Who is Frankie Machine

and why is there a garden named after him?

Frankie Machine Garden, 2002



Frankie Machine is the title character in Nelson Algren’s novel, The Man with the Golden Arm.  His last name was Majcinek, and his nickname devolved from a mispronunciation of his foreign (to non-Polish ears) last name. However, his original nickname had been Automatic Majcinek, a reference to his expertise in dealing cards. Eventually he became Frankie Machine everywhere, from the polls to the police blotter. 

Frankies’s golden arm used to be an extension of his steady wrist, both valuable tools for a gambler and card hustler. Then over the years, as his addiction to heroin worsened, a small fortune was spent on his arm. Unfortunately, there was no return on this investment.   

Author Nelson Algren had been a resident of the West  Town neighborhood, and in this novel, Frankie lived at 1860 West Division Street, on the block behind the community garden. So, while neither Nelson Algren nor Frankie Machine were gardening types, the name seemed apropos. But in thinking about gardening, gambling, and addiction, it was apparent the fit was better than originally thought.  Gardening and card playing both depend on skill and luck. And both can be addicting, although gardening is a healthier pastime.   

Finally, acknowledging, remembering, and appreciating the people who lived in our neighborhood before us is important.  “Neither God, war, nor the ward super work any deep change on West Division Street” Nelson Algren, The Man with the Golden Arm; 1949.