1612 2019-24 - Lynn’s Doggie Spa
(304) 1994-05 - Tina’s Resale
1977 - Vacant
1936-1969 - Nardi's Tobacco Shop
1900 - Braham - tailor, clothing
1897-1900 - Nutini Brothers - fruit, tobacco
1614 2019-24 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial
(300) 1948-77 - Standard Hotel
1900 - Silas Meehan Real Estate
1897 - C.E.E. Astman - dentist
1897 - John G. Erdlitz - attorney
1897 - W.E. Putnam - physician
1897 - Whiting Pharmacy
1897 - C.F. Brown - dry goods/gen. merchandise
1897 - W.L. Stout - jewelry
Schrage Avenue Intersects
1620 2019-24 - Residential
1977 - Vacant
1969 - Whiting Confectionary
1936-48 - Shocaroff Confectionary
1624 2019-24 Address no longer in use
1994-2000 - Terrance Stamping Company
Old EJ & E Railway Crossing Location
1642 2019-24 - Oil City Stadium
1936-2005 - Pumping Station & Filtration Plant
Old Pennsylvania Railway Crossing Location
1704 2019-24 - Address no Longer in Use
(144) 1897 - Davidson Brothers Real Estate/Insurance
1706 2019-24 - Address no Longer in Use
(142) 1897 - Frank Kozich - boots & shoes
1708 2019-23 - Empty Lot
(140) 2004-05 - Game Time Bar & Grill
1939-2001 - Cafe Roosevelt Tavern
1948 - Jeschke Tavern
1937 - Bucsanyi Restaurant
1897 - J.F. Schaechlorie - barber
1710 2019-24 - Empty Lot
1969-05 - Spebar Tavern
1937-59 - Sramek's Tavern/Restaurant
1716 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
(134) 1897 - B.M. Cheney - Justice of the Peace
1897 - C.H. Spaulding - contractor & builder
1897 - W.B. Reading - attorney
1896 - The Whiting Democrat - newspaper
1718 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
1897 - J.J. Donegan saloon
1722 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
(126) 1897 - F.N. Gavit - attorney
1724 2019-24 - Address no Longer in Use
(128) Fordtran Brothers - photographers
1738 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(110) 1959 - Whiting Refinery Credit Union
1948 - Standard Oil Company Drafting Room
1897 - A.J. Lauer - physician
1895-1911 - Bank of Whiting
1740 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(108) 1977 - Vacant
1959 - Zyara Grocery Store
Standard Avenue Intersects
The North Side of 119th Street
Indianapolis Boulevard Intersects
1225 1964-2024 - Clipper Bar
(653) 1937-83 - Harry Barton - dentist
1936 - 1964 - Owens Funeral Home
1936 - T.R. Mathew - dentist
1935-36 - Greider’s Barber Shop
1932-33 - New York Life Insurance
1929-30 - Schlater Brothers Funeral Directors
1920-24 - M. Sternberg - drug store
1912 - John E. Trully Funeral Home
1231 - 1959-2024 - Address No Longer in Use
1937-59 - Baran & Son Funeral Home
1932-36 - Owens Mortuary
1235 1938-2024 - Baran & Son Funeral Home
1241 1987-2024 - Family Dollar
1973 -1984 - Whiting Supermarket
1948-1969 - A & P Food Store
Central Avenue Intersects
1301 2023-24 - Overstock Discount Center
2022-23 - Vacant Building
2019-22 - CVS Pharmacy
1995-2017 - Fagan Pharmacy
1947-95 - Hoosier Drug Store
1934-1947 - Sherman’s Indiana Plumbing & Heating
1920 - Robert Gordon Men’s Wear
1309 2023-24 - Hobson & Scott Insurance
(627) 2024 - Lashes by Vira
2024 - Brazilly’s with Tati
2024 - Mm Logistics
2024 - Jett Logistics
2022-23 - Vacant Building
2020-22 - This N’ That Consignment Shop
2016-19 - Lubia's Dress Shop
2011 - Ultimate Tae Kwon Do Training
2004-05 - Whiting Perk
1995-98 - The Shoe Boxx
1980 - Clover Ceramics
1977 - Yvonne Plasters Craft
1946-1976 - Neal Price's Firestone Store
1929-1942 - Eaton’s Women’s Furnishings
1311 2022-24 - Vacant Building
2019-22 - This N’ That Consignment Shop
1994-2017 - Michelle’s Dance Center
1986 - Cinema Showcase Video
1948-1977 - NIPSCO - branch office
