2014-06 RHS Newsletter – SUMMER 2014

This article concludes "The Wild, Wild Ridge" series by exploring the prehistoric and natural history of the Blue Island ridge, a former island in Lake Chicago. It highlights how the sandy deposits left behind became ideal for cemeteries like Mount Hope and Mount Greenwood, earning the area the historical moniker "Seven Holy Tombs." The piece also details remaining natural vestiges throughout the urban environment, including the oak savannahs of Dan Ryan Woods, the historical use of fire by Native Americans for land management, Hurley Park Woodland, and the Ridge Park Wetlands.

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Dan Ryan Woods, a rare city-located forest preserve named after Cook County Board presidents Dan Ryan Sr. and Jr., is undergoing significant ecological restoration. Volunteer groups are clearing invasive species, stabilizing eroding slopes, and planting native flora to create habitats that attract and support a variety of bird species, such as warblers and grosbeaks. The surrounding sidebars also highlight the ecological value of nearby Ridge Park Wetlands and Hurley Oak Woodland.

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Early 20th-century advancements by the Eastman Kodak Company allowed consumers and itinerant photographers to easily produce real photo postcards (RPPCs) of everyday scenes using actual photographic paper. Often referred to as "folk photography," these postcards are now highly prized by deltiologists and historical societies for their candid, detailed depictions of early homesteads, street scenes, and local events that might have otherwise gone undocumented. The article features several examples from the Ridge communities, including historic transit views of Morgan Avenue and local architecture.

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In celebration of the Morgan Park Woman's Club (MPWC) 125th anniversary, the Ridge Historical Society acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the MPWC "clippers." Since 2001, these dedicated volunteers have met regularly to review local newspapers like the Beverly Review and Chicago Tribune, clipping and cataloging articles of historical importance to the Ridge community. These meticulously maintained notebooks provide a rich, highly organized resource for local researchers and the public.

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Ridge Historical Society President Edris Hoover reviews recent society activities, including a successful Baseball and National Archives presentation and the annual Spring Bonnet Tea. She also updates members on vital administrative work taking place behind the scenes, such as filing IRS Form 990 and updating the organization's corporate standing with the State of Illinois. Additionally, she thanks generous donors to the Snow Emergency Fund, which will facilitate urgent repairs to the RHS driveway apron, and reminds readers about the ongoing membership drive.

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Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the annexation of Morgan Park to Chicago, the Ridge Historical Society hosted an essay contest for local high school students on the topic. The winning essay was written by Bronson Roseboro, a junior at Morgan Park High School. His innovative entry took the form of a 1913 letter written by a youth supporting annexation, creatively incorporating actual historical details from the era, such as a petition by William Weinfort and the backing of local women.

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The Ridge Historical Society alerts members to two major upcoming fundraising and social events in late summer and fall of 2014. The first is the Annual Carl Spencer Memorial Bike Race Party on July 24, held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Beverly Hills Cycling Classic, featuring a catered buffet and excellent views of the race from the RHS grounds. Later in the year, the RHS will host a Garage and Better Book Sale from September 26-28, offering a wide variety of items to the public.

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