Cool video! Waukegan is my hometown, and I'm glad to say I haven't lived there in 39 years. In fact, between myself and my six siblings, only one brother remains. Still, there is a certain nostalgia I hold. AND the Blues Brothers drove through there on their way to Chicago! What's not to love about that?
I was born in that place in '49.......... I'll never have anything good to say about that place. It wasen't untill I was older and saw a lot of the world that I realized just how retarded that stupid place was. The world would be a much better place if waukegan would just dry up and blow away. I made up my mind in third grade that I would NEVER have children in such a place of ignorance...
Born and grew up in Waukegan, traveled all around, came back and it was a shitspot. Still, you can't be from Waukegan and not love it. But, I'm demented and I owe that to being from Waukegan.
Uhm, were you awake while Waukegan chased all the manufacturing out???
The town is surrounded by tough neighborhoods and no one wants to put a business there.
The Genesee Theater fiasco is running in the red and they tore all the apartments out so no chance of any income from them.
The Fiesta burnt down in a mysterious fire.
Lakehurst Mall torn down for a Casino, million dollar brick sidewalks, overpriced city stickers and still pay park down town, yeah, its a place to remember alright.
I live in Waukegan now. Moved in some nine years ago and I'm glad I did. This video is somewhat out of date. The history is pretty good, but some very good things have been happening in the city. If you people who left want to convince yourself you did the right thing, so be it, but I'm glad I came. I like the diversity and the grit. Cut and run ain't always the answer.
Rob, This was wonderful! I've lived and worked Zion for over 35 yrs, gave birth to my children at what was known as Victory Memorial Hospital and shopped, visited and spent much time in Waukegan. Movies at the Genesse and Academy theaters, as well as scooping the loop were part of my teen days (long drive from Fox Lake!). A friend sent this video to me... I am so impressed. You've captured the essence of the community, without even having to use all the words one might use. NICE JOB!
A great video, Rob. I spent a large part of my life in Waukegan. My daughter was born there. I was married there. Your father (I assume) was our alderman when we lived on Keller Ave.
Well done sir, my hat goes off to you. I grew up at about 8th & jackson & that was always the ghetto as far as I knew, but the old timers talk of the old Jackson school & the neighborhood it once was... I guess I missed it. At least the Genessee is reopened. They say the Dead used 2 play there & only started playing Soldiers Field when it closed. I missed that 2. Some of my best friends r from there, & lord knows it left its mark on me. I do miss skatin scoop the loop, but I'm so glad I'm gone.
I grew up in Waukegan in the 50's and 60's. Loved the park system (making lanyards and crafts every summer), the Bookmobile, and, of course during my teen years, scooping. Watching downtown disintegrate was the hardest. I bought my Wedding Gown at Heins in 1974 and 25 years later taught a class for CLC in the same building. I raised my family in Lake Villa, retired to Arizona. My folks still live there and it IS depressing to see what's happened to the town when I visit.
I don't know about the music reach (yeah, the hook of "Rockegan", but there was more there, Jack Benny, and....nevermind. Yeah, waiting for casino money is a foolish waste.
I spent much time in my formative years at the Lakehurst Mall. Loved that place. The adults have screwed up Waukegan, what can our generation do to fix it.
This guy should get in touch with Patrick Read Johnson. He's also a movie maker from Waukegan.
I'm amazed anyone has anything good to say about that place..waukegan is and always has been a horrid, rancid, waste of time. It is now as good as it ever has been.
@zorroduck I don't know how old you are, but in my youth Waukegan had a great downtown, with every storefront occupied, and not one wig shop, tacaria,social security office, or any of the other go nowhere joints it has now. There were two great movie theaters and one not so great one unless you are into xxx ratings. Every member of the family could find a store to shop at that met every need. Malls were real new then, and there was one that also had a movie theater in it (Belvidere). Cont.
@peasonerf Waukegan had great schools, parks, pools, and plenty of tings to do at the lakefront. Most people who live there take the lake for granted until they move somewhere else where there are very few lakes (Colorado) and very little fishing available. There was plenty of entertainment venues for teens to go to to listen to music, (Wild Goose, Hangout, Sound Museum) and plenty of bars for the older music lovers to go to. I'm not sure when Waukegan went downhill, but I could - cont.
