Established by newly arrived Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, this impromptu ghetto market blossomed into a bustling Sunday-only affair that laid the groundwork for Chicago’s flea market culture. The city officially recognized Maxwell Street Market in 1912, and by the time it ceased operations, the market spanned approximately nine square blocks. Centered at the intersection of Maxwell and Halsted Streets, it extended from Roosevelt Road to 16th Street. Despite the presence of numerous reputable stationary department stores in the vicinity, the open-air market remained its most notable feature. At Maxwell Street Market, one could find a wide array of goods, both new and secondhand, and even items of dubious legality—all available within sight of the old Chicago Police Academy on O’Brien Street. In need of jobs and quick cash, fledgling entrepreneurs flocked to Maxwell Street to earn their livelihood. Many regarded it as the largest open-air market in the nation. From clothes and produce to cars, appliances, tools, and virtually anything anyone might want, Maxwell Street offered discounted items to consumers and served as an economic hub for those looking to get ahead. The merchandise often came from hijacked or pirated railcars, railyards, and transport rigs, leading to quick resale and widespread distribution. Few questions were asked about the origins of a vendor’s items for sale, particularly if the price was “right.” Maxwell Street Market represented a significant shift in American retail and economic history. It emerged as a response to, and rejection of, traditional standalone retail establishments and their pricing structures. This vibrant commercial hub capitalized on the influx of Asian and global imports from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, China, and Mexico, which were priced significantly lower than American-produced goods. Wholesalers lined Roosevelt Road with merchandise from around the world, and astute vendors would purchase these items to resell at the market, often achieving a 100% markup. Despite this markup, the final prices remained well below those of goods available elsewhere, thanks to the market’s low overhead. The marketplace also recognized and catered to the spending power of immigrants and minorities, providing a space where they felt welcomed and accepted. Each culture and group within Maxwell Street Market respected and honored one another, largely setting aside contemporary national issues. This blend of cultures and ethnicities was a uniquely American phenomenon, earning Maxwell Street the nickname “Ellis Island of the Midwest.” Local politics found a keen interest in the market’s diverse audience, especially during election time, when placards and signs, some as large as billboards, were prominently displayed. The market operated like a well-oiled machine, with “spot-holders,” often rumored to have mob connections, roaming the streets to ensure regular vendors maintained their prime locations through discreet cash payments. Vendors who failed to pay these informal fees would often find their spots occupied by others upon arrival. In 1994, the City of Chicago relocated the Maxwell Street Market to make way for the expansion of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The market was shifted a few blocks east to Canal Street and rebranded as the New Maxwell Street Market. In September 2008, it was moved once more, this time to Des Plaines Avenue. (Photo credit: Monovision / via Chicago Tribune). Notify me of new posts by email.
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