Real Second City comedy (in photos)

Real Second City comedy (in photos)

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(photo by Lee Bey)

Mr. Pee’s Hand Car Wash on south Racine avenue is no longer in business. And with a name like that, we are hardly surprised.

I found the strangely-named establishment a couple of years ago. It’s part of a collection of pics I’ve taken of odd signs, wonders and assorted goings-on—things I’ve stumbled upon while heading someplace. The pics are more snapshots than photographs and are all taken at the spur of the moment. But to me they show Chicago, for all its toughness, can be a very funny city. Even if it is unintentional. Here are my faves:

1. Maybe it’s Du-pay?

(photo by Lee Bey)

So if the customer, in the middle of a deal, says, “Who’s the dupe, me or you?” they’ve at least got the sign to consult.

2. Hmm…I’ll take your word for it.

(photo by Lee Bey)

3. If she has brothers named Bric-a-brac and Tchotchkes, we can assume they, too, have gone into business for themselves.

(photo by Lee Bey)

4. I don’t mind leaving the car. Really. Just take your time with the brakes, ok?

(photo by Lee Bey)

5. This is the store that finally put Misery Foods out of business in 1961:

(photo by Lee Bey)

6. [For the life of me, I can’t come up with quip that’s suitable for a family blog—and I’m already on thin enough ice with item #2. So you try…in the comments section below?]

(photo by Lee Bey)