@peasonerf see it happening just before I left when I was invited to be part of the Army in 1972. It happens to most industrial towns and it's part of economic geography. Towns grow outward from the industry and then die as the next town outward begins to live. Waukegan died when Johnson, Mansville, US Steel and the others became outdated and economically dead. Too bad. I really liked Waukegan. I was however, one of the people that escaped before the death of the town.
@BigBishop1 It was in the Masons Building on North Sheridan Rd. which sat south of the McDonalds that's there now. Sound Museum was in the downstairs.
Born-married, good for kids till 1989, Waukegan became just too much undesired issues to continue raising kids there, moved to Arizona, great choice!
Sad how the good old days changed but Waukegan's old days - really awesome place to grow up in, Good old places like 'W' Shop, Lakehurst, Beliverde Mall and yes Lake Michigan and the Festivals! ..There was also a very nice variety of minorites then, not like now....I only go back now for family n frinds still there, or never would go back.
What would the Waukegan stereotype be I was born an raised in waukegan as well as my mother and her brother and sisters when my grandparents moved here in the late 40's. On another note I do enjoy your film but could see how some if they were not paying attention would be insulted.
I just moved to Kenosha 4 months ago but my family and band is still there I go every other day. I was there frtday and will be there tomorrow. However I ask again what is the Waukegan Stereotype, still enjoyed your film. Just waiting for an answer on my question. Peace
I'm not sure I would say Waukegan as a people in that statement is true but those than ran it yes. Anyone who grew up in Waukegan saw the changes every year, granted I was born in 83 I saw a change over the years. I remember things being promised to Waukegan or things were in the process of being built but were just never finished. Many a failed or poorly ran deals and corrupted deeds a skate park, magic city, a dieing fiesta palace, Genesee theater, bad cops and corrupted counsel.
Good God, how many Yoshi's actually lived in Waukegan? I thought I was the only one. Aradovic (I think I know who you are!) thanks for posting Rob's video!
I was born in Victory Memorial Hospital and lived in Wkgn until I graduated from HS. Many, many fond memories, but sorry to see that it isn't the same place.
Good job , from a Class of '63 Warhawk who remembers the johnson Motors Employee family Christmas parties at local theaters, the first McDonald burgers at Lewis and Glen Flora, Canale's, Quonset Hut--for pizza, and much more. Do not forget pre-rocker stars from the area like Nat King Cole form N Chgo and Jack Benny.
I am a Waukegan Rocker, My band "The Blue Condition " among others rocked the lake shore for many years till the bars and clubs [like the Wild Goose] closed down. I was in some movies on the Hwi . to No where.
Rob didn't mention that his footage is from the 1990s and much has changed since then. No, the revitalization isn't done, but it's well underway and Waukegan's future is promising.
From an outsider point of view, this isn't nostalgic, it's bleak. It could be Flint, MI.
(And, no, you don't need a hell hole to produce rock and roll.)
I still love Waukegan, even if I only lived there 10 years. I moved to Wadsworth so I wouldn't lose investment value on my home. Sad story.
If Waukegan officials continue to seek the vision of good planners, there is HUGE potential. Our Waukegan lakefront is GOLD. We're still Northshore even if Lake Forest doesn't count us.
I'm gonna guess you did this for some form of school project. Well done and interesting spin on the place. I'll always have a soft spot for my hometown. Hope you got high marks.
I was born in St. Therese Hospital in 1952. I have many great memories of Waukegan, from seeing movies at the Genesee and Academy Theaters to caddying at Glen Flora CC for several years. I attended St. Anastasia School on Glen Flora Ave. and (unfortunately) Carmel HS in Mundelein instead of WTHS. My first job when I was 16 was bagging groceries at the Eagle Foods store on N. Lewis Ave. and the following summer I worked across the street at Goldblatt's as a stockboy
Part 2.... I remember spending a lot of weekend evenings "Scooping" downtown in my '65 Impala. In 1971, when I was in the Army, my parents moved the family to Gurnee. In 1977 I moved to California because I was tired of freezing my ass off every winter. I stayed there until 1998 when I moved to Louisville, KY and married the "nice Catholic girl" who I had been looking for all my life. I was 46, she was 45, and it was the first marriage for each of us.....Dave Dietmeyer, Crestwood, KY
Grew up in Waukegan in the 60's and 70's and there was a strong quality of life for those families supported by the jobs of manufacturing. Lots of good working class people, nice homes, good schools. I got a great public school education there. I can remember spending the summers at Belvedere Park, with a summer pass to the pool, and then hanging out at Belvedere Mall. I'm so sad to see how the town looks like a wasteland - seems the only people left are Hispanic, many probably illegal.
