2002-08 RHS Newsletter – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER, 2002

The calendar lists numerous events for August and September 2002, including multiple programs on the Chicago Bungalow Exhibit, RHS Board Meetings, a historic maps presentation by Paul Petraitis, a special benefit featuring the historic schooner Fame, and the RHS Garage Sale scheduled for September 14.

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Mike Mulcahy, part-owner of the historic 1910 double-gaff schooner Fame, will host a program on August 23 at the Beverly Art Center to benefit the Ridge Historical Society. Fame is recognized as the oldest sailing vessel on Lake Michigan and has a rich, well-documented history in Chicago, having raced in every decade of the 20th century. The benefit will include a wine and cheese reception and a raffle offering an outing on the boat.

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Thanks to web site coordinator Dave Daruszka, the RHS website has seen significant growth and functionality upgrades. The site is now linked to the Chicago and Northern Illinois History Web Ring and features a new site meter to track visitor traffic and duration. Additionally, historical photographs, including the restored 111th Street Metra station and old streetcars donated by the late Foster Palmer, have been added for public viewing.

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This article explores the history of the "X" landmark at 103rd Street where the Panhandle Railroad intersected with the Rock Island line. Completed in 1865, the railroad crossing spurred the growth of the Washington Heights community, which was platted in 1874 as a prototype Rock Island commuter town. The piece discusses early railroad history, the "Dummy Line" branch, and references 1926 research notes by local scholar Cora Heineman, as well as a redrawn map by RHS Founding Father Gary Sauermann.

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Led by board member Joyce Black and members of the Morgan Park Junior Women's Club, around 50 volunteers contributed over 700 hours to beautify the Driscoll House grounds in 2002. Supported by a $3,000 grant from the city, the team engaged in major weeding and planted over 100 recycled bulbs from the Garfield Park Conservatory. This initiative marks the first year of a three-year commitment to maintain the property's landscape.

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To relieve crowding in the archives area, the Ridge Historical Society is converting a former second-floor living space in the Driscoll House into a costumes storage and display area. The current costumes area will then become the new RHS library and office. Volunteers are actively sought to help prepare the rooms for a professional painter to complete the renovations.

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Following high interest from her February 9 RHS program on "Slave Quilts as Signals for the Underground Railroad", Dr. Clarice Boswell informed the society of her new publication. Her 140-page book, "Lizzie's Story: a Slave Family's Journey to Freedom", chronicles the twists and turns of a family struggling to be free and is now available for purchase online and at bookstores.

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Searching for the oldest houses in Washington Heights through Mrs. Heineman's notes, Paul Petraitis shares the history of local characters and early residences. A standout is Mr. Valentine, who came to the area in 1865 to manage a farm, hunted raccoons for a custom coat, and moved back south after the Great Chicago Fire. The notes also mention the Bartletts, Pickens, Valentines, and other early families on Winston Avenue, noting that significant local landmarks were unfortunately wiped out by the construction of the I-57 Expressway.

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The Ridge Historical Society's book sale in June was a financial success, netting a profit of more than $680 thanks to local residents purchasing bargain summer reading. The society also extends its gratitude to D'Masti Catering for their services in connection with the RHS Ice Cream Social held later on July 21.

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The Ridge Historical Society is calling on community members to uncover hidden and unused treasures to donate for the 2002 Garage Sale scheduled for September 14. Accepted items include antiques, collectibles, housewares, furniture, and jewelry, with a specific note that clothing will not be accepted. Donations will be gathered after August 1st to offer to eager buyers at the fundraising event.

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