2001-04 RHS Newsletter – APRIL – MAY, 2001

Marking its 30th anniversary, the Ridge Historical Society faces challenges with static and aging membership. President David Daruszka urges current members to recruit new ones, as they are the primary source of volunteers and financial support. He also announces a personal outreach project involving an audiovisual program about RHS history to be presented to community organizations. Daruszka thanks long-time members for their support that has brought RHS to this milestone and stresses the focus must now be on ensuring its survival for the next 30 years.

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The editor extends apologies to the families of two World War II pilots featured on the front page of the February-March newsletter. A photograph intended to depict Fred Olivi, who was associated with an upcoming program, actually showed the late Ted Speropulos, the subject of a past script reading program. The editor regrets the red-faced caption error and extends special apologies to the family of Ted Speropulos.

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In partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the City has established the Chicago Bungalow Association to recognize the historical significance of the style. Homeowners of such properties can apply to a historic registry to access low-cost loans for purchase and restoration, free architectural assistance, expedited building permits, and energy efficiency grants. RHS Board member Mati Maldre serves as the official photographer for related exhibits, and RHS offers bungalow information packets to interested residents.

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Co-sponsored by RHS and the Beverly Art Center, a special Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) program will feature Joseph Hausner, a survivor of Auschwitz, Dachau, and Kaufering concentration camps. Hausner, who was arrested at 16 in Hungary, lost his entire family in the Holocaust before emigrating to Latin America and eventually retiring in Chicago, where he now teaches and writes. Tickets are $4 for students and $5 for adults, with sessions planned for children in the morning and a general adult audience at 1:00 p.m.

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The Morgans of Upwood were the largest landholding family in southern Cook County, rivaled only by Stephen Douglas and the Andrews brothers. Originating from Surrey, England, they brought British culture to the Illinois prairie, introducing fences and a local shepherd economy centered initially in nearby Blue Island. They built substantial stone sheepcotes to protect their flocks from poaching wolves and organized local wolf hunts resembling Surrey fox hunts. The article notes that coyotes are currently making a comeback in the same areas where large game once roamed.

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A brief administrative notice reminds readers that the presence of a return envelope in their newsletter indicates their RHS membership renewal has not yet been received. Members are encouraged to use the convenient form and envelope to easily renew and continue supporting the good work of the Ridge Historical Society.

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Before Mike Stachnik left RHS, efforts were made to compile facts about local Native American tribes, including the Illinois, Pottawatomies, Miami, Ottawa, Chippewa, Mascoutin, Fox, and Winnebago. Because these tribes led a peripatetic lifestyle following winter game, they had no concept of personal property, but they maintained major year-round villages near St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island, the north end of the Ridge, and "Acme Bend." The article highlights that local history includes Pottawatomie War Chief Main Poc assembling his troops in the neighborhood prior to the Ft. Dearborn massacre.

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As the Ridge Historical Society disassembles its World War II exhibit, organizers extend their thanks to all the veterans, families, and private collectors who made the display possible. Looking ahead, RHS announces intentions to collaborate with history teachers to develop a World War II "History Pack" along with an accompanying educational curriculum for future use.

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Harold T. Wolff, RHS Registrar, explains the historical value of community-based fundraising cookbooks collected over the society's nearly 30-year history. The RHS currently holds six local culinary specimens dating from 1904 to 1986, including "The Ridge Cook Book" compiled by the Woman's Guild of the Church of the Mediator. Wolff argues that these culinary guides provide valuable insight into changing dietary preferences and local history, even quoting a 1904 recipe for peanut butter. The article concludes with a plea for members to donate more cookbooks and other specific historical publications, such as back issues of Chicago History, local magazines, and family genealogies.

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A short historical tidbit notes that the last meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Morgan Park was held on April 22, 1914. The village had been officially annexed by the city of Chicago the previous day. At the time of the annexation, the village president overseeing the transition was Fred L. Kimmey.

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The Ridge Historical Society held its annual meeting and dinner on February 11 at the Dr. German House, attended by 60 members who enjoyed the hospitality of owners Cindy and Don Fielding. Officers were elected for the year ahead, including Dave Daruszka as president, Eileen Klees as vice-president, Kate Eaton as secretary, and Bill Sandstrom as treasurer. Incoming President Daruszka delivered a professional slide presentation detailing the history of railroading in the Ridge communities and highlighting Metra's five-year project to rehabilitate local commuter stations, specifically noting the upcoming overhaul of the landmarked 111th Street station.

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RHS hosted its first attempt at an off-site fundraiser, which proved to be a splendid financial and attendance success. The featured speaker was Fred Olivi, co-pilot of "Bockscar," the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Olivi provided narration for a film about loading the bombs and signed copies of his book, "Decision at Nagasaki: The Mission that Almost Failed." The event served as the grand finale to RHS's 10-month focus on World War II, with many veterans returning to the Driscoll House afterward to view the exhibit and enjoy refreshments. Thanks were extended to the Washington and Jane Smith Home for providing the auditorium.

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The newsletter provides a brief calendar of upcoming RHS events for the spring. Scheduled items include a Board Meeting on April 2 at 4 p.m., the Holocaust Memorial Program at Beverly Art Center on April 25 (featuring a student program at 10 a.m. and a general public program at 1 p.m.), a Members' meeting and program on May 6 at 2:30 p.m., and an additional Board Meeting on May 7 at 4 p.m.

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The Ridge Historical Society has recently achieved official status as a "Delegate Agency" of the City of Chicago. Recognized by the Department of Housing, this status means RHS will now serve as a primary source of information for owners of historic homes regarding rehabbing and restoration. Homeowners can direct their questions about building permits, landmark ordinances, and house histories to Paul Petraitis at the society or by contacting him at his home number.

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A brief notice directs readers to visit the Ridge Historical Society website at www.ridgehistorical.org to learn more about the organization's activities. The site features information on exhibits, Harold Wolff's house articles, and ongoing documentation of the 111th Street Rock Island Metra station restoration by Dave Daruszka. Additionally, the society announces a newly added email address for correspondence: ridge_history@hotmail.com.

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