Lithuanian Chicago

by Justin G. Riskus

Overview

Today, there are more than 100,000 Lithuanians in Chicago, making the city home to the greatest concentration of Lithuanians outside of the country itself.

Their presence in Chicago began in 1834 and drastically increased during the 20th century as immigrants and their descendants sought work in the stockyards and other industries. Lithuanians in Chicago were dedicated to celebrating and preserving their unique culture, evident in its churches, schools, museums, and community centers in neighborhoods such as Bridgeport and Marquette Park. They also maintained ties to the homeland and played an important role in Lithuania's struggles for independence throughout the 20th century. Many prominent Lithuanian Americans are from the "City of the Big Shoulders," including football great Dick Butkus, actor John C. Reilly, and director Robert Zemeckis. The former president of Lithuania, Valdas Adamkus, was a resident of Chicagoland for nearly 50 years.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738598543
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	01/21/2013
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	506,004
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Justin G. Riskus is a third-generation Lithuanian American who has written extensively of the history of Lithuania and the Lithuanian American community. The majority of images in this book come from the archives of the Lithuanian Research and Studies Center, the Sisters of St. Casimir, and many other generous organizations and individuals.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 Neighborhoods and Churches 9

2 The Sisters of St. Casimir 31

3 Businesses and Occupations 47

4 Social Activities and Organizations 65

5 Preserving Culture in "Little Lithuania" 77

6 Politics, Patriotism, and the Fight for Independence 97

7 Moving to the Suburbs 115

Bibliography 127