One Last Thought on Limehouse – in Chicago
Posted: November 18th, 2009 | 9 Comments »I commented the other day that the 1934 film Limehouse Blues with George Raft, Anna May Wong etc was changed to East End Chant when shown in America. I suggested that this might have been because American audiences weren’t familiar with Limehouse. Possibly, but not in Chicago it seems. Here’s a menu and flier for the Limehouse Chinese Restaurant on Howard Street.
Howard Street was quite the place – home of the Howard Theatre at 1621 from 1917, one of the largest and most ornate theatres in Chicago, and very close to the Limehouse – as were the Club Silhouette and Club Detour. The Birchwood Beach Country Club was at 1426, built around the turn of the century near some pretty smart condo buildings. So, Chicago at least, knew Limehouse. I like to think the owner was some entrepreneurial Chinese Cockney who’d jumped ship to Chicago, but I’ve no idea.
A recent conversation with my stepfather, who is 103 years old, led me to this blog post. My stepfather came to the US from China when he was 12 years old. He was brought over by his uncle who owned a restaurant in Chicago, and as my stepfather told me, it was what got them through the Depression. When I asked him the name of the restaurant, he replied, “The Limehouse, on Howard Street.” When I asked him the exact address, he said, “1561 Howard.” I would love to connect the two of you.
My Father is Benjamin Joe who co-owned the Limehouse on Howard street. He came over to the US from China in 1917.
Carol, what is the name of your stepfather?
Hi Chandler,
My stepfather’s name is Frank Toy. He passed away last year, at the age of 105 and came to the US from China about 1925.
I would love to connect, too. I have been told my grandfather, Yin Joe, was a partner in The Limehouse.
Hi,
I am looking for photos of the exterior of the Limehouse restaurant. My family built a violin shop in the same building 1964-1992 – and I am curious about what the place was like before my dad and his brother built their business. email me at rebecca at rebeccafreuter dot com
I’m delighted to find this page! I’m 72 now, but years ago, my Mom used to tell me how much she enjoyed going there in her younger days in the 1940s, seeing friends and dancing. I wish she could have seen what I’ve been finding here and in Tribune searches! The highlight is a wonderful tribute to Limehouse and similar businesses, in the Trib on July 6, 1950.
Here is a site on the website of Rogers Park historical society. If you have information to add to that page – contact them.
https://rpwrhs.org/w/index.php?title=Limehouse_Restaurant
As a youngster in the late 40’s and early 50’s we lived at 7635 1/2 N Greenview. The Limehouse was our go-yo source for Chinese food. As a young boy of 8 or 9 years of age going to The Limehouse was the very first errand where I was entrusted with money and e pected to bring home the food I will always remember the carpeting and how nicely dressed the staff was. A precious childhood memory
My great-great grandfather Ton Sum Toy was a partner of Limehouse Cafe.
@Carol Ross- Frank Toy was my great-grandfather John Toy’s older “brother”. They were both adopted by Ton Sum Toy. Frank came in 1925 and John in 1937. They were from the same village in Toisan, China.