Site
C
Casa Aztlan at 1831 S. Racine with its colorful
murals symbolizes the ethnic and cultural changes which have taken
place in Pilsen. Founded in 1905 as the Howell Neighborhood House,
this was a Presbyterian settlement serving Bohemian and Slavic children
in the area. Since 1970 the institution has been known as Casa Aztlan,
reflecting its role as a Mexican-American center. After years of
support by church groups, the institution is now sustained by grants
from foundations such as the Illinois Arts Council and the National
Endowment for the Arts. In addition to sponsoring traditional settlement
activities such as English language classes, Casa Aztlan places
special emphasis upon Mexican culture-dance, art, and theater. It
also provides alternative activities for young people who might
otherwise join local gangs. The above photograph shows Casa Aztlan
in 1985. Notice Its exterior murals, painted by Ray Patlan from
1970 to 1973, which have recently been refurbished.
Site
D
Turn left on 18th Street and go six blocks west to Paulina Street
(1700 West). St. Procopius Church (1883) at the northeast
corner of 18th and Allport (1235 West) was the first Bohemian
Catholic church built in Pilsen, the "mother parish"
of Bohemian Catholic communities throughout the West Side. Institutions
which trace their origins to this Czech parish Include Illinois
Benedictine College and St. Procopius Abbey in suburban Lisle,
Illinois. The photograph at right shows 18th Street looking east
toward Allport in 1985. Notice St. Procopius Church, visible in
the distance.
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