It happens after every big snow in Chicago: residents shovel out a parking space and stake their claim with random objects. Technically, “Chicago Dibs” is illegal, but city officials look the other way for a couple days before they issue a statement that they’re going to start removing objects from the street. Nope. No more dibs.
Of course, residents feel differently. After all, if they spend all that time clearing the space, they’re entitled to that little piece of public way, right? Back in 2000, then Mayor Richard Daley said, “If someone spends all their time digging their car out, do not drive into that spot. This is Chicago. Fair warning.” (We certainly miss these gems from him.)
Ah, I love Chicago.
Don’t forget to remove the baby first.
This won’t do at all.
Looks like standing in the laundry room until the snow melts.
Don’t miss this one in the dark or you’ll be sorry.
The classic bench. Well done.
Very fancy. This one will be gone before the snow is.
An old standby, but should be turned upside down so it doesn’t fill with snow from the plows. Rookie mistake.
See? This is how you do it.
Rare sighting: a matched set. Methinks two people in the house are standing at dinnertime.
It’s nice when neighbors work together.
Grab a beer and watch the snowplows go by.
Great choice. Looks official.
This must be a joke, right?
Secure and waiting at our post, sir.
No good can come from a couple days of moving these loosely bundled boards.
Always a good choice. Easily folded and put to the side when parked in the spot.
And this one? Don’t even get me started. I’m weeping.
