Historical Analysis of Hyde Park
Hyde Park, like many other early settlements, was a predominantly white neighborhood. Due to its close proximity to the city, it attracted many affluent businessmen and their families in the 1850’s. When major events such as: the construction of the University of Chicago, and the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 occurred, an influx of people started to migrate to the area. This resulted in the urbanization and diversification of the neighborhood. A shift in the racial and economic structures created tensions and caused the identities of those involved to become political.
One thing that Hyde Park is known for is its grandiose houses. It is so exclusive to this neighborhood that Susan O’Connor, an author, created a book that depicts “a visually fascinating history of the evolution of Hyde Park through the people who lived in the houses and the architects who constructed them.” (Long, Chicago’s Historic Hyde Park). Through these photos, the economic shift was apparent. Apartments and condominiums were being constructed, which made housing more affordable for other ethnic groups. This was a way for them to combat the racial discrimination they had faced; it was an opportunity for them to validate their racial identity. In the 1940’s, residents of Hyde Park could no longer use racially restrictive covenants to keep African Americans out. They were no longer limited by those social constructions. Many white individuals responded to this by migrating to more suburban areas. This came to be known as the white flight. They did this because they thought their identities were being threatened. They did not want to associate with African Americans because of their shrewd misperception of their false superiority. Hyde Park experienced an economic decline due to the white flight because many of the wealthy residents were moving elsewhere. To counteract this, the University of Chicago sponsored an urban renewal project that included demolishing many of the low-income homes that African-Americans resided in. This was another way to segregate individuals by socioeconomic status and race. The project received a lot of backlash from residents. As detailed in an issue of the Harper Herald from 1957, the South West Hyde Park Neighborhood Association presented their “opposition to the proposed demolition of a four block area of South West Hyde Park”. Vocalizing their thoughts and feelings was a powerful way for people of color to clearly establish their racial identity in an environment that was so opposed to them doing so. The urban renewal plan “transformed many older densely built-up areas of Hyde Park into a state of semi suburbia” ( Hyde Park 1), which eventually stabilized the economy and created a multicultural, middle class neighborhood. Today, Hyde Park has come to be known as a diverse, liberal neighborhood. It is “one of the few racially integrated neighborhoods in the city” (Gamino 1). Though there were a few racial and economic conflicts during its development, it has flourished into an eclectic community. The urbanization of the neighborhood has continued to progress successfully as there are now a variety of restaurants and attractions that cater to the heterogeneous population. It is a dynamic community that embraces its unique demographics through every advancement. Works Cited Grinnell, Max. "Hyde Park." Encyclopedia of Chicago. 2001. Web. 13 May 2016. Long, Kathy. ""Chicago's Historic Hyde Park"" Chicago Tonight. 24 July 2013. Web. 13 May 2016. "Protest Meet Set for Feb. 4th." The Hyde Park Herald 30 Jan. 1957: n. pag.UIUC Library Newspaper Database. Web. Gamino, John. "U of C/Hyde Park History." The Chicago Maroon. 06 Oct. 2014. Web. 13 May 2016. |