Paddy Bauler

Mathias 'Paddy' Bauler (January 27, 1890 - August 22, 1977)^[1][2] was an American saloonkeeper and alderman of the 43rd ward of Chicago^[3][4] from 1933 to 1967. He was known as a corrupt, controversial and charismatic Chicago political boss and is famous for the quote, "Chicago ain't ready for reform yet",^[5] or "Chicago ain't ready for a reform mayor"^[6] which he exclaimed many times over while dancing a jig^[7] in his saloon upon the news of Richard J. Daley's first election as mayor of Chicago in 1955.^[8] Mayor Daley banned Bauler from attending public functions for a time shortly after the quote was published.^[9] He was the brother of John Bauler.

Personal life

Mathias Bauler's father was born in Germany and his mother was born in Illinois of German descent.^[10] He weighed between 225^[11] and 275 lbs.^[12] and claimed that he did not know that his real name was not 'Paddy' until he was six years old.^[11]

Saloonkeeping and politics

Paddy operated a speakeasy at Willow and Howe streets during prohibition and once prohibition was repealed became the first person to obtain a liquor license in Chicago. ^[13]

Bauler was known as a corrupt politician, and against reform. He has been quoted as saying that one reformer was "[...] so dumb he probably thinks the forest preserve is some kind of jelly."^[8]

His two story political office on North Ave. and Sedgwick avenues, was also a saloon called De Luxe Gardens.^{[14][15][16][17][18]}

Bauler once shot two Chicago police officers^[19] (non-lethally) because, in Baulers words "...they swore at me and called me a fat Dutch pig".^[20] Bauler was cleared from any wrongdoing. Mayor Kelly was quoted as saying that Bauler "Was a real straight-shooter".^[16]

He had been accused of being a "...political power that protects graft, gambling, vice and other lawlessness...^[21]"

On his retirement as an Alderman in 1966 Bauler was asked how he stayed in office so long, he replied "There ain't a thing they ask me that I don't try to do," ^[22]"

Bauer was friends with Charlie Weber.^[23]

Legacy

Bauler Park, Chicago

• The character of the corrupt alderman John O'Shea from the 1987 film, The Untouchables, was partly modeled after Bauler.^[24]
• Bauler Park in Old Town is named after him.^[25]

References