History in Uptown

Founded in 1907 by George K. Spoor and Gilbert M. Anderson, Essanay Studios operated at 1333-45 West Argyle Avenue between 1908 and 1917 (at which point all remaining operations were consolidated in California).  Hundreds of early movies were filmed at this location, including many that starred Charlie Chaplin, who Essanay lured away from Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios with the promise of better remuneration.  Among the early movies filmed at 1333-45 West Argyle were the first Jesse James flick ("The James Boys Of Missouri") and "A Christmas Carol" (both made in 1908), as well as the first American "Sherlock Holmes," which was released in 1916.  The building was designated a Chicago Landmark on March 26, 1996.

According to an FBI timeline, nororious bankrobber John Dillinger met Evelyn "Billie" Frechette, at the Barrel O'Fun Tavern at 4541 North Broadway Street in October 1933, at about the time they first started dating.  Frechette was arrested on April 9, 1934, for hiding the public enemy in her St. Paul apartment.  Dillinger watched the arrest from a block away, but was persuaded not to attempt to rescue her because he would likely be killed in the struggle.