Mural honors elders who fought stadium plan

Nearly 100 residents turned out August 8 for a mural unveiling at Victor Herbert School, 2131 W. Monroe in West Haven. The mural was dedicated to 30 senior citizens who led opposition to a Bears stadium in the 1980s.

Thelma Hunter (left) and Irene Johnson show their nameplates at the base of the mural.

Photo: Patrick Barry

“Six of our residents lived at Monroe and Damen, where the Bears wanted their stadium,” recounted Earnest Gates, NCP director for the Near West Side CDC. “Tersia Cornell told the Bears that they would have to settle with the whole community before the six homeowners would discuss any deal.”

The Bears later withdrew their proposal, and the subsequent building of the United Center included a partnership with the neighborhood.

The mural was painted by sixth through eighth graders under direction of artist Yamani Hernandez, and funded by LISC/Chicago.