Warehouses and rail lines are the defining boundaries of Hermosa. When American manufacturing was at it’s peak in the early to mid 20th century, these warehouses were a local source of employment. In the case of Newly Weds Foods, it still is.

HermosaChi’s founder has been uncovering tidbits of her family history that intersect with Hermosa and this time it’s her great uncle. Daniel Zywicki was born in the 1890s from Polish parents in Belmont-Cragin on Linder Avenue, and stayed in the area for several decades to raise a family. While he did change his last name to Gifford, he married a Polish gal, Marie Obas, from the neighborhood (literally a few blocks away on Lorel).

His 1942 draft card lists his place of work as “Ill Tool Works…2501 N. Keeler Ave, Chicago Cook Ill” which is the currently owned by Newly Weds Foods. Illinois Tool Works is still around as a publicly traded, multi-billion dollar company.

"Here's my great uncle, Daniel Gifford (previously Zywicki ) who worked in Hermosa at Illinois Tool Works in the 1940s. He lived in Belmont-Cragin on Long across from Hanson Park and probably took the Fullerton trolley to work. “ -Lee Helmer

Newly Weds Foods started in 1930 and currently own several buildings in the Hermosa area in the Pulaski industrial Corridor.

So no, Newly Weds was not always at the 2501 N Keeler location, and must have acquired the building after the 1940s. We’ll be uncovering more about these Hermosa employers that do business around the world. For employment at this neighborhood location, go to Newly Weds Foods career site.

More Hermosa History