My sentimental journey included seeing the Aragon Ballroom where my folks, who met in Chicago, dance away the nights. Address in hand, I caught the red line. For once the phrase "you can’t miss it" was correct. The huge sign could be seen from inside the rail car. The ballroom was literally across the street from the station.

Built in 1929 this 4-storey high building consumed the small on which it was located. Designed to resemble a Spanish palace, the decor included chandeliers, mosaic tiles, archways and balconies. Eight thousand walked the doors on opening night. The Aragon with a floor 110’ by 175’ was considered the most beautiful dance hall in America and played host to the likes of Sinatra, Dorsey, and Miller.

The semi-formal dress code required men to be in tie and jackets. Of course many servicemen in uniform filled the room. This elegant atmosphere prohibited close dancing and employed ushers to enforce the rule.

In 1955 a cocktail lounge next door caught fire and a subsequent explosion blew a hold in the side of the Aragon. New owners in 1964 turned it into a skating rink and in 1965 it hosted boxing and wrestling sporting events. In 1966 it became a disco for a year before finally being returned to ballroom grandeur only to be unsuccessful.

An interesting side note, I walked around a few nearby blocks admiring the old buildings. I came across some old diners, the Riviera (a large single screen cinema), and the Green Mill a popular jazz club with the mobsters. Could my parents have been in the same places as "Bugs" Moran, "Scarface" Capone, or maybe "Johnny" Torrino who was alive right up until 1957?