Miss Griffin

How long have you lived in North Chicago? 

Sixty-eight years. And about the last 15 years in Pleasant Prairie [Wisconsin], right next door. 

From what I can remember from day one, I can't give you the correct numbers, but from Green Bay Road to Lewis Avenue were dirt roads– 18th Street 17th Street, 16th Street. The only paved street that I remember was Argonne Drive. Louis to Sheridan road was mostly white people. My cousin was the first black person to buy a house on Argonne Drive.

How long has your family been here? 

My mother went to South Elementary school which now, is where YouthBuild [a job development organization] is. She was born in 1911. 

Where did your family come from originally? 

Georgia.

I have a cousin who was the first black teacher in Lake County. Her first teaching was at Commonwealth school, where Kukla Towers [senior housing] is now. My father was the first volunteer fireman on 22nd Shields township. I had a cousin that was the first black alderman of North Chicago; Marion Graves. And I can tell you about all the schools I went to. Lindberg school which is right now on 17th and Kristan. I went to Central School, which now is Hart Elementary school– and boarded up. I can remember all my teachers from first grade until eighth grade. I went to North Chicago High School and graduated class of '56– the second class out of there. That's when North Chicago was good.

North Chicago had three or four grocery stores A&P, Co-Op on the corner 17th of Sheridan road. They had a Kroger's on the corner of 15th and Sheridan. The bank and the fire department was up on Sheridan Road and 18th Street where the North Chicago Community Bank is now. On Sheridan Road they had a lady's fashion shop, a men's shop, a jewelry store, two cab stands, a bakery between 17th and 18th, two drugstores one on 17th and one on 18th and Sheridan Road.

Do you remember when that was? 

I was probably about 12 [circa 1950]. At one time you could get a job in North Chicago or work in the area at the government's Navy base. Abbott. US Envelope. Smelters.

I went to North Chicago High School and graduated class of '56– the second class out of there. 

And then what did you do?

As soon as you got out of school, most people got a job. You could go to college, but you know, you didn't have the money, or didn't know how to get it. Student loans and all that. So that's why I say many people didn't go to college. I knew when I got out of high school, the next week I was to get a job. That's what most people did.

I got a job for the government. I worked 31 years at the Navy base. Personnel clerk. It was nice. I quit and came here [to the community center]. 

How else is the community different now than then say 30, or even 50 years ago?

Different. New people moving in, and they don't know nothin' and they don't care about nothin'. They are human, but they just want a place to live and that's it. They've come here for housing, and they don't care. They just rent and get cut. Move to the next place. There aren't any homeowners. 

I owned a home. I bought it and then when it was time for us to move, I sold it– somebody bought it, but now it's all boarded up. They just didn't pay.

I had to go to three banks. I was a single lady. And I had a job. I went to three banks before I could get a loan. And the last one the man gave me a lecture. You know– like your daddy or your mother would. And you have to pay and you can't have babies. Blah, blah, blah. I was 20 years old and my house bill was $124.00. I was never late with the payment and that man wouldn't look me in the face. I paid it off. But he couldn't look at me when I walked into that bank. 

What are you most proud of?

Me? Being 84, still working.

What keeps you going?

My son. He says, "Keep going to work long as you can go." It's not so much for the money. I like the money. But get up– you can get up, and you go. You need to stay busy. I look and see if you don't do anything, you gonna melt away. And I want to be here– until.

You've been working here at the community center for...?

I've been retired three times. And they called– they wanted somebody to come because they didn't have anybody. So I came. I was going to volunteer for 30 minutes! And they told me to sign the papers to work. So I've been back this time– it'll be 13 years in December.

What do you enjoy most about working here at the community center?

The kids. They come in every day. And I like, give them a little training. If I'm talking, you know, they come sit– I say, "I have a customer here," so they have to say, "excuse me." And then they ask me how was my day, and I ask them how was theirs.

What do you aspire to now? What do you hope for?

I want to live to at least 85, so I'm asking for that. 

Why 85?

That was just the number I chose. I want to live as long as I can, but I want to keep in my right mind.

When are you the most happy? What makes you the happiest?

Probably when I'm in the grocery store. I like shopping. Gettin' deals and comparing prices.

What's an example of really great deal you got and thought: oh my gosh, this is a score!

I was in Indianapolis... I'm not a thrift store shopper... and my friend said “let's go into Goodwill.” Sure, I'll go. I got two fur coats. For $6 apiece. And they're nice!

What's the best advice you ever received?

Mmm... don't talk so much. Be quiet.

Did you follow that advice? 

Yes, sometimes I do. I can do that– oh yes, I can.

Edited and condensed, this conversation took place in two parts; in 2016 and 2022.