1931-1941 - Wayos Radio & Sport Shop
1315 2019-24 - American Trust Insurance
1959-1969 - Lewin-Wolf - clothing
1948 - Martz Florist
1939-46 - Hoosier Flower Shop
1937 - Vacant
1315 ½ 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1939 - Bata Shoe Company
1317 2020-24 - Vacant Building
2019 - BMWC Constructors
1996-2005 - American Trust Travel
1977-87 - Whiting Auto Parts
1947-77 - Lewin-Wolf - clothing
1939 - Larned’s Dress Shop
1937 - Vacant
1319 1966-2024 - Murzyn State Farm Insurance
1977 - Margaret's for Beauty
1959-1969 - American Red Cross
1937-1969 - Freel's Specialty & Beauty Shop
1948 - Morris Picklin - optometrist
1937 - Schwab Confectionary
1321 2011-24 - Horizon Bank
1977 - Kovacik Insurance Agency
1948-59 - Andrew M. Kozacik - attorney
1939 - Douglas Beauty Shop
1939-48 - Joyce Beauty Shop
1936 - Billy’s Beauty Parlor
1935-69 - Louis T. Kudele - physician
1931-59 - Aubrey Sceerey - dentist
1931-36 - Roy Green & Harry Powers - attorneys
1920-2011 - American Trust & Savings Bank
La Porte Avenue Intersects
1329 2019-24 – Vacant Building
(623) 1995-2005 - House of Invitations
1991-95 - Prudential Insurance
1987-88 - Whiting Travel & Tours
1977 - H & R Block
1969 - Kris Korner
1965-67 - Whiting Travel Agency
1959 - Josephine Style Shop
1948 - Ray Rose Infant Clothes
1931-1939 - Riffer Men’s Furnishings
1925 - D. Vainrib - Tailor
1923 - C. Lewis Baker - jeweler
1331 2011-24 – Vacant Building
(619) 1988-97 - The Video Zone
1984-85 - Friend’s Hallmark
1967-1977 - Carrie's Clothing
1955-63 - Josephine’s Style Shop
1952-54 - Josephine’s Gown & Millinery
1936-1948 - Hoosier Style Shop - clothing
1333 2004-24 - James Kozak Insurance Agency
(615) 1985-95 - P&H Printing
1977 - Region Arcade
1977 - Colonial Landscaping Construction
1966-70 - Ron's Haute Coiffure Beauty
1954-65 - Siltanen Jewelers
1946-1951 - Reaven Jewelers
1936-1939 - Sam Sing Laundry
1936 - Warren S. Hamel - chiropractor
1931-32 - Irvin C. Moore Jeweler
1335 1924-2024 - Hoosier Theatre
(613)
1337 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(611) 1969 - Otto’s Shoes
1922-65 - Glenn’s Shoe Store
1339 1960-2024 - Whiting Refinery Credit Union
1341 2011-24 - Whiting Flower Shop
(607) 1980-2001 - Jack & Jill Fashions
1931-56 - Jeremiah McCarthy - physician
1931 - C.L. Throop - dentist
1928-31 - T. Joseph Sullivan - attorney
1924-78 - Winsberg’s Store for Men
1912 - Waldo B. Jennings Insurance
1343 2020-24 - Vacant Building
2004-19 - DTS Systems International
1997-2001 - Concepts - Hair Dresser
1991-96 - Illusions Hair Designs
1975-79 - Ron's Haute Coiffure Beauty Shop
1969 - Tris Jolie Dress Shop
1947-67 - Brown's Women's Apparel
1943-47 - Illiana Home & Auto Supply
1939 - Vacant
1935-37 - O’Keefe’s Restaurant
1920 - Groceteria - grocery store
1345 2004-24 - Region Signs
1994-2001 -Friends Silk Flowers of Whiting
1992 - J&G Strike Zone - sports cards, comics
1986 - Das Kaffeehaus
1982-84 - Candy Shop
1977 - Hook n' Needle Nook
1976 - Yvonne’s Plaster Crafts
1969 - Koleta's Beauty Salon
1965 - Mickey’s High Styling
1948-59 - Fashion Shop
1931-48 - Kinel Fashion Hosiery Shop
1345 ½ 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1969-78 - Hoosier Medical Center
1959 - Myron Gordon - optometrist
1347 2022-24 - Simply You Studios
(601) 2017-21 - Russell Romano Salon
2011 - Paul Martin Salon
1935-2006 -Whiting Flower Shop
1912-22 - Citizen’s Co. Real Estate - J.A. Tokarz
Sheridan Avenue Intersects
1401 2019-24 - Sheridan Plaza - Event Venue
(547) 2004-05 - The Video Zone
1999 - Kid’s Spot Arcade
1996-98 - Flatt’s Music
1983 - Milo’s Tailor & Tuxedo
1975-78 - Butch’s Britches
