Andy Kluck opened The Old Barn in 1921. It was first located
in a wooden structure north of 79th street on State Road.
During Prohibition, The Old Barn flourished serving moonshine and watching
for revenue agents.
Much of The Old Barn’s early history concerns the early days of aviation
Ashburn Airport was located just east of Cicero Avenue at 83rd
street. The airport was financially backed by "Pop" Dickinson, owner of
Dickinson Feed Company, who flew until he was 90. Other names in early
aviation history included "Pop" Keller, Lee Partridge and Matty Laird. There
was another young man who used to hang around the old airport in order to
learn more about flying. His name was Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.
All this rough and ready crew used The Old Barn as a hangout and
headquarters. It wasn’t until 1926 that the land for Midway Airport was
acquired by the City of Chicago from Stickney Township.
In 1930 Andy Kluck moved The Old Barn to its present location. The wooden
structure burned in 1932. Andy erected a tent and served his patrons while
the new structure was being built. The Old Barn opened in the present
building in 1933. The lobby is part of the original building. Several
additions have been built. The banquet rooms were opened in 1964, the
cocktail lounge in 1969 and the banquet hall in 1990.
Not much remains from the days of Prohibition except the buzzer on the
door.
Back in the early 1930’s the late W.C. Fields was a frequent customer as
were other show people when they were "playing Chicago". Sporting figures,
actors, authors, statesmen- their names would be familiar to millions.
The Old Barn, now in its 82nd year, continues to be known
around the world- thanks to you, our friends and customers.
