For the month of September, the Ridge Historical Society (RHS) presents a special encore of the "Harry Hale Waterman: Unique in Every Style" exhibit, now featuring additional photos of the architect. While the exhibit previously displayed only one photo of Harry Hale Waterman in his 30s, RHS now has photos of Harry throughout his life, courtesy of Waterman’s great-granddaughter.
Harry was just 18 years old when Frank Lloyd Wright came to Chicago seeking employment and was hired by Architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee. It was during Wright's first weekend in Chicago that he met Harry Hale Waterman and boarded with the Waterman family. Frank Lloyd Wright spent a brief time at the Silsbee firm, and it is likely through the relationship with Frank Lloyd Wright (or the Waterman family’s connection to Wright’s uncle) that young Harry Hale Waterman was also hired by the Silsbee firm, where he worked for his first five years in architecture.
Some have suggested that this cabinet card photo of Harry Hale Waterman, taken around this time period, has a similar appearance and mysteriousness as photos of H.H. Holmes, the notorious con man and serial killer who preyed on visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. In the photo, Waterman is wearing an Inverness coat, a popular coat style at the time, complete with a derby hat, walking stick, and gloves for a formal look.
EXHIBIT: “Harry Hale Waterman: Unique in Every Style” is open Tuesdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., or by appointment, through September 28. Admission is free.
Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
Tickets are available for the program “WATERMAN: From the White City to the Ridge”, which will take place Friday, September. 19, 2025, at 7PM. Exhibit Curator Tim Blackburn will discuss how influences from the Columbian Exposition can be seen on the Ridge today, including through buildings designed by Harry Hale Waterman. He will share updates from his recent visit with Waterman’s great-granddaughter and the additional Waterman photos from her. Architectural photographer Mati Maldre will also discuss his photos of thirty Waterman buildings, primarily taken in the mid-1980s.
PROGRAM: “WATERMAN: From the White City to the Ridge”
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19, 2025 – 7PM
Members: $10 | Non-members: $20 | Students under 18: $5
Limited Capacity. Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/Waterman9
RSVP: ridgehistory@hotmail.com 773.881.1675