2005-02 RHS Newsletter – February – March 2005

This historical snippet from the June 1915 Weekly Review details an ongoing series of burglaries plaguing Washington Heights merchants. In this specific incident, robbers accessed Ching Bing's Chinese laundry through a transom and stole approximately $5.00 from the cash drawer, continuing to baffle local police.

Page(s): 1

This article chronicles the 80-year history of the Chesterfield Federal Savings & Loan Association, which transitioned to MidAmerica Bank in late 2004. Founded in 1924 by Abel A. DeHaan, the institution passed through three generations of the DeHaan family, providing steady employment and community support to the Beverly/Morgan Park area. The piece highlights the company's growth, from its early days sharing office space with Finn Realty to building its distinctive neo-Roman structure at 108th and Western Avenue, while maintaining a strong commitment to local community organizations and service.

Page(s): 1, 3, 4

A July 1902 excerpt from the Ridge Record describes an unpopular decision by the Rock Island road to discharge ten regular fare collectors. They were replaced by "green" substitute office clerks wearing regular clothes and caps, an action deemed absurd by passengers who experienced the confusing and poorly managed transition.

Page(s): 2

This section serves to publicly thank the numerous individuals, families, and organizations that contributed to the Ridge Historical Society's 2004 Annual Fund. Spanning two pages, the alphabetical list recognizes the community's financial support, which allows the Society to meet professional consultant recommendations, fund basic operations, and continue assessing housing, collection, and staffing needs.

Page(s): 2, 9

Originating from the May 1902 Ridge Record, this brief notice advertises an upcoming illustrated talk titled "Birds of Chicago and Vicinity" to be held at Blake Hall. Presented by F.M. Woodruff of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the lecture featured colored stereopticon views and songs by school children, held under the auspices of the Public School Art League.

Page(s): 3

This June 1915 Weekly Review snippet recounts an incident at the Barnard School where a 10-year-old boy, Arnold Heinemann, was bitten in the face by a pet cat. A doctor treated the wound, and the cat was sent to the city pound to be tested for rabies.

Page(s): 4

This short notice from the October 1918 Weekly Review announces the cancellation of the Ridge Patriots' League meeting scheduled at the Morgan Park Congregational Church. The suspension was a direct result of the severe influenza epidemic spreading through the area at the time.

Page(s): 4

The Ridge Historical Society announces its February feature, "Morgan Park Roots," which explores the rich, century-long history of African Americans in the Morgan Park area. The article invites community members to share stories and photos for an exhibit opening on February 13th. It notes that early Black families arrived in the late 1880s, working at the Pullman Works, Chicago Bridge and Iron, and as domestic workers, eventually founding historic community churches like Beth Eden Baptist and Arnett Chapel A.M.E.

Page(s): 4

Recording Secretary Carol Flynn provides a brief overview of the motions passed at the November and December meetings of the RHS Board of Directors. Key actions include allowing the Beverly Area Planning Association to hold a holiday party at RHS, allocating funds for membership brochures, honoring the Morgan Park Junior Woman's Club at the 2005 dinner, appointing Peg Mackle Kapustiak to the board, and establishing the 2005 Nominating Committee.

Page(s): 4

Jennifer Kenny reports on the recent activities of the RHS Historic Buildings Committee, which was tasked with investigating the redevelopment of the historic plaque program for local houses and buildings. The program, originally initiated by BAPA in 1976 after the Ridge Historic District joined the National Register of Historic Places, had gone dormant due to lack of funding. The committee is now discussing application processes, coordinating RHS certificates with outdoor signs, and considering recognition for homes designed by significant architects like George Fred Keck and Howard Van Doren Shaw.

Page(s): 5

From the July 1911 Ridge Record, this humorous snippet clarifies that Rock Island trains arriving at Grand Central Station were using what was formerly known as the Harrison Street Station. The name was changed to avoid ambiguity with the infamous Harrison Street police station, highlighting the confusion with a joke about a charitable lady visiting a prisoner.

Page(s): 5

This October 1918 excerpt from the Weekly Review details an overcoat swindling scheme targeting residents of the Ridge district. A young man attempted the scam on Mrs. John L. O'Donnell, claiming her husband sent him to fetch his overcoat for repairs. When Mrs. O'Donnell grew suspicious and said she would call her husband, the thief hastily retreated empty-handed.

