2013-03 RHS Newsletter – SPRING 2013

Tracing the women's suffrage movement from the 1848 Seneca Falls convention to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, this comprehensive piece focuses on Illinois' pivotal role as the first state to ratify the amendment. It outlines the socio-economic shifts of the Progressive Era that fueled the movement, as well as the fierce anti-suffrage propaganda that opposed it. Crucially, the article highlights local history by documenting how women of the Ridge community became the first in Cook County to exercise their new voting privileges during a local high school bond election in August 1913, serving as a landmark event for the Morgan Park area.

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The Ridge Historical Society announces an upcoming dedication ceremony scheduled for April 27, 2013, at Mount Greenwood Cemetery. Organized jointly by Mount Greenwood Cemetery and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), the event will dedicate over 70 new markers on the graves of Civil War veterans. The program features guest speakers, an artillery and rifle salute, and a rededication of a refurbished memorial, honoring local veterans including Army nurse Catherine Near.

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Society President Edris Hoover outlines an extensive new archiving initiative focused on preserving a substantial collection of papers, maps, and memorabilia related to Thomas Morgan, the namesake of Morgan Park. Under the direction of consulting archivist Jane Kenamore, volunteers will be trained to catalog and preserve these historical items for future research. The article also introduces Carol Flynn in her new consulting role for public relations, kicks off the 2013 membership drive, and extends extensive gratitude to the numerous volunteers and donors who keep the Society functioning throughout the year.

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This feature provides a brief history of Home Run Inn, tracing its roots from a small South Side tavern opened by Mary and Vincent Grittani in 1923 to a thriving modern pizza business expanded by Nick Perrino after WWII. Accompanying this historical spotlight is an invitation to the community to participate in a Charitable Donation Dinner Program on April 9th at the Home Run Inn on Western Avenue. During this event, a portion of the proceeds from patrons presenting a specific flyer will directly benefit the Ridge Historical Society.

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The Ridge Historical Society officially welcomes Jeanne Carr and Anna-Marie Brodsky as new members to its Board of Directors for 2013, following their election at the annual meeting on February 17. The brief notice explains that the new board structure includes auxiliary roles to better distribute workloads and allow for succession planning. It also expresses gratitude to outgoing board members Cathi Hogan and Lisa Walsh for their significant contributions to the organization.

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Featured on the back page of the newsletter, this section provides a calendar of upcoming events for RHS members and the local community. Highlighted events include the Spring Hat Tea in April, the 'Tis Grand It Is!' St. Patrick's Day celebration, a Polish folk dance evening titled 'Witamy', the Civil War Markers Dedication Ceremony at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, and the Annual Carl Spencer Memorial Bike Race Party scheduled for July. These listings showcase the society's active role in community engagement and local cultural celebration.

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