STATE BANK OF HAMMOND - 1927
by LoriPori
The best example of the Neo-classical style of architecture remaining in the city is the STATE BANK OF HAMMOND building. Located near the southwest corner of the intersection of Calumet Avenue and Sibley streets, (5444-5446 Calumet Avenue) the building, designed by architect Karl Vitzthum, was dedicated on September 10, 1927.
The buildings' majestic columned entrance is what attracted me most. I also love the detail on the facade with the American eagle proudly displayed.
The city of Hammond had plans to demolish it, which would have been a travesty, but it is now currently under renovatiion by a private individual.
Pierogifest!
by yooperprof
The highlight of the summer in Hammond is undeniably Pierogifest. All Vt-ers need to visit Pierogifest at least once in their lives. All it's important to understand the distinction between and among the various pierogi venders. That's why I'd recommend that if you go, make sure you have a local expert with you who can steer you toward the pierogis with the best dough, and the most generous portions of meat, cheese, or fruit.
Someone like Dabs, in fact.
But pierogifest is more than just pierogis. It's also a celebration of the Eastern European heritage of the peoples who made Hammond their home. One of the highlights for me were the ethnic dancers who entertained the crowds on this hot July afternoon. (Let me tell you how hot it was: it was so hot that if a pierogi fell onto the sidewalk, it would melt in ten seconds.)
But looking at these dancers, you would think it was a crisp autumn day. Kudos to them! Most of the dance groups came from either Chicagoland or Toronto.
Finally I get a meaningful vote!
by Dabs
In the 19+ years that I have lived in Indiana, the 2008 Presidential primary in May and the general election in November were the 1st time that I actually had a chance to cast a meaningful vote in a Presidential election. There are two major flaws, in my opinion, with the way that we elect the President of our country. The 1st is the primary election that determines the Democratic and Republican nominees for President. Instead of allowing states to have their primaries earlier on some kind of rotating basis, certain states such as Indiana have theirs so late in the process that usually the nominee has already been chosen as candidates drop out of the contest.
The 2nd is the electoral college. When we vote in the general election, all of the state's votes go to the candidate with the most votes so a President can be elected that did not win the popular vote and it did happen in 2000 when Gore had the popular vote but Bush had more electoral college votes. Indiana always votes Republican so anyone voting for a Democrat, well, their vote really doesn't count. Well, that is until 2008, the 1st time that Indiana voted for a democrat since 1964. And the 1st time that I had to wait in line to vote, this election really stirred people up.
The Democratic primary race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama lasted until after Indiana voted, they both made multiple appearances appearances across the state and we all felt that Indiana might actually have a say in this thing. Hillary Clinton was supposed to make an appearance in Gary, IN but at the last minute the venue was switched to the Civic Center in Hammond so we headed over to see the 1st Presidential candidate to pass through Indiana in all the years I've lived here. A couple of weeks later her husband, former President Bill Clinton, made an appearance in Whiting and I got VIP access thanks to a relative of mine.
In the end Indiana came out in favor of Hillary Clinton but it wasn't enough to overtake Barack Obama who went on to be the democratic nominee and eventually the 44th President of the United States. Our county, Lake County, blundered a bit by either withholding our votes to make it look like we put Obama to victory over Clinton or not counting them very fast (I think it's the former) with the Mayor of Hammond and Gary duking it out on CNN.
Windsurfers
by Dabs
Practically year round you can find the windsurfers out on Wolf Lake. With a few exceptions, motorized boats are not allowed on Wolf Lake so this is a perfect place for windersurfers. This picture was taken in March 2005, obviously at this time of the year you need a wetsuit! If we have a warm summer, the lake is fairly small and a wetsuit is not required. And needless to say, you need to bring your own windsurfer.
Bike trails
by Dabs
Hammond has a series of bike trails starting with the George Lake bike trail (.9 miles), merging into the Wolf Lake bike trail and with a bit of work you can get to the bike trail that runs through Whihala Park along Lake Michigan. Hopefully some day they will all be connected.
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Chicken Marsala
Homemade Polenta
. . . is on this footpath
Early Morning in the Park