Proud to be from blue collar Wkgn on Lake Mich. Multi ethnic. Our Finnish immigrant parents worked hard, saved, invested, American success story. Some fine caring teachers & magical childhd moments. Its decline is a nat'l econ-policy issue, loss of mftg, esp in midwest. Obama's, Robt Reich's, David Brooks' longrange plans address such, "invest in human capital," green jobs, education. Will be friends w my Finn galpals to dying day, tho all left Wkgn.
Obama is too preoccupied with attending to his public image to "save" Waukegan. Waukegan ferociously threw itself under the bus and the fact that it expected casino revenue to save itself from its economic stagnation only reinforces the fact that it was lost a long time ago.
Great Job Rob! I'm the oldest of 5 kids born at St. Terese (no longer open under that name), and the only town that might be more depressing is Round Lake Beach, (my father refers to RLB as"the pimple on the ass of progress")! So Rob, can you do a video on Round Lake Beach next?
Fantastic video! I am one of seven children that were born and raised in Wkgn. Most of my family still resides there. We are all of Armenian descent. It was a fabulous place to live, raise kids, and thrive. Lots of great memories. Thanks for posting that video. Thumbs up, Rockegan!
I moved to Waukegan when I was 8, and left when I got out of high school (1960 to 1970). i was a good place to grow up in lots of ways. good schools, good diversity, good employment for my folks.. when i've been through there now, it's different but everyplace is different than it was 30-40 years ago... change happens... i'm proud to be from waukegan... proud to be from a blue collar town...
I was born and happily raised in Waukegan. Much of my family still live there today. It's not such a bad place to be and they've done some nice revitalization downtown with the Genesee Theatre. Don't write the city off just yet. It could be something again one day. We all love comebacks and I love Waukegan! :)
My father's side of the family moved from Mississippi, to Waukegan during the Great Depression to find jobs, which they did and raised their families in Waukegan. I remember when it was a wholesome family town. Gosh, when Lakehurst Mall opened it was such a big deal! Now, there are more Latinos living there that the whites are considered minorities. Everything is in Spanish. It is like Little Mexico now. I really miss the way Waukegan was. Unrecognizable now.
I grew up in Waukegan 1961 - 1988 and now live in Portland, Oregon. Every time I go back to visit, I want to cry for the lost city I knew. I'll always love you Waukegan. . .
Rob - great video. Its too bad you can't see the Waukegan of the 60's and even early 70's that I still see when I close my eyes. By the time I got out of HS in '74 you could feel the decline setting in, but what a great town (and time) to grow up in.
Rob's video was forwarded to me from a fellow ex-Waukeganite and after searching Youtube and not finding it anywhere, I felt compelled to share it with the rest of the world.
Born and raised here, as were 5 of my 6older siblings.
Waukegan has problems, but there are many positives as well. You could have shown some of the beautiful homes along Sheridan Road and other areas. The golf courses, parks, etc. And you left out how several movies have used the city and the Amstutz for filming. Several of the downtown buildings you showed have since been restored.
sad but true i was born on the southside in 47and dam proud of it.many happy memories and i miss it and my family and friends.taco alley is booming "washington street" funny !
It was a perfect place to grow up in post WWII but..I too left in 1970. A mention of North Chicago would have been nice (my home town). Great job Rob, but music from the 50's and 60's the glory days a better fit. Waukegan still famous for it's "scoop the loop" party, an homage to "American Graffiti" like summer nights when we went looking in our cars for love in all the wrong places listening to WLS and DJ Dick Biondi providing the soundtrack to our youth.
Grew up in Rockegan- as a matter of fact- friends with Rita.....our Waukegan was a great place to grow up and we had many awesome times--2 high schools was the way to go. Sad to see what it has become, I would definitely move back if things changed a bit. GREAT job Rob!
There's a lot more material that is begging for a sequel. Well done with great narration. I was a long time Lake County resident and recently went looking for a house- many incredible prices in Waukegan- huge expansive houses overlooking the lakefront for little money- but the taxes were way out of this world. Sold the house in Gurnee (thank you) and moved far far away.
