Scoopin'

By: David Motley/City of Waukegan

 

In 1949, Waukegan cabbbie, Jack Young coined the phase, "Scoop the Loop," to describe the process of "scooping" (picking up) fares while travelling on Waukegan's network of downtown roads and "looping" back to only start the process all over again. This word combination would later rise to significance as the areas young adults used this phrase to recognize the process of seeing and being seen on the bridge, at Plaidland, and also at the many other landmarks, side nooks, and community crannies all during the glory years of the 1950's, 60's and 70's. Some of them cruised the streets of our community in souped-up cars, others in old jalopies, and even many more, in mom and dad's grocery getters and station wagons.

 

For the past 65 years, as this tradition has continued on in some form or fashion, under one name or another, organized or unplugged, this cultural phenomenon made a much-anticipated comeback to Waukegan over this past weekend. We are delighted to have had an opportunity to work with "Gerry" Gerald Cook of the Original Scoopers, elected officials, community leaders, generous sponsors, civic organizations, and more than 200 volunteers to help return this custom back to its original birthplace. For some of you that grew up in this era, regardless of what you call this classic car occurrence, it conjures up memories of old friends during the "golden age" of Americana, with hamburger joints, sock hops, drive-in movies and rock and roll. Fortunately for all of us, these magical memories were passed down to the younger generations through fun-filled stories of colorful antics, friendly wagers, and most importantly, through an event that we will refer to simply as Scoop.

 

There are so many talented people that loaned us their time and expertise over the past many months as we drove fast-forward towards this goal of returning this tradition. We want take this opportunity to thank the Scoop crew and give a shout out to Gerry Cook, Bob Pataky, Ron Celesnek, Dick Breen, Jorge Torres, Dave Marion, Josue Pasillas, Kristy Flores, Ryan Anthony Ambrose, Jay Stephen, Tracy Adams, Alan Nowakowski, Chris Szymanski, Aimee Emery Ortiz, Jen Moore, Pat Vukovich, Leanne Linsky, Robert Allen Kutzler, John Hicks Pearce, Colonel Jon Kretlow, and Wayne Motley for showing that it could be done and for climbing aboard for this adventure.

 

SCOOP 2014 Car Show -- Waukegan, IL -- 7/12/14

Done