1963-69 - Russell's TV Sales & Service
1946-56 - Riffer' Men’s Furnishings
1937-39 - Kroger Consumer Grocery & Bakery
1936-60 - Barney Goldstein - dentist
1922-36 - Consumers Sanitary Coffee & Butter
1405 2019-24 - John P. Singel, CPA
(545) 1999-2000 - Willie Humphrey Photography
1996-2007 - Full Circle Art
1998 - Sunset Salon & Tanning
1983-91 - Whiting Beauty Bazaar
1981-82 - Signashirts
1977 - Vidicom Security Systems
1969 - Vacant
1937-59 - Spiro Billiards
1912-32 - Pete Demes’ Candyland
1409 2016-24 - Bulldog Brewing
(543) 1998 - Safety First II
1969-83 - Wagner Company Insurance
1959 - Vacant
1955 - Illinois Bell Telephone Office
1948 - American Red Cross Chapter
1948 - Aluminum Engineering Sales
1948 - Lake County Realty Company
1948 - John J. Wargo Insurance
1948 - Joseph P. Sullivan - attorney
1936-47 - Moskins Credit Clothing Store
1912 - Calumet Electric Appliance Company
1411 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
(541) 1948 - Fetsis Grocery Store
1939 - Greider Barber Shop
1936-37 - Tharp Grocery Store
1920-22 - Atkin and Tharp - groceries
1413 2011-24 - Studio 659
(539) 2004-05 - Superior Chemical Company
1999-2001 - Superior Chemical Company
1998 - Stranger Than Paradise
1979-92 - Helen’s House of Fashion
1959-77 - Residential
1955 - Marcie’s
1948-54 - Moskin's Credit Clothing
1947 - Moskin’s Credit Clothing
1939 - M. Bluestein & Son - clothing
1931-48 - William J. Lynch - dentist
1928-38 - Ford’s Shoe Store
1924-28 - W.A. Gordon - dentist
1924 - A.J. Cress - cleaner & dyer
1912 - Whiting Style Shop
1415 2019-24 - Address No Longer In Use
(537) 1983-85 - Helen’s House of Fashion
1948-51 - Green, Powers & Belshaw - attorneys
1926 - Hecken’s Smart Shop
1922-24 - Oscar D. Lottinville, the Haberdasher
1417 2011-24 - W-R Chamber of Commerce
(535) 1920-2008 - Whiting News Company
1928-48 - M.J. Ritter - dentist
1928 - Bryce B. Reeve - dentist
1925 - Mrs. M. Myers - millinery & hemstitching
1924 - C.M. Jones - physician
1922 - C. Lewis Baker - jeweler
1417 ½ 2019-24 - Address no longer in use
1936-39 - Maurice J. Ritter - dentist
1936 - B.B. Reeve - physician
1419 2019-24 - La Michoancana
(533) 2011 - Lyko’s - European Deli
1959-05 - Anne’s Linens
1948 - McNamara Confectionary
1947 - Mack’s Fresh Candies
1936 - Gary Beverage Company
1914-39 - McNamara Brothers Grocery
1421 2019-24 - Burrito Stop
(531) 1991-2014 - John P. Singel, CPA
1998 - All-American Electric
1977 - Edward F. Kosior - dentist
1967 - Tracy’s Fashion Shop
1959-61 - Al's Linoleum & Carpet Shop
1946-48 - Ann Adams Millinery
1937-39 - Hoosier Radio Shop
1936-39 - Clifford M. Jones - physician
1936-39 - Owen F. Benz - physician
1932-36 - Whiting Land Company-Smith & Bader
1920 - Freels Specialty Shop - clothing
1423 2022-24 - Buzzin Barbecue
2021-22 - Hen House Charcoal Chicken
2019-20 - Comfort Roast
1997-2005 - Pane in the Glass
1992-96 - Conley’s - A Sandwich Shoppe
1969 - Whiting Laundromat & Cleaners
1959 - Calumet Launderer & Cleaners
1946-48 - Adams Furniture Store
1939 - Orphan Confectionary
1938-40 - Hoosier Radio Shop
1936-48 - George Hilliard - dentist
1936-39 - Whiting Chocolate Shop
1903-31 - First National Bank
Oliver Street Intersects
1443 1948-24 - Whiting City Hall
1948 - US Army Recruiting Office
1937-48 - Whiting National Guard Armory
1897 - Plymouth Congregational Church
1449 2020-24 - Vacant Building
(501) 2005-19 - Chase Bank
1986-2005 - Bank One
1973-86 - Bank of Indiana
1972-80 - Incentive Insurance
1970-73 - The Northwest Bank of Indiana
1959-69 - Walter J. Keckich - attorney
1948 - Standard Oil Engineering Department
1939 - Utilities Motor Fuel Company
