2012-03 RHS Newsletter – SPRING 2012

This article details the evolution of sidewalks in Morgan Park, beginning in the 1870s when the Blue Island Land and Building Company first developed the area. Drawing from a 1972 paper by Owen N. Price, the author describes the transition from muddy streets and ditch-lined roads to early wooden plank walkways, and finally to modern cement. The piece highlights the historic practice of stamping original street names into the concrete, noting how many early street names, inspired by trees, shapes, and the epic poem Jerusalem Delivered, were changed after Chicago annexed the village in 1914.

Page(s): 1, 3

A century ago, brick streets were standard in Chicago, and today, Morgan Park retains some of the best-preserved examples, notably on 110th Place and 110th Street. The article recounts how residents successfully fought city plans to pave over these streets with concrete forty years ago, leading to a major $600,000 restoration project in 2001. Highlighting the durability of brick paving, the author notes that while initial repairs are costly, the century-long lifespan and the added benefit of traffic calming make brick streets highly effective and charming neighborhood features.

Page(s): 2

The Ridge Historical Society's "House Doctor" series will host a session on March 18th regarding driveway construction materials, specifically comparing concrete and asphalt. The event will take place at the historic Graver-Driscoll House, built after WWI, which presents its own landscaping challenges due to sloping land and mature oak trees. Local tradesmen will lead the discussion to help homeowners navigate this common capital expenditure, with the program costing $5 to $10 for attendees.

Page(s): 4

The Ridge Historical Society is hosting a "Spring Bonnet Tea" on April 29th at the Graver-Driscoll House, requiring attendees to wear hats and featuring a vintage hat exhibit. To provide context for the event, the article traces the origins of tea drinking back to Chinese Emperor Chen Nong in 2700 B.C., and its later popularization as an afternoon ritual by the Duchess of Bedford in England. Additionally, it explores the evolution of women's hats from practical sun protection to essential fashion accessories popularized by milliners and events like the annual Easter Parade.

Page(s): 5

During the February 19 Annual Membership Meeting, the Ridge Historical Society elected its Board of Directors and officers for the 2012-2013 term. Four new board members—Larry Brown, Carol Macola, Fran Oehmen, and James Wognum—were welcomed for two-year terms, joining returning members to make a total of 18 board members. The article also notes that long-standing volunteers Linda Lamberty and Herman Schell were honored by being elected as Board Emeritus members.

Page(s): 6

The Ridge Historical Society dedicates this section to acknowledging the generous individuals and families who contributed to the 2011 RHS Annual Fund. Noting that this is a partial list with more donations continuing to arrive, the society expresses deep gratitude for the financial support that sustains their operations. Dozens of names of local supporters, families, and organizations are listed in recognition of their charitable giving.

Page(s): 6

Curator Sarah Berkey announces the successful implementation of Version 5 PastPerfect museum software, allowing the RHS to digitally input over 4,000 historical materials. This new system enables Google-like keyword searches, making it significantly easier to locate specific items, such as those related to "Clissold" or "St. Barnabas." The article also includes a call for donations to cover archiving supplies and appeals to the public for specific local history materials from the 1950s through the 1990s, particularly items relating to the Catholic and Irish communities on the South Side.

Page(s): 7

This section serves as a broad acknowledgment of the community's support for the RHS collections department. It names and thanks the individuals who responded to the Summer and Fall 2011 volunteer call-outs to help with archiving tasks. Additionally, it lists recent donors who provided funds for supplies or contributed historical items ranging from photographs to railroad memorabilia. Finally, special thanks are given to Matt Walsh and the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) for helping recruit volunteers through their email blast and newspaper advertisements.

Page(s): 7

The Ridge Historical Society uses this brief announcement to remind readers that it is time for annual membership renewals. Pointing to the enclosed "dues envelope," the article emphasizes that membership fees are a crucial source of revenue for the society. These funds are necessary for day-to-day operations, publishing the newsletter, managing the historical collections, and maintaining their headquarters at the Graver-Driscoll House.

Page(s): 7

Located on the mailing page, this calendar details a variety of upcoming events for RHS members and the broader community. Key dates include the March 18th House Doctors program, a Spring Bonnet tea on April 29th, and several events held at the Blue Island Public Library, such as a presentation on the '59 White Sox, a Holocaust Memorial Week event, and a Civil War series. The calendar provides times, locations, and ticket information for these engaging historical programs.

Page(s): 8