Hometown: Yesterday and Today

Al Koch
December 2023

I’ve said many times, growing up in my “Industrial Mayberry” hometown of Whiting, Indiana in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, was the best thing that could happen to a kid. Coupled with Hammond’s adjacent Robertsdale neighborhoods, it was a marvelous full-service municipality that nourished youthful hopes, wishes and dreams, and provided opportunity to learn, live, and grow. Whiting-Robertsdale were partner communities that showcased a way of life celebrating the benefits of “Hometown America!” The nucleus of the Calumet Region’s “capitol city” offered a plethora of employment, housing, churches, public and parochial schools, businesses, theaters, parks, and social gathering places, for residents and visitors alike who thrived and enjoyed amenities that enriched and enhanced the quality of each day. For free-range kids, Whiting-Robertsdale was one huge play yard.  Blue collar, white collar, or no collar at all, families, friends, and Region neighbors, enjoyed the bounty and featured convenience of business and enterprise of the Little City by the Lake.

Remembrances of yesteryear:

As a school kid in the forties and fifties, (Sacred Heart School 1946-1954; Whiting High School 1954-1958), I was amazed that a city the size and population of Whiting, (in 1955, population: 10,500), had such a variety and diversity of establishments. Our “Industrial Mayberry” was thriving! Seven major supermarkets: A&P, National, Kroger, IGA, Park View, Jewel, and Wieners. In addition, several dozen neighborhood grocery stores served residents in both Whiting and Robertsdale. Various civic and fraternal organizations, promoted and celebrated charitable work, religious fellowship, military service, and strived to strengthened hometown civic pride and allegiance: The Elks Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion-Post 80, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Sokol Club, were vibrant, active, and prominent in Whiting.

Throughout the city of Whiting, including Goose Island and Stieglitz Park, over 40 neighborhood taverns, all of them located south of 119th Street, offered places to meet and enjoy camaraderie and libations. Taverns were not permitted on the North side of 119th Street for many years. However, after the 1955 Standard Oil Fire, the Clipper Bar opened on the northside corner of 119th and Cleveland Avenue, in the building that previously housed the Owens Funeral Home. McHale’s Tavern, on the southside of 119th Street and Temple Court, was one of the first bars on 119th Street. 

Several places provided venues for banquets, corporate parties, weddings, baby showers, holiday celebrations and special occasions: St. Mary’s Hall, Slovak Dom, Saint John the Baptist’s Panel Room, Sacred Heart’s Rose Room, Whiting Community Center meeting rooms, as well as the 800 seat Auditorium, and the Whiting High School Memorial Gymnasium. The Community Center had facilities for a variety of social and athletic activities including bowling, basketball, swimming, physical fitness, billiards, volleyball, business meetings, and, in earlier days, hosted Standard Oil’s stockholders’ meetings on the upper floor.

In 1955, there were 22 houses of worship in Whiting-Robertsdale. (See Appendix A, B, & Map). Each house of worship served to fill the spiritual needs of community residents. To serve families in time of loss and bereavement, Whiting had five funeral homes: Baran, Kosier, Owens, Schlatter, and Spanburg.

Whiting-Robertsdale was a well-stocked, self-contained municipality. Serving the financial needs of residents, patrons could utilize the State Bank of Whiting, Bank of Whiting, American Trust & Savings Bank, or Chilla’s Bank.  Mortgages, car loans, money to remodel and improve one’s home, and ancillary investment and ventures. Standard Oil Company, Lever Brothers, and other local companies operated Credit Unions for their employees to facilitate needed funds.

Although most businesses and services were within walking distance of their home, residents had the opportunity to purchase a car from one of Whiting’s five major automobile dealerships. Ciesar’s Chrysler-Plymouth, (Indianapolis Boulevard), Schlatter Ford/France Ford (119th Street and Atchison Avenue), Hansen Buick (1700 block of 119th Street), Lake County Motors(116th and Indianapolis Boulevard), or Swarthout Chevrolet (Benedict Avenue & Indianapolis Boulevard). For those who preferred being chauffeured, the Shoreline Bus Company operated regular routes to and from surrounding Calumet Region communities and Chicagoland destinations. Local riders could call for a taxi from The Whiting Cab Company.  Both venues offered convenience and an occasional adventure.

