The Historian of Wrigleyville

There is a romance to memories, both the good and the bad. Time has a funny way of dulling the edges and making one nostalgic. There is also a certain honor and responsibility in passing down the stories of our fathers. Lore can’t exist without someone to tell the tale.

Tom Boyle opened his hobby shop “Yesterday” 42 years ago, just 66 years after the Chicago Cubs won their last World Series. While most Cubs fans are hoping the team can erase 108 years of heartbreak (or at least put a BAND-AID on it) by winning the World Series this year, those that enjoy embracing the past can always step back in time simply by visiting Boyle at 1143 w. Addison St.

Oddly out of place on a busy residential street on the way to Wrigley Field, “Yesterday” is still standing despite appearing as though a stiff breeze might blow the structure over. While developers would surely like to get their hands on Boyle’s prime real estate, he’s not selling. He’s content to open his door wide to let curious shoppers wander inside where they can find anything from old baseball cards and Cubs memorabilia to newspapers from World War II. Stop by before a game and Boyle is sure to be inside showing off his copy of the August 10th, 1988 edition of the Chicago Sun-Times chronicling the first full night game played at Wrigley.

Cubs fans have long bemoaned their team’s century-long futility, yet the “curse” of being the loveable losers is so ingrained in their DNA now, one can’t help but wonder how they’ll feel when the spell is broken. We don’t know if the Cubs will get it done this year — or even if “Yesterday” will still be keeping time on Addison in another 42 years — but we sure hope some of the legions of fans rushing past Tom Boyle’s door next season stop in and say hi.

Just like the Curse of the Billygoat, they might miss “Yesterday” when it’s gone.

Story/Interview by Mark Carman, Kayla Knierim and Patrick Allen

Directed by Patrick Allen

Edited by Richard Durante