1939 - Edwin C. Mahoney - contractor
1936-37 - Harry Brandman - physician
1933-39 - Oscar A. Ahlgren - attorney
1933-39 - Byron G. Cory - dentist
1931-69 - Thomas Cerajewski - attorney
1931-70 - State Bank of Whiting
1914 - First National Bank
New York Avenue Intersects
1501 1933-2024 - Whiting Post Office
(445)
1515 2021-24 - Parking Lot
2020 - Empty Lot
2004-19 - Cool Creations
2004-19 - Very Fine Wash
1959-2016 - VFW Post
1948 - Vacant
1521 1936-2024 - Whiting Elks Lodge
(429)
Pennsylvania Avenue Intersects
1547 1959-2024 - Whiting Baptist Church
1948 - Residential
1937 - Residential
1549 2021-2024 - Parking Lot
1959 - First Southern Baptist Church
1555 2019-24 - Parking Lot
1959 - Dernay Gas Station
1948 - Kompier Filling Station
1937-39 - Wargo Filling Station
Ohio Avenue Intersects
1621 2019-23 - Empty Lot
1982-85 - Ray’s Tackle Box
1977 - Vacant
1952-69 - Haluska Standard Fuel Oil Company
1947-69 - Whiting Sugar Bowl
1939-47 - Todoroff Confectionary
1623 2019-24 - Empty Lot
1948 - Rifkin Whole Meats
Old EJ & E Railway Crossing Location
Old Pennsylvania Railway Crossing Location
1701 2019-24 - Parking Lot
1977 - C.H. Heist - high pressure water cleaning
1969 - Vacant
1959 - Tedrick Garage - auto repair
1954-56 - Hansen Buick
1946-48 - Lake County Motor Sales
1937-39 - Hoosier Auto Service
1897 - James J. Ahern - saloon
1703 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
(149) 1897 - J.H. Freel - saloon
1897 - Joe Wheat - tailor
1709 2011-24 - Whihala Ice Cream Shop
(143) 2004-05 - So Sweet Chocolates
1994-2001 - Mary’s Pierogis
1977 - Vacant
1969 - Vacant
1959 - Veterans Food & Gifts
1948 - Ruzbasen Grocery
1939 - Rogina Confectionary
1939 - Milosevich Confectionary
1897 - J. Alison - grocery
1713 - 2019-24 - Residential
(139) 1897 - Frank Cubanski - grocery & meats
1715 2019-24 - Residential
(137) 1969 - Haluska Trucking Company
1959 - Haluska Trucking Company
1897 - Harr Brothers - barbers
1717 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
(135) 1897 - Pitzele clothing
1719 2019-23 - Residential
(133) 1969-77 - Veterans Food & Gifts
1948-59 - Hajduch Grocery
1936-37 - Grenchik Grocery
1896 - The Whiting Leader - department dtore
1721 2019-24 - Address No Longer in Use
(131) 1897 - Henry Doob, general store
1725 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(127) 1937 - Cadillac Square Athletic Club
1897 - Steven Kubek - saloon
1727 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(125) 1977 - Vacant
1969 - Holland Recreation
1948 - Residential
1939 - Benko Pool Hall
1937 - Hawks Athletic Club
1897 - D.L. Mondkern- saloon
Center Street Intersects
1733 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(117) 2005 - J & R Construction & Remodeling
1948 - Whiting Refinery Credit Union
1937-39 - Cengel Tavern
1936 - Lake Front Tavern
1897 - Charles Schaffner - meat market
1737 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(113) 1959-77 - Gerald Haluska - attorney
1937-48 - Haluska Dry Goods
1897 - J. Kilcullen - saloon
1739 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(111) 1948 - Roosevelt Club
1939 - Roosevelt-Garner Club of Whiting
1897 - Mrs. L. Callahan - saloon
1741 2019-24 - Empty Lot
(109) 1936-48 - Paunicka Grocery
1927 - Joseph Paunicka Grocery & Market
1897 - S. Recht - dry goods
Front Street Intersects
It was often described as one of the busiest intersections in the nation, which is why a traffic cop was often posted at 119th and Indianapolis Boulevard. In the days before Interstate highways, the intersection was on the main route into Chicago from the east. This photo is believed to be from the late 1930s.
