2009-12 RHS Newsletter – WINTER 2009

This article details the profound impact of the Thayer family on Morgan Park, beginning with the establishment of educational institutions like the Mount Vernon Military Academy and the Chicago Female College in the 1870s. It chronicles Gilbert Thayer's leadership in transforming these schools into prominent institutions, attracting students from wide areas. The narrative follows the family through subsequent generations, highlighting their continued involvement in local businesses, civic organizations, and significant historical events, such as Harry Weeks Thayer's contribution to World War II technology.

Page(s): 1, 6, 7

Transporting readers back to 1909, the article describes the societal and economic landscape of the era before focusing on a 1909 postcard collection featuring Morgan Park houses. It specifically examines four properties on what is now Lothair Avenue (formerly an extension of Prospect Avenue): the Israel Wilkinson House, the Horatio and Elizabeth Mary Ann Underwood House, the Jordan B. Cottle House, and the Joseph A. Alexander House. By comparing historical photos with contemporary images, the piece highlights how these structures and their immediate environments have evolved over a century, while still maintaining their historical essence amidst a modernizing neighborhood.

Page(s): 2, 3, 5

The article outlines recent progress within the Ridge Historical Society's archives, notably the reorganization and consolidation of materials, making the research facility more user-friendly. It calls for volunteers to assist with archiving and data entry. Significant milestones include the creation of searchable electronic databases and the acquisition of a documentary DVD detailing the history of the Thirteenth Church of Christ, Scientist. Additionally, it discusses the implementation and training for the PastPerfect museum software, essential for organizing the society's collections, and acknowledges the crucial support from various volunteers and community partners like Smith Village.

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This piece serves as a memorial for Virginia Lane Mackle, who passed away on November 19th. It highlights her extensive family history on the Ridge, noting that her ancestors were pioneers covering more than 175 years in the territory. The article mentions her father and uncle's operation of the Lackore Nichols & Lane Funeral Home in Morgan Park for a century. Virginia, along with her husband John Mackle, were founding members of RHS and dedicated lifelong supporters of its mission.

Page(s): 5

The Ridge Historical Society collaborated with artist Susan Engle Budash, a Morgan Park High School Class of 1967 alumna, to create a drawing titled "Nostalgia – Symbols of the Sixties." The artwork features sketches of various prominent Beverly and Morgan Park businesses and symbols from that era, such as Mickleberry's and the old Rock Island passenger car. The black-and-white print is available for purchase, appealing to residents looking to reminisce about the neighborhood's mid-century landscape.

Page(s): 5

In this seasonal message, RHS President Doris Moulton details the practical steps taken to winterize the Ridge Historical Society's headquarters, including installing storm windows and contracting a new gas supplier to reduce costs. She notes the extensive yard work completed to clear fallen leaves and mentions the progress of the annual fund drive. The piece also outlines the board's indoor winter projects focused on maximizing storage space for collections, inviting volunteers with spare time to assist.

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The Ridge Historical Society extends its thanks to several contributors for their recent help. Acknowledgments are given to Ryan Hall for his work on database creation and collection processing. The society also expresses gratitude to the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program (SWAP) from the Cook County Sheriff's Office, which brought young men to rake leaves and clean debris on the property. Finally, thanks are offered to everyone who volunteered to help with the RHS garage sale.

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Approaching the holiday season, the Ridge Historical Society presents a variety of gift options for local history enthusiasts. Suggestions include purchasing RHS memberships, which offer newsletter access and program discounts, and commissioning historic building research to uncover the lineage of neighborhood homes. Other unique gifts are the historic home bronze plaque program for properties over 50 years old, and the paver brick program, allowing for personalized engraved stones in the RHS gardens. Additionally, the society offers local history books for sale, including "Images of America" and "Chief O'Neill's Sketchy Recollections."

Page(s): 6, 7

This brief announcement urges members to mark their calendars for the Ridge Historical Society's Annual Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, February 28, 2010. It mentions that details regarding the agenda and specific programs will be sent out at a later date. Accompanying the notice is an upside-down, historical photograph of an unidentified large building situated near water, challenging readers to identify what it is and where it formerly stood in Morgan Park.

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