The Ridge Historical Society
Driscoll Family Visit
By Carol Flynn
The Ridge Historical Society (RHS) loves visits from the Ridge’s “historic families.”
Last Friday, RHS welcomed Michael Driscoll and his girlfriend Tara Moran. RHS is located in the historic Graver-Driscoll House, and Michael is the grandson of James Driscoll, who donated the house to RHS in 1973.
Tara and Michael live in Orlando, Florida, and planned a visit to see her family in Chicago. Michael had told Tara that his grandfather was the Driscoll of the Graver-Driscoll House, and that he, Michael, had spent some time as a child in Chicago.
Tara asked RHS if she could arrange a visit to the house as a surprise for Michael. RHS was happy to oblige, and here are pictures of Michael and Tara at the house.
Perhaps the most important part of RHS’s history is acquiring the Graver House from James Driscoll.
In 1971, residents of Beverly and Morgan Park got together to discuss forming a historical society and museum, and the Ridge Historical Society, or RHS, was born.
Of course, a critical part of forming RHS was finding a place to house the museum and collection that was planned.
In 1972, Justin O’Toole was the President of the Standard Bank and the chairman of the RHS finance committee. Also on the board of the bank was James Driscoll, an electrical contractor, who announced he was selling his house at 10621 S. Seeley Avenue and moving his family to Florida.
O’Toole suggested to Driscoll that instead of selling the house, he donate it to RHS for the remaining mortgage, which was around $10,000. The house was valued at $150,000. Driscoll turned the Graver House over to RHS in January of 1973.
James Driscoll was born in 1930 in Chicago and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He joined IBEW Local 134 in Chicago and established Driscoll Electric, which specialized in institutional and commercial projects, steel mills, and water treatment plants. Three generations of the family were part of the organization.
When James Driscoll died in Florida in 2008, it was noted that he shared “amusing perspectives on life with a wickedly Irish sense of humor.” He was described as a “visionary who lived life on his own terms and faced success and adversity with grace and dignity.” His remains were returned to Chicago and he is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at 87th Street and Pulaski Road.
Michael’s and Tara’s visit reminds RHS and all of the Ridge of the very generous gift that James Driscoll gave to the community.
RHS is located at 10621 S. Seeley Ave., in Chicago. It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Contact at 773/881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.