2014-09 RHS Newsletter – FALL 2014

Marking the 100th anniversary of Morgan Park's annexation to Chicago, this comprehensive article details the two decades of contentious debate that preceded the final 1914 decision. As Chicago rapidly expanded to become a major transportation hub, nearby suburbs like Morgan Park struggled to provide necessary services, prompting the annexation debate. The community was fiercely divided into 'Annexationists' who desired better city services, lower utility rates, and reliable infrastructure, and 'Home Rulers' who wanted to maintain local control, low taxes, and the village's strict temperance laws. This intense rivalry led to seven different elections, fiery political cartoons, fistfights, legal maneuvers over unbroken boundary lines (the 'cabbage patch'), and even documented death threats. Ultimately, the newly won suffrage rights of women played a pivotal role in the final 1914 election, swinging the vote in favor of annexation and immediately bringing new municipal services, like a modern fire station, to Morgan Park.

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In this update from the Ridge Historical Society, President Edris Hoover recaps the successful summer events and outlines upcoming initiatives for the fall. Highlights include the Carl Spencer Memorial Bicycle Race Party held in July and the highly anticipated annual garage and book sale scheduled for late September, which will feature a special collection of Sherlock Holmes merchandise from the estate of Gene McGrail. The article also commends the hard work of volunteers who completed vital roof and masonry repairs, beautified the landscaping with donated plants, and actively collected scrap metal to raise funds. Additionally, Hoover announces the September launch of a newly redesigned RHS website, which will provide the community with timely calendar updates and deeper historical content to complement the printed newsletter.

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This back-page events bulletin outlines three major fall gatherings hosted by the Ridge Historical Society in 2014. It invites members and the public to participate in the RHS Annual Garage Sale on September 26 and 27, noting that item donations are currently being accepted. On October 12, RHS Board member emeritus Herman Schell will lead a presentation titled 'Revealing the Chicago Fire,' which explores the historical facts and enduring fallacies surrounding the devastating 1871 blaze and the infamous story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow. Finally, the society will host an Antiques Appraisal with expert Rex Newell on November 9, allowing attendees to bring in vintage items for professional evaluation. Admission fees and contact details for further information are provided for the scheduled activities.

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