Saturday, May 03, 2008

Sad News- The End of the Berwyn Spindle

Some sad news today. Despite efforts to save it, the Berwyn Spindle was razed.

The Spindle, which was in the parking lot of the Harlem-Cermak Shopping Center, was immortalized in the opening sequence of Penelope Spheeris' 1992 movie Wayne's World, which featured various Chicago and Chicago-area kitsch icons.

Here's a video clip about it.

The Spindle was probably the only memorable thing about Berwyn, Illinois, the town I was born in nearly 47 years ago. It was taken down to make way for a new Walgreen's.


Recently, an auto dealership sign on Western Avenue that was in the same sequence was torn down to make way for condos. Happily, Chicago Joe's restaurant, which is also near my home, is still there, as well as the giant Indian at 63rd and Pulaski.

10 comments:

Generalissimo (Dictator) for life said...

Can't forget that Stan Mikita is still alive also.

Generalissimo (Dictator) for life said...

And you can't forget that Bohemian Rhapsody is still a great song.

Anonymous said...

Aaah, we felt the same way when they moved the Rocky statue from in front of the Art Museum steps.

Moderator said...

I briefly considered buying the spindle.

My wife talked me out of it.

Chris the Hippie said...

Everything should stay the same, always. Forever. I don't deal with change well...

Splotchy said...

I happened to drive by Cermak Plaza today and glanced over to see the spindle was gone. The wind scoopy things are still there, but for how long I don't know.

SkylersDad said...

What's the latest on the giant ball of string?

Distributorcap said...

they can bury it in the giant cadillac cemetary near amarillo, texas

yournamehere said...

A Walgreens? You have to be fuckin' kidding me.

Tenacious S said...

People need drugs. C'mon, what are you being all sensitive for?