Algren Birthday Celebration

The Nelson Algren Committee's annual celebration of Chicago Literary Hall of Fame inaugural inductee Nelson Algren was back for its 36th year. The event honored and amplified the life and writing of the Chicago author whose books like The Man With the Golden Arm and The Neon Wilderness capture the true, often dark character of post-WWII Chicago. Algren was born on March 28, 1909, and received the first National Book Award for Fiction in 1950 (The Man With the Golden Arm was published the previous year). Though born in Detroit, Algren lived in a third-floor apartment at 1958 W. Evergreen Avenue from 1958 to 1976, and explored, through his literature, the underbelly of his adopted city. 

Presentations and readings honoring Algren’s legacy include:

• Musical performances by 1940’s era chanteuse Melodie Magnuson and Dave Gordon
• Folk and modern protest music featuring committee member David Witter and the group, Tipsy Town
• Readings from Algren’s work from actor Gary Houston
• Presentations from Mike McColly, author of Walking Chicago’s Coast, and Algren scholars.
• The Nelson Algren Award was presented to Robert Loerzel, co-author of the book The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace. Loerzel’s work has also appeared in Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, WTTW’s Chicago’s Stories and WBEZ’s Curious City.

There were also be Algren books and mementos for sale, including Mary Wisneiwski’s signed biography, Algren: A Life

Of course, cocktails, beer, and wine were be available for purchase at Green Mill (CASH ONLY!)

Complimentary refreshments and a birthday cake for Nelson were also served.  

The program was free, although a $10 donation was encouraged to continue future Algren programs.