Parade Day

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians St Patrick's Day Parade starts at noon today (3/17) at Oakland and Tamm and winds up at Manchester and Tamm.  The neighborhood the parade travels through is known as Dogtown.  It is inhabited by many Irish/Americans, but, it's not the first Irish conclave in the city.  That hood was known as Kerry Patch and was located near the riverfront on the northside. 

I've heard several theories about how Dogtown got its name.  The one that's probably most credible involves coal miners working in what is now Forest Park.  When the city attained the land to turn it into the park, the miners had to find a new place to live and work.  They built ramshackle houses and cabins just south of the park on what was unincorporated land.  They protected their property with guard dogs and there were apparantly lots of 'em. 

Another one I've heard is from the 1904 World's Fair and has something to do with visitors from overseas who savored dog meat.  So, now you see why I prefer the first theory!