Noted for its Six Corners intersection at Milwaukee, Irving Park and Cicero, the neighborhood (and park sharing its namesake) was taken from a portage that linked the Des Plaines and Chicago river to modern day Irving Park Road.
Historically, as streetcar lines were extended from the center of the city into the area, residents looking to move away from congested tenements moved into the area. This population growth resulted in the conversion of farmlands into residential subdivisions
Upon the annexation of the area (then part of Jefferson Township) by Chicago in 1889, the area was still mostly rural during the early 20th century.
Though primarily a residential area, home to numerous bungalows and two flat style walkups, Portage Park was once home to several movie palaces. The Portage Theater, renovated with public funds, houses a performing arts center with independent and silent films. Another historic theater, The Patio, was privately restored to show first-run movies. The Filament Theatre is a favorite among kids both as audience members and participants in various camps and classes.
There are also several significant churches in the area and was highlighted in Marilyn Chiat’s The Spiritual Traveler: Chicago and Illinois.
Portage Park is accessible by the CTA’s Blue Line’s that is located right on the Kennedy Expressway I-90’s median – something that is common along the Blue Line stops from here to O’Hare as well as the Metra.
