2000-04 RHS Newsletter – APRIL – MAY 2000

The Ridge Historical Society's April 2nd meeting will feature local resident Bill Barnhart discussing his newly co-authored biography, "Kerner: The Conflict of Intangible Rights." The presentation will cover the complex life and career of former Illinois Governor Otto Kerner, Jr., detailing his connections to Mayor Anton Cermak, his WWII service, his roles in the judicial and executive branches, and his eventual downfall due to racetrack scandals.

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A historic house located at 2314 W. 111th Place is under consideration for "Landmark" status by the Chicago City Council. Built in 1882 for theology professor Rev. Johan Alexis Edgren, the home is a rare Chicago example of a Palliser's pattern book design and represents classic Stick Style architecture. The property has significant ties to the early days of the Morgan Park Academy and the eventual Divinity School of the University of Chicago.

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To complement its Wednesday morning storytelling sessions, the Ridge Historical Society is organizing a summer-long exhibit titled "Up Front and Back Home" focused on World War II. The Society is actively soliciting borrowed items from the community, specifically photographs and memorabilia that demonstrate the wartime impact on Beverly, Morgan Park, and its residents. Bruce Walker, a 1943 graduate of MPHS, is assisting with organizing reminiscence events and locating local veterans.

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The Ridge Historical Society has launched a Storytellers project that meets every Wednesday morning to share and document fascinating World War II recollections from both the home front and overseas theaters. Participants pay a small one-time fee to receive assistance from member historians and journalists in recording their memories on paper or tape, ensuring these vital personal histories are preserved for the future.

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As part of an ongoing reorganization process, the Ridge Historical Society has established several targeted committees to better manage its operations and collections. The Planning Committee is focusing on goals and projects, including a new publications committee and housing supervision; the Archiving Committee is merging cataloging systems into a Windows database; the Costumes Committee is mending and cataloging historic garments; and the Objects Committee is organizing artifacts for future cataloging.

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Chaired by Dave Daruszka, a recent Saturday workshop gathered sixteen RHS committee members to discuss the structural maintenance and future utilization of the Driscoll House. Recognizing that maintenance costs will exceed the current budget, a new housing committee co-chaired by Lois Grayston and Linda Lamberty was formed to monitor the physical property. Afternoon brainstorming sessions generated various ideas for the house's use, ranging from expanding exhibit and archival spaces to hosting historic home tours and landscape showcase contests.

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The Ridge Historical Society is asking its members and friends to incorporate visits to local historical societies into their summer vacation or business travel itineraries. By picking up brochures, talking to staff, and gathering ideas about programs and operations from other towns, members can bring back valuable insights and printed materials to aid the RHS's ongoing reorganization and development plans.

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The Ridge Historical Society and the surrounding community were prominently featured in a January 30th article in the Chicago Tribune Magazine written by Rick Kogan. The piece captures quotes from RHS members Linda Lamberty, Sue Delves, and Executive Director Paul Petraitis, effectively articulating the geographical and cultural significance of "The Ridge." The article praises the Society's collection for its dedication to preserving community-level history, illustrating how local events are just as important to record as national headlines.

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The Ridge Historical Society recently received a gift from Anne Leonard Books featuring works by local authors, including the 1947 "Baby Care From Birth to Birthday" by Dr. Edmund G. Lawler and the 1962 book "Burn, Killer, Burn" by Paul Crump. Additionally, Sue Delves donated a book of photographs highlighting Walter Burley Griffin's architecture, and high school senior Samantha Macola contributed her winning History Fair poster featuring her great-uncle's military years at the Morgan Park Academy.

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The Ridge Historical Society announced that it will soon receive a generous bequest from the estate of the late Evelyn (Mrs. Edward M.) Durkee, a long-time community resident and Holy Nativity Church member. The bequeathed collection includes an 1854 hand-woven coverlet, a 54-piece set of silver teaspoons, and a silver coffee service, all of which will enrich the Society's historical artifacts.

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In his "From the DIRECTOR'S DESK" column, Paul Petraitis announces a significant donation from the Morgan Park Woman's Club, who are in the process of turning over their archives to the Ridge Historical Society. A highlight of this gift is a rare 300-page copy of John H. Volp's "The First Hundred Years," a comprehensive history of the Blue Island Ridge from 1835 to 1935. The donation provides an invaluable addition to the RHS collection, reflecting over 100 years of community involvement by the Woman's Club.

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The Ridge Historical Society issued a reminder to its members to submit their dues for the year 2000, noting that paid membership currently stands at 135 individuals. Members are instructed to check the address panel of their Newsletter for a green dot, which serves as a notice that their dues have not yet been received. The article also outlines the various membership levels, ranging from $20 for an individual up to $500 for a Guarantor.

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The newsletter concludes with a brief reminder of the Ridge Historical Society's official mission statement. The Society is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the unique history of the Morgan Park, Beverly Hills, and Washington Heights communities. Through its collections and activities, the RHS advocates for educational programs and research that explore these local areas in the context of the broader social and cultural history of the United States.

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