2004-02 RHS Newsletter – February-March 2004

Growing up during the Great Depression in the 1930s made it an economic necessity for the author's family of eight children to preserve food. The article details the extensive household operation of canning bushels of tomatoes, peaches, and dill pickles, often directed by their parents. The author also reminisces about making homemade root beer and grape juice to ensure the family had plenty of food and drinks for the harsh wintertime and holiday seasons.

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Joan Wynne Murphy, assigned by her boss Arthur Baer over 30 years ago to gather local historic stories and artifacts, was chosen as the honoree for the RHS Annual Endowment Fund luncheon. The article outlines her impressive career journey, from an early job at Central YMCA College and a stint as a bank teller, to serving as Beverly Bank's advertising manager and establishing the Wynne Agency. It highlights her energetic dedication to community projects, such as her involvement in forming the Beverly Art Center, her work with the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA), and her instrumental role in promoting local history and environmental program tours.

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A historical Abstract of Deed brought to the archives by Edris Hoover and Cynthia Ruggemeier has given the Ridge Historical Society valuable information regarding the early land ownership and geography of the Ridge area. Spanning the land from 96th and Damen Avenue to Leavitt Street, the legal document from circa 1837 helps pinpoint the original intersection and diagonal path of the Vincennes Trail and potentially the Portage Trail. This rare document offers concrete legal evidence that a portion of the early interstate highway ran diagonally straight through what are now modern neighborhood backyards, while also detailing notable early owners like Josiah C. Goodhue and Ebenezer Peck.

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In 1922, ten historic markers were placed at Rock Island stations to celebrate the railroad's 70th Anniversary. Today, only one of those bronze plaques survives, currently located at the entrance to the Ridge Historical Society. It is dedicated to the railroad's one-time president, John F. Tracy, whose affectionately inscribed plaque managed to outlast the railroad itself after it disappeared into bankruptcy in the 1970s.

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Following the successful inauguration of the Annual Fund in the previous year, the Ridge Historical Society proudly reports that its members and friends have contributed generously once again. The current year's fund has already surpassed the $8,000 mark, with all the money going directly toward current operating expenses. The society expresses deep gratitude to its donors for making the fund a resounding success, while humorously noting they are still gladly accepting further gifts.

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Another historic marker rescued by the Ridge Historical Society identifies the location of the 1836 Gardner Home and Tavern, which was bought by William Wilcox in 1844 and subsequently became a refuge for slaves during the Civil War. Placed in 1937 for Chicago's Charter Jubilee and authenticated by the Chicago Historical Society, the plaque was eventually removed after suffering vandalism and given to the RHS. Today, schoolchildren frequently use the plaque to take crayon rubbings while learning about local ties to the Underground Railroad.

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Registrar Harold T. Wolff provides a public update on recent historical artifacts and materials donated to the Ridge Historical Society. Notable contributions include photographs and brochures from Joan Wynne Murphy, a 1914 Chicago Telephone Company booklet from Jennifer Kenny, and massive industrial volumes and photograph collections from other community members like Dan Brady and Bill Sandstrom. These valuable items continue to enrich the society's growing archives and help preserve the local history of the Beverly and Morgan Park areas.

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The Ridge Historical Society celebrated the immense success of their "Small Wonder" exhibition, which brought an impressive 801 visitors through the doors of the Driscoll House during the holiday season, a massive jump from the prior year's 272 signatures. The article extensively thanks numerous volunteers, financial backers, community members, and RHS Board members who generously contributed dollhouses, miniatures, and their personal time to make the event possible. Due to its popularity, the event will return next holiday season, and an associated coloring book featuring the loaned dollhouses and their architectural styles will soon be available for sale.

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Operating as the Scrapbook Committee for the month, the archival team surveyed nearly 40 meticulously kept scrapbooks around the Driscoll House compiled between WWI and the 1960s, featuring everything from women's club news to genealogical records. They also finished storing old newspapers discovered in the fall, which include rare local publications like the Ridge Record, The Morgan Park Gazette, and a German publication called Der Friedenshote from 1903. To preserve these fragile historical records, the committee is implementing strict glove-handling protocols and encouraging monetary or material donations for archival-quality protective boxes and folders.

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The newsletter announces that Paul Petraitis, a seasoned historian and photographer with a Bachelor of Science in History of Photography, will be the featured speaker at the February 8th Ridge Historical Society meeting. The article highlights his professional background, including his 16-year tenure as a photographer with the Chicago Historical Society under Walter Krutz and his impressive curation of various regional photography exhibitions. His presentation, which will focus on the History of Photography in Chicago, will take place at the Driscoll House following the RHS Annual Meeting and the election of the Board of Directors.

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