Jerry Davich explores the remnants of Garys glory days, from Union Station to City Methodist Church.
A poster child for our nations urban experimentation a century ago, Gary was forged with hype and hope, dreams and sweat, political agendas and tons of steel. The hardscrabble city attracted all kinds, from shady scoundrels and famous architects to hardworking immigrants and brilliant entrepreneurs. Boasting 180,000 residents at its peak, the booming melting pot eventually faded away under the afflictions of urban decay, racial unrest and political upheaval. Revisit the Sheraton Hotels demise, Emerson High Schools hard lessons, Vee-Jay Records last release and a devastated downtown filled only with fa ades and fond memories.
