Name Paddy Bauler | ||
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Mathias 'Paddy' Bauler (January 27, 1890 – August 22, 1977) was an American saloonkeeper and alderman of the 43rd ward of Chicago 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", or "Chicago ain't ready for a reform mayor" which he exclaimed many times over while dancing a jig in his saloon upon the news of Richard J. Daley's first election as mayor of Chicago in 1955. Mayor Daley banned Bauler from attending public functions for a time shortly after the quote was published. He was the brother of John Bauler.
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Personal life
Mathias Bauler's father was born in Germany and his mother was born in Illinois of German descent. He weighed between 225 and 275 lbs. and claimed that he did not know that his real name was not 'Paddy' until he was six years old.
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Paddy operated a speakeasy at Willow and Howe streets during prohibition and once prohibition was repealed became the first person to obtain a liquor license in Chicago.
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."
His two story political office on North Ave. and Sedgwick avenues, was also a saloon called De Luxe Gardens.
Bauler once shot two Chicago police officers (non-lethally) because, in Baulers words "...they swore at me and called me a fat Dutch pig". Bauler was cleared from any wrongdoing. Mayor Kelly was quoted as saying that Bauler "Was a real straight-shooter".
He had been accused of being a "...political power that protects graft, gambling, vice and other lawlessness..."
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," "
Bauer was friends with Charlie Weber.