CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Bohemian National Cemetery
Chicago, IL
November 2020

EOS 1v and EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Film - Fuji NPH400 (expired July 2003), Fuji Superia 800 (expired Nov 2002) and Kodak Portra 160NC (expired Dec 2011)

Bohemian National Cemetery by Paul Sager, on Flickr


Bohemian National Cemetery is located on the north side of Chicago. The cemetery was established by members of Chicago's Czech community in 1877. Bohemian National Cemetery is known for its limestone gatehouse.

Bohemian National Cemetery


The original plot of land was 50 acres. Over the years, the cemetery expanded to 126 acres. The cemetery was notably featured in the 1998 film U.S. Marshals. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 120,000 people.

Bohemian National Cemetery


Czech immigration to Chicago began in the 1850s after the railroads had linked the east coast to Chicago, Chicago’s Czech-born population reaching its peak in the 1870s. Bohemia is a region in what is now the Czech Republic, formerly part of Czechoslovakia. The great majority of persons buried here are of Czech descent, though the cemetery will now accept burials of any nationality. Chicago's most prominent Bohemian citizen, Mayor Anton Cermak, is entombed here.

Bohemian National Cemetery


Beginning in the 1830s and continuing through the 19th century, many US cemeteries were established and designed as "memorial parks." Trees combine beautifully with the mowed grass and stone monuments.

Bohemian National Cemetery


The cemetery’s brick and wood water tower rises above the cemetery’s fencing near the intersection of N. Pulaski Road and W. Foster Avenue on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The tower was built in 1898 and is used to water the cemetery’s 122 acres. The words “Bohemian National Cemetery” still stand out on the 50-foot tall, 500-gallon tank.

Bohemian National Cemetery


Burials aren’t allowed at Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs home ballpark is just 5 miles southeast of the Bohemian National Cemetery. In 2006 a life-long Cubs fan came up with the option of the Beyond the Vines Columbarium.

Bohemian National Cemetery


A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person, and many times, their close family members.

Bohemian National Cemetery


Joseph Frank Duda (1870-1950) and Albine T. Wolf Duda (1872-1931) were both born in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and emigrated to the United States. Joseph was a clothier in Chicago until his retirement. The couple had three children.

Bohemian National Cemetery


The Classical Revival office building was built in 1926.

Bohemian National Cemetery


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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Very nice and informative work, Paul.
--Bob

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice, Paul--enjoyed.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Another great article and photos as usual Paul. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

rbnm Loc: New Mexico

Enjoyed photos and info. Thanks

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series, Paul.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Fascinating! and great shooting!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Bob, John, Frank, rbnm, Earnest, Bruce! In reading about the cemetery afterward, it seems the only thing I missed was the Kolar family mausoleum, who have the claim to fame of being landlords to Mrs. O’Leary and her famous cow.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

You are using your lockdown time very well, Paul, thanks for sharing.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Mike!

Lakeman Loc: Cornelius, NC

Paul, I always look forward to your posts. In addition to enjoying your beautiful photos, you bring back so many childhood memories. We moved to the area around Foster and California when I was 10 years old. Many times I rode my bike through River Park. and then down Foster Avenue to LaBagh Woods. That was before the Kennedy Expressway was built. I passed the intersection of Foster and Pulaski where my Uncle owned a grave stone business on the corner, just a block from the Bohemian National Cemetery. Thanks for the beautiful pictures, and the memories. Norm

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Thanks for sharing the beautiful images and the history. I learn something new every time you post.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Excellent as always Paul. --Jim

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic Images!!! Paul
Great narrative

erickter Loc: Dallas,TX

Excellent pics and commentary. So much to learn about Chicago's incredible history.