Seventy Years Behind The Wheel
Al Klak drove a cab from 1927 to 1997, and recently turned 100.
By Jennie Barker
Surrounded by 100 family members and friends, former cabdriver Mr. Aloysius “Al” Klak celebrated his 100th birthday on May 24th, at St. Daniel's Church. The festivities included a polka band, which had everyone on their feet, including Mr. Klak. “He danced as much as anybody,” said son Thomas Klak, 51.
Turning 100 isn't the only milestone for Mr. Klak. He was also a cabdriver for seventy years!
Born in Thorpe, Wisconsin, in 1909 Mr. Klak was the 2nd youngest of 12 siblings. From the time he was a young boy until the age of 16, Mr. Klak worked on a dairy farm with his parents Frances and Ignatz, selling milk to a cheese factory down the road.
Not long after, Mr. Klak moved to Milwaukee, and then later to Chicago where he started his career in 1927, driving cab number 727 with Yellow Cab Company.
Back then Chicago Midway Airport was known as Chicago Municipal Airport and had just a fraction of its current popularity. Because of this, Mr. Klak often found the majority of his customers by frequenting various train stations throughout the city. Every morning, he would wake up early and work the day shift six times a week. “He knew every block of the city. He worked everywhere,” Thomas said. Mr. Klak appreciated Chicago for its lively atmosphere. “I think he enjoyed the interaction with people…. [He was] really good at it.”
In 1943, Mr. Klak moved to the South West part of Chicago, where he has lived ever since. “He still lives by himself,” Thomas said. He's firm in his own way. He knows what he likes.”
By World War II, Mr. Klak already had several children. Instead of enlisting, Mr. Klak chose to drive a bus in the city of Chicago and continued to drive a taxi on the side. Eventually, Mr. Klak formed the Liberty Cab Company, where he stayed for the remainder of his career.
According to Thomas, his father enjoyed the cabdriving profession because he could provide a public service to others and that he was able to earn a good living to support his family of seven children.
Growing up, Thomas recalled his father being a great supporter of his little league baseball team, attending all of his games and taking him to the batting cages for practice. Mr. Klak also took an active role in tending to the groundwork at the baseball field.
Since retiring in 1997, Mr. Klak has enjoyed spending time with his 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, while also tending to his garden. Mr. Klak grows his own grapes, and makes wine from them.
He also enjoys going to sporting events. An avid Cubs fan, Mr. Klak attends Chicago Cubs games 2-3 times a year. “He may be the oldest Cubs fan still waiting for a championship,” Thomas said.
To this day, Mr. Klak still has a positive outlook on the cab business. When asked what advice he would give to younger cabdrivers, Mr. Klak replied, “Never argue with a customer. The customer's always right.”
