Fun on Waukegan's South Side
Back in the late 1920s, there were not many places in the south end of Waukegan and North Chicago for people to get out and enjoy themselves.
Yes, there was a movie theater on 10th Street between Prescott and Lincoln streets on the Waukegan side. Admission was 10 cents. We all called the theater "The Dog House."
There was also Foss Park in North Chicago and not much more. North Chicago consisted of immigrants that were Slovenian, Polish and Irish, a few Italians. If you crossed 10th Street, it was Lithuanian, Finnish, Swedish, Irish, etc.
John Mozina operated a "saloon" (as that's what taverns were called
then) on the corner of 11th and Prescott streets (today called Park Avenue). He heard about a large parcel of land for sale on the corners of 11th, 12th, 13th and Lyon Avenue (known as Elmwood today). Lewis Avenue had not come beyond 10th street at that time.
When John heard that Lewis Avenue would come through the farmland and forest, he decided to buy the entire city block to build his Mozina Park.
It was a large park with a baseball field, horseshoe grounds, picnic and playground area for the children. It consisted of swings, slide and a sandbox.
A concession stand was built, an outdoor spring water fountain and the main attractions were two black bears cubs. The bears lived for years and entertained all that came to see them. They were penned in a large fenced-in area to the rear of the park where Lewis Avenue runs today.
They had their large bear house to keep them warm and dry and to hibernate for the winter. The bears were very playful and entertaining.
They looked forward to the picnics as people fed them hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, etc. They would hold a bottle of pop and drink it. The little children would get so excited.
The original building consisted of a large dance hall, indoor bathrooms, bar room and a large lounge where people sat and visited. A year later, two bowling alleys, a commercial kitchen and dining area were added. It became a year-round amusement park for people to enjoy.
On weekends, dances were held for 5 cents a dance with the good old-time musicians - Jack (Ace) Nagood, Archie Woods, Joe Kutzler, Larry Umek and many others.
The grounds were rented out for picnics, dances, weddings, anniversaries and all types of parties. There was always a waiting list and people booked for it in advance.
The following lodges held their affairs at the park: S.N.P.J.-K.S.K.J., Swedish Glee Club, Masons, Lithuanian, Polish, Finnish and Irish clubs and many more rented the park for all types of occasions.
Many a couple met at these dances and later married. It was a fun place with plenty of room and those that went to the affairs have many fond memories.
The second story of the building had an apartment where the Mozina family lived. The building is still standing at the same location today.
John Mozina II