Cool video! Waukegan is my hometown, and I'm glad to say I haven't lived there in 39 years. In fact, between myself and my six siblings, only one brother remains. Still, there is a certain nostalgia I hold. AND the Blues Brothers drove through there on their way to Chicago! What's not to love about that?
fkjeoihj 6 days ago
Good job Rob.
Waukegan is my hometown.
Tim in New Jersey
carvcom1 1 month ago
The Poppys mural!! and they showed a bit of the old school amstutz
acid420oner 5 months ago
I lived in Waukegan for 18 years. My daughter was born there.
Dlanorepmart 7 months ago
I Love Waukegan.
Even Tho We Have Bad Things Going Around Its Still Okay
We Have History Here In waukegan! Alot Of It!
mireyag9 8 months ago
My hometown! So many great memories from childhood in the 70s and 80s.
zia1117 1 year ago
I was born in that place in '49.......... I'll never have anything good to say about that place. It wasen't untill I was older and saw a lot of the world that I realized just how retarded that stupid place was. The world would be a much better place if waukegan would just dry up and blow away. I made up my mind in third grade that I would NEVER have children in such a place of ignorance...
zorroduck 1 year ago
yea it does suck, but its not that bad, there are some really nice neighborhoods over hear and its quite.
but if that casino was build and that highway had finished, it would have been a hundred times better.
Ohh well lol
metalliholic 1 year ago
I was born there. Left some 20 years ago, but I still love Waukegan. Good times... Good times...
Great video, Rob!!
kacshfam 2 years ago
waukeganero
BigBishop1 2 years ago
Born and grew up in Waukegan, traveled all around, came back and it was a shitspot. Still, you can't be from Waukegan and not love it. But, I'm demented and I owe that to being from Waukegan.
Beatnikzombie 2 years ago
Uhm, were you awake while Waukegan chased all the manufacturing out???
The town is surrounded by tough neighborhoods and no one wants to put a business there.
The Genesee Theater fiasco is running in the red and they tore all the apartments out so no chance of any income from them.
The Fiesta burnt down in a mysterious fire.
Lakehurst Mall torn down for a Casino, million dollar brick sidewalks, overpriced city stickers and still pay park down town, yeah, its a place to remember alright.
JustAn0bserver 2 years ago
I am still proud of where I grew up in regardless. There's bad areas in every
state. Oh well, to each his own.
wannagoback052 2 years ago
I didn't live in a bad area and it still isn't a
bad area when I go back to visit.
wannagoback052 2 years ago
Soy Waukegan Native
Soy Cafre -- Y Que!
I left Waukegan 20 yrs ago, and have been all over the world, but the best friends I've ever had were the ones I had in Waukegan.
verdeluz 2 years ago
I live in Waukegan now. Moved in some nine years ago and I'm glad I did. This video is somewhat out of date. The history is pretty good, but some very good things have been happening in the city. If you people who left want to convince yourself you did the right thing, so be it, but I'm glad I came. I like the diversity and the grit. Cut and run ain't always the answer.
unclebobunclebob 2 years ago
Rob, This was wonderful! I've lived and worked Zion for over 35 yrs, gave birth to my children at what was known as Victory Memorial Hospital and shopped, visited and spent much time in Waukegan. Movies at the Genesse and Academy theaters, as well as scooping the loop were part of my teen days (long drive from Fox Lake!). A friend sent this video to me... I am so impressed. You've captured the essence of the community, without even having to use all the words one might use. NICE JOB!
Kamommy123 2 years ago
Made me cry, memories. Lived there
for 30 something years. Thanks for this.
wannagoback052 2 years ago
LOVE IT! Sadly it's so true...
tantalize123 2 years ago
A great video, Rob. I spent a large part of my life in Waukegan. My daughter was born there. I was married there. Your father (I assume) was our alderman when we lived on Keller Ave.
Ron
Dlanorepmart 2 years ago
Well done sir, my hat goes off to you. I grew up at about 8th & jackson & that was always the ghetto as far as I knew, but the old timers talk of the old Jackson school & the neighborhood it once was... I guess I missed it. At least the Genessee is reopened. They say the Dead used 2 play there & only started playing Soldiers Field when it closed. I missed that 2. Some of my best friends r from there, & lord knows it left its mark on me. I do miss skatin scoop the loop, but I'm so glad I'm gone.
