For over 80 years, Kaage Newsstand in Chicago’s Edison Park has been a cornerstone, sharing the world’s biggest headlines since 1943. Now, it’s making its own news: the stand will close on June 29, 2025.
Sun-Times reporter Amy Yee recently visited to capture this poignant Chicago story.
End of an era: The third-generation family business, located near the Edison Park Metra station, is closing as owner Mike Kaage, 68, retires. His grandfather, a former newspaper delivery driver, bought the 6-by-6-foot stand at 6700 N. Northwest Highway for $100 during World War II.
A lifelong commitment: “This has been my life since I was a little kid,” said Kaage, who began working there at age 5, earning 25 cents an hour for odd jobs. The newsstand has been central to his life ever since.
Bittersweet retirement: Kaage’s decision to close is heartfelt, especially after losing his wife, Karen, in February 2025. He looks forward to babysitting his two grandchildren, now his top priority. “My grandchildren are the most important thing in my life now,” he shared.
Community connection: Kaage knows nearly every customer by name, often having their papers ready before they arrive. “I am going to miss the people. That’s why I stayed,” he told the Sun-Times.
Final farewell: After locking up for the last time, Kaage plans to celebrate with family, friends, community members, and former employees—many now older men who worked there as boys—at a nearby bar. He faces one last choice: “Do I get home delivery?” he mused, noting it’s always been a “no-no” for him.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.