As a new immigrant in Chicago, I always looked for affordable entertainment venues. Located at 5216 West Lawrence Avenue, on the eastern edge of the Milwaukee-Lawrence shopping district, the old Gateway Theater became a go-to spot for entertainment. Its name, shrouded in mystery, carried the weight of history and significance that I was eager to uncover. The traditional performance stage provided a perfect setting for Indian Ghazal or musical events. The venue, Gateway Theater, was a beacon of cultural diversity, offering a wide variety of programs that would captivate anyone’s interest. It catered not only to the Polish community, which made up the majority of residents in the Jefferson Park area but also to other ethnic groups without their own facilities, as well as the Indo-Pak American community. From musical concerts, plays, and athletic competitions to seminars, dance recitals, children’s plays, choir competitions, and Candidates’ Nights, the theater presented a diverse range of programs, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the area. Because of its central location and accessibility via public transportation, it was equally popular with audiences arriving by foot or private transportation. The towering “Tower Clock” could be seen from a distance, signaling arrival at the Copernicus to Jefferson Park when turning onto Lawrence from the highway or approaching locally from Higgins or Milwaukee Ave.