2005-06 RHS Newsletter – JUNE, 2005

The Ridge Historical Society is looking for an experienced volunteer to serve as a newsletter editor, writer, and graphic designer. The position involves producing six issues per year and working alongside volunteer writers. Interested individuals are asked to send their resume and examples to Mary Quinn Olsson, President.

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President Mary Quinn Olsson announces the resignation of newsletter editor Dave Daruszka and mourns the loss of Editor Emeritus Elmer Johnson and Dan Moulton. She highlights ongoing strategic planning, the search for an Executive Director, and the need for fundraising to support building conservation and collections. She also welcomes new board members and mentions current exhibits, including a vintage hat exhibit and the History of Black Morgan Park exhibit.

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Lori and Ed McGunn are hosting the RHS First Annual Race Party on Friday, July 8, to coincide with the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic. The fundraiser offers spectacular views of the race from the hosts' Longwood front yard and terrace, complete with catered food and beverages for a $40 ticket. The Cycling Classic is the opening race of the International Cycling Classic Superweek Pro Tour, bringing professional racing excitement to the neighborhood.

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On Sunday, June 12, acclaimed local cyclist Carl Spencer will recount his 1975 transcontinental bicycle ride from the Atlantic to the Pacific, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. His wife Elaine will show slides from the journey. Spencer's bike, which is part of the society's permanent collection, will be featured in a special summer exhibit along with photos and memorabilia.

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On Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14, the Ridge Historical Society will raise a new, larger flag procured with the help of Carl Spencer and American Legion Post 407. The flag originally flew at the Chicago Bridge and Iron offices. The event also marks Carl Spencer's 85th birthday, and he will raise the flag himself, with all veterans welcome to participate and enjoy light refreshments.

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Board members Mel and Joyce Black have organized a baseball fundraiser for Saturday, June 18, featuring the Windy City Thunderbolts at Hawkinson Field in Crestwood. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will support a significant landscaping project on the Longwood hill side of the society. The project involves creating a new curving retaining wall and has been supported by a Chicago Green Corp Grant and the Fiskars Company.

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On Saturday, June 25, Paul Petraitis will conduct a walking tour and lecture exploring the local ravines known as Horse Thief Hollow. Participants will meet at the Ridge Historical Society and walk to "Snake Hill" to learn the documented truth about how these wooded hills were used to hide stolen horses over 150 years ago.

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Following the cycling classic, Andrew Ritchie, author of the book "Major Taylor," will make two presentations about the remarkable African American champion racing cyclist. The local bike trail is named in his honor. The presentations are scheduled for Saturday evening, July 9, and Sunday afternoon, July 10.

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A brief listing of proposed events for late summer and early September includes an ice cream social at the historic Platt House on Drew St., and a garage and book sale. Additionally, planned events feature a bus tour about the 1871 Chicago Fire led by Herman Schell, a presentation on Robbins Airfield and the Tuskegee Airmen, and a talk by a University of Chicago archaeologist regarding a current dig in Turkey.

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