2014-03 RHS Newsletter – SPRING 2014

Beginning with the origins of the name "Blue Island," this piece traces the area's geological history back to prehistoric Lake Chicago and retreating glaciers. It details the life of the Pottawatomie tribe, who utilized the Vincennes Trail, hunted, and farmed the land before being displaced in the 1830s. The article also provides a vivid description of the area's pristine natural resources, including varied timber, abundant wildlife such as deer and wolves, and the stark seasonal changes that brought both bountiful wildflowers and hazardous conditions like deep mud and prairie fires.

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Scheduled for April 6, 2014, this program features Kristina Maldre Jarosik, an Education Specialist from the National Archives at Chicago. The presentation is based on the 2013 book "Baseball: The National Pastime in the National Archives," which explores the sport's intersection with American history, including World War II, contract disputes, civil rights, and presidential involvement. The event costs $5 for members and $10 for non-members, offering an in-depth look at how the government has documented the national pastime.

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RHS President Edris Hoover provides updates following the February 9th Annual Meeting, acknowledging the work of board members, specifically thanking long-time Treasurer Bill Sandstrom for his diligent service, and welcoming new Director Elaine Spencer to the board. She also reminds readers that March is membership renewal month, emphasizing that member dues are essential to cover the costs of publishing the newsletter and fulfilling the society's mission. Finally, she expresses gratitude for a recent donation by Margaret Cusak, who provided a rare 16-page souvenir program from the 1935 premier opening of the Beverly Theater.

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The Ridge Historical Society announces its highly anticipated Spring Bonnet Tea, scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2014. Attendees are encouraged to wear spring hats to this elegant event, which will feature a repast of finger sandwiches, scones, shortbread, savory delights, and an assortment of delicious teas. Held at the historic Graver Driscoll House, the tea costs $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 8 to 16, offering a delightful way to experience the RHS collection and grounds.

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On March 23, 2014, the Ridge Historical Society will host a "House Doctor Program" focusing on the preservation and repair of exterior masonry, including stucco, brick, and mortar. Restoration experts Simon Leverett and Mathew Wolf from Henry Frerk Sons in Chicago will discuss how materials, workmanship, and harsh weather conditions affect the durability of masonry walls. The program aims to educate homeowners on proper restoration techniques and requires a $5 fee for members or $10 for non-members.

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This back-page calendar section summarizes the schedule of upcoming events for the historical society community. It lists the House Doctor Program on Exterior Masonry on March 23, a free Genealogy Workshop conducted by the Dewalt Mechlin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on March 29, the "Baseball: The National Pastime in the National Archives" presentation on April 6, and the Spring Bonnet Tea on May 4. Times, costs, and brief descriptions are provided for quick reference.

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