Encyclopedia o f Chicago
Historical Source
Historical Source
H
Homes on Goose Island, 1909

Homes on Goose Island, 1909
Despite the fact that many industries were noxious (and sometimes toxic) neighbors, a small residential area developed just south of Division Street on Goose Island. Nearly one hundred homes were built primarily along North Branch, Cherry, and Hickory Streets. Most were two story frame houses on 25"x 115" lots. On many of these long lots, front and back homes were built, making a very dense three-block settlement. While the Irish continued to live on Goose Island, they were joined during in the closing decades of the century by Polish workers drawn to the many new industries on the island.