2. Location and Transportation
Andersonville is located on the north side of Chicago
Its borders are:
South: 4900 N Ainslie
North: 5800 N Victoria
West: 1800 W Ravenswood
East: 1250 W Magnolia
The fastest, easiest way to get to Andersonville from
Loyola:
Take the Red Line towards 95th from the Loyola Stop and get
off at the Berwyn Stop
3. Historical Andersonville
1850's the area that is now Andersonville was a cherry orchard
First school was the Andersonville School,
Built in 1854 and was the primary school until 1908
Throughout the 20th century Swedish immigrants continued to arrive in Andersonville, building homes all around Clark Street
After the Chicago Fire, many of the city's Swedes moved to this area on the North Side to rebuild their lives. It's believed that the
neighborhood is named after Rev. Paul Anderson Norland who was integral in attracting folks to join the community in its early
years
Before long it was a deeply Swedish area, with Swedish businesses and companies
During the Depression and post war periods many immigrants moved out to the suburbs
However the Swedish heritage was re-strengthened in 1964 by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
Swedish American Museum was founded in 1976
Late 1980's gave birth to a revival of Andersonville culture as it became known for a more diverse population
Women and Children First (a bookstore focused on feminist authors and topics)
New gift shops and eateries
4. Andersonville Today
The Swedes have kept the neighborhood of Andersonville alive with Swedish food,
drink and history. Along Clark Street, just north of Foster (5200 North), the entire
community welcomes Swedish Americans and celebrates all of the Swedish holidays.
Merchants and residents turn out for the very traditional Midsummer, Lucia and
Christmas celebrations. But, tourists visit the area continually to sample Swedish food,
buy gifts, and visit the Swedish American Museum Center.
Andersonville is home to unique, locally owned, independent businesses
Magnet for all kinds of families
New commitment to environmental sustainability
Through its eco-Andersonville program, in 2013 Andersonville instituted Chicago's first
neighborhood-wide residential compost program.
Also first community in the city to install a "People Spot", green sitting space that
replaces parking spots
Andersonville currently has 2 of them.
5. Demographics
Population: 15,627
Racial Distribution:
50% population white
The rest is primarily Hispanic, Asian, and African-American
Gender Distribution:
Approximately 8000 men and 7600 women
Median age of men 37, women 34
Average household size is 2.2 people
Median household income as of 2011 is $58,000
For more demographical information: http://www.city-data.
com/neighborhood/Andersonville-Chicago-IL.html
6. Attractions
Andersonville Galleria: a market where artisans show
their art and sell their products
Swedish-American Museum: a museum that keeps
Swedish culture alive in Chicago, featuring an exhibit
on Swedish immigrants
The Yannell House: as a zero net-energy home, it’s
the greenest house in America
7. Restaraunts
Andersonville restaurants serve cuisine from all over the world,
Swedish food being most prevalent. Some highlights
include:
Svea (we ate here!): a small, Swedish café
Reza’s: a restaurant famous for it’s Persian/Mediterranean
cuisine
Swedish Bakery: a traditional Swedish bakery that’s been
open since 1929.
Hamburger Mary’s: a burger joint known for it’s creative
burgers and drag shows.
