CHICAGO (WLS) — Situated at the intersection of Oliphant and North Northwest Highway in Edison Park, a beloved neighborhood newsstand is about to close its doors for good.
Sunday’s headline is focused on one man: Mike Kaage, who owns Kaage Newsstand.
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“My wife would often joke with me, saying I was more committed to this place than anything else,” Kaage said. “I’m familiar with nearly everyone’s name, and naturally, I know which newspaper they prefer.”
The Kaage Newsstand is closing down after more than 80 years in business.
Kaage says it is a bittersweet moment.
“We’ve maintained our daily operations for 82 uninterrupted years,” Kaage mentioned. “Our team included retired individuals, and we’ve employed many kids who helped out after school and on 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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