Resolution Commemorating the 100lh Birthday of Gertrude Petersen
WHEREAS, Gertrude Petersen was bom May 12, 1922 in thc upper peninsula of Michigan and will be 100 years old this May 12, 2022; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this incredible milestone by thc Honorable Nicole T. Lee, Alderwoman of the 11th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Gertrude Petersen attended grammar school at Ward school in Chicago and went on to attend Englewood High School while living at 28th and Wells with her mom, dad and sister; and
WHEREAS, Gert proudly owned and operated a fresh poultry store named "Diana Farms" at 3233 So. Halsted, St. in Bridgeport's 11th Ward for 46 years. On her store shelves were many imported goods. Her diary cases were filled with fresh butter and eggs; and
WHEREAS, She opened the store in 1951 and closed the famed store in 1997 at the age of 75 years old. Her customers included Mayor Daley and his family, Mayor Bilandic and his family, and many more. Mayor Bilandic bought the duck at Diana Farms that he and his wife Heather served to President Jimmy Carter; and
WHEREAS, Gert was fondly known around Bridgeport as "The Chicken Lady." Gert and her family lived behind the chicken store on Halsted Street. Her four children, Andy, David, Diane and Donna would frequently help out in the store, especially at Thanksgiving time, working into the evenings leading up to Thanksgiving; and
WHEREAS, Gert sold beautifully boned chicken breasts long before they became fashionable to eat; and
WHEREAS, When Gert retired, she belonged to a .group of older adult women called "Younger than Springtime." In that group she made many lasting friendships. She went to exercise classes, swimming, luncheons and field trips. She went to many lunches and social gatherings with Diane Bartucci, Carol Gojney, Lorraine Moran and Diane Brandt who are still her good friends today. They would also attend activities that were held at the 9th District Chicago Police Department across the street from Diana Farms; and
WHEREAS, Since early 2020 Gert has been living with her daughter and son-in-law in Miami, Florida. You can still see the beautiful hydrangeas growing in Gert's front store windows. They are being watered by her grandson, Barry, who is living there. Gert has 7 "grand adults" and 5 great grandchildren who all love to spend time with Gert by visiting, phone calls, zooming or Facetime; and
WHEREAS, Family plans are now in the works for a big gathering to celebrate Gert's 100 years; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That wc, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-seven of April ;2022, do hereby congratulate Gertrude Petersen, on her 100th birthday, and wish her continued happiness and success; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Gertrude Petersen as a token of our esteem, honor, and respect.
Nicole T. Lee Alderwoman, 11 th Ward