TxRasta1 2 years ago
Waukegan IL...Oh yeah...Waukegan is where the Awesome band NO CONVICTION is from.....Cheap BEER hahaha hell yeah.
doublepedaler 2 years ago
waukegan is the Capital in the land where dreams go to die............
zorroduck 2 years ago
Thats why I moved to beautiful TN !!! Goodbye Waukegan!!!
COD4Deft 2 years ago
I grew up in Waukegan in the 50's and 60's. Loved the park system (making lanyards and crafts every summer), the Bookmobile, and, of course during my teen years, scooping. Watching downtown disintegrate was the hardest. I bought my Wedding Gown at Heins in 1974 and 25 years later taught a class for CLC in the same building. I raised my family in Lake Villa, retired to Arizona. My folks still live there and it IS depressing to see what's happened to the town when I visit.
kanemlk 2 years ago
What about a call out for Jack Benny and Ray Bradbury????? Or the Andrew Carnegie library?
kanestel 2 years ago
It is sad, this was a beautiful place for so many years, and it's barely holding on now. I wish I could see it in its hey-day
kanestel 2 years ago
So sad to see Waukegan in death throes. It was such a wonderful place to grow up. I miss you, Waukegan. I miss scooping the loop especially.
flyingphalanges 2 years ago
I loooove Waukegan.
Well, its not the best place in the world, but its definetly different!
But the fact that the 7/11 closed on Mc Aree is depressing.
justinhere13 2 years ago
I don't know about the music reach (yeah, the hook of "Rockegan", but there was more there, Jack Benny, and....nevermind. Yeah, waiting for casino money is a foolish waste.
I spent much time in my formative years at the Lakehurst Mall. Loved that place. The adults have screwed up Waukegan, what can our generation do to fix it.
This guy should get in touch with Patrick Read Johnson. He's also a movie maker from Waukegan.
mporembski 2 years ago
little fart
BigBishop1 2 years ago
I believe you mean "little fort".
aradovic11 2 years ago
I belive thats what Bill Cosby called it durring his show at Gennese.
lostsoulbb 2 years ago
I'm amazed anyone has anything good to say about that place..waukegan is and always has been a horrid, rancid, waste of time. It is now as good as it ever has been.
zorroduck 2 years ago
Rancid is a good adjective.
aradovic11 2 years ago
@zorroduck I don't know how old you are, but in my youth Waukegan had a great downtown, with every storefront occupied, and not one wig shop, tacaria,social security office, or any of the other go nowhere joints it has now. There were two great movie theaters and one not so great one unless you are into xxx ratings. Every member of the family could find a store to shop at that met every need. Malls were real new then, and there was one that also had a movie theater in it (Belvidere). Cont.
peasonerf 1 year ago
@peasonerf Waukegan had great schools, parks, pools, and plenty of tings to do at the lakefront. Most people who live there take the lake for granted until they move somewhere else where there are very few lakes (Colorado) and very little fishing available. There was plenty of entertainment venues for teens to go to to listen to music, (Wild Goose, Hangout, Sound Museum) and plenty of bars for the older music lovers to go to. I'm not sure when Waukegan went downhill, but I could - cont.
peasonerf 1 year ago
@peasonerf see it happening just before I left when I was invited to be part of the Army in 1972. It happens to most industrial towns and it's part of economic geography. Towns grow outward from the industry and then die as the next town outward begins to live. Waukegan died when Johnson, Mansville, US Steel and the others became outdated and economically dead. Too bad. I really liked Waukegan. I was however, one of the people that escaped before the death of the town.
peasonerf 1 year ago
@peasonerf where was sound museum
BigBishop1 1 year ago
@BigBishop1 It was in the Masons Building on North Sheridan Rd. which sat south of the McDonalds that's there now. Sound Museum was in the downstairs.
peasonerf 1 year ago
Born-married, good for kids till 1989, Waukegan became just too much undesired issues to continue raising kids there, moved to Arizona, great choice!
Sad how the good old days changed but Waukegan's old days - really awesome place to grow up in, Good old places like 'W' Shop, Lakehurst, Beliverde Mall and yes Lake Michigan and the Festivals! ..There was also a very nice variety of minorites then, not like now....I only go back now for family n frinds still there, or never would go back.
