2001-08 RHS Newsletter – Aug 2001

This article summarizes a presentation given by Chicago Tribune's Bill Barnhart to the Ridge Historical Society regarding Arthur A. Baer (1896-1975). It traces Baer's life from his early days working at his parents' general store and his education at the University of Chicago, to his eventual presidency at Beverly Bank. Baer is celebrated for his profound impact on the local community, specifically his instrumental roles in launching the "Beverly Now" program, facilitating the revitalization of BAPA, and helping finance the creation of the Beverly Art Center and the restoration of the Beverly Literary Association.

Page(s): 1

Kate Eaton promotes the upcoming Ridge Historical Society annual Garage Sale, scheduled for Saturday, September 15. The event promises a wide array of unique and bargain-priced items, encouraging community members to attend. Additionally, the article serves as a call for donations, directing locals to drop off their unwanted but valuable goods to Gen Graf at Driscoll House prior to the event to help support the society.

Page(s): 2

Harold T. Wolff details the recent acquisition of the Heilbronn Coverlet, a donation from the estate of Evelyn Durkee. Woven in 1854 by professional weaver G. Heilbronn in Lancaster, Ohio, the double-weave coverlet features intricate red, white, and blue designs of birds and snowflakes. The article delves into the history of the Jacquard loom, the early semi-mechanical device controlled by punch cards used to create the coverlet, highlighting how remarkably well-preserved the 147-year-old textile is today.

Page(s): 2

The article outlines the festivities planned for the Ridge Historical Society's annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 12, at Driscoll House. For the 2001 iteration, the event will feature 50-cent pony rides for children alongside the traditional offerings of ice cream and home-baked goods provided by board members. Admission is set at $3 for children and $5 for adults, with a special promotion offering free admission to anyone who becomes a new RHS member during the event.

Page(s): 2

Director Paul Petraitus opens by encouraging members to read the July/August 2001 issue of Midwest Living, which features Beverly's historic homes and gardens in an article by Grace Kuikman. He then asks the community to share information about old fruit trees and peonies on their properties, sharing a local legend about a peony root gifted by Queen Victoria in 1844 to a local resident. The column continues onto the next page, transitioning into updates about current historical exhibits, including details on the 1845 wedding of Cyrus Jackson and Sarah Bingle, early daguerreotypes, a mercury glass paperweight, and the newly displayed "Andrews Bible" dating back to 1835.

Page(s): 2, 3

This article announces a Ridge Historical Society members' meeting scheduled for September 30, featuring a presentation by Beverly area author and historian Ellen Skerrett. Skerrett will discuss how both Protestants and Catholics utilized local churches to define their communities and leave a lasting imprint on Chicago. Her talk will focus on the diverse religious infrastructure built by various ethnic groups—including New England Yankees, Swedes, Irish, French Canadians, and African-Americans—providing a historical perspective on the neighborhood's evolution.

Page(s): 3

President Dave Daruszka provides a sobering update on the Ridge Historical Society's financial health, revealing that a lack of adequate funding and unforeseen maintenance expenses have forced the Executive Board to temporarily lay off the Executive Director and Registrar. Highlighting that RHS operates heavily on endowments, memberships, and donations, Daruszka explains that current income streams are insufficient to maintain the museum, digitize collections, and fund future growth. He concludes with an urgent appeal to members for financial contributions and volunteer assistance to ensure the society's long-term survival and mission.

Page(s): 3

The newsletter includes a solemn announcement regarding the death of Mrs. Ruth Wilson, a dedicated long-time docent for the Ridge Historical Society. In addition to her service to the RHS, Mrs. Wilson was an active participant in several other community organizations, including the Bethany Union Church, the Ridge Camera Club, and the League of Women Voters. The society extends its condolences to her family, specifically directing sympathies to Ray Quisenberry of Mt. Prospect.

Page(s): 3