Page(s): 6

Linda Lamberty details the immense success of the Ridge Historical Society's "Small Wonder" exhibit held during the 2004 holiday season. Sponsored by Ed and Lori McGunn, the free event showcased intricate dollhouses, miniatures, and a special collection of American Girl dolls provided by Joan O'Connor. The article expresses deep gratitude to numerous volunteers, decorators, and lenders who made the exhibit, coloring contest, gingerbread house workshop, and dollhouse raffle possible, highlighting the educational value of dolls in teaching defining eras of American history.

Page(s): 6, 7

Nestled among photos on page 7 is a brief update featuring a winter scene of the Morgan Park business district provided by John DeFord, whose great-grandfather was a station agent at 111th Street. The Society uses this image to highlight the success of the RHS website in attracting historical contributions from the community, noting that the next newsletter issue will feature a story on the website's evolving "virtual museum" services.

Page(s): 7

The Ridge Historical Society acknowledges a generous memorial gift from member Marcella Meyer. The donation was made in memory of her brother-in-law, Theodore (Ted) Meyer, who served the district for many years in the Illinois House of Representatives. The piece notes the active role Ted and his wife Marilu played in local community and political affairs throughout their lives.

Page(s): 7

This July 1902 snippet from the Ridge Record laments the rampant burglaries in the village, including three robberies of the post office in two years. It criticizes the inadequate police presence, noting that only one man is expected to patrol the scattered community, and suggests that until street lights burn all night and two men patrol, the criminal conditions will unfortunately persist.

Page(s): 7

An excerpt from the June 1933 Weekly Review details an unusual accident involving 29-year-old Harold Meredith. After parking his car on Longwood Drive, Meredith ran across the street and, failing to see an oncoming Willys-Knight driven by Frank Hunt, dashed headfirst into the side of the vehicle. He was treated at a local pharmacy and later a doctor's office for a potential skull fracture.

Page(s): 8

Featured under the "News Briefs" section, this article serves as a call to action for RHS members to renew their memberships using the enclosed envelope. It explains the financial mechanics of the Society: membership income covers basic operating expenses like the newsletter, while the Annual Fund allows for programmatic enhancements and mission-driven work. It also notes a shift in mailing schedules to avoid confusion between membership renewals and Annual Fund appeals.

Page(s): 8, 9

This News Brief announces that the Ridge Historical Society will honor the Morgan Park Junior Woman's Club at its fifth annual Endowment Fund Luncheon on March 19 at the Oak Lawn Hilton. The article extensively praises the "Juniors" for their decades of unwavering support to RHS—from transforming Driscoll House with decorating showcases to creating gardens and serving as board members—highlighting their indispensable role in the life and operations of the Society.

Page(s): 8, 9

Expanding on the front-page announcement, this News Brief elaborates on the "Morgan Park Roots" project coordinated by Sue Delves. It highlights the collaborative effort with local historians and descendants to gather stories of African American families who settled east of Vincennes as early as the 1880s. The article invites the public to the February 13th exhibit opening and emphasizes that collecting this vital local history will be an ongoing endeavor, encouraging further submissions of photos and family histories.

Page(s): 9

This brief announces that the RHS "Newspaper" Committee has resumed its monthly meetings and is actively seeking volunteers, particularly for Thursday morning sessions. The committee's tasks include maintaining the local newspaper collection, integrating Doris Brown Reality files, accessioning a photo collection donated by BAPA, and archiving scrapbooks. Interested individuals are directed to contact Eileen Klees to offer their assistance.

Page(s): 9

Excerpted from the March 1933 Weekly Review, this snippet praises the quick and efficient work of Fire Engine Company 121. Upon arriving at the home of Guy Austin on Prospect Avenue, the firemen rapidly located a basement boiler fire that had gained considerable headway. They subdued the blaze in under 20 minutes, with special credit given to Lt. Cullen and his team for preventing severe destruction to the home.

Page(s): 9

The back page of the newsletter serves as a calendar of events, reminding members of two major upcoming attractions. The first is the RHS Annual Meeting and the "Morgan Park Roots Program" opening on Sunday, February 13 at Driscoll House. The second is the Annual Endowment Dinner honoring the Morgan Park Junior Woman's Club on Saturday, March 19 at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, noting that reservations are strictly required.

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