Explore the RHS Facebook Archives, a rich repository of local history written by Carol Flynn. For two decades, Carol brought a deeply dedicated voice to public education at RHS. Her role as Facebook administrator through mid-2025 naturally extended her prolific research into meticulously detailed articles, most notably her multi-part historical series posts. Today, Carol continues her local history writing for The Beverly Review and other outlets.
April 2020
On April 21, 1967, the deadliest tornado in the history of Northern Illinois ripped through the area, killing 33 people in Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park. The tornado passed through North Beverly and Dan Ryan Woods, uprooting hundreds of trees and damaging roofs.
This picture and map appeared in the RHS newsletter in 2017.
Today, Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day. Its purpose is to support environmental protection world-wide. It was first celebrated in 1970.
The Blue Island Ridge was once a pristine wilderness. It was described as "a vast vegetable solitude" more than 150 years ago.
Today you can still see glimpses of the "wild Ridge" here and there.
Notable features are:
– Dan Ryan Woods
– Ridge Park Wetlands
– Hurley Park oak savanna
– Ancient sand dunes in Mt. Hope Cemetery
One of the most beautiful magnolia trees on the Ridge is the one in Mount Greenwood Cemetery. It is right inside the gate by the historic chapel. The tree must be a good age to be this big. It's blooming now, even today with snow flurries!
Happy Easter from the Ridge Historical Society with some charming vintage postcards.