Bercik’s Service Station at the corner of 119th and Indianapolis Boulevard was one of several automotive related businesses on 119th Street. In the past there were repair shops, auto dealerships, auto parts, and other gas stations.
In 1945, Bill Curosh (left) bought Lipay’s clothing store and opened Curosh’s on 119th Street. He sold his business in 1970 to John Gazda (right), who earlier owned an upholstery shop, a delicatessen, and who managed the St. John Parochial Center for 12 years.
A 1939 ad for Lipay’s Women’s Furnishings. Downtown Whiting had a dozen clothing stores in the 1940s and 1950s, but the number began to diminish in the decades which followed. “The 1970s were rough,” said Gerry Michaels of the Jack and Jill Store (1240 119th Street) in a 1989 interview. “They were starting to develop the discount stores, and that’s where the heavy trade was.”
Mr. Burton, the owner of Burton’s Men’s Shop presents a gift certificate to Anna Mika of Euclid Avenue in a 1956 Whiting Merchants Good Will Promotion. (Times-Grafic Photo)
The Taxi Stand, or Whiting Cab, in this 1991 photograph, was located at 1310 119th Street, next door to the Center Lounge. You could get more than a taxi there. Newspapers, magazines, candy, cigarettes and more were on sale inside.
Charles Perel had his law office at 1312 119th Street, above McHale’s Tavern. He started his legal practice in Whiting in 1915 and served as Whiting City Judge for a time.
Ginny and Jim McHale chat with regular customer Larry Williams shortly before retiring from their bar. McHale’s Tavern was a three-generation family business, originally at Fischrupp and New York Avenues. That was when it was established in the 1880s. It later moved to 1312 119th Street and remained in operation (except for the Prohibition years) until it was sold in 1978 and became the Center Lounge. (The Calumet Day photograph)
This photo from 1939 gives you a view of downtown Whiting from the front seat of a car headed east. The Hoosier Theater is ahead, to the left. The Capitol Theater is across from it on the right. Straight down the middle of the street are the tracks for the streetcars. There’s a banner hanging over road ahead. It’s advertising You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man, a film that was showing at the Hoosier in late May 1939.
Brick pavement and street car tracks are a part of the scene on 119th Street in this photo from around 1920. The intersecting street to the right is now called Temple Court. It was called Short Street then. The building on the corner, with the light-colored awning, is the Slovak Dom. The ground floor was occupied by a “Men’s Furnishings” store, as the words on the awning indicate. Further down the street, on the right side and just about in the center of the frame, there is a sign on the side of a building. It says, “Whiting Savings and Loan Association.”
The American Slovak Club has been located at 1324 119th Street for decades. But it looks different than it looked in this 1930s era post card. Today, the top floor is gone. The building was also known as the Slovak Dom, “dom” being a Slovak word for “home.” The upstairs is where Slovak immigrants and their families gathered for wedding celebrations and for special events. But in the 1960s, the upstairs hall was shut down. By 1982, damage caused by leaks led to the roof collapsing at the exact moment a meeting was being held on the ground floor to discuss bids for removing the top floor.
Today, we wouldn’t say that the Ciesar Horse Shoeing and Blacksmith was on 119th Street. It appears it was located at what is today the alley between the Slovak Dom building and the Masonic Lodge on Temple Street. But in the late 1800s and early 1900s, before the Slovak Dom was built, there was nothing on that part of 119th Street. So, there were no buildings between the blacksmith shop and 119th Street. An ad for the shop said it was located just south of 119th Street between Clark and Short Street (an earlier name for Temple Court and Community Court).
Pete & Jim Hays (sometimes spelled Hayes) appear to be the first to operate a blacksmith shop near the corner of 119th Street and Temple Court. This illustration of “Pete Hayes at work” appeared in a Whiting newspaper in 1907. The shop was sold to John Ciesar in 1911. Ciesar moved into the automobile business when horses gave way to cars, and opened the city’s first auto garage. He later branched out into auto sales. But before cars, this was one of the places Whiting residents could bring their horses to get shoed. There were other blacksmiths offering the same service in town in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Nelson Erickson shoed horses at his shop near White Oak and Steiber, and later the Bunta Brothers had their blacksmith shop at the same location. George Baier had one at White Oak and 128th in and around 1907. Besides shoeing horses, all the shops repaired the wagons that horses often pulled.
