2010-12 RHS Newsletter – WINTER 2010

Prompted by a recently discovered booklet, this article reminisces about Mickelberry's Log Cabin Restaurant, which operated on West 95th Street from 1933 until the late 1960s. The restaurant was built to replicate an 1830s Georgia cabin and featured rustic decor, hunting trophies, and a stone fireplace. Charles Mickelberry and his family served traditional Southern fare, including aged beef, smoked hams, pecan pies, and hominy grits. The article includes personal commentary from Sue Delves regarding the welcoming atmosphere and concludes with the restaurant's eventual closure and the auction of its Americana collection.

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In response to reader feedback, the newsletter editor clarifies several historical topics featured in previous issues. The article defines the "Gibson Girl" aesthetic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, explaining how World War I shifted fashion toward practicality. It confirms that Austin Wiswall, a lieutenant in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, was white, as were all officers of those regiments at the time. Furthermore, it updates the historical record on "Pony Bob" Haslam with new genealogical findings from a reader, and shares a modern connection to Charles O. Ten Broeke, the Morgan Park builder of hearses for Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.

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This pictorial recap highlights the active year the Ridge Historical Society had in 2010. Photographs (credited to Carol Flynn and Linda Lamberty) capture moments from various events, including the "Life on the Ridge during the Civil War" exhibit, a memorial bike race for Carl Spencer, historical reenactments featuring Abraham Lincoln, and visits from local school groups. The spread also showcases community gatherings like the garage and book sale, the All Pet Fun Event, and the presentation of Good Citizens' Awards, with an introductory note thanking members for their continued participation and support.

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The Ridge Historical Society presents a list of unique, history-themed gift ideas for the holiday season. Offerings include RHS memberships, detailed house histories for local residents, cast bronze historic home plaques, and engraved brick pavers for the society's garden. Additionally, patrons can purchase nostalgic sketches of local businesses and local history books, providing a way to give meaningful gifts while supporting the society's ongoing research and community initiatives.

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This section serves as a public acknowledgment of the numerous individuals and organizations that contributed to the Ridge Historical Society's success over the past year. It lists underwriters for Lincoln Programming, individual donors, contributors to the Annual Fund, and sponsors for specific events like the All Pets Fun Day. The society extends its gratitude to those who managed the garage sale, provided event spaces, and helped maintain the historical collections, emphasizing the vital role of community support.

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Pulled from the archives of 1939-1940, this brief article recounts the overwhelming public response to the Yuletide decorations contest sponsored by the Ridge Junior Chamber of Commerce. Thousands of automobiles filled the streets of the Ridge district as passengers tried to view the millions of lights, creating a massive, slow-moving traffic jam. The piece lists the specific avenues and residents who won the top three prizes for their holiday displays, as well as the committee members who judged the spectacular event.

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The back page of the newsletter provides a calendar of upcoming events for Ridge Historical Society members and the community. Scheduled events include a Holiday Tea and a Champagne and Dessert Reception in late December, allowing guests to view an exhibit of vintage Christmas memorabilia. In January 2011, the "House Doctors" will present a session on the maintenance and restoration of historic slate and tile roofs. The calendar concludes with the RHS Annual Meeting of Members in February.

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