2000-06 RHS Newsletter – JUNE – JULY 2000

Native Southsider and longtime Chicago journalist Ed Rooney is the featured speaker for the RHS June 4 meeting. A former WWII medic, Rooney will discuss the vital sacrifices and commitment to duty on the home front that supported Allied forces overseas. His presentation serves as a prelude to the upcoming "From the Home Front to the Battlefront" exhibit.

Page(s): 1

Curated by Paul Petraitis, the new Ridge Historical Society exhibit explores World War II from both the battlefront and the homefront perspectives. Supplementing the Storytellers oral history program, the exhibit showcases extensive physical artifacts donated by local veterans, including uniforms, V-mail, propaganda items, and models. The summer and fall programming will also feature panel discussions, video screenings, and specialized displays honoring the sacrifices made during the conflict.

Page(s): 1

Participants in the Ridge Historical Society's Storytellers Project, who are World War II veterans, are making a public plea for residents to display the United States flag. They suggest flying it not just on holidays like Flag Day, but daily, to honor the risk and sacrifice required to defend the nation it represents.

Page(s): 1

Bill Barnhart, a Chicago Tribune editorial writer and co-author of "Kerner: The Conflict of Intangible Rights," addressed the RHS regarding the legacy of Otto Kerner. The presentation covered Kerner's varied career as a County Judge, Illinois Governor, and head of the Kerner Commission under President Johnson, as well as his instrumental role in bringing Fermi Lab to the state. It also touched upon his tragic downfall, marked by a federal indictment and prison sentence for bribery and fraud.

Page(s): 2

A house located at 2007 W. 101st Street serves as a rare local example of the early work of celebrated architect John O. Merrill. Designed in 1927 for a fraternity brother, the home precedes Merrill's distinguished career as a partner in the prestigious firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM). The article traces Merrill's impressive biography, from his military service and MIT education to his monumental projects like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Chicago Civic Center.

Page(s): 2

In an effort to improve its internal procedures, the Ridge Historical Society's Archives Committee is turning to the internet for assistance. The committee is actively investigating organizational systems used by other historical research organizations and museums. They are asking internet users who have encountered successful cataloging methods to share their ideas via email to help enhance the RHS archives.

Page(s): 2

In her presidential address, Pat McGrail expresses excitement over the dedicated efforts of RHS Board members who are identifying and cataloging items for the society's extensive collection. She highlights the heavy workload of the program committee preparing for the June World War II exhibit. Additionally, she gratefully acknowledges three Master Gardener candidates—Carol Belshaw, Norine Beirne, and Joyce Glynn—who have volunteered to restore the garden areas at Longwood.

Page(s): 3

Board members Kate Eaton and Eileen Klees led a field trip of the Storytellers Project to the Washington & Jane Smith Home to interview World War II veterans and their families. Armed with questions designed to spark memories, the group gathered extraordinary tales of bravery, hardship, and romance, including stories of bombing missions over Germany and making bomb caps in California. These invaluable oral histories will be featured in the upcoming RHS World War II exhibit.

Page(s): 3

This committee roundup provides updates on the multifaceted work happening behind the scenes at the Ridge Historical Society. The Archives Committee is battling computer issues while transitioning to a new cataloging system, while the Costumes and Objects committees continue inventorying and mending collections. Meanwhile, the Planning Committee is seeking funding sources, the Housing Committee is addressing plumbing and maintenance at Driscoll House, and the Publications Committee is working with a local web designer to launch the RHS website.

Page(s): 3, 4

Numerous friends, relatives, and community members have chosen to honor the memory of the late Bud Lane by making memorial contributions to the Ridge Historical Society. The article recognizes Lane's steadfast interest in the organization and provides a comprehensive list of individuals and families who submitted memorial gifts up to the time of the newsletter's publication.

Page(s): 4

A previously "in progress" Girl Scout historical exhibit is now officially open on the first floor of the RHS building, with plans to permanently relocate to the downstairs meeting room. The comprehensive display features historic scout and leader uniforms, handbooks, songsheets, and decades of memorabilia. The exhibit was painstakingly assembled by Senior Scouts Michele O'Connor and Susan Brenner, who both earned their prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for completing the project, and who will serve as guides for visiting troops.

Page(s): 4