CHICAGO (WLS) — Nestled on the corner of Oliphant and North Northwest Highway in Edison Park, a long-established neighborhood newsstand is reaching its final chapter.
Sunday’s headline is focused on one man: Mike Kaage, who owns Kaage Newsstand.
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“My wife used to joke with me, saying that I was married to this place,” Kaage recalled. “I know almost everyone’s name and, of course, I know which paper each person prefers.”
The Kaage Newsstand is closing down after more than 80 years in business.
Kaage says it is a bittersweet moment.
“For 82 years, we have been open every single day,” Kaage reflected. “We’ve had retirees on staff, as well as plenty of young students who worked with us after school and during weekends.”
It’s the people. That’s why I keep doing it, until today
Kaage is retiring after taking over the 6-by-6-foot newsstand from his family.
His grandfather bought the corner shop during World War II. The purchase price back then was just $100.
It was also Kaage’s first job at 5 years old. He has been there ever since.
“It’s the people. That’s why I keep doing it, until today,” Kaage said.
Kaage’s role in this tightly knit community speaks for itself.
Just ask the dozens of people there Sunday, celebrating Kaage’s retirement and lining up for one last hug and a handshake.
“I’m getting caught up here. Everyone knows him. They are good people, honest business. And the days you really needed a newspaper, these guys were here,” one customer said.
Genevieve Clarke, now in her 90s, worked there when she was 12.
“We took turns stuffing papers and selling papers,” Clark said. “Sad to see it go, you know? It’s been here for so long.”
So, what does life look like for Kaage once the newsstand shuts down for good?
“Babysit and declutter my house,” Kaage said. “We are a very close-knit family with my siblings, my kids, my grandkids.”
As the Kaage Newsstand closes for the final time, Kaage’s legacy on this corner of Chicago will always be written in the memories made right here over 82 years.
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