Rust Belt Roadtrip: Cultural Snapshots
Rust Belt Roadtrip is documenting postindustrial America, capturing cultural moments like "leche y hielo" in Cicero [https://x.com/gmoult/status/2031418658744897597] and eerie historical finds [https://x.com/gmoult/status/2031472110934093975].
Cicero, Illinois, where the "leche y hielo" photo was taken, is a town with a rich history, having been incorporated in 1867. Originally, it was much larger, but areas like Oak Park and Berwyn split off. Today, it's known as the most Hispanic municipality in Illinois. The town has a complicated past, including Al Capone's headquarters in the 1920s and a race riot in 1951 when an African-American family moved into the then all-white town. Despite these challenges, Cicero has maintained a distinct identity. If you're interested in learning more about Cicero's history, the Cicero Public Library houses a collection of historical documents, including some from the now-defunct Cicero Historical Society. You can visit the Local History Room by appointment to explore the town's past.
