2007-03 RHS Newsletter – SPRING 2007

Exploring the local impact of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, this piece details how the catastrophe spurred migration south to the Ridge. It highlights key historical figures such as Laurin Palmer Hilliard, who developed substantial homes in the area, and Thomas Morgan, whose vast estate played a pivotal role in the region's layout. The article also recounts personal stories of property loss, the destruction of civic records, and the eventual creation of the Old Settlers' Society to preserve history in the fire's aftermath.

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The Ridge Historical Society highlights the historic significance of a Tudor Revival home at 2244 West 110th Place, once owned by Dr. Leo C. Brown. As a chemist and director of research for Derby Foods (makers of Peter Pan Peanut Butter), Dr. Brown held numerous patents for food processing. His specific innovations prevented peanut oil from separating from the nut paste, ultimately creating the smooth, creamy peanut butter consistency that American consumers enjoy today.

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Chairman Gene Delves announces the successful completion of the 2006 Annual Fund appeal, which featured a $10,000 challenge match. The goal was achieved exclusively through the contributions of RHS members, without needing to reach out to the broader public. The article provides a comprehensive list of donors categorized by contribution amounts and includes an inset listing the newly approved slate of officers and board members for 2007-2009.

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Reflecting on thirty-five years of collecting community history, the Ridge Historical Society discusses the evolution of its archival practices. Moving away from acidic cardboard boxes and wire hangers, the Society is utilizing fundraising dollars and grants to purchase acid-free sleeves, proper textile boxes, and metal shelving acquired at a discount from Rotary International. The article underscores the importance of proper archival techniques to prevent the deterioration of irreplaceable artifacts and calls for volunteers to assist with the expanded storage processes.

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Robert C. Antonides, who served as the Head Football Coach at Morgan Park High School from 1929 to 1960, was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association Hall of Fame on March 31, 2007. Nominated by the Robert C. Antonides Memorial Foundation, he achieved a career record of 135 wins and a City Championship in 1932. The article highlights letters of commendation praising his discipline and integrity, and notes the attendance of family and former players at the induction ceremony in Urbana-Champaign.

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With the arrival of spring, the Ridge Historical Society is organizing a variety of maintenance and improvement projects for its property at 10621 S. Seeley Ave. Volunteers are needed to help clean out basement rooms, wash and paint walls, move stones, plant flora to prevent hill erosion, and remove stumps. The Society specifically invites youth looking for community service hours and retirees looking for active projects to lend their time and effort.

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The Ridge Historical Society announces a May 18th presentation titled "Saving A House Of The Future," featuring Beverly resident and retired engineer Chris Lichtenfeld. The program will cover his ambitious project to restore the Armco-Ferro House, a porcelain-enamel coated, corrugated steel home originally displayed at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Now located in Beverly Shores, Indiana, the historically significant structure is undergoing extensive restoration to save it from rust and neglect, with completion targeted for late 2008.

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Following the publication of a vintage photograph of the Supple Service Baseball Team (a Chicago 16-inch softball team), a family member reached out to the Ridge Historical Society to identify the players. The photo, taken around 1938 or 1939, features the reader's father, Charlie Supple, and uncles who ran the gas station sponsoring the team. The short update lists the newly identified roster, resolving a local historical mystery and sparking nostalgia among readers nationwide.

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Nancy Byrne, a former librarian at the Walker and Beverly Branch Libraries and an active RHS board member in the 1980s and 90s, passed away on November 1, 2006. The article remembers her significant contributions to the Society, notably her meticulous work hand-coloring the Chicago Historic Resource Survey maps to highlight architectural significance. Several community members and organizations have made donations to RHS in her memory, which will be directed toward archiving and preserving documents.

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For the second consecutive year, the Ridge Historical Society has received a grant from the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM). The $252 grant, which RHS will match, is earmarked for the purchase of acid-free boxes to properly store and preserve delicate historic clothing. The Society's costume collection features donated garments dating as far back as the 1830s, making these archival supplies vital for long-term preservation.

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The Ridge Historical Society's Summer Program Schedule outlines several engaging community events for the upcoming months. Featured programs include "The Ark in the Park" on June 24, where experts will discuss the history of Lincoln Park Zoo; the "Third Annual RHS Bike Race Party" on July 13 for family-friendly race viewing; and "An Armchair Visit to Riverview" on August 12, a nostalgic look back at the famous amusement park. The section also notes the ongoing brick paver fundraiser and teases a fall exhibit regarding the Morgan Park Woman's Club.

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