The coming close of Henry’s Sports and Bait viewed through decades of its and Chicago’s history

Ernest Blackman at the counter of Henry’s Sports and Bait, under the bait sign with the famous promise, “All bait must be opened & checked by our staff.” (Dale Bowman)

Steve Palmisano dug out of a faded mounted dollar bill, then flipped it over to show May 21, 1952, when his dad Hank founded what became Henry’s Sports and Bait.

Tom, the middle of Hank’s sons, opened a scrapbook and pulled photos showing the evolution of Henry’s Wednesday upstairs in the office.