Clearing begins shrouded in mystery. An anomalous subdivision began showing up in maps as early as 1870. Local author and historian Robert Hill calls this the “Lost Village”.
The area received its names from the farm goods that were delivered (or “cleared”) through he airport and railroad yards. It became a town in 1912, and was incorporated into Chicago in 1915.
The first few industries were organized into an industrial district (established in 1909) had over 90 industries by 1928. An airport was constructed in 1927 and was renamed to Midway Airport in 1949 to honor US victories in the island in World War II.
Chrysler Village is an neighborhood within the area and was constructed in 1943 during World War II to house the Chrysler Defense Plant workers building the B29 Bomber Engines. Later, B52 bomber engines would be built at the plant and the area would be known as Ford City.
Lawler Park, which dates back to 1947, has a softball field, recreation building and playground, while Hale Park has a swimming pool, playground and ball fields.
Midway International Airport southern half is located within the area, while Chrysler Village is located towards its southeastern edge.
