Token in Chicago

[Bharpring]

Does anyone know what this is? Dug it in Chicago last night. It is aluminum.

 

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[Nick79]

No clue sorry, but it has a lot of rust on it for something aluminum, maybe tin?

 

[nhbenz]

For what it’s worth, this shows 524 W. Van Buren as being the Brizzolara Buffet in 1906.
https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofcit58chic/proceedingsofcit58chic_djvu.txt

 

[Bharpring]

For what it’s worth, this shows 524 W. Van Buren as being the Brizzolara Buffet in 1906.
https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofcit58chic/proceedingsofcit58chic_djvu.txt

That is probably it! Nice work! And Thank You!!

 

[nhbenz]

Your certainly welcome, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a different sort of business, since it mentions Scarboro (guessing what that first name is). But at least we know the second name for sure.
Added: I haven’t figured out a link to Monroe 1700 either, if that’s what it says?

 

[Bharpring]

Your certainly welcome, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a different sort of business, since it mentions Scarboro (guessing what that first name is). But at least we know the second name for sure.
Added: I haven’t figured out a link to Monroe 1700 either, if that’s what it says?

Yes, it does say 1700 Monroe. Someone mentioned that the reverse is a 2 1/2 cent sign commonly used for pool halls?

 

[DCMatt]

I haven’t figured out a link to Monroe 1700 either,

It is an early telephone number for Chicago.

So we have a name, address, and phone number on this token and can't figure it out?

I looked for a while but came up mostly empty. The Brizzolara Bros had a saloon just down the street at 428 Van Buren at the turn of the 20th. Their names were Dominic, Charles, and Louis.

In 1902 - 03 the 524 address was a grocery.

 

[nhbenz]

I now think the first name is Sbarboro

 

[Anduril]

For what it’s worth, this shows 524 W. Van Buren as being the Brizzolara Buffet in 1906.
https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofcit58chic/proceedingsofcit58chic_djvu.txt

Following up on njbenz's lead, there was indeed a saloon at the above address, and it was licensed to S. Brizzola and A. Tassi. (Note: Spelling)
The link below is for the "List of Licensed Saloons in the City of Chicago" for licenses issued May 1, 1908.
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiuc.2226516;view=1up;seq=78

I couldn't help but noticed that there is another saloon on the same street, also licensed to a Brizzolara.
That one was at 428 W. Van Buren, and was licensed to D. and Chas. Brizzolara. (License # 5160, in Ward #19).

And to round out the research, the other Brizzolara saloon licenses mentioned in the Proceedings of the City Council include: (Date: Oct 22, 1906)
Link: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101064987744;view=1up;seq=330
D. Brizzolara (President), Brizzolara Buffet, Inc. at 524 Van Buren (License # 3748, ward #20), with the correct spelling.
C and D Brizzolara at 495 W. Madison Street (possibly the same D and Chas. mentioned above)? Lic# 4462, ward #18 (D is probably for Dominick, Charles's brother)
Also a Fred Brizzolara at 1489 W Ohio Street Lic# 2628, ward #35.
...and finally Louis Brizzolara at 253 W. Madison. Lic# 5445, Ward #18 (a later business directory lists 252 W Madison as "Brizzolara Bros. Saloon"

Lot of saloons in Chicago back then...

 

[DCMatt]

Wow. Excellent research from everyone!

From the 1878 Chicago Business Directory:



I think the listing is a typo. Ben is correct - Sbarboro. That is a famous name in the wine making industry.

(Note: I don't mean to imply that this token is from 1878. The phone number tells us it is likely early 1900's. I simply wanted to confirm the family names and possible connections.)

 

[Bharpring]

Wow!! This is phenomenal! This is truly uncovering some Chicago history