The Ridge Historical Society
Harry Hale Waterman Houses and the People Who Called Them Home: Introduction
By Carol Flynn
The Ridge Historical Society (RHS) has opened a new exhibit, “Harry Hale Waterman, Architect: Unique in any Style.”
At least 41 buildings in Beverly and Morgan Park are attributed to Waterman, making him the most prolific architect in this community. Most of these buildings are still standing.
The buildings he designed in other Chicago neighborhoods have not fared as well, so this community offers the best opportunity to see his work.
Waterman was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. They worked together as young architects just starting out, and Wright even lived with the Waterman family for a time.
They took different paths for their careers, however.
Wright developed his own style and founded a new movement or “school” of architecture, the Chicago Prairie School, for which he became very famous.
Waterman had a thriving practice, but never achieved the fame of Wright. While Wright appeared more fixed on developing his own style, Waterman appeared more client focused. He worked in many styles of architecture, bringing his own unique interpretation to each one.
In 1995, the Chicago Tribune stated that Beverly “is like an outdoor museum of architectural styles.” The newspaper said that the variety makes this community one of Chicago’s architectural high points.
Waterman clearly contributed to that reputation with his work.
However, while architecture has always been a very important feature for this community, these houses and buildings are more than just a collection of interesting architectural details. They are also the places where real people and families lived their lives and created their stories and legacies and memories.
Houses can be thought of as stage or movie sets where the action takes place.
The people who live in the houses elevate them above an outdoor museum exhibit to create a community.
This Facebook series will complement the exhibit by looking at the people who lived in the Waterman houses.
The series will start with Waterman himself, because the first house he built in Beverly, in 1892, that is still standing, was a house for himself and his wife Ida. The Harry Hale Waterman House, at 10838 S. Longwood Drive, is also known as the “Honeymoon Cottage” and is a local favorite.
The RHS exhibit, “Harry Hale Waterman, Architect: Unique in Any Style,” is open to the public for free on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment. RHS is located at 10621 S. Seeley Avenue, Chicago.
Next post: Waterman’s biography.