only in chicago: dibs

Only in Chicago will you find plastic milk crates, kitchen chairs, folding chairs, outdoor chairs, bicycles, ironing boards, card tables, vacuum cleaners—practically any piece of lightweight small furniture—staking claim to a free street parking space for the hard worker who dug it out from heavy snows.

The practice was recently declared illegal but it’s been going on for decades so that hasn’t stopped it from happening. As local “folk art”, each one an installation, they speak a language the locals understand—even without the occasional note warning potential trespassers. For more unique dibs, visit chicagodibs.com.

Comments

[Marisa]

Fortunately, I have a garage, but the chair as parking spot saver is a very common occurrence here in Pittsburgh, PA as well. I've seen old school/classroom chairs, folding chairs, camp chairs and even a papsan chair used to "save" a spot. A local business started selling "Respect the Chair" shirts following last year's blizzard.

[Bottom-Up Food]

This is not an "only in Chicago" phenomenon! It is a cherished tradition in South Boston, and it's also common in Cambridge.