The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-04-11
"HINKY DINK" OF CHICAGO.
Peculiarities OF the Newly Elected Alderman
from Dathhouse Johns Ward.
From the Chicago Ttme.-Hera,d.

From the Chicago Times
The nowly elected Alderman from tho First
ward in Chicago Is Michael Kenna, but he Is
known all over the city as "Hinky Dink." He
got that name years ago when he was selling
newspapers and shining shoes on the streets. 1t
will stay with him until he dies, notwithstapd-
ing his triumph at the polls last Tuesday. While
come OF his admiring constituents may address
him as Alderman kenna, and the etiquette OF
the Council chamber may forbid familiarity. he
will continue through life as "Hinky Dink," or
"Hink," or III. Dink." or "Dinky'' Kenna, tho
little man from the First ward.
There are several stories as to how he came by
his own peculiar name. Probably the most cor
rect explanation, and certainly the one entitled
TO the most credence, is furnished by "Hinky
Dink" himself. He says the name was given to
him years ago when. with a lot OF other news
boys and SINNERS" he used to go swimming in
the lake at the foot OF Van Buren, street. He
doesn't remember who the boy was that named
him SO effectively nor why he was thus distin-
Most Of the boys ran with in those days
had nicknames.' said the First ward statesman,
they were calling me. We were in swimming
every warm day. and l can only remember that
ing me HinEy Dink.' / don't Know why. One
Of the boys was called 'Kcelover' on account Of
his peculiar style of diving. I've read ali kinds
49," = 'N1 oub luGJ
were all wrong"
Politics is a game that "Hinky Dink" knows
regulations in that line. He has been playing
at II ever since he was a boy, and thinks there Is
OF the shrewdest Republicans and Democrats in
the city have gone down. He is conceded by.
zation, and the fact that no was elected by a
plurality OF over $500 proves something, even
IN the First ward: Tom MeNaily aided In civ.
Ing him his start in politics, something like
to vote when he became prominent in
his ward: He has been a delegate TO
and has been a member OF the Central Commit.
tee for the past i've years. Now he is an Alder.
the, Council chamber for the first time he will
undoubtedly disappoint many OF those present
on that monentous occasion. His reputation as
pressions among the citizens of Chicago con-
The real d" Hinky Dlnk" is nothing whatever
Ike the imaginary. A more inotfcnsive person.
modest and retiring as a country parson. He
WI a az the least attention OF any member of
could hide behind the desk which the city has
waiting for him, He really stands a chance Of
The First ward boss Is 81 years old ns sS' hss n, araI
mixed with the blond hairs that cover his head.
He stands o feet 4 inches, not high enough
and friend, bath House" Colghiin. Wien
no is fcshy he is AS heavy as 40 pounds.
He parts his hair almost in the middle and wears
IA little blond mustache that efiectually conceals
u short upper lip. His clothes are always quiet
and in good taste. and he is rarely gully of
wearing a collar that is not as near spotless as
the laundry can make it.. One fairly good dia.
mond stud adorns his neck scarf, and this, with
a plain gold ring. constitutes his stock OF
lewelry. When he gets out with the Cook
County Marching Club he puts on a silk hat that
When "Hinky"' struck out for himself he
took possession OF the southeast corner OF Madi-
son and Dearborn streets and sold papers. While
he wasn't busy with the papers he was shining
shoes. The newspaper business suited him best,
however, and he gave IL the most attention. Ito
cation was at the height OF its fame, and
soon boosted its circulation in Chicago away
up into the thousands, He saved his money
think it was tIime for him mt" to look o oIsnn ro
for an opening. He went out 10 LeadviIle
armed with letters of recommendation from
some OF the best business men in Chicago and
ment OF the Lake County RereiIle, a paper pub
lished at Leadville. That was in 1879, and less
than two years later "Hinky Dink" had made
start him in the saloon business. He says he ia
worth $50, 600, the bulk of his wealth being In
property on the west side.
that kind OF work now. He has four barkeepcrs
busy ringing two cash. registers and as MANY
poriers busy keeping the place clean. "a man
be can eat in Kinks place" said Hank North.
The lunch Is always there, and a man is vel.
come TO eat all he can hold. Hundreds OF men
keep thfmseiyes alive eyery. winter at Hinky's
Is y niue man. II a man is taken sick suddenly
in his place he don't call for tho police ambL-
lance, He sends the man TO tho hospital in a
medical attendance, and still there's probably a
LOT of people, down IN tho Tbirty.second ward
who think hinky has horns on Ms head and car