Let’s look at what was going on one hundred years ago.
Recovery from World War I and the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 took center stage. Prohibition went into effect on January 17, 1920. Women’s right to vote became effective in August. Eight members of the Chicago White Sox were indicted in October for conspiracy to fix the 1919 World Series. In November, Republican Warren G. Harding was elected president to succeed Democrat Woodrow Wilson.
As Christmas approached, life went on as usual on the Ridge, as reported in the “Ridge and Morgan Park News” page in the Englewood Times.
The choir at St. Margaret of Scotland Church spent hours preparing for a “wonderful Christmas surprise program” for their fellow parishioners. Trinity Methodist Church planned a 6:00 a.m. “Nativity Service” prayer meeting for Christmas Day. St. Paul’s Union church put together a box of goodies for the old folks’ home in Oak Forest. The Morgan Park Congregational Church held a holiday bazaar. The Ridge Woman’s Club planned their annual Children’s Party to be held in the Ridge Park field house. The Morgan Park Woman’s Club also held an event for children.
“Grandfather” Egan of 1414 W. 95th Street played Santa Claus for the Catholic Order of Foresters on Christmas Eve. A little research revealed this to be George F. Egan, a superintendent in a clothing company. The Catholic Order of Foresters is a fraternal benefit society. It was formed to offer insurance to its members – death claims, and funeral and sick benefits.
For the week of Christmas, the Dewalt Mechlin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed a brightly lit star in the top branches of a memorial tree they had planted in Ridge Park in memory of fallen U.S. troops.
The Euterpean Glee Club held their annual event, which was perhaps one of the most interesting holiday happenings on the Ridge. Euterpean clubs, formed for musical and literary interests, were very popular in the early 1900s and named for Euterpe, the muse of music. This all-male ensemble had been organized in 1900 by Edward Clissold, the son of Henry Clissold for whom Clissold School on 110th and Western is named. In the early hours of Christmas morning, they went around the streets by auto singing Christmas carols.
David Herriott, the publisher of the Morgan Park Post, described the event in 1915: “Sweetly reminding the listeners of that glorious song of old, when the parted heavens startled the drowsy shepherds, was the sudden advent Christmas Eve of our Euterpeans, when, after midnight, in autos, they went through the village singing the familiar songs of Christmastide. The conception was a beautiful one, and characteristic of this old Glee Club. The editor has been ‘to the opera’ but never was opera like this outdoor singing of ‘Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her king,’ which roused him from his bed at one in the morning, in wonder and deep reverence.”
The children were looking forward to school break for the holidays. They were planning a big skating pond, with the help of “Jack Frost and the fire laddies.”
The remains of two soldiers from the Ridge who died in service during the war were returned to their families for burial. Arnold S. Hunt died in Estaples, France, while in service with a hospital unit. A requiem Mass was sung for him at St. Margaret’s Church and he was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Henry C. F. Beyer, Jr., was killed in action in France. He was honored with services conducted by the American Legion at the chapel at Mount Greenwood Cemetery.
As some families lost loved ones, others gained new arrivals. Four families announced the births of sons: Mr. and Mrs. John Lemmer of 10717 Prospect Avenue, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ruff of 9820 Winston Avenue, Mr. and Mrs. Tierney of the same block on Winston, and Mr. and Mrs. Christy of 9718 Charles Street. Mr. and Mrs. Grace of 9638 Winston had a new baby but the paper wasn’t sure “what the precious bundle contained, a miss or a master.”
Fire damaged the home of Mrs. Frank Sweger of 10001 Beverly Avenue as the result of her five-year old granddaughter Jane Dodge playing with matches. When the fire was discovered, Mrs. Sweger ran outside, thinking Jane was out there, but could not find her. Fireman A. Prunty searched the house and found the child hiding in her second-floor bedroom. He brought her to safety. She received first aid and was “doing nicely.” The Swegers and little Jane were staying with relatives in Blue Island while their house was repaired.
Local businesses contributed to the holiday spirit. The Barnes Drug Store at 1763 West 95th Street was “dressed up in a splendid holiday exhibit and all of its employees are taking a special interest to make the store an attractive place to shop in.”
Down the street, the Bottado Brothers at 1722 W. 95th Street were able to supply nice fresh fruits for use at holiday time. “Their fine courtesies have been noticed by many customers.”
Mrs. Pauline F. Palmer of 1753 West 96th Street was the newspaper’s correspondent for the Ridge and Gresham areas. She became ill and her son, Rudolph “Rudy” Palmer, 15 years old, assumed her entire responsibility. This might explain the following news bit – perhaps the “new” reporter submitted it: “Horrors! A moonshine still has been discovered on the Ridge.”
Next: More from Christmases past.