A variety of businesses lined both sides Whiting’s main thoroughfare, 119th Street, providing patrons with a full menu of city amenities. Jewelry stores, theaters, shoe repair, men’s and women’s clothiers, furniture, and appliance stores. National brands like J.J. Newberry and F.W. Woolworth offered a wide range of merchandise as well as quick-snack dining. Whiting News Company anchored the north side of 119th Street just off the corner west of Oliver Street.  Newspapers, stationery, greeting cards, and a sundry of school, home, and business needs filled display shelves.  Central Drugs (New York & 119th Street), Walgreens (Clark Street & 119th), Dave’s Rexall Drugstore and Richard’s Pharmacy supplied both doctor prescribed pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter medicines. Except for Richard’s Pharmacy, these drugstores also featured cosmetics, shampoo, candy, tobacco, publications, counter, and booth fountain favorites: sundaes, milk shakes, banana splits, phosphates, and soft drinks. 

During hot summer days after a “tough afternoon” playing baseball at Standard Diamonds, a sandlot regular, carrying his bat and glove, trudges into Walgreens on his way home, saunters up to the counter, sits on a stool, and orders a large “lumber float.”  The savvy soda fountain mixologist fills a glass with ice cubes, cold water, tops with a single toothpick, and inserts a straw. Then, she places it in front of the thirsty, future all-star with a knowing smile and says: “On the house!”-- A thirst-quenching hometown fringe benefit!

As a teenager and Community Center bowling alley pinsetter, my favorite “Food Oasis” locations were Hot Dog Louie’s, Ande’s Pizza, and my favorite, favorite—White Castle. Destiny had guided my parents to purchase a house a few doors north of the porcelain palace on the same side of Cleveland Avenue. Convenient, affordable, (White Castle Hamburgers cost 12 cents each), and were delicious! Walking home from the bowling alley, I’d make a caloric pit stop at the Castle for 7 burgers and a small Orange Crush—94 cents!  That was one-sixth of my evening’s earning setting a double-double, (Two alleys/two matches), but enticed by the aromas of grilled beef, sauteed onions, and sliced dill pickle, my adolescent appetite justified the expenditure.

In 1955, Whiting had two major movie houses:  The Capitol and Hoosier Theater. Located diagonally, on opposite sides of 119th Street (Capitol on the south side, Hoosier on the north side. Each one had a unique “personality”.  The Capitol Theater was geared to younger film goers and patrons who craved action-packed thrillers, westerns, science fiction, dramas, and adventures.  Enticed by a double feature, News of the Day, cartoons, Action Serial, Coming Attractions, and a stage show in between feature films, the Capitol’s Saturday’s matinee did a land office business. If their ticket number was called, kids could throw darts at a balloon filled target board to possibly win free passes and prizes (My cousin, Leonard Scher, won a 26-inch Schwinn bicycle one Saturday afternoon). Mr. Louis Nye managed both theaters and he was a showman, par excellence.

 Ticket admission was 14 cents. As grade school kids, we queued up in front of the theater around 12:30, awaiting entrance to a full afternoon of movies and mayhem.  The show would start at 1:00 pm and end just before 5:00 pm.  In addition to the ticket price, a kid needed a few extra nickels for candy, popcorn, and Coca-Cola.

 After all these years, this writer still recalls the adventures of the Durango Kid, Red Ryder, Johnny Mack Brown, Lash Larue, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry.  Dramas and Horror Films like “Blond Ice,” “The G-Men,” “The Thing,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “The Wolf Man,” and science fiction serials featuring: Flash Gorden, Superman, Batman & Robin, and a host of “good-guys v. bad-guys.” Without fail, the audience, (predominately young prepubescent 10 to 12-year-old boys), was raucous, loud, cheering, boisterous, and intoxicated with exuberant immaturity.  Black & White movie adventures filled the screen every week.  Because spending money was scarce, scrounging neighborhood trash cans and vacant lots for 2-cent deposit pop bottles became mandatory. In addition, Kinnane’s Cleaners paid a penny for every two metal clothes hangers brought in.  Both items served to achieve my goal of twenty-five cents for admission and treats at the Saturday matinee. I wanted to feel “Capital” at the Capitol!

Across the street, The Hoosier Theater was for the more sophisticated “adult-minded,” discriminating moviegoers. Unlike the Capitol, the Hoosier had an ambiance and atmosphere that encouraged mature behavior and demeanor. The Hoosier was first with air conditioning, a luxury. It also modified the screen and audio to accommodate the latest movie-viewing experience: CinemaScope with Stereophonic Sound. In December 1954, moviegoers lined up to see “The Robe,” the first CinemaScope picture. One did not have to go to Chicago to see Hollywood’s. First-run quality movies—the Hoosier Theater offered Big City accommodations, balcony coziness, comfortable seating, tasty snacks, and first-class entertainment in hometown Whiting!

