Today we managed to avoid the rain that all my apps were predicting and tour Belmont-Cragin and Hermosa.  These two northwest side communities are in the heart of Chicago’s bungalow belt and are surrounded by rail lines.  The rail lines were responsible for bringing manufacturers and industries to the communities.  Soon the population expanded as companies located along the rail lines sought workers.  Workers and their families filled the bungalows and brick flats in the neighborhoods.  Parks, schools, religious and civic institutions dotted the area to service the new residents and the built history of these streets endures today, giving us a perfect backdrop for our tour.  Here was our route: