The RHS Facebook page is a rich archive of history-related posts by Carol Flynn, RHS Facebook admin and writer until mid-2025. Carol prolifically wrote a wide variety of meticulously researched local history articles for RHS. She continues to write for the Beverly Review and other media sources with articles particularly focused on local Ridge history.
2019
Folks, we are more than overbooked for tonight. If you did not make a reservation, chances are slim to zero there will be any extra seats. We'll do this again next year!!
RHS is posting two new events/programs – be sure to add them to your calendar. The first is this one on the history of the railroads in Chicago on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.
SOLD OUT! The reservation list is full for the "Folklore and Phantoms" event on Friday night. Thanks for your response – this will be loads of fun!!
A second successful year for the Ridge Historical Society (RHS) as part of Open House Chicago this week-end just wrapped up. A big thank you to the RHS volunteers who staffed the event, greeting guests from all over the Chicago area, some of whom had never been to Beverly/Morgan Park before.
A stop at RHS gave visitors an introduction to the unique geography of the Blue Island Ridge and some history on the development of the communities, information on the Graver-Driscoll House (RHS headquarters), and the opportunity to tour the "Threads of Imagination" exhibit.
RHS volunteers also helped visitors figure out where to go next (everyone had favorite locations to send people to) and gave them some historical background on the other locations. And RHS volunteers helped visitors pick a spot for lunch (everyone had favorites there, too!).
Thanks to Fran Oehmen, Mike Wilk, Jarilyn Stavropoulos, Shirley Conley, Lisa Schmidt, Pat McGrail, Kevin Bourke, Linda Lamberty, Matt and Lisa Walsh, Stacey and Matt Patricoski, Carol Macola, Karen Truitt, Hannah and Mary Archambeau, Sandra Leonard, Judie Anderson and Carol Flynn. We managed to capture a few of the volunteers in pictures today before it got too busy.
RHS is always looking for members and volunteers. There are many opportunities at RHS, from history research to gardening to helping with special events. It's an interesting – and fun – place to be involved. For information, contact RHS at ridgehistory@hotmail.com, or call 773/881-1675, or leave a message through Facebook.
Yesterday was Day 1 of Open House Chicago and we had a great time with visitors from all around the city and suburbs. RHS is one of 11 places open this year in Beverly/Morgan Park. We will be there again today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to view out great exhibit – "Threads of Imagination" – which explores fashion as art, through the eyes of our historic fashion designer who lived in Beverly in the early 1900s, Madame Alla Ripley, and our four contemporary artists who live and create in Beverly – Judie Anderson, Nicole Burns, Sandra Leonard and Maggie O'Reilly.
RHS is located at 10621 S. Seeley Ave.
Is the Castle really haunted? What are the actual experiences people have had there? What other local places have reported paranormal happenings? Do you have an experience you would like to share? Would you like an tarot card or astrology reading? Join us next Friday evening at the Castle for what is sure to be an interesting event. Plenty of food and beverages included in the $15 per person. All the proceeds for the evening go to the Castle restoration fund. Reserve a spot today!
The "Threads of Imagination" exhibit team. Standing from left to right: Artist Judie Anderson, RHS Historian and exhibit designer Linda Lamberty, Artist Nicole Burns, Artist Sandra Leonard and Artist Maggie O'Reilly. Seated: RHS researcher/writer and Curator of exhibit Carol Flynn. We thank everyone who came to the Grand Opening and Reception last night. The exhibit will be up until mid-January 2020. Contact RHS for open hours – ridgehistory@hotmail.com or 773/881-1675.
Today is the day!
This coming week-end is Open House Chicago, October 19 and 20, where interesting locations around the city open their doors to the public for special showings. The Ridge Historical Society, at 10621 S. Seeley Ave., will be open.
There are 10 other sites also open this week-end in Beverly/Morgan Park, and five of them are in Color Me Beverly II or Color Me Morgan Park – Givins Beverly Castle, Trinity United Methodist Church, Ingersoll-Blackwelder House, Morgan Park Academy Alumni Hall, and Sacred Heart Church.
The Castle, RHS and Sacred Heart will all have the coloring books for sale.
Open House Chicago is a great way to see the city.
Just to remind folks we have this event coming up next week and we still have openings for reservations. "Folklore and Phantoms" will look at hauntings and paranormal happenings in the Blue Island Ridge communities – from Beverly to Morgan Park to Mt. Greenwood to the City of Blue Island. We'll meet at the Givins Beverly Castle and spend plenty of time talking about the experiences people have had there.
The proceeds all go to the Castle restoration fund and there will be astrology and tarot card readings also, plus plenty of refreshments, and an open mike session for people to share their own experiences. You won't see another event like this one. Contact RHS for reservations. Don't wait until the last minute. Questions? Contact us right here on this page.