EgleRose13 2 years ago
Agreed, 1989 was the event horizon that finally doomed Waukegan into the blackhole.
aradovic11 2 years ago
what happened in 89
BigBishop1 2 years ago
89 was when Waukegan felt that combining Wakegan West and East High Schools into one institution was a productive idea.
One of many ill-conceived decisions.
aradovic11 2 years ago
waukegan would rock if it wasnt full of mexicans. seriously its like crossing the border into a different country
BigE610 2 years ago
This Guys a faggot.
That was back then.
Now waukegan is alot better.
This bitch only showed the shity parts of waukegan.
what about the semi-nice parts.
Yoshi885 2 years ago
Ok, what are the nice parts?
aradovic11 2 years ago
I said semi-nice.
Not completely nice.
I could say something insulting but nevermind.
Yoshi885 2 years ago
You're the one that brought it up chief, I just merely asked you to provide a list.
Now, if insults are all you're capable of then you're simply validating the Waukegan stereotype that you have appeared to have found offensive..
aradovic11 2 years ago
What would the Waukegan stereotype be I was born an raised in waukegan as well as my mother and her brother and sisters when my grandparents moved here in the late 40's. On another note I do enjoy your film but could see how some if they were not paying attention would be insulted.
lostsoulbb 2 years ago
When was the last time you were in Waukegan?
aradovic11 2 years ago
I just moved to Kenosha 4 months ago but my family and band is still there I go every other day. I was there frtday and will be there tomorrow. However I ask again what is the Waukegan Stereotype, still enjoyed your film. Just waiting for an answer on my question. Peace
lostsoulbb 2 years ago
Answer:
Waukegan is the poster child for ambitionless mediocrity and perverse self presumption while blatantly celebrating underachievement .
aradovic11 2 years ago
Absoluty beautiful! Couldn't have said it better myself. I've meet no one who regards that place like I do.........
zorroduck 2 years ago
I'm not sure I would say Waukegan as a people in that statement is true but those than ran it yes. Anyone who grew up in Waukegan saw the changes every year, granted I was born in 83 I saw a change over the years. I remember things being promised to Waukegan or things were in the process of being built but were just never finished. Many a failed or poorly ran deals and corrupted deeds a skate park, magic city, a dieing fiesta palace, Genesee theater, bad cops and corrupted counsel.
lostsoulbb 2 years ago
I vote for the Sundance Saloon! It's the last haunt for the old Waukegan cowboy!
juice134 2 years ago
Just to clear things up Yoshi885 is NOT Yoshi K, Waukegan West, Class of 1986!
Kleinwald 2 years ago
Good God, how many Yoshi's actually lived in Waukegan? I thought I was the only one. Aradovic (I think I know who you are!) thanks for posting Rob's video!
Kleinwald 2 years ago
:-D
aradovic11 2 years ago
it WAS an amazing town, this town is a perfect example of why ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION is bad for our country.
tonysweetness34 2 years ago
I was born in Victory Memorial Hospital and lived in Wkgn until I graduated from HS. Many, many fond memories, but sorry to see that it isn't the same place.
Atlantic822 2 years ago
Good job , from a Class of '63 Warhawk who remembers the johnson Motors Employee family Christmas parties at local theaters, the first McDonald burgers at Lewis and Glen Flora, Canale's, Quonset Hut--for pizza, and much more. Do not forget pre-rocker stars from the area like Nat King Cole form N Chgo and Jack Benny.
beyerjohn 2 years ago
I was glad to leave that city-I grew up in the 90's with the gangs, shootings, and crime.
Waukegan needs to be renamed to have any kind of a future.
And please don't pay the police until they actually police.
motoian84 2 years ago
I am a Waukegan Rocker, My band "The Blue Condition " among others rocked the lake shore for many years till the bars and clubs [like the Wild Goose] closed down. I was in some movies on the Hwi . to No where.
richiestix2009 2 years ago
Rob didn't mention that his footage is from the 1990s and much has changed since then. No, the revitalization isn't done, but it's well underway and Waukegan's future is promising.
icehockeymom 2 years ago 2
From an outsider point of view, this isn't nostalgic, it's bleak. It could be Flint, MI.
(And, no, you don't need a hell hole to produce rock and roll.)
