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.
2025
Today, we celebrate what would have been the 90th birthday of Jack Simmerling (1935–2013). A beloved artist, historian, and preservationist, Jack holds a special place in our history as a founding board member of the Ridge Historical Society in 1971.
From his start as a teenager preserving and documenting the vanishing grandeur of Victorian-era residences on Prairie Avenue to his long career capturing the architecture of Chicago through his art, Simmerling was nothing short of prolific. His paintings and drawings of his own neighborhood of Beverly Hills-Morgan Park continue to be a cherished visual identity of the community he loved.
Join us in celebrating Jack’s legacy. What is your favorite artwork or memory of Jack? Are you fortunate to have a Simmerling drawing or painting of your home? Did you take art classes from Jack? We’d love to hear some of your memories.
How well do you know Jack? Try these trivia questions:
1. In college at Notre Dame, Simmerling was known for his passion for Victorian-era design. As a result, a professor referred to him by what affectionate nickname?
Answer: "The last Victorian."
2. Which famous Chicago landmark did Simmerling document in a series of five paintings after his mother took him to see it being prepared for demolition in 1949, around the time of his 14th birthday?
Answer: The Potter Palmer Castle on the 1300 block of N. Lake Shore Drive. It was this visit that particularly piqued his interest in Chicago's vanishing Victorian-era architecture.
3. Jack once received criticism from a professor about his drawing of hands, which was likened to a bunch of what vegetable?
Answer: Carrots. After this, he focused on buildings and landscapes.
4. Where did Jack Simmerling first open The Heritage Gallery in January 1959?
Answer: 1973 W. 111th Street in Morgan Park. The gallery moved to 1913 W. 103rd Street in 1977 and 1907 W. 103rd Street in 2013. Today, Victoria Simmerling carries on the family legacy at the 1907 W. 103rd Street address.
5. What Morgan Park building did Simmerling restore in 1970 and rename "Heritage House," which was featured on the very first BAPA Home Tour in 1971?
Answer: His own home, the Ingersoll-Blackwelder house at 10910 S. Prospect Avenue. BAPA’s executive secretary at the time credited a large part of the success of the first home tour to the inclusion of the house, which had been rescued from demolition a year prior.
6. In 2001, Simmerling had two large sandstone bollards installed in front of the Ingersoll-Blackwelder house. From what Prairie Avenue mansion site did he recover them?
Answer: The site of the demolished Hanford House (2008 S. Calumet Avenue), which was destroyed by fire in 1953. The bollards were unearthed when the site was being redeveloped in 2001. Jack was fascinated by the "cursed" history of the Hanford House. You can view items he salvaged following the fire in the current exhibit at Ridge Historical Society.
7. Jack Simmerling was known for his love of music and owned a collection of nearly a dozen of what type of instrument?
Answer: Pianos. Inspired by his mother (a church organist at Sacred Heart Mission Church) and his grandmother (a silent movie pianist), he was passionate about music perhaps even more than art and architecture.
8. Jack was forced to switch his primary painting medium from oil to which other medium due to a skin allergy?
Answer: Watercolors. He increasingly worked in pen-and-ink as well.
9. Simmerling frequently included two specific details in his watercolors because the colors and light “beguiled” him. What were they?
Answer: Snow and puddles.
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If you haven't visited yet, now is the perfect time to experience "Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes."
Produced in partnership with Glessner House, this exhibit traces Jack's artistic evolution and preservation efforts from his teenage years through his long career. The collection features rare artifacts, including the Hanford House items mentioned above, plus many artworks and artifacts from the Glessner House Jack Simmerling Collection.
Exhibit on view through February 2026 at Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave. Open Tuesdays and Sundays from 1 PM – 4 PM, or by appointment.
Ingersoll-Blackwelder House Coloring Contest – Entries due November 15th!
There is a coloring contest underway for all ages to help provide ideas to the painting team for the historic Ingersoll-Blackwelder House located at 10910 S. Prospect Ave. RHS’s current exhibit is about the artist and preservationist Jack Simmerling, who purchased and restored the house in 1970 to make it the Simmerling family’s long-time home.
We’ve created a helpful unofficial page so anyone can easily create their own color combinations using a Victorian-era color palette. Try it out here: https://ingersoll-blackwelder-house-color-contest-449832780115.us-west1.run.app/
Once you create your favorite color scheme, take a screenshot and email in your contest entry by following the instructions here: http://www.ingersoll-blackwelderhouse.com/uploads/5/1/8/2/51820075/coloringcontest_v2.pdf
This contest is not sponsored by RHS.
