2006-06 RHS Newsletter – SUMMER 2006

The Ridge Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, is marking its 30th anniversary. As one of America's largest urban National Register Districts, it contains nearly 3,000 contributing buildings built between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries. The area is notable for its unique topography on the Blue Island Ridge and features significant Prairie-style architecture by renowned designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin, as well as distinct landmarks like the Givens Castle.

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To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Ridge Historic District, the Historic Buildings Committee has engaged designers Matthew and Erik Maldre to create a unique district logo. This new logo is intended to reflect the upscale and historic nature of the neighborhood's housing while remaining recognizable. Once unveiled, the logo will be utilized for publicity, tourism materials, a new homeowner plaque program, street signage, and various fundraising items.

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In conjunction with the new district logo and the 30th anniversary of the Ridge Historic District, the Ridge Historical Society is preparing to launch a Historic Home Plaque Program. Property owners within the district whose homes are at least 50 years old and maintain their historic appearance will be eligible to apply. The customized wall-mounted plaques will feature the building's historic name, construction date, architect, and the newly designed district logo, aiming to promote community awareness and architectural appreciation.

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The Ridge Historical Society has shared a vintage photograph of a local baseball team, likely from Morgan Park (MP) in the 1890s or early 1900s, to demonstrate how historical research is conducted. Only a partial list of names and positions is written on the back, and so far, only one player, Will Mackle, has been identified. The society is appealing to the public, genealogists, and sports historians for help in identifying the remaining players, the location, the date, and any other relevant historical details about the team.

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Because genealogy and family history are among the most frequent inquiries received by the Ridge Historical Society, the organization recently hosted a class for the Chicago Genealogical Society titled "What Historians Can Do for Genealogists." The event drew high interest, with 30 local individuals attending alongside CGS members. Encouraged by this strong response, the RHS intends to provide additional genealogy programs in the future and invites interested parties to join a notification list.

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On Friday, July 7, 2006, the Ridge Historical Society will hold its "Party On The Hilltop!" event, offering attendees a premier viewing spot for the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic from the veranda of the historic Graver-Driscoll House. Tickets are priced at $40 in advance and $50 at the door, which includes great food and the excitement of professional cycle racing. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the maintenance of the historic headquarters building.

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Rev. William T. Corcoran, Pastor of St. Linus Parish, delivered an engaging presentation on March 13 about the revival of Irish culture after World War II. He discussed how many Irish immigrants had initially lost touch with their cultural heritage as they assimilated into American society. Through historical research and interviews, Corcoran explained how this trend reversed, leading to the popularity of St. Patrick's Day parades, Gaelic Park, and Irish dance troupes. RHS plans to organize more Irish-themed events in the future due to the strong audience interest.

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Paul Petraitis, a lifelong Southsider, historian, and former photographer for the Chicago Historical Society, is offering a new series of speaking programs for local churches, youth groups, and civic organizations. His diverse presentation topics include the Geology of the Ridge, French and Indian History in Chicago, the Underground Railroad in Southern Cook County, and Chicago Blues. Petraitis has extensive experience consulting for major historical organizations and can be booked through the Ridge Historical Society.

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The Ridge Historical Society and the Kate Starr Kellogg Elementary School Local School Council co-sponsored a historical celebration and exhibit honoring educator and suffragette Kate Starr Kellogg. The opening reception featured historical photographs, yearbooks, and student projects detailing the life of Kellogg, whose family once farmed the land that is now parts of Evergreen Park. The collaborative event successfully attracted many younger families to the historical society, and portions of the exhibit will remain on display throughout June.

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The Ridge Historical Society has opened an extensive exhibit titled "100 years of weddings," curated by Costume Curator Pat McGrail and volunteer Ellen Tritschler. Running until early July, the display covers two floors and features wedding gowns, flower girl dresses, and going-away outfits. Notable items include three generations of gowns from the Clissold family, two generations from the Brewster family, a "Jilted Bride" dress from 1890, and a 1914 gown complete with three petticoats. The exhibit also provides information on the origins of various wedding customs.

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The Beverly neighborhood is situated on the Blue Island Ridge, a geological formation created by glacial activity at the end of the last ice age. The article contrasts these massive geological forces with local conservation efforts, noting that the Forest Preserve District of Cook County is funding significant repairs to Depression-era erosion control structures in the Dan Ryan Woods. Residents interested in local ecology or history are encouraged to join a hands-on task force in the woods or a historical research group meeting at the Ridge Historical Society.

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The Ridge Historical Society has announced a packed calendar of events and programs for the upcoming months. Featured events include the "100 years of Weddings" exhibit running through July, the "Party on the Hilltop" coinciding with the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic in July, and a series of "Monthly Third Thursday Evening Programs." These Thursday sessions will cover diverse topics such as the status of historical districts, Victorian clothing examples from the RHS collection, and a focus on genealogy and family history in November. Additionally, a bus tour of Chicago Fire sites is scheduled for October.

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