I still love Waukegan, even if I only lived there 10 years. I moved to Wadsworth so I wouldn't lose investment value on my home. Sad story.
If Waukegan officials continue to seek the vision of good planners, there is HUGE potential. Our Waukegan lakefront is GOLD. We're still Northshore even if Lake Forest doesn't count us.
ryple11 2 years ago
I'm gonna guess you did this for some form of school project. Well done and interesting spin on the place. I'll always have a soft spot for my hometown. Hope you got high marks.
Trakester3 2 years ago
I was born in St. Therese Hospital in 1952. I have many great memories of Waukegan, from seeing movies at the Genesee and Academy Theaters to caddying at Glen Flora CC for several years. I attended St. Anastasia School on Glen Flora Ave. and (unfortunately) Carmel HS in Mundelein instead of WTHS. My first job when I was 16 was bagging groceries at the Eagle Foods store on N. Lewis Ave. and the following summer I worked across the street at Goldblatt's as a stockboy
Dave31452 2 years ago
Part 2.... I remember spending a lot of weekend evenings "Scooping" downtown in my '65 Impala. In 1971, when I was in the Army, my parents moved the family to Gurnee. In 1977 I moved to California because I was tired of freezing my ass off every winter. I stayed there until 1998 when I moved to Louisville, KY and married the "nice Catholic girl" who I had been looking for all my life. I was 46, she was 45, and it was the first marriage for each of us.....Dave Dietmeyer, Crestwood, KY
Dave31452 2 years ago
Grew up in Waukegan in the 60's and 70's and there was a strong quality of life for those families supported by the jobs of manufacturing. Lots of good working class people, nice homes, good schools. I got a great public school education there. I can remember spending the summers at Belvedere Park, with a summer pass to the pool, and then hanging out at Belvedere Mall. I'm so sad to see how the town looks like a wasteland - seems the only people left are Hispanic, many probably illegal.
Laurabyxbe 2 years ago
Proud to be from blue collar Wkgn on Lake Mich. Multi ethnic. Our Finnish immigrant parents worked hard, saved, invested, American success story. Some fine caring teachers & magical childhd moments. Its decline is a nat'l econ-policy issue, loss of mftg, esp in midwest. Obama's, Robt Reich's, David Brooks' longrange plans address such, "invest in human capital," green jobs, education. Will be friends w my Finn galpals to dying day, tho all left Wkgn.
satsaunagirl 2 years ago
Yes, like everything else Obama will save Waukegan...right.
wadsworthred 2 years ago
Obama is too preoccupied with attending to his public image to "save" Waukegan. Waukegan ferociously threw itself under the bus and the fact that it expected casino revenue to save itself from its economic stagnation only reinforces the fact that it was lost a long time ago.
aradovic11 2 years ago
Soulful and depressing...revealing the American 20th century story
Nomads of insitutional and commercial opportunity...we seek the greener grass
Our institutions have no rear-view mirror...
like the old joke about cars in Italy
We grab, consume and move on...
still harboring a frontier mentality
And the dreams of those left behind...
are of past glories
(Bruce Hanna Wkgn native, a nomad who left for greener pastures in '62 and loves Santa Barbara, my home sunce '77)
brewhanna 2 years ago
Great Job Rob! I'm the oldest of 5 kids born at St. Terese (no longer open under that name), and the only town that might be more depressing is Round Lake Beach, (my father refers to RLB as"the pimple on the ass of progress")! So Rob, can you do a video on Round Lake Beach next?
fuzzcheeks 2 years ago
Fantastic video! I am one of seven children that were born and raised in Wkgn. Most of my family still resides there. We are all of Armenian descent. It was a fabulous place to live, raise kids, and thrive. Lots of great memories. Thanks for posting that video. Thumbs up, Rockegan!
ibellydancer 2 years ago
I moved to Waukegan when I was 8, and left when I got out of high school (1960 to 1970). i was a good place to grow up in lots of ways. good schools, good diversity, good employment for my folks.. when i've been through there now, it's different but everyplace is different than it was 30-40 years ago... change happens... i'm proud to be from waukegan... proud to be from a blue collar town...