Randomly reviewing the businesses, services, and venues of W-R hometown commerce-based establishments reads like a municipal poem. In addition to those mentioned above, there were beauty salons, barber shops, poultry and dairy stores, bowling alleys, diners, doctor’s, dentist and law offices, flower shops, lumber yards, Federated Metals, Globe Roofing, NIPSCO utility—electricity and gas, insurance agencies, and specialty businesses.  Residents had a variety of choice selecting household necessities, tools, toys, paint, radios, televisions, bicycles, sporting equipment, phonograph records, cameras, and so much more via Neal Price’s Firestone Store, Orr’s Television, Western Tire & Auto Store, Sherman’s Indiana Supply, Kozacik’s, and Geffert’s Hardware. Homeowners, housewives, Do-It-Yourselfers, teenagers, young adults, children, and adults of all ages enjoyed the convenience, accessibility, and benefit of shopping and doing business in hometown Whiting.

Whiting Indiana was home to the Standard Oil Company. Their refinery spurred the birth, development, growth, and sustenance of the City of Whiting — their Torch & Oval displayed on storage tanks and their illuminated red and gold gas pump globes beckoned employment and patronage of motorists traveling Indianapolis Boulevard and Calumet Avenue. 

Service station owners became local celebrities: Latiak’s, Gold’s, Hadjuch’s, Bercik’s, McLaughlin’s, and Poppens. Calumet Avenue featured Gregorovich’s, and Heisterburgs.  In addition, Goleb’s Sunoco service station at White Oak Avenue and Indianapolis Boulevard, and two Sinclair Service Stations: Strezo’s at 131st and Indianapolis Boulevard, and Vida’s, at Indianapolis Blvd. and Atchison Avenue, added to the “full-service” mantra of the business community.

Hometown Whiting-Robertsdale also showcased strategically located municipal buildings throughout the community. Like exhibits in a custom-designed architectural setting, they served residents, consumers, and visitors alike: The Whiting Fire Department, Police Department, Robertsdale’s police and fire station, Whiting Memorial Community Center, Standard Hotel, Central States Bank, Whiting City Schools, U.S. Post Office, Whiting Park’s lakefront and beach, Standard Diamonds, Whiting Carnegie Library, Whiting City Hall, Robertsdale’s Forsythe Park, Bobby Beach, and Hammond’s finest high school, George Rogers Clark.

Several of Whiting’s most treasured buildings are located on Oliver Street.  A municipal crown jewel is the Whiting Public Carnegie Library, at the corner of Oliver Street and Ohio Avenue. Adjacent to the library, Whiting City Schools fill the landscape of Oliver Street and New Youk Avenue.  For several years, Whiting operated the South Side School on White Oak and Birch Avenues, but Oliver Street was home to the Primary Elementary School, MacGregor School, Whiting Memorial Gymnasium, and Whiting Junior and Senior High School. From Kindergarten through grade 12, because of outstanding teachers, mentors, and administrators,

Whiting students excelled and learned, achieved, matured, and acquired academic scholarship, marketable and saleable skills, developed fine arts talents, demonstrated athletic prowess, and strengthened social skills, individual qualities of self-worth, confidence, and personal character. 

Whiting-Robertsdale valued and celebrated teenaged residents by promoting a variety of activities hosted by school, church, and community officials. A partial list: The Sunday night dances at St. John’s Panel Room. These weekend social get-togethers were in addition to the Friday or Saturday evening “Sock Hops” after Whiting football and basketball games. During warm weather, the Whiting Community Center sponsored outside street dances on Temple Court. When temperatures were less friendly, the dance would be held in the Community Center’s girl’s gym. Those events featured local radio personalities from WJOB and WWCA’s Gerry Gerard.  On special occasions, Chicago WIND’s Howard Miller and WGN-TV’s Bandstand Matinee’s Jim Lounsbury hosted teen dances at Five Point’s Madura’s Danceland.

Enriching a teen’s four years of high school were after-school teen gathering places where classmates could re-hash the days’ activities, grab a snack, play snooker, feed the pinball machine, play the jukebox, watch TV, socialize, bond, and savor being young.

Several places offered adolescent amenities: Nick’s pool room, Chadnik’s Oil Can, The Whiting Community Center, Ande’s Pizza, or the street corners in front of Walgreens and Central Drug Store. These establishments and gathering places welcomed one and all, save for Nick’s, which was a male-only adolescent oasis. Understandably, students referred to Whiting, Indiana as “Hometown, USA.” 

