2004-08 RHS Newsletter – August-September 2004

This article explores the architectural history and photographic documentation of Prairie School homes in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhoods. Co-author Mati Maldre recounts his journey, beginning in the 1970s, to photograph all existing American structures designed by Walter Burley Griffin, eventually resulting in an extensive exhibit and a published book. The piece details the history of the Prairie School movement, its connection to Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and how Griffin adapted these concepts to create harmonious, moderate-income housing that blended beautifully with the natural landscape of the Chicago suburbs.

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Reprinted from a November 3, 1906 edition of The Post, this brief historical excerpt describes an intense encounter involving Officer MacPhee. Responding to a request to put down a large, powerful dog, the officer was immediately attacked upon entering the barn. He was forced to fight the animal off with his club—which broke during the struggle—before finally managing to get a shot off that killed the dog.

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In an open letter, Ridge Historical Society President Mary Olsson expresses deep gratitude to Mati and Kathy Maldre for their massive efforts in curating an outstanding photographic exhibit and hosting the national meeting of the Walter Burley Griffin Society. Olsson reflects on the history of historic preservation in the Beverly area, noting how the event beautifully brought together homeowners, historians, and visitors from across the country to celebrate and bond over the community's rich architectural heritage.

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This historical excerpt from November 3, 1906, reports on the grim discovery of a woman found dead in a railroad ditch, presumably struck by a passing train. With her neck broken and no definitive identification on her person, authorities relied on a letter in her pocket indicating her name might be Miss Mary Cotton or Mrs. Mary Daun. A local telephone operator recalled giving the roughly 45-year-old woman a drink of water shortly before her death, noting she was walking to Chicago to find work.

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In this nostalgic reflection, William Sabel shares childhood memories of daily domestic life before the prevalence of modern conveniences. He describes the era of the "Ice Man," explaining how wooden iceboxes functioned and the often messy chore of emptying the drip pan. Sabel also recalls the mechanics of early wall-mounted coin-operated telephones and the necessity of giving neighborhood exchange prefixes to the operator. The bulk of the article details his mother's elaborate Saturday bread and coffee cake baking routine during the Great Depression, describing a grueling but rewarding hand-kneading process that yielded fresh, delicious baked goods for the entire family.

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Reprinted from January 6, 1906, this short newspaper snippet reports the resignation of two local teachers, Miss Marion Biegler and Miss Caroline Hagen, with the former leaving her post to get married. The article notes that this brings the total number of new teachers needed since July to eight. The local superintendent humorously expresses hope that "Cupid will go to Santa Claus and keep him company" so that the school system can finally retain its teaching staff.

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This historical advertisement from January 6, 1906, promotes a unique, biological solution for dealing with rats, mice, mink, and other pests: trained ferrets. Placed by Fred Graham of Morgan Park, the ad boasts 15 years of experience in breeding and training ferrets, offering them for wholesale or retail purchase as an effective and aggressive method for local pest control.

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This brief article highlights a charming culinary revival that took place during the Walter Burley Griffin Society lectures held at Bethany Union Church. Linda Lamberty discovered a recipe for "Kensington Tea Bread" in "The Reminder," an old weekly newspaper published by the church during the era when Prairie Style houses were originally being built. To honor the history of local summertime "Kensington Teas" held on porches by early church members, this sweet, light brown bread was specially baked and served to guests at the exhibit's opening reception.

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Republished from an August 4, 1906 edition of The Post, this excerpt details a highly enjoyable and financially successful "Gypsy Encampment" fundraiser organized by the Young People's Society on the Academy grounds. The lively event featured "ten big attractions," including affordable treats like ice cream and lemonade for five cents, donkey rides, and grab bags. The brief piece notes that the presence and assistance of Major Claxton contributed significantly to making the youth-led show a success.

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This compiled section of news briefs outlines several important administrative and community updates for the Ridge Historical Society. It announces the upcoming Dorothy Ann Saly Teacher Enrichment professional development workshops, which provide educational credits (CPDUs) and meals for local teachers. Additionally, it details a schedule of late summer Friday evening programs focusing on architectural and preservation topics, featuring lectures by Mati Maldre, Debra Nemeth, and Mary Quinn Olsson. Finally, the section offers extensive and detailed acknowledgments to the numerous volunteers, docents, caterers, and researchers who contributed to the massive success of the recent Walter Burley Griffin Society tour and photo exhibit.

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This series of short social notes, reprinted from a January 6, 1906 edition of The Post, provides a charming glimpse into the daily lives and goings-on of early 20th-century neighborhood residents. The brief announcements include the installation of a new public telephone at Otto Groll's grocery store, the departure of Daniel Barnard and the Misses L. for a winter trip to Florida, a recent dance hosted by the young people of Longwood at the Hamilton Park club house, and the celebration of the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Moberly.

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This calendar section outlines three upcoming events in the Ridge Historical Society's "In the Cool of the Evening Lecture Series." Scheduled for August 20, August 27, and September 10, the events feature dedicated presentations on Prairie Style view-camera photography by Mati Maldre, the restoration of a Frank Lloyd Wright American System Built Home by homeowner Debra Nemeth, and a comprehensive history of local historic districts by RHS president Mary Quinn Olsson. Each evening event offers champagne and light refreshments following the presentation. A sidebar also invites individuals to contact the Society to register for August docent training classes.

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