What’s in a Name? Shermann “Dilla” Thomas explores the unique history behind Chicago’s neighborhood names

Some Chicago neighborhood origin stories may surprise you.

By Cianna Greaves
Homeowners in Chatham Park
Homeowners pose with their houses on February 19, 1974 in the Chatham Park neighborhood, known as Pill Hill, Chicago, Illinois. Perry C. Riddle for Chicago Sun-Times / ST-90003240-0010, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
Homeowners in Chatham Park
Homeowners pose with their houses on February 19, 1974 in the Chatham Park neighborhood, known as Pill Hill, Chicago, Illinois. Perry C. Riddle for Chicago Sun-Times / ST-90003240-0010, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum

What’s in a Name? Shermann “Dilla” Thomas explores the unique history behind Chicago’s neighborhood names

Some Chicago neighborhood origin stories may surprise you.

By Cianna Greaves
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Chicago is a city of over 100 unique neighborhoods and community areas. From Edison to Grand Crossing, Humboldt to Hegewisch, the history and culture of each enclave often comes through in its name. In this episode, WBEZ contributors Shermann “Dilla” Thomas and Lisa Labuz delve into the history of how Chicago neighborhoods got their names.

Aerial views of downtown Chicago
Aerial views of downtown Chicago and its railyards, from the southwest in 1968. While Chicago has 77 community areas, inside of those community areas there are over 100 neighborhoods. Don Bierman for Chicago Sun-Times / ST-13002181-0003, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
Automobiles near the intersection of Cottage Grove Avenue and the 75th Street
1922 wiew from slightly above of automobiles near the intersection of Cottage Grove Avenue and the 75th Street in the Greater Grand Crossing community area of Chicago, Illinois Chicago Daily News, Inc
Children participate in the 20th annual Fishing Derby at Humboldt Park
Children participate in the 20th annual Fishing Derby at Humboldt Park on August 3, 1967. Alexander Von Humboldt, German polymath, is the namesake for the Humboldt Park neighborhood despite never having been in Chicago. ST-10003022-0008, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum