2015-03 RHS Newsletter – Spring 2015

This multi-page feature traces the evolution of women's clubs, beginning with their origins in Civil War relief efforts, such as the Sanitary Commission, and progressing through the post-war era where women sought broader civic engagement, leading to the formation of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) in 1890. Locally, the article details the history of the Morgan Park Woman’s Club (MPWC), formed in 1889, which transitioned from classical study to vital community service, including establishing penny lunches, forming PTAs, and supporting institutions like the Oakhaven Home. Additionally, the piece covers the extensive historical preservation efforts of the local Dewalt Mechlin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), detailing their placement of historical markers across the Ridge area, including those for the Vincennes Trail and an Indian meeting ground.

Page(s): 2, 3, 6, 7

This article details the history of Beth Torah, a Reform Jewish congregation established in 1953 by families living on the far southwest side of Chicago. Initially a small but active group holding services in borrowed spaces like Givins Castle and Trinity Methodist, the congregation eventually raised funds to build its own synagogue at 93rd Street and Vanderpoel Avenue, which opened in October 1961. Due to an aging membership and a decline in the number of Jewish families in the area, the building was sold to the Chicago Board of Education in 1974, and the remaining congregants merged with another synagogue in Olympia Fields.

Page(s): 6

The RHS Board of Directors publicly thanks the individuals and families who contributed to the 2014 Annual Fund, listing the names of dozens of donors to acknowledge their financial support. As a special incentive for the 2014 drive, donors' names were entered into a drawing to win a time-share accommodation generously donated by Herman and Lois Schell; the article announces that Richard and Mary Jo Barry were selected as the winners at the annual meeting.

Page(s): 7

This informational boxed section serves as a reminder for readers to submit their annual membership renewals using the envelope enclosed with the newsletter issue. It emphasizes the importance of these philanthropic contributions in maintaining the historic Graver-Driscoll House headquarters, preserving the RHS archival collection, and producing the RHS Record publication. The notice also reminds patrons that RHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, making contributions tax-deductible.

Page(s): 7

The back page provides a calendar of upcoming spring events for the Ridge Historical Society to encourage community participation. Listed events include a "Spring Bonnet Tea" featuring a full Victorian tea service in April, the society's participation in the local Memorial Day Parade in May, and a special historical program in June detailing the history of the Beth Torah Congregation presented by retired professor Errol Magidson. Specific details regarding dates, times, costs, and reservation requirements are provided for each listing.

Page(s): 8