Whiting athletics captured two mythical State Championships in football: 1948 and 1954. In between, during the summer of 1952, Whiting’s Little League All-Stars, played in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, defeated by series winner, Connecticut.

In 1956, under the direction of Adam P. Lesinsky, Whiting’s Fine Art musicians won both the State of Indiana’s High School Band, and High School Orchestra contests. That same year, Whiting High School was also recognized for its outstanding school newspaper, The TATTLER, a bi-weekly publication written and printed by Whiting High School’s Journalism and Print Shop students, taught by Ms. Petersen and Mr. V.J. Vesely respectfully. Although one of the smallest high schools in the state of Indiana, (approximately 400), Whiting High school continually achieved awards of excellence throughout the state: academically, athletically, and scholarship in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Alumni of Whiting High School proudly cherish their days at Whiting City Schools.

Safety and security were hallmarks of Whiting-Robertsdale neighborhoods. Families thrived knowing playgrounds, parks, schoolyards, streets and alleys, and recreation areas enhanced one’s well-being. Complimenting these locations were numerous vacant lots that served as sandlot play fields, neighborhood gardens, and places where kids could dig bait worms on their way to fish at George or Wolf Lake.  Open front porches encouraged neighbors to socialize and monitor goings-on.   Hometown living at its best!

It is understandable why this “Little City by the Lake” engenders such heartfelt emotions and allegiance in residents. This mile-and-a-half square municipality has it all.  This “Industrialized Mayberry” is the complete package. Its geography combines Currier & Ives with Norman Rockwell’s painting into a living portrait.  Throughout the communities, regardless of the season, neighborhoods and businesses showcase urban quality and character through well-cared for property and landscape. These individual and collective efforts reflected pride in stewardship. Whiting was, and remains to this day, the Capital of the Calumet Region.

Admittedly, the remembrances mentioned throughout this piece were acquired during youthful years. Recalling those times always engenders mixed feelings of melancholy and tragedy. On the one hand, no one knows why so many ordinary, insignificant minutes become treasured moments to remember.  How does that happen?  As a kid, it used to take a long time to get from one month to another, school year to summer vacation, Fourth of July to Christmas.  Now days flash by in the blink of an eye.  When no one was paying attention, the parade of season increased cadence and the Present became Once-Upon-A-Time.

On the other hand, this writer remembers the fire that threatened the life of the city.  In August of 1955, as a soon-to-be Sophomore in high school, our idyllic and tranquil community was devastated by an explosion and fire at the Standard Oil refinery, resulting in loss of life, refining facilities, and the destruction of Whiting’s Stieglitz Park and nearby neighborhoods. Over 300 homes were rendered inhabitable.  The explosion and fiery nine-day incineration forever changed the City of Whiting’s municipality, and affected residents: emotionally, economically, socially, and personally.  The stark reality of that event was life changing.

The massive refinery fire occurred when youngsters did not have pressing responsibilities like utility bills, insurance and housing payments, laundry duties, or daily food expenses.  Their main task was schooling, home chores, learning to socialize with family, classmates, adults, and everyone who touched their life. These early years focused on having fun and sharing with friends, moments of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. The aftermath of the fire caused rose-colored glasses to be removed and replaced with crystal-clear lenses focused on reality-based, life lessons, obligations, duties, and commitments.

 Even though the “Industrialized Mayberry,” the hometown in which I grew up is no more, the memories and moments permanently reside in my heart.  Today, Whiting enjoys a Renaissance.  Change is constant, and over the years familiar places have changed, too. Buildings and venues have been remodeled or razed, different businesses, locations, modifications, and adjustment instituted to meet current community needs.  New facilities, cutting-edge technology, and demographics provide townspeople with opportunities and challenges to maintain vital and relevant communities that serve residents, visitors, businesses, industry, and all who call Whiting-Robertsdale home.

Along with Pierogi Fest, an internationally famous food extravaganza, new infrastructure, architecturally sensitive renovation, environmental-friendly landscape, well-planned remodeling, and new construction reflects commitment to families, businesspeople, visitors, and community neighbors whose core values align with those of the Founders of the City of Whiting.

Each generation captures and keep personal memories of experiences derived growing up and living in their Hometown.

