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Clearing, Chicago facts for kids

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Clearing
Community Area 64 - Clearing
Rowhouses in the Chrysler Village
Rowhouses in the Chrysler Village
Location within the city of Chicago
Location within the city of Chicago
Country United States
State Illinois
County Cook
City Chicago
Neighborhoods
Area
 • Total 2.56 sq mi (6.63 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 24,473
 • Density 9,560/sq mi (3,691.3/km2)
Demographics 2020
 • White 39.0%
 • Black 2.5%
 • Hispanic 56.9%
 • Asian 0.6%
 • Other 0.9%
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes
parts of 60629 and 60638
Median income 2020 $58,168
Source: U.S. Census, Record Information Services

Clearing is a community area in Chicago, Illinois. It's on the southwest side of the city. Part of Chicago Midway International Airport is right here in Clearing.

History of Clearing

Clearing has an interesting past. Some old maps from the 1870s show a mysterious "Lost Village" in the area. A local historian, Robert Hill, talks about this early settlement.

The name "Clearing" comes from how farm goods were "cleared" or delivered. They went through the local airport and railroad yards. Clearing officially became a town in 1912. This was within the Township of Stickney.

The area quickly joined Chicago in 1915. The people living there needed the services a big city could provide. Clearing is bordered by Harlem Avenue to the west. Railroad tracks east of Cicero Avenue are its eastern border. To the north is 59th Street, and to the south is 65th Street.

Industrial Growth

The Clearing Industrial District started in 1909. This area became very important for businesses and jobs. It helped the community grow and develop.

Local Parks

Clearing is home to several parks where you can have fun.

  • Lawler Park is about 6.2 acres. It was created in 1947. This park is a great place for Little League softball. It also has a recreation building and playground equipment.
  • Hale Park is another popular spot. It's located at 61st and Melvina. Hale Park has an outdoor swimming pool. You can also find ball fields and playground equipment there.
  • Nathan Hale Elementary School is next to Hale Park.

Neighborhoods in Clearing

Clearing has different parts, or neighborhoods. Each one has its own unique story.

Chrysler Village

Chrysler Village is a special neighborhood in Clearing. It's located between Midway Airport and the Clearing Industrial District.

This neighborhood was built in 1943 during World War II. It was made to house workers for the Chrysler Defense Plant. These workers built engines for the B-29 Superfortress bomber planes. Later, the plant made engines for the B-52 Stratofortress bomber. Today, this large area is known as Ford City.

The homes in Chrysler Village are sturdy brick houses. They include single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses. They surround Lawler Park.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1930 5,434
1940 6,068 11.7%
1950 10,591 74.5%
1960 18,797 77.5%
1970 24,527 30.5%
1980 22,584 −7.9%
1990 21,490 −4.8%
2000 22,331 3.9%
2010 23,139 3.6%
2020 24,473 5.8%

Religion

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago manages Catholic churches in the area. For example, St. Rene Parish and St. Symphorosa Parish joined together on July 1, 2020.

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