Beggar’s Pizza is the current occupant of 1326 119th Street. But this is how that area looked in the early 1950s, after the Capitol Theatre closed down. The overhang on the front of the building (to the right in this photo) was the theatre entrance. Next door, toward the center of the photo, was Sam Sing Laundry, still visible in this picture. Sherman’s Indiana Supply Store is on the left. It soon took over the space which had been occupied by the theatre and laundry.
Sherman’s was at 1326 119th Street, while the Whiting Five & Ten was at 1334 119th, currently the home of Levin Eye Care Center. In earlier years, that was the location of an F.W. Woolworth, America’s first “five and dime” store chain, which is pretty much the same as today’s “dollar stores.” (Lovasko Studio photograph)
In the 1980s, some of the oldest members of the Historical Society recalled a place called The Lumry. It was located at the corner of 119th and Clark Streets, where the Levin Eye Care Center is currently located. To enter the building, you had to go down a short flight of stairs to the entrance. It was a cottage, a residence, mostly for newly graduated teachers, young women in need of a place to stay while teaching in local schools. The word “Lumry,” is supposedly a variation on the word “alumni,” since most of those who lived there were recently college alumni. It is believed the building gave way to a real estate office, and the lot filled in to bring the entrance to ground level, probably in the 1920s.
Kenneth Neal poses for this photo inside the F.W. Woolworth store in Whiting. He was the store manager in 1929, when the photo was taken. (Photo courtesy of the Calumet Regional Archives, Indiana University Northwest, Archibald McKinlay Collection).
Sunrise Restaurant is the successor to Dmitri’s and Drabek’s as restaurants operating at 1342 119th Street, but the original occupant of that building was Recht’s Department Store. There are many changes to the building on the ground level, but if you look at the upper level of today’s building you can see the resemblance to how the building looked in this 1904 sketch of Recht’s.
Aronberg Jewelers became a part of Whiting in 1905. In this 1981 photo, which appeared in The Calumet Day, the caption said the store (at 1348 119th Street) employed two watch makers, does engravings, sells engagement rings and other jewelry, as well as silver and Lenox China.
A 1925 photo of 119th Street, looking east from LaPorte Avenue. The F.W. Woolworth store is at 1334 119th Street, which is the location of the Levin Eye Center today.
Seifer’s Furniture was a major part of downtown Whiting from the early 20th century. It’s first store, founded in 1908, was at the corner of 119th and New York Avenue. In 1920, it opened its new, larger store just up the street at 1406 119th Street.
The J.J. Newberry Store, 1410 119th Street, in 1969. Next door is the Big Ben Shoe-Per Market at 1418 119th Street. And next to it is Indiana Red Hots at 1418 1/2. The hot dog stand was one of America’s smallest restaurants. It was 45 feet long, but only seven feet wide, which was just enough room for the grill, the counter, the stools along the counter, and a small aisle to get from front to back. (Lovasko Studio photograph)
No single event shaped the face of downtown Whiting more than the July 1980 fire which started in the J.J. Newberry store. It destroyed six businesses, which were in the vicinity of today’s Dollar Tree store at 1410 119th Street.
Inside the International Sewing Shop in 1980, located at 1422 119th Street. (Susan K. Hmurovic photograph)
This early 1930s post card shows 119th Street from Oliver Street, looking west. The Jennings-Mattern Drug Store is to the left. Further down the streets are signs for the Hoosier Theatre and Seifer’s Furniture. The Chocolate Shop sign to the right is the recent location of Comfort Roast coffee shop, and Hen House Charcoal Chicken.
Lemuel Hallman Mattern was Whiting’s first pharmacist. This photo was taken in the 1890s, showing him standing outside his drug store. The Smith-Bader Real Estate & Insurance Company shared the building. Maybe they are the ones sitting in the upstairs windows, posing for this photo. (Photo courtesy of Susan Zelenack Danielson)
“Ralph Gambini had an ice cream parlor on 119th Street. He manufactured his own ice cream, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. He usually made it on Saturday and us kids would see to it that we would be there about the time he had finished as there was always some ice cream left over that he had no room to store, which gave us a chance to lick the spoon, as it were.” (remembered by Herb Brown, 1898-1985)
Television was still in its infancy when this 1952 ad for Orr’s Radio & Television, 1442 119th Street, appeared in the newspaper.
While downtown Whiting had many restaurants over the years, it has had few pizzerias. Barton’s was one of the exceptions. This ad was from 1977.
