Very few people would recall the history of Hungry Hollow in Granite City, Illinois; however in 1907, for immigrants who came from Macedonia, Hungary, Mexico, and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, it was "the place to be." Just beyond the railroad tracks, near west Granite City, was a place open to immigrants who were willing to work in the newly-formed, industrial city. Although most people stayed for only two or three years just to get enough money to live the life of royalty in their home land for years to come, select few decided to stay and try and progress life though the rough times in America. Even though there was a high crime rate, everyone knew (and helped) everyone else to the point in becoming a large community-type family. People lived in filth in those days, taking eight hour shifts in beds with their many room mates, eating little food, and constantly working just to save for their families back home.
However, to those few that stayed to spend their riches within the community bought their own houses, held festivities for the rest of the community, built more houses and areas for the community to socialize at, and became a kind of royalty by their commendable acts with the fellow immigrants. There were only a few on record, and each king had their own jobs to do. Not one king outranked another, and they were necessary to keeping the hopes of the immigrants alive though the festivals, new constructions, and news articles that came from their homelands to keep people informed of events.
Today, Hungry Hollow is known as Lincoln Place, where the Heritage Fests (along with select other events) still continues annually. What remains is the original efforts that very few people still manage to deliver of the old ways (as well as makes room for the new ones.) Most of the events are held in the community center lot, located on Spruce Street and Niedringhause Avenue, to give more of a free-range social event for both the many tents, entertainment, and spectators. People from Lincoln place (with the permission of setting up a booth), sells home-made food, trinkets, and sometimes clothing to celibate the festivities. In the center of this location is a black-top basketball court which is used for music performers, dancers, and entertainers of all nationalities to display their talents. People dressed up as clowns stay in a certain area to entertain the children with their talents of balloon animals, followed by Magicians with handkerchiefs, arts and crafts, and story telling with magnet-figures to help display the scenery. At times, the street would be blocked off so that the children could have a chance to sit in one of the firetrucks that has come to pay them a visit.
Although not everything can be fun and games. Select few booths are petitioners for places, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to try and gain supporters for protection of animals. There is also an awning filled with information about history in some parts of the world (to which has a different display every year), and an inside-event to display quilts of all kinds.
In any shape or form, the Lincoln Place Heritage Fests is made for anyone who wishes to attend this event. There is more then enough for everyone to enjoy, and even more memorable if you have family or friends to join you; now if only they would get rid of that no dogs allowed sign.
VampiricRogue Community Member 
|
|
