Did you know that there are 12 lovely Skokie homes that sit right in the middle of Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood?

In 1954, an entire Skokie neighborhood –– south of what is now the Village Crossing Shopping Center –– was given to the City of Chicago. The exception was the northeast side of the 6700 block of Ionia Avenue. Since these 12 houses were allowed to stay in Skokie, but were isolated from the rest of the village and park district, the block was connected by a one foot strip of land behind several warehouses, four blocks north to the Skokie border, ending behind Dick's Sporting Goods. Skokie's southwest village limits thereby took on the distinct shape of a hockey stick.

During a recent visit to the 'blade of the hockey stick,' we spoke to a current resident who shared some interesting facts. 1. The Skokie Public Works Department drives through Chicago to plow her side of the street –– always arriving before the City of Chicago plows the other side of the street. 2. Her kids went to Skokie's Fairview South Elementary School, while their neighborhood friends all went to Chicago's Edgebrook Elementary. 3. And of course, her family pays Village of Skokie and Skokie Park District taxes.

So for those reading this from a home in the 6700 block of Ionia Avenue (odd numbered addresses only), a reminder that we offer a great place for you to find recreation in your neighborhood. Check out Schack Park's many amenities, including the Skokie Park District's only sled hill, just a few blocks away! And finally, since you live inside the blade of a hockey stick, we have one more recommendation. Learn to figure skate or play hockey at the Skatium Ice Arena!