Prairie Lee Frame Closes in Des Plaines

The 84-year-old frame shop closed its doors at the end of March, according to a letter from the former business owner.

After more than 80 years in business, Prairie Lee Frame closed its doors for the last time at the end of March. “This comes with great sadness to say that we will be closing the store at the end of this month,” stated Mark Skoczynski, owner of the frame shop, in a letter posted on the front door, dated March 1. The full-service frame shop opened at Prairie Avenue and Lee Street in Des Plaines in 1929, according to Prairie Lee Frame’s website, and originally sold wallpaper and paint, in addition to framing. “Words cannot describe how proud I am of this company and how much we appreciated all your support, but the time has come to move on,” Skoczynski stated. “We leave in good standing and on our terms.” Prairie Lee Frame’s phone number was …

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Photo of the Day: Picture Framing

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Kathy Passi and Randy Balsano, both Des Plaines residents, discuss framing Balsano’s Janis Joplin posters. Passi has been framing pictures at Prairie Lee Print & Frame shop, 1381 E. Prairie Ave. in Des Plaines for 24 years. Balsano, 65, inquired about framing his Janis Joplin posters on Friday afternoon. Balsano said he saw Joplin perform in Chicago in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and one of his favorite songs by her was “Proud Mary.” “You don’t hear her much anymore,” Balsano said. “But I still like it.” Earlier: Shake your family tree at the Des Plaines Public Library. For Passi, it’s all in a day’s work. “I never get tired of seeing a piece go from start to finish,” Passi said. “It finishes a piece of art.” Related: Check out all the photos …

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