Downtown Whiting was home to numerous attorneys from its earliest days through the 1970s. All four in this 1968 photo had their offices downtown. They are, left to right, George Pate (1522 119th Street), William Belshaw and Ben Danko (both at 1450 119th Street), and Walter Keckich (1449 119th Street). (Times-Grafic photograph)
Central Drug was located at 1452 119th Street. On the second floor of this building was the law office of Green, Powers, Belshaw and Danko. The second floor of numerous downtown building were often residential apartments or offices. It was common for lawyers, doctors, dentists, music teachers, and others who needed office space, to operate on the upper floors.
Home improvement shops were another common sight in downtown Whiting. There were awning shops, hardware stores, paint stores, plumbers and more. Saylor’s was a paint shop at 1504 119th Street, but its history in Whiting went much further back. This is an ad from 1926.
A 1939 ad for Whiting Plumbing & Heating, 1510 119th Street. Before moving to 119th Street, they were located on New York Avenue.
Joseph Dernay operated a tailor shop at 1518 119th Street. The building no longer exists, but it was located where the City Place Apartments are now located.
In 1957, the Whiting Community Center hosted the Merchants and Industrial Exposition. There were fashion shows and other performances, as well as displays by area merchants, both those with shops on 119th Street and other parts of Whiting-Robertsdale. (Elsie Boness photograph)
Murad’s Restaurant, 1528 119th Street, was operated by the family of Ferid Murad, who worked there while attending Whiting High School. Murad graduated in 1954, and went on to become a respected researcher, winning the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
This 1946 newspaper article gives the details on an expansion by Fred Beisal’s Department Store, 1534 119th Street, which includes making room to display cars for sale, and a service department for automobiles.
In November 1963, the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers was blacked out in the Chicago area. So, John Kiraly, of the Radio Center (1542 119th Street) pulled in a signal from a South Bend television station and displayed it on a TV screen in the front window of his shop, drawing a crowd of football fans to watch. (Times-Grafic photograph)
Members of the Moose Club gather for an event in their lodge at 1548 119th Street in 1970.
Whiting Hardware, 1600 119th Street in 1980, currently the home of Grindhouse Cafe. (Susan K. Hmurovic photograph)
The front window of the White Oak Cafe reflects its surroundings, pictured in 2013, at 1600 119th Street.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located on the site where the Standard Hotel once stood. This photo is from the 1940s.
A streetcar gets ready to make the turn from 119th Street to Schrage Avenue in a photo probably from the 1930s. The Standard Hotel is on the left. To the right, across the street from the hotel, is a service station. The Vietnam War Memorial is now on the site of the hotel, while a parking lot is on the site of the gas station. The dark specks that appear to be in the sky are actually a part of the cables that ran along the streetcar line, which supplied the electric power by which the cars operated.
“Whiting Confectionary (1620 119th Street) was a hangout,” wrote Nina Lourik from conversations she had with Chris Dohoff, pictured above, son-in-law of founder Andy Shocaroff. “The five stool soda fountain attracted couples new and old. The old brought their kids to show them where their parents had first dated…The shakes were thick, the Black Cow was popular, and Cherry Coke was a favorite…”
Whiting’s Water Pumping Station and Filtration plant.
The 1700 block of 119th Street, a building which once housed Sramek’s Tavern
Baran & Son Funeral Home has been a constant sight for decades on 119th Street. But, it does look different. This is how it looked before its remodeling and expansion.
1301 119th Street is the home of CVS Pharmacy today, after being Fagen Pharmacy in recent years. But before that, it was Hoosier Drugs, and even further back, some can remember it as the National Tea grocery store. This photo is from 1969. (Lovasko Studio photograph)
Neal Price’s Firestone Store sold tires for your car, garden tools, bicycles, phonography records, and much more at its location ay 1309 119th Street. This photo is from 1957. (Elsie Boness photograph)
Shoppers are out for “Frontier Days,” a downtown shopping promotion, in 1969. Looking west on 119th Street, the State Farm Insurance office is at 1319 119th Street, with Lewin-Wolf clothing store at 1315, and the NIPSCO office at 1311. (Lovasko Studio photograph)
Many of the downtown stores were owned and operated by women, even in the early years of Whiting. Agnes Freel opened a millinery shop in 1918 at 1421 119th Street, currently the home of Burrito Stop. She was so successful that in 1937 she had a new building constructed at 1319 119th Street so she could have a larger shop. This ad is from 1939, and appeared in a special edition of a newspaper celebrating the 50th anniversary of Standard Oil’s presence in Whiting.
American Trust & Savings Bank started in 1920 at the site of what is today the American Slovak Club. In 1925, it built a new structure across the street, at the corner of 119th and LaPorte Avenue (1321 119th Street), at a cost of $100,000. The ground floor was for banking, while the upper floor was rented out as offices and apartments.
