The Enduring Impact of One Individual’s Actions Over 135 Years Ago Leads to One of the Most Tight-Knit Neighborhoods in Chicago-Canaryville

1887 – in the bustling metropolis of Chicago, hard working Irish immigrants are enduring grueling conditions at the Union Stockyards and meat packing companies, where they are working arduous 14-hour shifts six days a week, no vacations. These laborers braved unbearable heat during the summertime and harsh, frigid conditions in the wintertime while slaughtering livestock in unsafe conditions for the entire nation’s consumption.

The unrelenting demands placed upon them are unheard of in modern times, and the vast majority of these workers resided mostly in wooden framed homes located in what is now known as Canaryville. To say they were trying times is an understatement. Working in unsafe conditions, serious injury at the workplace was common. No safety net or support system existed for the working class. Without working, there would be no pay, and without pay, one’s family would go hungry. With hordes of eager job-seekers eager to take their place, these laborers had no choice but to endure these dangerous and difficult circumstances.

Disputes often erupted between management and workers, and even between workers themselves, including fighting, and sometimes death. But in the midst of this chaos, a beacon of hope arose in the form of Father Maurice Dorney. Respected by both the workers and company owners, he earned the nickname “King of the Yards”.

The story behind the establishment of St. Gabriel’s Church

On April 11, 1880, Fr. Dorney was appointed as the pastor of the parish of St. Gabriel, which was to be established under his leadership. He purchased twenty lots of land between 45th and 46th on Lowe for $500. Fr. Dorney received a small amount of company stock from the head of the National Livestock Bank, which he later sold for $68K after it increased in value. Fr. Dorney utilized the funds to construct St. Gabriel Church and provide assistance to the affiliated school. The renowned Chicago architects Burnham & Root designed the church, and later, a main street in Canaryville was named after Root. The Church’s cornerstone was laid at the intersection of 45th and Lowe in May 1887. Fr. Dorney also attended law school while pastor of St. Gabriel’s.

For more than 130 years, St. Gabriel’s Church has been instrumental in maintaining the strength of its neighborhood.

1955 Souvenir Program of St. Gabriel Church

Everything in the neighborhood goes through St. Gabriel
Joe Hermle

Photo- Gates of the Union Stock Yard with the National Live Stock Bank in the background.

The Stock Yard Inn

Amidst the bustling streets along Halsted stood the Stock Yards Inn, (4178 S. Halsted) a replica of an old English inn. (1865-1976) One of the best examples of Tudor Architecture in the United States. Adorned with high oaken paneling. Here, cattle men arrive by train from the west with their herds, conducting business and negotiating deals worth a fortune in the inn’s rooms.

The Steak House would brand the customers initials into the meat with a hot iron. To insure the customers the meat they received was the one they selected.

The Best Steak House In The United States

The Stock Yard Inn Sirloin Room was recognized as the best steak house in the United States. A roster of distinguished guests, such as Presidents Roosevelt, Coolidge, Hoover, Eisenhower, and Kennedy dined at the Stock Yard Inn Sirloin Room. Elvis also was a guest at the Stock Yard Inn Sirloin Room.

March 28th 1957- Elvis shows off his gold shoes at Saddle & Sirloin Club at the Stock Yard Inn.

The inside walls of the Stock Yard Inn hung photos of some of the most influential leaders in the country. And there on the oaken paneling wall stood a portrait of the beloved Father Maurice Dorney.

Today –

Currently, Canaryville is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups and benefits from a dedicated group of volunteers who offer a multitude of programs to the community, ranging from crime prevention and crime stopping initiatives to youth programs. Canaryville continues to be one of the most tightly-knit neighborhoods in Chicago.