helenehaapala 2 years ago
I was born and happily raised in Waukegan. Much of my family still live there today. It's not such a bad place to be and they've done some nice revitalization downtown with the Genesee Theatre. Don't write the city off just yet. It could be something again one day. We all love comebacks and I love Waukegan! :)
scrapdog09 2 years ago
My father's side of the family moved from Mississippi, to Waukegan during the Great Depression to find jobs, which they did and raised their families in Waukegan. I remember when it was a wholesome family town. Gosh, when Lakehurst Mall opened it was such a big deal! Now, there are more Latinos living there that the whites are considered minorities. Everything is in Spanish. It is like Little Mexico now. I really miss the way Waukegan was. Unrecognizable now.
reneeisley 2 years ago
OMG... I left waukegan in 1989 , but its till home . Said to see it this way. My whole family grew up there from 1969-89
2taram 2 years ago
I grew up in Waukegan 1961 - 1988 and now live in Portland, Oregon. Every time I go back to visit, I want to cry for the lost city I knew. I'll always love you Waukegan. . .
ma32851 2 years ago
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Rob - great video. Its too bad you can't see the Waukegan of the 60's and even early 70's that I still see when I close my eyes. By the time I got out of HS in '74 you could feel the decline setting in, but what a great town (and time) to grow up in.
GregJ
gjohn4317 2 years ago
Comment removed
gjohn4317 2 years ago
Great job, Rob... loved the correlation between Gurnee and Ikea. I knew Rita in HS... fantasic voice. Seems you do too.
TheAuntwinnie 2 years ago
We relocated from wkgn in 1975 to libertyville and then to idaho in 1980. Waukegan is a nice to be from.
eddiecox2 2 years ago
Everyone, I'm not Rob.
Rob's video was forwarded to me from a fellow ex-Waukeganite and after searching Youtube and not finding it anywhere, I felt compelled to share it with the rest of the world.
aradovic11 2 years ago
Born and raised here, as were 5 of my 6older siblings.
Waukegan has problems, but there are many positives as well. You could have shown some of the beautiful homes along Sheridan Road and other areas. The golf courses, parks, etc. And you left out how several movies have used the city and the Amstutz for filming. Several of the downtown buildings you showed have since been restored.
saxm 2 years ago
Your Livin the Dream...Come join Our Groups!
HawgNSonsTV2 2 years ago
Thanks Rob, lived in Waukegan all my life. Although it has changed it's still home to me.
I knew your Dad, we're from the same side of town and he grew up with my brothers. I still love the city I hate the changes that have occured.
pogranny 2 years ago
I moved away from IL 10 years ago. OMG. This was an awsome video. Great Job Rob!
lharris26 2 years ago
sad but true i was born on the southside in 47and dam proud of it.many happy memories and i miss it and my family and friends.taco alley is booming "washington street" funny !
001whatever 2 years ago
It was a perfect place to grow up in post WWII but..I too left in 1970. A mention of North Chicago would have been nice (my home town). Great job Rob, but music from the 50's and 60's the glory days a better fit. Waukegan still famous for it's "scoop the loop" party, an homage to "American Graffiti" like summer nights when we went looking in our cars for love in all the wrong places listening to WLS and DJ Dick Biondi providing the soundtrack to our youth.
scubarojo 2 years ago
Grew up in Rockegan- as a matter of fact- friends with Rita.....our Waukegan was a great place to grow up and we had many awesome times--2 high schools was the way to go. Sad to see what it has become, I would definitely move back if things changed a bit. GREAT job Rob!
cwhitens 2 years ago
google outspoken blues
BigBishop1 2 years ago
This is right on..Perhaps overly complimentary...Best thing I ever did was leave that place.......
zorroduck 2 years ago
rock on.. taco and burrito industry is booming ... too fricken funny
cigarjim18 2 years ago
born there in 1951had a magical time till78 moved to san diego lots of rockeganites have passed thru here if i miss waukegan i go to tijuana
BigBishop1 2 years ago
There's a lot more material that is begging for a sequel. Well done with great narration. I was a long time Lake County resident and recently went looking for a house- many incredible prices in Waukegan- huge expansive houses overlooking the lakefront for little money- but the taxes were way out of this world. Sold the house in Gurnee (thank you) and moved far far away.
Sequel please!
HollywoodWalkofFame 2 years ago
So, where's the music??
JCANELAKES 2 years ago
Memories....of the way we were!!
CalliopeGrace 2 years ago
This is priceless...
jordynkay 2 years ago