Indigenous Power on the Middle Ground: the Native Peoples of Northern Illinois
November 14, 2025, 7pm
Presenter: Eliot Fackler
Join us for a special presentation in National Native American Heritage Month.
Eliot’s talk will explore indigenous history in this region emphasizing the 18th & 19th centuries by looking at communities, controlled portages, networks of trade and diplomacy.
About the Presenter: Eliot Fackler, PhD is Assistant Professor of History, Governors State University. Eliot researches and writes about settler colonialism and environmental change in United States history. He is a Project Co-Director of the Southland History Collective.
The Southland History Collective was founded in 2022 with a small grant from Governors State University. They are committed to community-engaged work that helps to cultivate an inclusive Southland regional identity through historical and educational work.
Members: $10 | Non-members: $20 | Students under 18: $5
Ridge Historical Society
10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
Limited Capacity. Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/RHS-native
RSVP: ridgehistory@hotmail.com 773.881.1675
Join us – Exhibit Opening Night:
Thurs., October 23, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Free Event
Join us for the opening night of the Ridge Historical Society’s (RHS) new exhibit on Jack Simmerling (1935-2013), a beloved Chicago artist, historian, and preservationist whose life’s work was dedicated to capturing the soul of the city's architecture. As a teenager, Simmerling documented and painted the vanishing grandeur and ruin of the Victorian-era residences on Prairie Avenue, salvaging what he could from them as they were demolished.
The exhibit “Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes” at Ridge Historical Society traces his development from those early Prairie Avenue days through to some of the last drawings of his own neighborhood, Beverly Hills – Morgan Park, where he opened The Heritage Gallery in 1959. The exhibit was produced in partnership with Glessner House and includes many Prairie Avenue artworks and artifacts from its Jack Simmerling Collection.
About the Opening Night Event: The opening night event is free and will be in an open house format. Exhibit curators Tim Blackburn (RHS) and William Tyre (Glessner House) will be on hand to discuss the exhibit and answer questions.
Exhibit Hours & Location: Following the opening, the exhibit will be open to the public for free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through February 2026.
Ridge Historical Society
10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
773.881.1675
Join us – Exhibit Opening Night:
Thurs., October 23, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Free Event
Join us for the opening night of the Ridge Historical Society’s (RHS) new exhibit on Jack Simmerling (1935-2013), a beloved Chicago artist, historian, and preservationist whose life’s work was dedicated to capturing the soul of the city's architecture. As a teenager, Simmerling documented and painted the vanishing grandeur and ruin of the Victorian-era residences on Prairie Avenue, salvaging what he could from them as they were demolished.
The exhibit “Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes” at Ridge Historical Society traces his development from those early Prairie Avenue days through to some of the last drawings of his own neighborhood, Beverly Hills – Morgan Park, where he opened The Heritage Gallery in 1959. The exhibit was produced in partnership with Glessner House and includes many Prairie Avenue artworks and artifacts from its Jack Simmerling Collection.
About the Opening Night Event: The opening night event is free and will be in an open house format. Exhibit curators Tim Blackburn (RHS) and William Tyre (Glessner House) will be on hand to discuss the exhibit and answer questions.
Exhibit Hours & Location: Following the opening, the exhibit will be open to the public for free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through February 2026.
Ridge Historical Society
10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
773.881.1675
Don't miss out! This weekend, as part of Open House Chicago, the Ridge Historical Society (RHS) is debuting its new exhibit, “Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes.”
The exhibit showcases the life of the beloved Chicago artist, historian, and preservationist whose life's work was dedicated to capturing the soul of the city's architecture. As a teenager, Simmerling documented the vanishing grandeur of the Victorian-era residences on Prairie Avenue, salvaging what he could as they were demolished. Produced in partnership with the Glessner House, this exhibit features many of Simmerling's Prairie Avenue artworks and artifacts from their collection. His drawings and watercolors of homes, churches, and architectural vignettes of the community help visitors see Beverly Hills-Morgan Park through the artist's eyes.
Less than a mile away, the Ingersoll-Blackwelder House will also be open to the public. One of the oldest homes in the community, its original portion dates to 1874. The house was close to demolition in 1970 when Jack Simmerling himself bought and restored it, transforming it into his family home and studio.
Open House Chicago is this Saturday & Sunday, October 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Ingersoll-Blackwelder House closes at 4 p.m. on Sunday. See the event website for site-specific hours.
Jack Simmerling-related sites at Open House Chicago:
– Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave. (Street parking is along the west side of Seeley Ave.)
– Ingersoll-Blackwelder House, 10910 S. Prospect Ave.
All seven of the Beverly Hills – Morgan Park sites this weekend for Open House Chicago are listed on the event website:
https://www.architecture.org/open-house-chicago/neighborhoods/recKkGQe7iA2KqP4R
Admission is free!