To promote the movie comedy “You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man,” the Hoosier Theatre had a W.C. Fields look-alike on the sidewalk outside. Fields starred in the 1939 film.
Winsberg’s Store for Men goes back to at least 1902 in Whiting. In those years, founder Abe Winsberg had his store at 121st and Schrage, a location passed every day by the thousands of men going to and from the main gate of the Standard Oil refinery. He moved his store to 119th Street in 1923.
The 1300-block of 119th between LaPorte and Sheridan, on the north side, was a prime area for clothes shopping
The Whiting Flower Shop is one of the city’s oldest businesses. It began in the first decade of the 20th century when Louis Klemm sold flowers out of a horse-drawn cart. It moved to 119th Street, and during the Depression it sold bread and penny candy to help make ends meet. The photo above is from 1957
119th Street at Sheridan Avenue in 1912, currently the location of Simply You Studios, 1347 119th Street.
The Whiting News Company, 1417 119th Street, on a night in 1976.
The interior of Whiting News in 2009, shortly before it closed its doors for good. “As an adult you paid bills there, bought greeting cards, rosaries and statues there for gifts,” wrote Gayle Faulkner Kosalko. “As a kid you went in at least once a day for penny candy.” Whiting News goes back to the 1890s, but moved to 1417 119th Street in 1929.
This is the corner of 119th Street and Oliver, looking west, and as indicated on the photo it is from 1926. The police officer is directing traffic and making sure school children make it across the street safely. Besides the danger of cars, anyone crossing the street on foot also had to deal with the presence of streetcars, as can be seen from the tracks near the feet of the police officer.
Anne’s Linens (1419 119th Street) had been on 119th Street for 39 years when owner Anne Daniele posed for this 1994 photo, making it one of the oldest businesses on the street at the time. (Linda Rich photograph)
The State Bank of Whiting (1449 119th Street) is on the right, with the National Guard Armory (currently City Hall) next to it at 1443 119th Street) in this 1931 photo.
The New York Avenue side of the Whiting Post Office, under construction in October 1932. Prior to its move to 1501 119th Street, the Whiting Post Office had been at the corner of Clark Street and Fischrupp Avenue.
Cool Creations, an ice cream shop, stood next to the post office until it was demolished a few moths after this March 2019 photo. A laundromat was also housed in the building. It was called Very Fine Wash. That name, or more specifically the first letter of every word in that name, was something of a tribute to a previous occupant of that site, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or V.F.W.
We are looking east on 119th Street in this photo. To the left of the frame are houses which once stood on what is now the Whiting Baptist Church property. Just beyond that, more toward the upper left, is an angled street. That is Ohio Avenue, lined then, as it is now, with houses. The building in the lower right side of this image has a sign hanging from it. The sign says “Hardware.” The building is the current site of Grindhouse Cafe. This photo was taken for a postcard in 1908.
A view of 119th Street looking west from Schrage Avenue, probably in the early 1900s. The building on the left housed a pharmacy on the ground floor. Note the housing on the north side of 119th, in the vicinity of what is today the Whiting Baptist Church (1547 119th Street).
A 4th of July entry, made to look like a train engine, passes by Baloff’s Sugar Bowl on the northeast corner of 119th and Ohio Street. It was directly across 119th Street from the Whiting Confectionary. “The two stores,” wrote Nina Lourick, “were essentially identical” She said that surprised no one, because “their owners had been partners in the Whiting Confectionary before a falling out led them to compete for the sweet tooth of Whiting.”
The Roosevelt-Garner Club was a political organization supporting President Franklin Roosevelt in his run for re-election in 1936, as well as his running mate, Vice-President John Nance Garner, and other Democrats. When Roosevelt ran for a third term in 1940, Garner was not his running mate, so the name of the club was shortened to just the Roosevelt Club.
At the eastern end of 119th Street was Front Street, and on Front Street (approximately where the Mascot Museum now sits) was the Standard Oil Refinery Main Office, seen here in 1922. By the 1940s it was clear that this old structure was inadequate to handle the needs of the growing refinery. In fact, because of the space problem, Standard Oil had to rent offices in at least two 119th Street buildings to house some of its business operations. The company had a drafting department office at 1738 119th Street in the 1940s, and housed some of its Engineering Department in the bank building at 1449 119th.
The intersection of 119th Street and Front Street, the eastern end of 119th. This is how it looked in the 1910s or 1920s. Front Street is on the right, with the crossing gates and railroad tracks leading to the lakefront, while 119th is seen in the center of this photo going to the left, or west.