A life lesson we all learn is that no one grows up in a straight line—rather it is a series of advances and retreats, trial and error, progress and regression, achievement and struggle, success and failure, beginnings, and goodbyes. Although we are all different, we all want the same things: to be valued, appreciated, belong, and find someone to love.  And, if Heaven is kind, find someone to love us in return. In some wonderful way, there is within each of us, a vibrant spirit, a resilience of mind, a quantity of courage, a loving heart, and a degree of faith that guides and reminds us to stay true to ourselves. By doing so, one is rewarded with a bounty of life’s treasure. Those times fill hearts, minds, and countless pages of our journey’s scrapbook.

This writer is prayerfully thankful to everyone who touched my life: family, teachers, classmates, co-workers, colleagues, students, and strangers who taught me valuable life lessons and helped me along life’s journey. Most of all, blessings to all who shared these times, and, for the hometown that made a positive, constructive difference in my life—The Little City by the Lake—Whiting, Indiana.

Appendix A
HOUSES OF WORSHIP
WHITING-ROBERTSDALE 

Approximate Location: circa 1955 

            Community Bible                                         Stanton Avenue. & 114th Street
Jewish Synagogue                                         Davis Avenue & 116th Street
Lakeside Evangelical United Brethren     Amy Avenue & 116th Street
First Church of Christ Scientist                 Atchison Avenue 1600 block
St. John Evangelical Lutheran                    Cleveland Avenue & 117th Street
First Baptist                                                    Stanton Avenue & 118th Street
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic                    LaPorte Avenue & 118th
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran                    Atchison Avenue & 118th Street
Plymouth Congressional                            Stanton Avenue & 119th Street
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic       Lincoln Avenue & 119th Street
First Church of Christ                                 Central Avenue & 119th Street
First Southern Baptist                                 Pennsylvania Avenue & 119th Street
SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic         Center Street
Church of the Nazarene                               Lincoln Avenue & 119th Street
First Hungarian Reformed                         Indianapolis Blvd. South of 119th Street
First Methodist                                             Clark Street & Community Court
St. Mary’s Greek Catholic                            John Street & Clark Street
Assembly of God                                          Fred Street & White Oak Avenue 
Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic  White Oak Avenue & Fred Street
St. Nicholas Greek Catholic                        Lincoln Avenue and Atchison Avenue
St. Adalbert Roman Catholic                      Indianapolis Blvd. & 121st Street
Whiting Church of Christ                           Steiber Street & 121st Street

Appendix B
PLACES OF THE HEART
WHITING-ROBERTSDALE

RANDOM LIST IN ORDER OF MENTION
Location: Circa 1955

Sacred Heart School , Whiting High School, A&P, National, Kroger, IGA, Park View Foods, Jewel, Wieners, Elks Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion-Post 80, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sokol Club

Goose Island, Stieglitz Park, Standard Oil Company, Clipper Bar, Owens Funeral Home, McHale’s Tavern

St. Mary’s Hall, Slovak Dom, St. John Panel Room, Sacred Heart Rose Room, Whiting Memorial Community Center, Whiting High School Memorial Gymnasium,

Barans, Kosier, Owens, Schlatter, Spanburg,

State Bank of Whiting, Bank of Whiting, American Trust & Savings Bank, Chilla’s Bank, Lever Brothers

Ciesar’s, Chrysler-Plymouth, Schlatter/France Ford, Hansen Buick, Swarthout Chevrolet, Lake County Motors, Shoreline Bus Company, Whiting Cab Company,

J.J. Newberrys, F.W. Woolworths, Whiting News Company, Central Drug Store, Walgreens, Dave’s Rexall Drugstore, Richard’s Pharmacy, Hot Dog Louie’s, Ande’s Pizza, White Castle.

 Capitol Theater, Hoosier Theater, Federated Metals, Globe Roofing, NIPSCO, Neal Price’s Firestone Store, Orr’s Television, Western Tire and Auto Store, Sherman’s Indiana Supply, Kozacik’s Hardware, Geffert’s Hardware,

Latiak’s Standard Service Station, Gold’s Standard Service Station, Hadjuch’s Standard Station, Bercik’s Standard Station, McLaughlin’s Standard Service Station, Poppen’s Standard Station, Gregorovich’s Standard Station , Heisterburg’s Standard Station, Goleb’s Sunoco Service Station, Strezo’s Sinclair Service station, Vida’s Sinclair Service Station,

Whiting Public Carnegie Library, South Side School, Primary building, MacGregor School, Nick’s pool room, Chadnik’s Oil Can, Ande’s Pizza, George Lake, Wolf Lake.