SUNDAY, NOV. 2, 2025 – 4PM
A Special Tasting Fundraising Event
Join us in November at RHS for an enchanting late afternoon in the historic Graver-Driscoll House, where history meets honey in perfect harmony! Following our sold-out 2022 success, we're delighted to welcome back Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery owner Greg Fischer for another unforgettable tasting experience.
With more than 30 years of winemaking experience, Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery is the first winery in Chicago and the first meadery in Illinois. They raise their own bees and collect their own honey.
What to Expect: Discover the ancient art of mead-making as Greg guides you through a curated selection of six locally-produced meads and wines. Learn fascinating insights about bee culture, artisanal honey production, and the time-honored craft behind each bottle. Your tasting will be perfectly paired with an artisan charcuterie board, decadent chocolates, and other carefully selected nibbles.
Special Opportunities:
• Purchase Wild Blossom's signature artisanal honey
• Order your favorite meads and wines
• Support our historical society through this exclusive event
Bonus Experience: Make it a perfect day by arriving early to view our new exhibit “Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes”, open Sunday 1-4pm before the tasting begins.
Don't miss this unique blend of history, education, and indulgence on our beautiful veranda!
Members: $40 | Non-members: $50
Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
Limited Capacity. Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/tasting11
RSVP: ridgehistory@hotmail.com 773.881.1675
Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes
An exhibit at Ridge Historical Society in partnership with Glessner House
Step into the world of Jack Simmerling (1935-2013), a beloved Chicago artist, historian, and preservationist whose life's work was dedicated to capturing the soul of the city's architecture. As a teenager, Simmerling documented and painted the vanishing grandeur and ruin of the Victorian-era residences on Prairie Avenue, salvaging what he could from them as they were demolished.
The exhibit “Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes” at Ridge Historical Society traces his development from those early Prairie Avenue days through to some of the last drawings of his own neighborhood, Beverly Hills – Morgan Park, where he opened The Heritage Gallery in 1959. The exhibit was produced in partnership with Glessner House and includes many Prairie Avenue artworks and artifacts from its Jack Simmerling Collection.
Simmerling believed that "much of what's most beautiful about architecture is in the details." This exhibit reflects that idea, allowing visitors to see the architecture in his own community. His drawings and watercolors of homes, churches, and architectural vignettes of the community help visitors see Beverly Hills – Morgan Park through the artist's eyes.
"Jack Simmerling: Through His Eyes" opens to the public on October 18, 2025, at Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave, Chicago, IL. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Chicago's architectural heritage through the remarkable vision of Jack Simmerling.
Special Opening Hours:
Open House Chicago (October 18-19, 2025): 10 AM – 5 PM
Exhibit Opening Night Event (Thursday, October 23, 2025): 6 PM – 9 PM
Regular Exhibit Hours (through February 2026):
Tuesdays and Sundays: 1 PM – 4 PM
Ridge Historical Society will be closed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, while we install the new exhibit on Jack Simmerling. More details about Open House Chicago and this exciting new exhibit will be shared in a subsequent post this week.
Ann Keating: The World of Juliette Kinzie
Date: October 12, 2025 4pm
Join us for author Ann Durkin Keating discussing her book,
The World of Juliette Kinzie: Chicago before the Fire.
Juliette Kinzie was also a writer and an important figure in documenting the history of early Chicago. Juliette, one of Chicago’s forgotten founders, and other women worked to create an urban and urbane world, often within their own parlors.
When Juliette Kinzie first visited Chicago in 1831, it was anything but a city. An outpost in the shadow of Fort Dearborn, it had no streets, no sidewalks, no schools, no river-spanning bridges. And with two hundred disconnected residents, it lacked any sense of community. In the decades that followed, not only did Juliette witness the city’s transition from Indian country to industrial center, but she was instrumental in its development.
About the Presenter: Ann Durkin Keating holds the C. Frederick Toenniges Professorship at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She is a history professor and chair of the History Department. She has taught at the college since 1991. She spearheaded publication of the book, ''Encyclopedia of Chicago'', and appears regularly as a public speaker and is often quoted as an expert source about Chicago-area history.
Keating was born in Evanston. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois, and master of arts and doctorate degrees from the University of Chicago. She has written numerous books on the Chicagoland area including “Chicagoland: City and Suburbs in the Railroad Age” and “Chicago Neighborhoods and Suburbs: A Historical Guide”.
Members: $10 | Non-members: $20 | Students under 18: $5
Ridge Historical Society
10621 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
Limited Capacity. Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/AnnKeating
RSVP: ridgehistory@hotmail.com 773.881.1675