2000-10 RHS Newsletter – OCTOBER – NOVEMBER, 2000

The RHS World War II exhibit is expanding as members and volunteers continue to loan personal memorabilia. Highlights include the uniform and documents of U.S. Navy ensign John Meyer, and poignant items belonging to Pvt. August William Diedsch, who was killed on Normandy Beach. The article also extensively features a taped interview with member Ray Siegel, detailing his grueling experiences fighting through the hedgerows of France, enduring harsh winter conditions, suffering gangrene during the Battle of the Bulge, and his eventual return and marriage in Chicago.

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To augment the ongoing World War II exhibit, the Ridge Historical Society has scheduled three high-interest programs. On October 1, a roundtable discussion will feature veterans from the Pacific Theater. On November 12, local veterans will share tales from the frontlines during times when victory was uncertain. Finally, on December 10, local resident Fred Olivi will present a video and talk about his experience as a crew member on the flight that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.

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Director Paul Petraites notes that, much like war correspondent Ernie Pyle, the RHS is shifting its exhibit focus from the European Theater to the Pacific Theater. He highlights the extensive media coverage the exhibit has received, including pieces in the Villager, Beverly Review by Sue DeGrane, and a feature on Earl Hundt's "VET TV" show. The article also thanks volunteers who helped with the "ETO" program luncheon and property maintenance. Furthermore, it mentions non-WWII activities such as hosting students, creating displays for local Metra stations, and receiving approval for the society's first grant from the City of Chicago.

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Kate Eaton provides a summary of recent board and committee activities. A generous plant donation from Lake Forest is being transported to Driscoll House. Metra has begun rehabilitating local commuter stations, where RHS will have history displays. The Publicity Committee has launched a new RHS website featuring articles on residential architecture. The Costumes Committee is busy cataloging its collection, while the Museum Objects Committee is completing an inventory of the first floor. Additionally, the Bylaws Committee is updating the society's mission statement and bylaws.

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This brief historical item notes that according to the Chicago Historical Society's files and a Chicago Tribune article, the area now known as Morgan Park had two earlier names. When Blue Island was already established, the area was called North Blue Island. Later, when brigands set up camp, it was known as Horse Thief Hollow. Both names preceded 1869, when the area was named after James Morgan.

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Reprinted from the "Letters to the Editor" column of the Beverly Review, Catherine Sorich commends the World War II exhibit at the Ridge Historical Society. She states that the exhibit is well worth seeing for anyone who has heard stories from that era, as it opens the floodgates to personal emotion through letters, pictures, and diaries, rather than just textbook descriptions of battles. Sorich highly recommends the exhibit for its thoughtful and thorough treatment of the subject.

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